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Summary of Code Requirements for Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Systems

Residential Electrical Code Requirements

Service Entrance and Panel (NEC 230):

Panels must be easily accessible and located in dry, authorized-access-only areas.
Grounding with a wire to a ground rod or pipe is required.
Each circuit must have a circuit breaker for overcurrent protection.

Wiring and Conduits (NEC 300-392):

Conduits may be used based on installation type.
Wire sizing must match load, distance, and material (14 AWG for lights, 12 AWG for outlets).
Outlets spaced max 12 feet apart; GFCIs required in wet areas; AFCIs in bedrooms.

Lighting and Receptacles (NEC 210):

One lighting outlet per 50 sq ft minimum.
Grounded outlets are required using three-prong or GFCI systems.

Smoke and CO Detectors (NEC 760):

Smoke detectors in bedrooms and hallways; CO detectors near sleeping areas.

Swimming Pools (NEC 680):

GFCIs, grounding, and special wiring required for safety around pools.

HVAC and Appliances (NEC 440):

Properly sized circuit breakers and wires are necessary.
Dedicated circuits required for major kitchen appliances.

Commercial Electrical Code Requirements

Service and Distribution (NEC 230, 110):

Panels must handle higher loads and be properly grounded.
Detailed load calculations required.

Wiring and Conduit (NEC 300-392):

EMT and metal conduits are common.
Cable trays and flexible wiring used as needed.

Electrical Equipment and Panelboards (NEC 110):

Panels must be accessible with clear signage and labeling.

Lighting and Power (NEC 220, 410):

Emergency lighting and exit signs required.
Dedicated circuits for high-load devices.

Emergency Systems (NEC 700-701):

Backup systems for lighting and alarms are required.
Exit signage must be emergency-powered.

Grounding and Bonding (NEC 250):

Grounding of all systems and bonding of potential differences required.

Hazardous Locations (NEC 500-506):

Explosion-proof systems needed in classified areas.

General Plumbing Code Requirements

Water Supply Systems:

Pressure: 40-80 psi, regulators used as needed.
Pipe sizing based on demand; copper, PEX, and CPVC are typical.

Drainage and Waste Systems:

Slope: 1/4 inch per foot for 3" pipes.
Sizing based on fixtures.
Traps required near fixtures (P-traps preferred).

Venting Systems:

Vents equalize pressure, sized by fixture count.
Vents terminate 6" above roofline.

Water Heaters:

Located in ventilated areas; max temp 120°F.

Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings

Fixtures must be installed at code-specified heights.
Low-flow, water-efficient designs required.
Backflow prevention via air gaps, check valves, or vacuum breakers.

Types:

Toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs must be properly vented and connected.

Specialized Plumbing Systems

Gas Piping:

Sized for total appliance load.
Shutoff valve near each gas appliance.

Sewer Systems:

Municipal or septic systems must follow strict local codes.

Inspections and Sustainability

Permits and inspections required.
Pressure testing for safety.
Hot water pipes must be insulated.
Use of water-saving fixtures encouraged.

Commercial Plumbing Requirements

Restrooms must match occupancy requirements.
ADA-compliant fixture access required.
Industrial systems may require grease traps and chemical vents.

General HVAC Code Requirements

System Design:

Manual J (residential) or Manual N (commercial) for sizing.
Duct design must avoid inefficiencies and energy loss.

Airflow & Ventilation:

ASHRAE standards apply.
Balanced ventilation needed.

Residential HVAC Requirements

Ductwork:

Must be insulated and sealed (especially in unconditioned spaces).

Clearances:

30 inches around units; vent clearances required.

Energy Efficiency:

Thermostats away from heat sources.
IECC code compliance required.

Commercial HVAC Requirements

Zoning & Load:

Systems must be zoned and properly calculated for load.

Ventilation:

ASHRAE 62.1 governs air quality.
ERV/HRV systems may be required.

Efficiency:

Sealed/insulated ducts, demand control, efficient equipment required.

Safety and Fire Protection

Combustion air required for fuel systems.
Proper venting and chimney clearance enforced.
CO detectors required.
Fire dampers in ducts for commercial buildings.

HVAC System Inspections & Maintenance

Systems must pass inspections.
Regular maintenance and filter changes needed.
Commissioning for large/commercial systems is mandatory.

Always consult licensed professionals and local codes to ensure full compliance with current standards and requirements.