Uniform Mechanical Code

Designated as an American National Standard, the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) is a model code developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to govern the installation and inspection of mechanical (HVAC, combustion, exhaust, refrigeration) systems as a means of promoting the public's health, safety and welfare.

The UMC is developed using the American National Standard Institute's consensus development procedures. This process brings together volunteers representing a variety of viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on mechanical issues.

The UMC is designed to provide consumers with safe heating and mechanical systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies. The public at large is encouraged and invited to participate in IAPMO’s open consensus code development process. This code is updated every three years. A code development timeline and other relevant information are available at IAPMO’s [http://www.iapmo.org Website] .

History

In 1926, a group of Los Angeles plumbing inspectors recognized that there were no uniform requirements for the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, and at that point in time heating of businesses and homes was done through boilers and piping to radiators. Efficient air conditioning was not available. Disorder and potential danger in the industry was a result of widely divergent plumbing practices and the use of many different, often conflicting, plumbing codes by local jurisdictions. It was these plumbing inspectors that understood the necessity of developing a model code that could be uniformly applied across jurisdictions.

In 1928, the city adopted the first incarnation of a uniform plumbing and mechanical code developed by the Los Angeles City Plumbing Inspectors Association (LACPIA) and based on the input from a committee of plumbing inspectors, master and journeyman plumbers, and mechanical engineers, assisted by public utility companies and the plumbing industry.

The ultimate product of this effort, the first Uniform Mechanical Code™ (UMC™), was published by IAPMO (the name was changed from LACPIA in 1966 when the scope of their work was enlarged and air conditioning became more readily available in residential applications) in 1967.

The 2003 edition of the UMC was developed through a consensus process. The 2006 edition represents the most current approaches in the mechanical field and is the second edition developed under the ANSI consensus process.

Contributions to the content of the code were made by every segment of the built industry, including such diverse interests as consumers, enforcing authorities, installers/maintainers, insurance, labor, manufacturers, research/standards/testing laboratories, special experts, and users.

Industry support

The 2006 Uniform Mechanical Code is supported by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America ( [http://www.mcaa.org/ MCAA] ), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association ( [http://www.phcc.com/ PHCC-NA] ), the United Association ( [http://www.ua.org/ UA] ), the American Society of Sanitary Engineering ( [http://www.asse-plumbing.org/ ASSE] ),and the World Plumbing Council ( [http://www.worldplumbing.org/ WPC] ).

Content

Chapter 1 - Administration

"Part 1 - General"

"Part 2 - Organization and Enforcement"

"Part 3 - Permits and Inspections"

Chapter 2 - Definitions

Chapter 3 - General Requirements

Chapter 4 - Ventilation Air Supply

Chapter 5 - Exhaust Systems

"Part 1 - Environmental Air Ducts (Duct HVAC) and Product Conveying Systems"

"Part 2 - Commercial Hoods and Kitchen Ventilation (Extractor hood)"

Chapter 6 - Duct Systems

Chapter 7 - Combustion Air

Chapter 8 - Chimneys and Vents (Heat and smoke vent)

Chapter 9 - Installation of Specific Equipment

Chapter 10 - Steam and Hot Water Boilers (Condensing boiler)

Chapter 11 - Refrigeration

"Part 1 - Refrigeration Systems (HVAC)"

"Part 2 - Cooling Towers"

Chapter 12 - Hydronics

"Part 1 - Steam and Water (Piping)"

"Part 2 Hydronic Panel Heating Systems"

Chapter 13 - Fuel Gas Piping

"Part 1 - Fuel Piping"

"Part 2 - Fuel Supply: Manufactured / Mobile Home Parks and Recreational Vehicle Parks"

Chapter 14 - Process Piping

Chapter 15 - Solar Systems (Solar energy, Solar thermal, Solar hot water, Solar combisystem)

Chapter 16 - Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plants (Energy development)

Chapter 17 - Standards

Appendices include: "Procedures to Be Followed to Place Gas Equipment in Operation and Installation and Testing of Oil (Liquid) Fuel-Fired Equipment"

ee also

* IAPMO
* Uniform Plumbing Code
* Uniform Solar Energy Code
* Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code