Current through Vol. 42, No. 7, December 16, 2024
(1) Table M1601.1.1
Duct construction minimum sheet metal thickness for single dwelling units has
been stricken from the code and replaced with a newly created table with the
same table heading. The newly created table contains three rows and three
columns and a footnote. The newly created table is described below:
(A) Row 1 is the header row and contains
three columns, one of which is divided into two sub-rows as described below:
(i) Row 1, column 1 header is entitled "Duct
Size"
(ii) Row 1, column 2 header is
entitled "Galvanized" and contains two sub-rows:
(I)
Row 1, column 2, sub-column 1 header is entitled "Minimum
thickness (inches)."
(II) Row 1,
column 2, sub-column 2 header is entitled "Equivalent Galvanized Gage
No."
(iii) Row 1, column
3 is entitled "Approximate Aluminum B and S Gage."
(B) Row 2 contains 2 sub-rows with the
following information listed:
(i) Row 2,
sub-row 1, column 1 contains the wording "Round ducts and enclosed rectangular
ducts 14 inches or less."
(ii) Row
2, sub-row 1, column 2 contains the following numbers in each sub-column:
(I) Row 2, sub-row 1, column 2, sub-column 1
contains the number "0.013."
(II)
Row 2, sub-row 1, column 2, sub-column 2 contains the number
"30."
(iii) Row 2, sub-row
1, column 3, contains the number "26."
(iv) Row 2, sub-row 2, column 1 contains the
wording "Round ducts and enclosed rectangular ducts over 14 inches."
(v) Row 2, sub-row 2, column 2 contains the
following numbers in each sub-column:
(I) Row
2, sub-row 2, column 2, sub-column 1 contains the number"0.016."
(II) Row 2, sub-row 2, column 2, sub-column 2
contains the number "28."
(vi) Row 2, sub-row 2, column 3 contains the
number "24."
(C) Row 3
contains two sub-rows with the following information listed:
(i) Row 3, sub-row 1, column 1 contains the
wording "Exposed rectangular ducts 14 inches or less."
(ii) Row 3, sub-row 1, column 2 contains the
following numbers in each sub-column:
(I) Row
3, sub-row 1, column 2, sub-column 1 contains the number "0.016."
(II) Row 3, sub-row 1, column 2, sub-column 2
contains the number "28."
(iii) Row 3, sub-row 1, column 3, contains
the number "24."
(iv) Row 3,
sub-row 2, column 1 contains the wording "Exposed rectangular ducts over 14
inches."
(v) Row 3, sub-row 2,
column 2 contains the following numbers in each sub-column:
(I) Row 3, sub-row 2, column 2, sub-column 1
contains the number"0.019."
(II)
Row 3, sub-row 2, column 2, sub-column 2 contains the number
"26."
(vi) Row 3, sub-row
2, column 3 contains the number "22."
(D) Between the end of the table and Footnote
"a" is the wording "For SI: 1 inch is equal to 25.4 mm."
(E) Footnote "a" has been added to read: "a.
Ductwork that exceeds 20 inches by dimension or exceeds a pressure of 1-inch
water gage (250 pa) shall be constructed in accordance with SMACNA HVAC Duct
Construction Standards Metal and Flexible."
(2) Section M1601.4.1 Joints, seams, and
connections. This section has been modified to add a fourth exception for duct
systems with sheet metal plenums, Y's and supply boots with liquid applied
sealants. This section has been modified to read: M1601.4.1 Joints, seams and
connections.
(A) Longitudinal and transverse
joints, seams and connections in metallic and nonmetallic ducts shall be
constructed as specified in SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards-Metal and
Flexible and NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards. Joints,
longitudinal and transverse seams, and connection in ductwork shall be securely
fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesive), mastic-plus-
embedded-fabric systems, liquid sealants or tapes. Tapes and mastics used to
seal fibrous glass ductwork shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL
181A and shall be marked "181A-P" for pressure-sensitive tape, "181 A-M" for
mastic or "181 A-H" for heat sensitive tape.
(B) Tapes and mastics used to seal metallic
and flexible air ducts and flexible air connectors shall comply with UL 181B
and shall be marked "181 B-FX" for pressure- sensitive tape or "181 BM" for
mastic. Duct connections to flanges of air distribution system equipment shall
be sealed and mechanically fastened. Mechanical fasteners for use with flexible
nonmetallic air ducts shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked 181B-C.
Crimps joints for round metallic ducts shall have a contact lap of not less
than 1 inch (25 mm) and shall be mechanically fastened by means of not less
than three sheet- metal screws or rivets equally spaced around the
joint.
(C) Closure systems used to
seal all ductwork shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturers'
instructions.
(D) Exceptions:
(i) Exception 1: Spray polyurethane foam
shall be permitted to be applied without additional joint seals.
(ii) Exception 2: Where a duct connection is
made that is partially inaccessible, three screws or rivets shall be equally
spaced on the exposed portion of the joint so as to prevent a hinge
effect.
(iii) Exception 3: For
ducts having a static pressure classification of less than 2 inches of water
column (500 Pa), additional closure systems shall not be required for
continuously welded joints and seams and locking-type joints and seams. This
exception shall not apply to snap-lock and button-lock type joints and seams
that are located outside of conditioned space.
(iv) Exception 4: For duct systems with sheet
metal plenums, Y's and supply boots, only liquid applied sealants complying
with UL 181 BM (Mastic or similar) or equivalent method, shall be used to seal
inner liners and start collars to plenum and any other seams in
system.