GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD MECHANICAL CODE
(INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE WITH GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS)
The INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction with these Georgia State Amendments, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum Standard Mechanical Code.
GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS
CODE REFERENCE:
APPENDICES:
Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.
SCOPE:
The provisions of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Mechanical Code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be regulated by the Georgia State Minimum Standard Gas Code (International Fuel Gas Code with Georgia Amendments).
Exception #1: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard One- and Two-Family Dwellings Code (International Residential Code for One-and Two- Family Dwellings with Georgia State Amendments).
Exception #2: The following table titled 'Codes Reference Guide' establishes specific primary and supplementary code applications and is to be applied by the authority having jurisdiction.
CODES REFERENCE GUIDE | ||
Area | Primary | Supplement |
Occupancy Classification | LSC | IBC |
Building Construction Types including allowable height, allowable building areas, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types. | IBC | LSC |
Means of Egress | LSC | NONE |
Standpipes | IBC | IFC |
Interior Finish | LSC | NONE |
HVAC Systems | IMC | NONE |
Vertical Openings | LSC | NONE |
Sprinkler Systems minimum construction standard | LSC | NONE |
Fire Alarm Systems | LSC | NONE |
Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detection Systems | State Statute and LSC | NONE |
Portable Fire Extinguishers | IFC | NONE |
Cooking Equipment | LSC and NFPA 96 | NONE |
Fuel Fired Appliances | IFGC | NFPA 54 |
Liquid Petroleum Gas | NFPA 58 | NFPA 54 |
Compressed Natural Gas | NFPA 52 | NONE |
GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR BOILERS/WATER HEATERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
The State's minimum requirements for boilers/water heaters and pressure vessels over 200,000 BTU/h (58.61 kW), 210 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 gallons capacity shall be established by O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 15 and the Rules and Regulations of the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
*Revise the International Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition, as follows:
CHAPTER 9
SPECIFIC APPLIANCES, FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL-BURNING EQUIPMENT
SECTION 908
COOLING TOWERS, EVAPORATIVE CONDENSERS AND FLUID COOLERS
*Revise Section 908.1 'General' to read as follows:
A cooling tower used in conjunction with an air-conditioning appliance shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Factory-built cooling towers shall be listed in accordance with UL 1995 or UL/CSA 60335-2-40. The standards related to high efficiency cooling towers shall include without limitation the minimum standards prescribed by ASHRAE 90.1.
(Effective January 1, 2024)
SECTION 918
FORCED-AIR WARM-AIR FURNACES
*Revise Section 918.1 'Forced-air furnaces' to read as follows:
Oil-fired furnaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 727. Electric furnaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 1995 or UL/CSA 60335-2-40. Solid fuel furnaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 391. Forced-air furnaces shall be installed in accordance with the listings and the manufacturer's instructions.
(Effective January 1, 2024)
*Revise Section 918.2 'Heat pumps' to read as follows:
Electric heat pumps shall be tested in accordance with UL 1995 or UL/CSA 60335-2-40.
(Effective January 1, 2024)
CHAPTER 11
REFRIGERATION
SECTION 1101
GENERAL
*Revise Section 1101.2 'Factory-built equipment and appliances' to read as follows:
TABLE 1101.2
FACTORY-BUILT EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES
EQUIPMENT | STANDARDS |
Refrigeration fittings, including press-connect, flared and threaded | UL 109 and UL 207 |
Air-conditioning equipment | UL 1995 or UL/CSA 60335-2-40 |
Packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps | UL 484 or UL/CSA 60335-2-40 |
Split-system air conditioners and heat pumps | UL 1995 or UL/CSA 60335-2-40 |
Dehumidifiers | UL 474 or UL/CSA 60335-2-40 |
Unit coolers | UL 412 or UL/CSA 60335-2-89 |
Commercial refrigerators, freezers, beverage coolers and walk-in coolers | UL 471 or UL/CSA 60335-2-89 |
Refrigerating units and walk-in coolers | UL 427 or UL 60335-2-89 |
Refrigerant-containing components and accessories | UL 207 |
(Effective January 1, 2024)
SECTION 1103
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION
*Revise Footnote f of Table 1103.1 'Refrigerant Classification, amount and OEL' to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2024)
SECTION 1104
SYSTEM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
*Revise Section 1104.3.1 'Air conditioning for human comfort' to read as follows:
High probability systems used for human comfort shall use Group A1 or A2L refrigerant. In other than industrial occupancies where the quantity in a single independent circuit does not exceed the amount in Table 1103.1, Group B1, B2 and B3 refrigerants shall not be used in high-probability systems for air conditioning for human comfort.
(Effective January 1, 2024)
*Rename Section 1104.3.2 'Nonindustrial occupancies' to 'Group A2, A3, B2 and B3 refrigerants', delete Table 1104.3.2 'Maximum Permissible Quantities of Refrigerants' and revise to read as follows:
Group A2 and B2 refrigerants shall not be used in high-probability systems. Group A3 and B3 refrigerants shall not be used except where approved.
Exceptions: This section does not apply to:
(Effective January 1, 2024)
CHAPTER 15
REFERENCED STANDARDS
*Revise Chapter 15 'Referenced Standards' to read as follows:
ASHRAE | ASHRAE 1791 Tullie Circle, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 | |
15-2022 | Safety Standards for Refrigeration Systems | 1105.3, 1106.6, 1106.7, GA Amendments |
34-2022 | Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants | 202, 1102.2.1, 1103.1 |
UL | UL LLC 333 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, IL 60062-2096 | |
1995-2015 | Heating and Cooling Equipment | 908.1, 916.1, 918.1, 918.2, 1101.2 |
UL/CSA 60335-2-40-2022 | Household And Similar Electric Appliances - Safety - Part 2-40: Particular Requirements for Electric Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers | 908.1, 916.1, 918.1, 918.2, 1101.2 |
UL/CSA 60335-2-89-2021 | Household And Similar Electric Appliances - Safety - Part 2-89: Particular Requirements for Commercial Refrigerating Appliances with an Incorporated or Remote Refrigerant Units or Compressor | 1101.2 |
(Effective January 1, 2024)
GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD MECHANICAL CODE
(INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE WITH GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS)
The INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction with these Georgia State Amendments, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum Standard Mechanical Code.
GEORGIA STATE AMENDMENTS
CODE REFERENCE:
APPENDICES:
Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.
SCOPE:
The provisions of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Mechanical Code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be regulated by the Georgia State Minimum Standard Gas Code (International Fuel Gas Code with Georgia Amendments).
Exception #1: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard One- and Two-Family Dwellings Code (International Residential Code for One-and Two- Family Dwellings with Georgia State Amendments).
Exception #2: The following table titled 'Codes Reference Guide' establishes specific primary and supplementary code applications and is to be applied by the authority having jurisdiction.
CODES REFERENCE GUIDE | ||
Area | Primary | Supplement |
Occupancy Classification | LSC | IBC |
Building Construction Types including allowable height, allowable building areas, and the requirements for sprinkler protection related to minimum building construction types. | IBC | LSC |
Means of Egress | LSC | NONE |
Standpipes | IBC | IFC |
Interior Finish | LSC | NONE |
HVAC Systems | IMC | NONE |
Vertical Openings | LSC | NONE |
Sprinkler Systems minimum construction standard | LSC | NONE |
Fire Alarm Systems | LSC | NONE |
Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detection Systems | State Statute and LSC | NONE |
Portable Fire Extinguishers | IFC | NONE |
Cooking Equipment | LSC and NFPA 96 | NONE |
Fuel Fired Appliances | IFGC | NFPA 54 |
Liquid Petroleum Gas | NFPA 58 | NFPA 54 |
Compressed Natural Gas | NFPA 52 | NONE |
GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR BOILERS/WATER HEATERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
The State's minimum requirements for boilers/water heaters and pressure vessels over 200,000 BTU/h (58.61 kW), 210 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 gallons capacity shall be established by O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 15 and the Rules and Regulations of the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
*Revise the International Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition, as follows:
CHAPTER 1
ADMINISTRATION
*Delete Chapter 1 'Administration' without substitution. Chapter 1 to remain in the Code as a reference and guide for local governments in the development of their own Administrative Procedures.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
*Add Definition of 'MAKE-UP AIR' to read as follows:
MAKE-UP AIR. SEE ENVIRONMENTAL AIR
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL REGULATIONS
SECTION 301
GENERAL
*Revise Section 301.1 'Scope' to read as follows:
*Revise Section 301.2 'Energy utilization' to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Revise Section 301.7 'Listed and labeled' to read as follows:
Exception to remain unchanged.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Add new Section 301.19 'Related fire codes' to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
SECTION 306
ACCESS AND SERVICE SPACE
*Revise Section 306.3 'Appliances in attics' to add new exception to read as follows:
Exceptions:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 4
VENTILATION
SECTION 401
GENERAL
*Add new Section 401.7 'Alternative ventilation procedures' to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 5
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
SECTION 501
GENERAL
*Revise Section 501.3 'Exhaust discharge' Exception #1 to read as follows:
Exceptions:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
SECTION 505
DOMESTIC COOKING EXHAUST EQUIPMENT
*Add new Section 505.3.1 'Exhaust ducts for domestic range hoods installed in commercial applications' to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Add new Section 505.7 'Commercial installations of domestic systems' to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
SECTION 506
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM DUCTS AND EXHAUST EQUIPMENT
*Delete Section 506.1 'General' and substitute the following:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
SECTION 507
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOODS
*Delete Section 507.1 'General' and substitute the following:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Delete Section 507.1.2 'Domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes' without substitution.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
SECTION 509
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
*Delete Section 509.1 'Where required' and substitute the following:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 6
DUCT SYSTEMS
SECTION 606
SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEMS CONTROL
*Rename Section 606.2.1 'Return air systems' and revise to read as follows:
Exception: Smoke detectors are not required in the supply air system where all portions of the building served by the air distribution system are protected by area smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72. The area smoke detection system shall comply with Section 606.4.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Revise Section 606.2.2 'Common supply and return air systems' to read as follows:
Exception: Individual smoke detectors shall not be required for each fan-powered unit, provided that such units do not have an individual design capacity greater than 2,000 cfm (0.9m3/s) and will be shut down by activation of one of the following;
In all cases, the smoke detectors shall comply with sections 606.4 and 606.4.1.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Revise Section 606.4.1 'Supervision' first sentence to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 8
CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
SECTION 804
DIRECT-VENT, INTERGRAL VENT AND MECHANICAL DRAFT SYSTEMS
*Revise Section 804.3.8 'Mechanical draft systems for manually fired appliances and fireplaces' numbers 2 and 3 to read as follows:
#2 A device shall be installed that produces visible and audible warning upon failure of the mechanical draft device or loss of electrical power, at any time that the mechanical draft device is turned on. This device shall be installed in an approved location, receive power from the building wiring and equipped with a battery backup.
#3 A smoke detector shall be installed in the room with the appliance or fireplace. This device shall receive power from the building wiring and equipped with a battery backup.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 9
SPECIFIC APPLIANCES, FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL-BURNING EQUIPMENT
SECTION 908
COOLING TOWERS, EVAPORATIVE CONDENSERS AND FLUID COOLERS
* Revise Section 908.1 'General' to read as follows:
SECTION 917
COOKING APPLIANCES
*Revise Section 917.1 'Cooking appliances' to add new Exception to read as follows:
Exception:
Listed and labeled commercial cooking appliances may be installed in dwelling units and domestic kitchens when such installation is designed by a Georgia Licensed Professional Engineer and accepted by the local authority having jurisdiction.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Delete Section 917.2 'Domestic appliances' without substitution.
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 10
BOILERS, WATER HEATERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
SECTION 1001
GENERAL
*Revise Section 1001.1 'Scope' to add the following at the end of first paragraph:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 11
REFRIGERATION
SECTION 1105
MACHINERY ROOM, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
*Renumber Section [F] 1105.3 'Refrigerant detector' as 1105.3 and revise to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
SECTION 1106
MACHINERY ROOM, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
*Renumber Section [F] 1106.6 'Remote controls' as 1106.6 and revise to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
*Renumber Section [F] 1106.7 'Emergency signs and labels' as 1106.7 and revise to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 12
HYDRONIC PIPING
SECTION 1206
PIPING INSTALLATION
*Revise Section 1206.8 'Steam piping pitch' to add the following at the end of the paragraph:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 13
FUEL OIL PIPING AND STORAGE SOLAR THERMAL SYTEMS
SECTION 1301
GENERAL
*Revise Section 1301.1 'Scope' to add the following at the end of the paragraph:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 14
SOLAR THERMAL SYTEMS
SECTION 1402
INSTALLATION
*Revise Section 1402.4 'Protection from freezing' to read as follows:
...at the lowest ambient temperatures that will be encountered. Freeze... (Remainder of paragraph to remain unchanged).
(Effective January 1, 2020)
SECTION 1403
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
*Add new Section 1403.2.1 'Protection of drains' to read as follows:
(Effective January 1, 2020)
CHAPTER 15
REFERENCED STANDARDS
*Revise Chapter 15 'Referenced Standards' to add the following:
ASHRAE | Atlanta, GA 30329-2305 | |
Standard reference number | Title | Referenced in code section number |
90.1--2016 | Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-rise Residential Buildings | 301.2, 908.1, GA Amendments |
62.1--2016 | Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality | 401.7, GA Amendments |
15-2016 | Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems | 1105.3, 1106.6, 1106.7, GA Amendments |
170-2017 | Ventilation of Health Care Facilities | 401.7, GA Amendments |
NFPA | National Fire Protection Association, Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02269 Title | |
Standard reference number | Referenced in code section number | |
96 | Standard for Ventilation and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations | 505.7, 506.1, 507.1, 508.1, 509.1, GA Amendments |
101 | Life Safety Code | 506.1, 507.1, 508.1, 509.1, GA Amendments |
(Effective January 1, 2020)
End of Amendments.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 110-11-1-.27
O.C.G.A. § 8-2-20 et seq.