Part 6 — Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning
Section 6.1.General
6.1.1.Application
(1) The scope of this Part shall be as described in Subsection . of Division A.
(2) Where the method of operation of an existing heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system is altered, the repair or component replacements that change the capacity or extent of safety of the system shall conform to this Code.
(1) This Part applies to systems and equipment for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning services.
Section 6.2.Design and Installation
6.2.1.General
(1) Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including related mechanical refrigeration systems, shall be designed, constructed and installed to conform to good engineering practice appropriate to the circumstances such as described in,
(a) the ASHRAE Handbooks as follows:
(i) Fundamentals,
(ii) Refrigeration,
(iii) HVAC Applications,
(iv) HVAC Systems and Equipment, and
(v) ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, "Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings",
(b) the CSA F280, "Determining the Required Capacity of Residential Space Heating and Cooling Appliances", and the outside winter design temperatures shall conform to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data",
(c) CAN/CSA-F326-M, "Residential Mechanical Ventilation Systems",
(d) the NFPA Fire Codes,
(e) the HRAI Digest,
(f) the Hydronics Institute Manuals,
(g) the SMACNA Manuals,
(h) ACGIH, "Industrial Ventilation Manual",
(i) CAN/CSA-Z317.2, "Special Requirements for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems in Health Care Facilities",
(j) Reserved
(k) CCBFC NRCC 56191, "National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings", and
(l) EPA/625/R-92/016, "Radon Prevention in the Design and Construction of Schools and Other Large Buildings".
(1) Buildings classified as Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancies or Group C residential occupancies that are intended for use in the winter months on a continuing basis shall be insulated and be equipped with heating facilities that are capable of maintaining an indoor air temperature of 22°C at the outside winter design temperature referred to in Article .
(2) All other buildings intended for occupancy in the winter months on a continuing basis should be insulated and shall be equipped with heating facilities to maintain a minimum indoor air temperature of 18°C or commensurate with the use of the building at the outside winter design temperature described in Article .
(1) Mechanical systems and equipment shall be designed and installed to accommodate the maximum relative structural movement provided for in the construction of the building.
(1) The installation of solid fuel-burning appliances for central heating systems shall comply with CSA B365, "Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment" and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
(2) The solid fuel-fired appliances in Sentence (1) shall conform to CSA B366.1, "Solid-Fuel-Fired Central Heating Appliances".
(3) The design and installation of earth energy systems shall conform to CAN/CSA-C448.2, "Design and Installation of Earth Energy Systems for Residential and Other Small Buildings", where such systems use groundwater, submerged heat exchangers or ground heat exchangers to serve,
(a) a house, or
(b) a building, other than a house, where the conditioned space is not more than 1 400 m².
(4) Except for houses, the design and installation of earth energy systems shall conform to CAN/CSA-C448.1, "Design and Installation of Earth Energy Systems for Commercial and Institutional Buildings", where such systems use groundwater, submerged heat exchangers or ground heat exchangers to condition a floor space area more than 1 400 m².
(5) The design and installation of solid fuel-burning stoves, ranges and space heaters, including the requirements for combustion air, shall conform to the requirements of CSA B365, "Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment" and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
(6) The design and installation of hydronic heating systems shall conform to,
(a) CSA B214, "Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems", or
(b) good engineering practice appropriate to the circumstances such as described in Article .
(7) Solid fuel-burning stoves, furnaces and hydronic heating systems designed to burn solid fuels, other than coal, shall conform to the particulate emission limits of,
(a) CSA B415.1, "Performance Testing of Solid-Fuel-Burning Heating Appliances", or
(b) the "Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters", set out in Subpart AAA of Part 60 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as it read on March 16, 2015.
(1) Fireplaces shall conform to the requirements of Section 9.22.
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), heat recovery ventilators with rated capacities of not less than 25 L/s and not more than 200 L/s shall be installed in accordance with Article .
(2) Where electric space heating, other than forced-air electric heating system, is provided in buildings of residential occupancy within the scope of Part 9, the mechanical ventilation system shall include heat recovery ventilators designed to provide a minimum 55% sensible heat recovery efficiency when tested to the low temperature thermal and ventilation performance test method set out in CAN/CSA-C439, "Rating the Performance of Heat/Energy-Recovery Ventilators", at a Station 1 test temperature of -25°C at an air flow not less than 30 L/s.
(1) The outside conditions to be used in designing heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems shall be determined in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data".
(1) Equipment requiring periodic maintenance and forming part of a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system shall be installed with provision for access for inspection, maintenance, repair and cleaning.
(2) Mechanical equipment shall be provided with guards to prevent injury.
(3) Heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems shall be protected from freezing if they may be adversely affected by freezing temperatures.
(1) Heating and cooling systems shall be designed to allow for expansion and contraction of the heat transfer fluid and to maintain the system pressure within the rated working pressure limits of all components of the system.
(1) Asbestos shall not be used in heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems or equipment.
(1) Any covering of an access opening through which a person could enter shall be openable from the inside without the use of keys where there is a possibility of the opening being accidentally closed while the system or equipment is being serviced.
(1) Combustible tubing for pneumatic controls may be used in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction provided it has an outside diameter not exceeding 10 mm.
6.2.2.Ventilation
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (3), all buildings shall be ventilated in accordance with this Part.
(2) Except in storage garages and repair garages covered by Article ., the rates at which outdoor air is supplied in buildings by ventilation systems shall be not less than the rates required by ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1, "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality".
(3) Self-contained mechanical ventilation systems serving a house or an individual dwelling unit shall conform to,
(a) this Part, or
(b) Subsection .
(4) Live/work units shall be mechanically ventilated in accordance with the requirements of Sentence (1).
(1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the ventilation required by Article . shall be provided by mechanical ventilation except that it can be provided by natural ventilation or a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation in,
(a) buildings of other than residential occupancy having an occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m² during normal use,
(b) buildings of industrial occupancy where the nature of the process contained in them permits or requires the use of large openings in the building envelope even during the winter, or
(c) seasonal buildings not intended to be occupied during the winter.
(2) Where climatic conditions permit, buildings containing occupancies other than residential occupancies, may be ventilated by natural ventilation methods in lieu of mechanical ventilation where engineering data demonstrates that such a method will provide the required ventilation for the type of occupancy.
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (6), an enclosed storage garage shall have a mechanical ventilation system designed to,
(a) limit the concentration of carbon monoxide to not more than 100 parts per million of air when measured between 900 mm and 1 800 mm from the floor, where the majority of the vehicles stored are powered by gasoline fuelled engines,
(b) limit the concentration of nitrogen dioxide to not more than 3 parts per million parts of air when installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, where the majority of the vehicles stored are powered by diesel fuelled engines, or
(c) provide, during operating hours, a continuous supply of outdoor air at a rate of not less than 3.9 L/s for each square metre of floor area.
(2) Mechanical ventilation systems provided in accordance with Clause (1)(a) shall be controlled automatically by carbon monoxide monitoring devices and systems provided in accordance with Clause (1)(b) shall be controlled automatically by nitrogen dioxide or other acceptable monitoring devices, located so as to provide full protection throughout the storage garage.
(3) Mechanical ventilation systems provided in accordance with Sentence (1) shall be designed such that the pressure in the storage garage is less than the pressure in adjoining buildings of other occupancy, or in adjacent portions of the same building having a different occupancy.
(4) In storage garages subject to the requirements of Sentence (1), where motor vehicles are parked by mechanical means, the ventilation requirements may be reduced by one half.
(5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), ticket and attendant booths of storage garages shall be pressurized with a supply of outdoor air.
(6) The requirements of Sentences (1) to (5) shall not apply to open-air storeys in a storage garage.
(7) A repair garage shall have a mechanical ventilation system designed to limit the exposure of workers to,
(a) carbon monoxide to below the time weighted average concentration of 25 parts per million for a normal 8 hour workday or 40 hour work week, and
(b) nitrogen dioxide from diesel powered vehicles to below 0.72 parts per million for a normal 8 hour workday or 40 hour work week.
(8) In a repair garage, when a repair bay is not immediately adjacent to an outside garage door opening, a system capable of providing continuous general ventilation of not less than 700 L/s per internal bay shall be provided.
(9) The general ventilation system described in Sentence (8) shall be designed to,
(a) operate continuously, or
(b) be controlled automatically by carbon monoxide monitoring devices, located so as to provide full protection throughout the repair garage.
(10) The general ventilation system described in Sentence (8) is not required when tail pipes of vehicles are directly connected to local mechanical exhaust systems that terminate outdoors.
(1) Air contaminants released within buildings shall be removed insofar as possible at their points of origin and shall not be permitted to accumulate in concentrations greater than permitted by good engineering practice appropriate to the circumstances such as that described in the publications listed in Article .
(2) Systems serving spaces that contain sources of contamination and systems serving other occupied parts of the building but located in or running through spaces that contain sources of contamination shall be designed in such a manner as to prevent the spread of such contamination to other occupied parts of the building.
(3) Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems shall be designed to minimize growth and spread of bio-contaminants.
(4) Mechanical rooms containing refrigeration equipment shall be ventilated in accordance with CSA B52, "Mechanical Refrigeration Code".
(1) Except as provided in Subsection ., systems serving spaces that contain hazardous gases, dusts or liquids shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or in the absence of requirements pertinent to such systems in the Fire Code, to good engineering practice such as is described in the publications of the National Fire Protection Association and in the CCBFC NRCC 56192, "National Fire Code of Canada".
(2) When indoor piping for Class I flammable liquids is installed in a trench, the trench shall be,
(a) provided with positive ventilation to the outdoors, or
(b) designed to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours.
(1) Except as provided in Article ., all commercial cooking equipment shall be provided with ventilation systems designed, constructed and installed to conform to NFPA 96, "Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations".
(2) Fire protection systems for high efficiency, high temperature commercial cooking equipment using vegetable oil or animal fat shall conform to,
(a) ANSI/UL 300, "Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Commercial Cooking Equipment", or
(b) ULC/ORD-C1254.6, "Fire Testing of Restaurant Cooking Area Fire Extinguishing System Units".
(1) Every crawl space and every attic or roof space shall be ventilated by natural or mechanical means.
6.2.3.Air Duct Systems
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), this Subsection applies to the design, construction and installation of air duct distribution systems serving heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems.
(2) This Subsection does not apply to the design, construction and installation of air duct distribution systems serving heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems that serve a house or an individual dwelling unit within the scope of Part 9.
(1) Dehumidifying cooling coil assemblies and condensate-producing heat exchangers shall be equipped with drain pans beneath them that are,
(a) designed in accordance with Section 5.11, Drain Pans, of ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1, "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality",
(b) provided with an outlet that is piped to the outside of the airstream in a location where condensate can be eliminated,
(c) installed so that water drains freely from the pan, and
(d) provided with a drain line that is indirectly connected to a drainage system in accordance with Article .
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4) and in Article ., all ducts, duct connectors, associated fittings and plenums used in air duct systems shall be constructed of steel, aluminum alloy, copper, clay or similar noncombustible material.
(2) Ducts, associated fittings and plenums are permitted to contain combustible material provided they,
(a) conform to the appropriate requirements for Class 1 duct materials in CAN/ULC-S110, "Test for Air Ducts",
(b) conform to Article . in a building required to be of noncombustible construction or in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction,
(c) conform to Subsection .,
(d) are used only in horizontal runs in a building required to be of noncombustible construction or in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction,
(e) are not used in vertical runs serving more than 2 storeys in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, and
(f) are not used in air duct systems in which the air temperature may exceed 120°C.
(3) Duct sealants shall have a flame-spread rating of not more than 25 and a smoke developed classification of not more than 50.
(4) Duct connectors that contain combustible materials and that are used between ducts and air outlet units shall,
(a) conform to the appropriate requirements for Class 1 air duct materials in CAN/ULC-S110, "Test for Air Ducts",
(b) be limited to 4 m in length,
(c) be used only in horizontal runs, and
(d) not penetrate required fire separations.
(5) Materials in Sentences (1) to (4) installed in a location where they may be subjected to excessive moisture shall have no appreciable loss of strength when wet and shall be corrosion-resistant.
(6) All ductwork and fittings shall be constructed and installed in conformance with SMACNA Manuals and ASHRAE Handbooks.
(7) All duct materials and fittings shall be,
(a) suitable for exposure to the temperature and humidity of the air being conveyed, and
(b) resistant to corrosion due to contaminants in the air being conveyed in the duct.
(1) Air duct systems shall have,
(a) tight-fitting connections throughout, and
(b) no openings other than those required for proper operation, inspection and maintenance of the system.
(2) Access openings shall be provided in duct systems to allow the removal of material that may accumulate in plenums and ducts.
(1) Coverings, linings and associated adhesives and insulation of air ducts, plenums and other parts of air duct systems shall be of noncombustible material when exposed to heated air or radiation from heat sources that would result in the exposed surface exceeding a temperature of 120°C.
(2) When combustible coverings and linings, including associated adhesives and insulation, are used, they shall have a flame-spread rating of not more than 25 on any exposed surface or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, and a smoke developed classification of not more than 50, except that the outer covering of ducts, plenums and other parts of air duct systems used within an assembly of combustible construction may have an exposed surface flame-spread rating of not more than 75 and may have a smoke developed classification greater than 50.
(3) Combustible coverings and linings in Sentence (2) shall not flame, glow, smoulder or smoke when tested in accordance with the method of test in ASTM C411, "Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation" at the maximum temperature to which the coverings and linings are to be exposed in service.
(4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), foamed plastic insulation shall not be used as part of an air duct or for insulating an air duct.
(5) Foamed plastic insulation may be used in a ceiling space that acts as a return air plenum provided the foamed plastic insulation is protected from exposure to the plenum in accordance with Article .
(6) Combustible coverings and linings of ducts, including associated adhesives and insulation, shall be interrupted at the immediate area of operation of heat sources in a duct system, such as electric resistance heaters or fuel-burning heaters or furnaces, and where the duct penetrates a fire separation.
(7) Linings of ducts shall be installed so that they will not interfere with the operation of volume or balancing dampers, fire dampers, fire stop flaps and other closures.
(1) Underground ducts shall,
(a) be constructed and installed with a slope to provide interior drainage to all low points,
(b) not be connected directly to a sewer, and
(c) be installed and constructed of materials in conformance with ASHRAE Handbooks, SMACNA Manuals and the HRAI Digest.
(2) A clean-out or pump-out connection shall be provided in an underground duct system at every low point of the duct system.
(1) Fire dampers shall conform to the requirements of Subsection .
(1) Air handling systems shall incorporate smoke detector control where required by Article .
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), exhaust ducts of nonmechanical ventilating systems serving separate rooms or spaces shall not be combined.
(2) Exhaust ducts of nonmechanical ventilating systems serving similar occupancies may be combined immediately below the point of final delivery to the outside, such as at the base of a roof ventilator.
(3) Exhaust ducts of ventilating systems shall have provision for the removal of condensation where this may be a problem.
(4) Exhaust outlets shall be designed to prevent back draft under wind conditions.
(5) Except as permitted in Sentence (6), exhaust systems shall discharge directly to the outdoors.
(6) Auxiliary rooms, mechanical rooms or storage rooms are permitted to be ventilated into a storage garage, provided that,
(a) they are accessible only from that storage garage,
(b) they have no openings or duct penetrations through the walls separating the room from adjacent spaces other than that storage garage and other auxiliary, mechanical or storage rooms,
(c) the exhaust contains no contaminants that would adversely affect the air quality in the storage garage, and
(d) they are provided with,
(i) carbon monoxide monitoring devices in accordance with Sentences .(1) and (2), or
(ii) a light switch which is interlocked with the operation of the exhaust fan serving the room.
(7) Exhaust ducts connected to laundry drying equipment shall be,
(a) independent of other exhaust ducts,
(b) designed and installed so that the entire duct can be cleaned, and
(c) constructed of smooth corrosion-resistant material.
(8) Except as provided in Sentence (10) and except for self-contained systems serving individual dwelling units, exhaust ducts serving rooms containing water closets, urinals, basins, showers or slop sinks shall be independent of other exhaust ducts.
(9) Except as provided in Sentence (10) and except for self-contained systems serving individual dwelling units, exhaust ducts serving rooms containing residential cooking equipment shall be independent of other exhaust ducts.
(10) Two or more exhaust systems described in Sentences (8) and (9) may be interconnected or connected with exhaust ducts serving other areas of the building provided,
(a) the connections are made at the inlet of an exhaust fan, and all interconnected systems are equipped with suitable back pressure devices to prevent passage of odours from one system to another when the fan is not in operation, or
(b) the exhaust ducts discharge to a shaft that is served by an exhaust fan having a capacity that is equal to or greater than the combined capacity of the exhaust fans discharging to the plenum multiplied by the operation diversity factor, provided that the exhaust fan serving the shaft operates continuously.
(11) Where exhaust ducts containing air from conditioned spaces pass through or are adjacent to unconditioned spaces, the ducts shall be constructed to prevent condensation from forming inside or outside of the ducts.
(12) Where an exhaust duct system is used for smoke removal in a high building, the requirements of Article . shall apply.
(13) Where exhaust duct systems from more than one fire compartment are connected to an exhaust duct in a vertical service space, the requirements of Article . shall apply.
(14) Except as provided in Sentence (15), exhaust air shall be provided at a rate not less than 24 L/s for each water closet, urinal, shower or slop sink.
(15) Except as provided in Sentence .(3), exhaust air shall be provided for fixtures in dwelling units in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1, "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality".
(16) Except for wash basins (lavatories), sanitary facilities in a food premises shall be mechanically ventilated and shall be capable of exhausting air at the rate of not less than 24 L/s for each sanitary fixture listed in Sentence (17).
(17) The mechanical ventilation described in Sentence (16) applies to rooms containing water closets, urinals, basins, showers or slop sinks.
(18) Where collective venting of multiple installations of laundry-drying equipment is used, the ventilation system shall,
(a) be connected to a common exhaust duct that is vented by one central exhaust fan,
(b) incorporate one central lint trap,
(c) include an interlock to activate the central exhaust fan when laundry-drying equipment is in use, and
(d) be provided with make-up air.
(19) Exhaust ducts or vents connected to laundry-drying equipment shall discharge directly to the outdoors.
(1) In a residential occupancy, air from one suite shall not be circulated to any other suite or to a public corridor or public stairway.
(2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3) and Sentence .(6), air duct systems serving storage garages shall not be directly interconnected with ductwork serving other areas of the building.
(3) Where exhaust ducts are provided in conformance with Sentence .(6), they may exhaust through an enclosed storage garage prior to exhausting to the outdoors provided,
(a) the storage garage exhaust system runs continuously,
(b) the capacity of the storage garage exhaust system is equal to or exceeds the volume of the exhaust entering the garage, and
(c) a leakage rate 1 smoke/fire damper rated in accordance with CAN/ULC-S112.1, "Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems", is provided near the duct outlet location in the storage garage to prevent air from the storage garage from entering the exhaust ductwork system in the event the building's exhaust fan is shut down.
(4) Except for corridors conforming to Sentence .(4) or as permitted in Sentences (5) and (6), a public corridor or corridor serving the public shall not be used as a portion of a supply, return or exhaust air system serving adjoining areas, other than as part of a supply air system serving toilet rooms, bathrooms, shower rooms and similar auxiliary spaces opening directly to the public corridor or corridor used by the public.
(5) A public corridor may be used as part of an engineered smoke control system.
(6) Infiltration due to corridor pressurization is permitted into a residential occupancy from a public corridor.
(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), duct penetration of fire separations separating exits from the remainder of the building shall be in accordance with Article .
(2) Duct penetration of fire separations separating exits from the remainder of the building is permitted if the duct,
(a) is designed for the purposes of Subsection ., or
(b) only serves the exit from a dedicated rooftop air make-up unit.
(1) In ventilating systems that exhaust air to the outdoors, provision shall be made for the admission of a supply of make-up air in sufficient quantity so that the operation of the exhaust system and other exhaust equipment or combustion equipment is not adversely affected.
(2) Make-up air facilities required by Sentence (1) shall be interlocked with the exhaust devices they serve so that both operate together.
(3) Where make-up air facilities are intended to introduce air directly from the outdoors to occupied parts of the building in winter, they shall incorporate means of tempering that air to maintain the indoor design temperature.
(1) Supply, return and exhaust air openings located less than 2 000 mm above the floor in rooms or spaces in buildings shall be protected by grilles having openings of a size that will not allow the passage of a 15 mm diameter sphere.
(2) Outdoor air intakes and exhaust outlets on the exterior of buildings shall be designed or located so that the air entering the building system will not contain more contaminants than the normal exterior air of the locality in which the building is situated.
(3) Exterior openings for outdoor air intakes and exhaust outlets shall be shielded from the entry of snow and rain and shall be fitted with corrosion-resistant screens of mesh having openings not larger than 15 mm, except where experience has shown that climatic conditions require larger openings to avoid icing over of the screen openings.
(4) Screens required in Sentence (3) shall be accessible for maintenance.
(5) Combustible grilles, diffusers and other devices for supply, return and exhaust air openings in rooms shall conform to the flame-spread rating and smoke developed classification requirements for the interior finish of the surface on which they are installed.
(6) Outdoor air intakes shall be located so that they are separated a minimum distance from sources of contaminants in accordance with Table .
**Forming Part of Sentence .(6)**
(1) Air filters for air duct systems shall conform to the requirements for Class 2 air filter units as described in CAN/ULC-S111, "Fire Tests for Air Filter Units".
(2) When electrostatic-type filters are used, they shall be installed so as to ensure that the electric circuit is automatically de-energized when filter access doors are opened and, in dwelling units, when the system circulating fan is not operating.
(3) When odour removal equipment of the adsorption type is used it shall be,
(a) installed to provide access so that adsorption material can be reactivated or renewed, and
(b) protected from dust accumulation by air filters installed on the inlet side.
(4) Facilities for flushing and drainage shall be provided where filters are designed to be washed in place.
(1) Discharge from evaporative cooling towers to ventilation air intakes shall comply with CAN/CSA-Z317.2, "Special Requirements for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems in Health Care Facilities".
(2) The distance between the air intakes of evaporative cooling towers, evaporative fluid coolers and evaporative condensers in relation to kitchen exhaust outlets, vegetation or other sources of organic matter shall be not less than 4.6 m.
(3) Evaporative cooling towers, evaporative fluid coolers and evaporative condensers shall be provided with water treatment equipment for biological growth control in accordance with Subsection . of ASHRAE Guideline 12, "Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems".
(4) Evaporative cooling towers, evaporative fluid coolers and evaporative condensers shall be provided with access ports, service platforms, fixed ladders and restraint connections to allow visual inspection, maintenance and testing.
(5) Evaporative cooling towers shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 214, "Water-Cooling Towers".
(1) The filter and water evaporation medium of every air washer and evaporative cooling section enclosed within a building shall be made of noncombustible material.
(2) Sumps for air washer and evaporative cooling sections shall be constructed and installed so that they can be flushed and drained.
(3) Evaporative air coolers, misters, atomizers, air washers and humidifiers shall be designed in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of ASHRAE Guideline 12, "Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems".
(4) Evaporative cooling sections shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 214, "Water-Cooling Towers".
(1) Fans for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems shall be located and installed so that their operation,
(a) does not adversely affect the draft required for proper operation of fuel-fired appliances, and
(b) does not allow the air in the air duct system to be contaminated by air or gases from the boiler-room or furnace-room.
(2) Fans and associated air handling equipment, such as air washers, filters and heating and cooling units, when installed on the roof or elsewhere outside the building, shall be of a type designed for outdoor use.
(1) Vibration isolation connectors in air duct systems shall be noncombustible, except that combustible fabric connectors are permitted provided they,
(a) do not exceed 250 mm in length,
(b) comply with the flame-resistance requirements of CAN/ULC-S109, "Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films", and
(c) are not used in a location where they are exposed to heated air or radiation from heat sources that may cause the exposed surface to exceed a temperature of 120°C.
(1) Tape used for sealing joints in air ducts, plenums and other parts of air duct systems shall meet the flame-resistance requirements for fabric in CAN/ULC-S109, "Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films".
(1) Rectangular panels in plenums and ducts more than 300 mm wide shall be shaped to provide sufficient stiffness.
(2) Where the installation of heating supply ducts in walls and floors creates a space between the duct and construction material, the space shall be fire stopped with noncombustible material at each end.
(3) Ducts shall be securely supported by metal hangers, straps, lugs or brackets, except that where zero clearance is permitted, wooden brackets may be used.
(4) All round duct joints shall be tight-fitting and lapped not less than 25 mm.
(5) Rectangular duct connections shall be made with S and drive cleats.
(6) Trunk supply ducts shall not be nailed directly to wood members.
(7) Branch ducts shall be supported at suitable spacings to maintain alignment and prevent sagging.
(8) Ducts in or beneath concrete slabs-on-ground shall be watertight, corrosion-, decay- and mildew-resistant.
(9) Where a supply or return duct is not protected by an insulated exterior wall or where the duct is exposed to an unheated space it shall be insulated to prevent condensation.
(1) The clearances from combustible material and supply plenums, supply ducts, boots and register boxes of heating systems shall conform to the requirements of Subsection .
(1) The return-air system shall be designed to handle the entire air supply.
(2) Where any part of a return duct will be exposed to radiation from the heat exchanger or other radiating part within the furnace, such part of a return duct directly above or within 600 mm of the outside furnace casing shall be noncombustible.
(3) Return ducts serving solid fuel-fired furnaces shall be constructed of noncombustible material.
(4) Where combustible return ducts are permitted, they shall be lined with noncombustible material below floor registers, at the bottom of vertical ducts and under furnaces having a bottom return.
(5) The return-air system shall be designed so that the negative pressure from the circulating fan cannot affect the furnace combustion air supply nor draw combustion products from joints or openings in the furnace or flue pipe.
(6) Return-air inlets shall not be installed in an enclosed room or crawl space that provides combustion air to a fuel-fired appliance.
6.2.4.Air Ducts for Low Capacity Systems
(1) The requirements of this Subsection apply to the design, construction and installation of air duct distribution systems serving heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems that serve a house or an individual dwelling unit within the scope of Part 9.
(1) Materials in supply ducts shall conform to Article .
(2) Galvanized steel or aluminum supply ducts shall conform to Table .
Table . Minimum Metal Thickness of Ducts
**Forming Part of Sentences .(2) and (3)**
(3) The design of fitting for ducts shall conform to SMACNA, "HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible", except that metal thickness shall conform to Table .
(1) Rectangular panels in plenums and ducts more than 300 mm wide shall be shaped to provide sufficient stiffness.
(2) Where the installation of heating supply ducts in walls and floors creates a space between the duct and construction material, the space shall be fire stopped with noncombustible material at each end.
(3) Ducts shall be securely supported by metal hangers, straps, lugs or brackets, except that where zero clearance is permitted, wooden brackets may be used.
(4) All round duct joints shall be tight-fitting and lapped not less than 25 mm.
(5) Rectangular duct connections shall be made with S and drive cleats.
(6) Trunk supply ducts shall not be nailed directly to wood members.
(7) Branch ducts shall be supported at suitable spacings to maintain alignment and prevent sagging.
(8) Combustible ducts in concrete slabs-on-ground that are connected to a furnace supply plenum shall be located not closer than 600 mm to that plenum and not less than 600 mm from its connection to a riser or register.
(9) Ducts in or beneath concrete slabs-on-ground shall be watertight, corrosion-, decay- and mildew-resistant.
(10) Where a supply duct or return duct is not protected by an insulated exterior wall or where the duct is exposed to an unheated space it shall be insulated to provide a thermal resistance of not less than RSI 2.1.
(11) Where a supply duct or return duct is located in an unconditioned space or outdoors, all joints of the ductwork shall be sealed to a Class A seal level in accordance with the SMACNA, "HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible".
(12) Where a supply duct is located in a conditioned space, the ductwork shall be sealed to a Class C seal level in accordance with the SMACNA, "HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible".
(13) Underground ducts shall,
(a) be constructed and installed with a slope to provide interior drainage to all low points,
(b) not be connected directly to a sewer, and
(c) be installed and constructed of materials in conformance with ASHRAE Handbooks, SMACNA Manuals and the HRAI Digest.
(14) A clean-out or pump-out connection shall be provided in an underground duct system at every low point of the duct system.
(1) In a dwelling unit, a warm-air supply outlet shall be provided in each finished room that is located adjacent to unheated space, exterior air or exterior soil.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), when a room described in Sentence (1) is located adjacent to exterior walls, such outlets shall be located so as to bathe at least one exterior wall or window with warm air, except in bathrooms, utility rooms or kitchens, where this may not be practical.
(3) Where the heating system is also designed to provide ventilation air, ceiling outlets or outlets located high on interior walls may be installed, provided the outlets are,
(a) designed for this purpose, and
(b) installed with diffusers.
(4) At least one warm-air supply outlet shall be provided for each 40 m² of floor surface area in unfinished basements serving dwelling units, located so as to provide adequate distribution of warm air throughout the basement.
(5) At least one warm-air supply outlet shall be provided for each 80 m2 of floor surface area in heated crawl spaces serving dwelling units, and it shall be located so as to provide adequate distribution of warm-air throughout the crawl space.
(6) Except for pipeless furnaces and floor furnaces, the capacity of warm-air supply outlets serving dwelling units shall be not less than the design heat loss from the area served and shall not exceed 3 kW per outlet.
(7) In basements and heated crawl spaces, the calculated heat gain from the supply ducts and plenum surfaces may be considered in calculating the design heat loss.
(8) The temperature of supply air at the warm-air supply outlets shall not exceed 70°C.
(9) Warm-air supply outlets located in finished areas shall be provided with diffusers and adjustable openings and shall not be located on a furnace plenum.
(10) Air duct systems serving storage garages shall not be interconnected with other parts of the building.
(1) All branch supply ducts for residential systems shall be equipped with volume control dampers at the boot to permit balancing or shall be fitted with a diffuser incorporating an adjustable and lockable volume control device that can be set in a fixed position.
(1) The return-air system shall be designed to handle the entire air supply.
(2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), return ducts shall be constructed of material having a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 150.
(3) Where any part of a return duct will be exposed to radiation from the heat exchanger or other radiating part within the furnace, such part of a return duct directly above or within 600 mm of the outside furnace casing shall be noncombustible.
(4) Return ducts serving solid fuel-fired furnaces shall be constructed of noncombustible material.
(5) Combustible return ducts shall be lined with noncombustible material below floor registers, at the bottom of vertical ducts and under furnaces having a bottom return.
(6) Spaces between studs and joists used as return ducts shall be separated from the unused portions of such spaces by tight-fitting metal stops or wood blocking.
(7) A vertical return duct shall have openings to return air on not more than 1 floor.
(8) A public corridor shall comply with Sentences .(4) and (5).
(9) The return-air system shall be designed so that the negative pressure from the circulating fan cannot affect the furnace combustion air supply nor draw combustion products from joints or openings in the furnace or flue pipe.
(10) Except as provided in Sentence (14), return-air from a dwelling unit shall not be recirculated to any other dwelling unit.
(11) Except for floor levels that are less than 900 mm above or below an adjacent floor level that is provided with a return-air inlet, at least one return-air inlet shall be provided in each floor level in a dwelling unit.
(12) Provision shall be made for the return of air from all rooms by leaving gaps beneath doors, using louvred doors or installing return duct inlets.
(13) Return-air inlets shall not be installed in an enclosed room or crawl space that provides combustion air to a furnace.
(14) In a house containing two dwelling units, return-air from one dwelling unit may be recirculated to the other dwelling unit, provided a duct-type smoke detector is installed in the supply or return air duct system serving the entire house which would turn off the fuel supply and electrical power to the heating system upon activation of such detector.
(0.1) Except as permitted in Sentences (1) and (1.1), foamed plastic insulation shall not be used as part of an air duct or for insulating an air duct.
(1) Foamed plastic insulation may be used in a ceiling space that acts as a return air plenum, provided the foamed plastic insulation is protected from exposure to the plenum in accordance with Article .
(1.1) Foamed plastic insulation conforming to Article . is permitted to be used to insulate a galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum air duct provided,
(a) the foamed plastic insulation applied to the supply ductwork is not less than 3 m from the furnace bonnet,
(b) the temperature within the ductwork where the insulation is installed is not greater than 50°C,
(c) duct joints are taped with a product conforming to Sentence .(1),
(d) return air plenums are separated from the foamed plastic insulation, and
(e) the foamed plastic insulation is protected in accordance with Article .
(2) Linings of ducts shall be installed so that they will not interfere with the operation of volume or balancing dampers.
(1) Tape used for sealing joints in air ducts, plenums and other parts of air duct systems shall meet the flame-resistance requirements for fabric in CAN/ULC-S109, "Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films".
(1) Where the plenum clearance is 75 mm or less, the clearance between a supply duct and combustible material shall,
(a) be equal to the required plenum clearance within 450 mm of the plenum, and
(b) be not less than 12 mm at a distance of 450 mm or more from the plenum, except that this clearance may be reduced to zero beyond a bend or offset in the duct sufficiently large to shield the remainder of the duct from direct radiation from the furnace heat exchanger.
(2) Where the plenum clearance is more than 75 mm but not more than 150 mm, the clearance between a supply duct and combustible material shall,
(a) be equal to the required plenum clearance within a horizontal distance of 1 800 mm of the plenum, and
(b) be not less than 12 mm at a horizontal distance of 1 800 mm or more from the plenum, except that this distance may be reduced to zero beyond a bend or offset in the duct sufficiently large to shield the remainder of the duct from direct radiation from the furnace heat exchanger.
(3) Where the plenum clearance is more than 150 mm, the clearance between a supply duct and combustible material shall,
(a) be equal to the required plenum clearance within a horizontal distance of 1 000 mm of the plenum,
(b) be not less than 150 mm within a horizontal distance between 1 000 mm and 1 800 mm from the plenum, and
(c) be not less than 25 mm at a horizontal distance of 1 800 mm or more from the plenum, except that this distance may be reduced to 8 mm beyond a bend or offset in the duct sufficiently large to shield the remainder of the supply duct from direct radiation from the furnace heat exchanger.
(4) Where a register is installed in a floor directly over a pipeless furnace, a double-walled register box with not less than 100 mm between walls, or a register box with the warm-air passage completely surrounded by the cold-air passage, shall be permitted in lieu of the clearances listed in Sentences (1), (2) and (3).
(1) Where an exhaust duct passes through or is adjacent to unheated space, the duct shall be insulated to prevent moisture or condensation in the duct.
(2) Exhaust outlets shall be designed to prevent back draft under wind conditions.
(3) Exhaust ducts directly connected to laundry drying equipment shall be independent of other exhaust ducts.
(4) Exhaust systems shall discharge directly to the outdoors.
(1) In ventilating systems that exhaust air to the outdoors, provision shall be made for the admission of a supply of make-up air in sufficient quantity so that the operation of the exhaust system and other exhaust equipment or combustion equipment is not adversely affected.
(1) Supply, return and exhaust air openings in rooms or spaces shall be protected by grilles having openings of a size that will not allow the passage of a 15 mm diameter sphere.
(2) Outdoor air intakes and exhaust outlets at the building exterior shall be designed or located so that the air entering the building system will not contain more contaminants than the normal exterior air.
(3) Exterior openings for outdoor air intakes and exhaust outlets shall be shielded from the entry of snow and rain and shall be fitted with corrosion-resistant screens of mesh having openings not larger than 15 mm, except where climatic conditions may require larger openings.
(4) Screens required in Sentence (3) shall be accessible for maintenance.
(5) Combustible grilles, diffusers and other devices for the supply and return air openings installed in walls and ceilings shall have a flame-spread rating of,
(a) not more than 200 in bathrooms, and
(b) not more than 150 in rooms or spaces other than bathrooms.
(1) Air filters for air duct systems shall conform to the requirements for Class 2 air filter units as described in CAN/ULC-S111, "Fire Tests for Air Filter Units".
(2) When electrostatic-type filters are used, they shall be installed so as to ensure that the electric circuit is automatically de-energized when filter access doors are opened or when the system circulating fan is not operating.
(3) When odour removal equipment of the adsorption type is used it shall be,
(a) installed to provide access so that adsorption material can be reactivated or renewed, and
(b) protected from dust accumulation by air filters installed on the inlet side.
6.2.5.Heating Appliances, General
(1) Except for appliances installed in dwelling units, fuel-fired heating appliances shall be located, enclosed or separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Section 3.6.
(1) Fuel-fired appliances installed outside a building shall be,
(a) designed and constructed for outdoor use,
(b) installed not less than 1 200 mm from the property line, measured horizontally, and
(c) installed not less than 3 m from an adjacent wall of the same building when such wall contains an opening or openings within 3 storeys above and 5 m horizontally from the appliance, unless such openings are protected by a closure assembly having a 45 min fire-protection rating determined in conformance with Article ., or by wired glass conforming to Article .
6.2.6.Incinerators
(1) The design, construction, installation and material alteration of every indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA 82, "Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment".
6.2.7.Unit Heaters
(1) Every unit heater using either steam or hot water as the heating medium shall be installed such that the clearances between the appliance and adjacent combustible material conform to Table .
6.2.8.Radiators and Convectors
(1) A noncombustible lining or backing shall be provided for every steam or hot water radiator and convector,
(a) located in a recess or concealed space, or
(b) attached to the face of a wall of combustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction.
(2) Every steam or hot water radiator and convector shall be installed to conform to the clearance requirements of Table .
6.2.9.Piping for Heating and Cooling Systems
(1) Piping shall be made from materials designed to withstand the effects of temperatures and pressures that may occur in the system.
(2) Every pipe used in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be installed to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
(3) Supports and anchors for piping in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be designed and installed to ensure that undue stress is not placed on the supporting structure.
(1) Insulation and coverings on pipes shall be composed of material suitable for the operating temperature of the system to withstand deterioration from softening, melting, mildew and mould.
(2) Insulation and coverings on pipes in which the temperature of the fluid exceeds 120°C,
(a) shall be made of noncombustible material, or
(b) shall not flame, glow, smoulder or smoke when tested in accordance with ASTM C411, "Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation", at the maximum temperature to which such insulation or covering is to be exposed in service.
(3) Except as permitted by Sentence (7), where combustible insulation is used on piping in horizontal service space or a vertical service space, the insulation and coverings on that piping shall have a flame-spread rating on any exposed surface and on any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction,
(a) not more than 25 in a building required to be of noncombustible construction or in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, or
(b) not more than 75 in a building permitted to be of combustible construction.
(4) Except as provided in Sentence (7), insulation and coverings on piping located in rooms and spaces other than the service spaces described in Sentence (3) shall have a flame-spread rating of not more than that required for the interior finish for the ceiling of the room or space.
(5) Except as provided in Sentence (7), where combustible insulation and covering is used on piping in buildings described in Subsection ., they shall have a smoke developed classification of not more than 100.
(6) Exposed piping or equipment subject to human contact shall be insulated so that the temperature of the exposed surface does not exceed 70°C.
(7) No flame-spread rating or smoke developed classification limitations are required where combustible insulation and coverings are used on piping when such piping is,
(a) located within a concealed space in a wall,
(b) located in a floor slab, or
(c) enclosed in a noncombustible raceway or conduit.
(1) Clearances between combustible material and bare pipes carrying steam or hot water shall conform to Table .
Table . Clearance Between Steam or Hot Water Pipes and Combustible Material
**Forming Part of Sentences .(1), .(2) and .(1)**
(1) The exposed surface temperature of a steam or hot water radiator shall not exceed 70°C unless precautions are taken to prevent human contact.
(1) Where a pipe carrying steam or hot water at a temperature above 120°C passes through a combustible floor, ceiling or wall, the construction shall be protected by a sleeve of metal or other noncombustible material not less than 50 mm larger in diameter than the pipe.
(2) Unprotected steam or hot water pipes that pass through a storage space shall be covered with not less than 25 mm of noncombustible insulation to prevent direct contact with the material stored.
(1) Where piping for heating or air-conditioning systems is enclosed in a shaft, the requirements of Article . for shafts shall apply.
6.2.10.Refrigerating Systems and Equipment for Air-Conditioning
(1) Where a cooling unit is combined with a fuel-fired furnace in the same duct system, the cooling unit shall be installed,
(a) in parallel with the heating furnace,
(b) upstream of the furnace, provided the furnace is designed for such application, or
(c) downstream of the furnace, provided the cooling unit is designed to prevent excessive temperature or pressure in the refrigeration system.
6.2.11.Storage Bins
(1) Service pipes passing through a storage bin for solid fuel shall be protected or so located as to avoid damage to the pipes.
(2) Except for fuel-thawing pipes, every pipe designed to operate at a temperature of 50°C or above shall be located where fuel cannot be stored in contact with it.
(3) A storage bin for solid fuel shall not be located above a sewer opening or drain opening.
(4) Storage bins for solid fuel shall be designed and constructed so that the air temperature in the bin or the surface temperature of any part of the floor or walls is below 50°C.
(1) Every ash storage bin shall be constructed of noncombustible material.
(2) Every opening in an ash storage bin shall be protected by a tight-fitting metal door with metal frame securely fastened to the bin.
6.2.12.Carbon Monoxide Alarms
(1) This Subsection applies to every building that,
(a) contains a residential occupancy, and
(b) contains a fuel-burning appliance or a storage garage.
(1) Where a fuel-burning appliance is installed in a suite of residential occupancy, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed adjacent to each sleeping area in the suite.
(2) Where a fuel-burning appliance is installed in a service room that is not in a suite of residential occupancy, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed,
(a) adjacent to each sleeping area in every suite of residential occupancy that is adjacent to the service room, and
(b) in the service room.
(3) Where a storage garage is located in a building containing a residential occupancy, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed adjacent to each sleeping area in every suite of residential occupancy that is adjacent to the storage garage.
(1) The carbon monoxide alarms required by Article . shall,
(a) except as permitted in Sentence (2), be permanently connected to an electrical circuit and shall have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the carbon monoxide alarm,
(b) be wired so that its activation will activate all carbon monoxide alarms within the suite, where located within a suite of residential occupancy,
(c) be equipped with an alarm that is audible within bedrooms when the intervening doors are closed, where located in a suite of residential occupancy, and
(d) conform to,
(i) CAN/CSA-6.19, "Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarming Devices", or
(ii) UL 2034, "Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms".
(2) Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be battery operated.
6.2.13.Ventilation for Laboratories
(1) This Subsection applies to laboratories intended as a location where flammable liquids and combustible liquids are used in normal laboratory operations in quantities or in a manner that create a fire or explosion hazard.
(1) A laboratory shall be provided with continuous mechanical ventilation designed to ensure that flammable vapours,
(a) do not accumulate in the laboratory,
(b) are prevented from migrating to other parts of the building,
(c) do not accumulate in the ventilation system,
(d) are exhausted to the outdoors, and
(e) are not returned to the building.
(2) A ventilation system required in this Subsection shall be provided with monitoring devices that,
(a) indicate that the ventilation system is in operation, and
(b) sound an alarm if the ventilation system is malfunctioning.
(1) A power-ventilated enclosure required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 shall be designed and constructed to conform to Articles . and .
(1) The ventilation system for a power-ventilated enclosure referred to in Article . shall,
(a) conform to NFPA 91, "Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists and Noncombustible Particulate Solids",
(b) provide continuous exhaust ventilation at an air velocity sufficient to prevent the accumulation of combustible or reactive deposits in the power-ventilated enclosure and its exhaust duct system,
(c) confine flammable vapours and particles to the area where they are generated and exhaust them to the outdoors,
(d) not return the exhausted air to the building, and
(e) be provided with well identified control switches that are,
(i) located outside the power-ventilated enclosure, and
(ii) readily accessible in case of an emergency.
(2) Fire dampers are permitted to be used within the exhaust duct system of the ventilation system for a power-ventilated enclosure referred to in Article .
(1) The power-ventilated enclosure referred to in Article . and its exhaust duct system shall,
(a) except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), be constructed of noncombustible materials compatible with and chemically resistant to the flammable vapours and particles being exhausted, and
(b) be provided with access doors to permit inspection and maintenance of the fan assembly and exhaust ducts.
(2) Combustible materials are permitted in the power-ventilated enclosure described in Sentence (1) and its exhaust duct system if,
(a) such materials are required by the corrosive or reactive properties of the chemicals or liquids being used, and
(b) their flame-spread rating is not more than 25.
(3) The flame-spread rating required in Sentence (2) is permitted to be greater than 25 if an automatic fire suppression system is provided inside the power-ventilated enclosure and its exhaust duct system.
Section 6.3.Chimneys and Venting Equipment
6.3.1.General
(1) Except as provided in Articles . and ., the products of combustion from solid fuel-burning appliances shall be vented in conformance with the requirements in the applicable appliance installation standards listed in Article .
(1) Rectangular masonry or concrete chimneys not more than 12 m in height shall conform to Part 9 if they serve,
(a) appliances with a combined total rated heat output of 120 kW or less, or
(b) fireplaces.
(2) Masonry or concrete chimneys other than those described in Sentence (1) shall be designed and installed in conformance with the appropriate requirements in NFPA 211, "Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances".
(1) Single wall metal smoke stacks shall be designed and installed in conformance with NFPA 211, "Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances".
(1) Access ladders for chimneys, when provided, shall consist of steel or bronze rungs, built into the walls of the chimneys.
(2) Rungs for external ladders shall begin at not less than 2 500 mm from ground level.