We've complied answers to some of your most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Specifications and Codes, as well as providing links to
important industry resources.
FAQ's
WHY DO WE HAVE AN ENERGY CODE?
The purpose of an energy code is to promote more effective use of energy in buildings and thereby reduce the consumption of energy and natural resources.
ARE ENERGY CODES THE SAME AS LEED OR GREEN BUILDING PROGRAMS?
No. The main difference between an energy code and a LEED or green building program is that a code is a minimum requirements (law) set forth by the state or local
building official while the LEED or green build program is a voluntary program that has qualifying participation far above the "base" requirement set forth in an energy code.
IS THERE MORE THAN ONE ENERGY CODE IN THE UNITED STATES?
Yes. Each state and or city government adopts building and energy codes within their jurisdiction. National code development organizations typically publish revised
building codes every 36 months and each state has different adoption schedules, so there are various energy codes based on development years (i.e. IECC 2009, IECC,
2006, IECC 2003, and IECC 2000). For information on current energy codes adopted in your area contact your local building official or reference the U.S. Department
of Energy's state adoption reference page for energy code adoption.
WHAT DOES IECC MEAN?
It is the International Energy Conservation Code published by the International Code Council.
CAN MECHANICAL (PIPE) INSULATION REQUIREMENTS BE FOUND IN OTHER CODES?
Yes. The energy code would be the primary location that specific mechanical insulation requirements can be found, but requirements may also be specified within
the residential code, plumbing code, mechanical code, and/or the building code.
DO ENERGY CODES REQUIRE ALL MECHANICAL PIPING BE INSULATED?
No. Energy codes target specific applications or conditions that mechanical insulation should be used. The code sections will detail the requirements or parameters
needed to meet the code.
DO ENERGY CODES EXEMPT ANY TYPE OF MECHANICAL PIPING FROM BEING INSULATED?
No. Energy codes do not specify materials they specify specific conditions that need to meet performance requirements. If the mechanical piping meets the performance
requirement stated within the code for the specific application without insulation then there would not be a requirement to insulate.
ARE THERE DIFFERNET ENERGY CODES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS?
Yes. There are specific requirements for both Residential and Commercial buildings. Typically there are different sections or chapters pertaining to these
different structures.
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Energy Code and Standards: Industry links
International Code Council (ICC):
www.iccsafe.org
The International Code Council (ICC) is a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. ICC develops the codes and standards used to
construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. The International Codes, or I-Codes, published by ICC, provide minimum safeguards
for people at home, at school and in the workplace. The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE):
www.ashrae.org
ASHRAE is an international organization that fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and
promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
California Building Standards Commission (CBSC):
www.bsc.ca.gov
CBSC is responsible for administering California's building codes, including adopting, approving, publishing, and implementing codes and standards.
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO):
www.iapmo.org
A membership-based association, IAPMO that utilizes an open consensus process in the development of the Uniform Plumbing Code® and Uniform Mechanical Code®.
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Energy Code & Standard Reference Sections for Mechanical Insulation
2009 International Energy Conservation Code®:
Residential: Section 403.3 & 403.4
Commercial: Section 503.2.8 & 504.5
2006 International Energy Conservation Code ®:
Residential: Section 403.3 & 403.4
Commercial: Section 503.2.8 & 504.5
2003 International Energy Conservation Code ®:
Residential: Section 503.3.3.1 & 504.5
Commercial: Section 803.3.7 & 804.5
2003 International Energy Conservation Code ®:
Residential: Section 503.3.3, 503.3.3.1 & 504.5
Commercial: Section 803.3.7 & 804.5
2009 International Plumbing Code®:
Residential: Section 607.2 & 607.2.1
2006 International Plumbing Code®:
Residential: Section 607.2 & 607.2.1
2009 International Residential Code®:
Residential: Section N1103.3 & N1103.4
2009 International Residential Code®:
Residential: Section N1103.3, N1103.4, & M1411.5
2007 ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1
Commercial: TABLE 6.8.3 Minimum Pipe Insulation Thickness
2004 ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1
Commercial: TABLE 6.8.3 Minimum Pipe Insulation Thickness
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Mechanical Pipe Insulation and Residential Green Building Programs
More than seventy Green Building Programs exist in the United States providing various regional and local certifications for builders and homeowners.
You may know many of the major programs such as LEED® for Homes, Green Home Building Guidelines, National Green Building Standard™, Energy Star® and
Green Globes. When it comes to the pipe insulation options, the programs have many similarities with their requirements for point accrual. Nomaco
Insulation has identified some basic information on these requirements and detailed them below, but you should always review current program requirements
to ensure proper compliance.
ICC 700 - 2008 National Green Building Standard
Organization: International Code Council (ICC)
Pipe Insulation Requirement: Hot Water Lines are insulated with a minimum of R-4 insulation.
Section: 703.5.4.1
Point(s) Available: 1
LEED® for Home
Organization: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Pipe Insulation Requirement: All domestic hot water piping shall have R-4 insulation, Insulation shall be properly installed on all piping elbows to
adequately insulate the 90-degree bend.
Section: 7.2
Point(s) Available: 1
Green Home Building Guidelines
Organization: National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Pipe Insulation Requirement: Insulate all hot water lines with a minimum of one inch insulation.
Section: 3.3.3.C
Point(s) Available: 4
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Calculation Resources
Mechanical Insulation Design Guide:
http://www.wbdg.org/design/midg_design.php
Mechanical insulation is primarily used to limit or prevent fluids or gasses from gaining heat or losing heat as they are transported in piping systems within a
structure. This heat gain or loss occurs when the operating system is at temperatures above or below ambient the temperature. Mechanical insulation has many design
objectives and can be combined to achieve the most efficient system based on needs or capacity of the structure. Key design considerations that benefit from the use
of mechanical insulation are Condensation control, Energy & Water conservation, Process control, Personnel protection, Noise control, and Freeze protection. Below
are several links to standard industry calculations that can be tailored to aid in the design of your system. Each calculation will require specific information
pertaining to the operational temperatures and flow rates, pipe sizing, thermal conductivity, and accepted heat loss or gain of the system. If you have questions
pertaining to these calculations or need further assistance please contact Nomaco Insulation at 1-866-876-2684.
Calculation Sections:
Performance Calculation:
Pay Back, Rate of Return, and Emissions
Time to Freeze Calculation:
Time to Freeze on ZERO flow, fluid filled pipes with insulation
Temperature Gain/Loss Calculation:
Temperature gain or loss of internal fluid
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State Energy Code: Status of Adoption
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Click on the maps below to be linked to the most current information pertaining to your state's energy code provided by The U.S. Department of Energy's
Building Energy Codes Program.
Residential
Commercial
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