4.1Authority
A.The Rhode Island Mechanical Code is promulgated by the Building Code Standards Committee pursuant to the authority granted in R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-27.3-100.1.5 and 23.27.3-109.1.
4.2Incorporated Materials
A.The Building Code Standards Committee hereby adopts and incorporates as the Rhode Island Mechanical Code the provisions of the International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 edition, as published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC) not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 and any provisions reserved, deleted, or amended in this Regulation.
1.IMC 2021 is protected by the copyright that has been issued to the ICC. IMC 2021 can be viewed and purchased here: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/i-codes/2021-icodes.
2.To properly utilize the Rhode Island Mechanical Code, IMC 2021 must be read jointly with the Building Code requirements in R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 and the amendments to IMC 2021 set forth in the sections of this Regulation, below.
3.Format: These code changes follow numbering sequence and topics of the IMC 2021 (first printing). All provisions of IMC 2021 are retained unless indicated as deleted or amended. Published errata are available from the ICC website.
4.3IMC 2021 is Adopted with the Following Amendments
Chapter 1: Scope and Administration
Chapter 1 is adopted with the following changes.
101.1Delete IMC section 101.1, Title, and substitute the following:
101.1 Title.
This part shall be known as Rhode Island Mechanical Code, hereafter referred to as "this code".
101.2 Delete IMC section 101.2 and substitute the following:
R101.2 Scope.
The provisions of this code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs, and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and/or appurtenances, including ventilation, heating, cooling, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy related systems.
102.8Add the following to the end of section 102.8 “Referenced Codes and Standards”:
Rhode Island Codes References added to section 102.8.
Building Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Building Code (Part 1 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Building Code.
Residential Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island One and Two-Family Dwelling Code (Part 2 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Residential Code.
Plumbing Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island Plumbing Code (Part 3 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Plumbing Code.
Electrical Code/NFPA 70. The provisions of Rhode Island State Electrical Code (Part of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the ICC Electrical Code.
Property Maintenance. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Property Maintenance Code (Part 6 of this Subchapter) shall apply whenever referenced in this Code as the International Property Maintenance Code.
Fire Safety Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Fire Code.
Energy Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Energy Code (Part 8 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Energy Conservation Code.
Existing Building Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island Existing Building Code (Part 7 of this Subchapter) or the State Rehabilitation Code (Part 20 of this Subchapter), as applicable, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Existing Building Code.
Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The Provisions of the Rhode Island Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Part 14 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
Fuel Gas Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island Fuel Gas Code (Part 19 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Fuel Gas Code.
Chapter 2: Definitions
Chapter 2 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 3: General Regulations
Chapter 3 is adopted with the following changes.
307.2Delete only the Exception to IMC section 307.2 without substitution.
307.3 Delete IMC section 307.3 without substitution.
Chapter 4: Ventilation
Chapter 4 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 5: Exhaust Systems
Chapter 5 is adopted with the following changes.
504.9.5 Delete IMC section 504.9.5 and substitute the following:
504.9.5 Length Identification
The maximum length of dryer duct may exceed thirty-five feet (35’) when a permanent placard, measuring a minimum five inches (5”) wide, three inches (3”) high, and one eighth of one inch (1/8”) thick, and constructed of either wood, metal, or rigid plastic, and bearing raised or embossed lettering stating the following: “WARNING: THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH OF THIS DRYER DUCT IS xxx FEET. ANY DRYER CONNECTED TO THIS EXHAUST DUCT MUST BE RATED TO USE AN EXHAUST DUCT OF THIS LENGTH, PER THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS; SEVERE RISK OF FIRE MAY RESULT FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THIS NOTICE.”
The provisions of table 504.9.4.1 shall be used in establishing the effective length of the ductwork installed and noted on the placard. The placard shall be permanently attached to the wall or floor within six inches (6”) of the terminus of the duct.
Chapter 6: Duct Systems
Chapter 6 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 7: Combustion Air
Chapter 7 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 8: Chimneys and Vents
Chapter 8 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 9: Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-Burning Equipment
Chapter 9 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 10: Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels
Chapter 10 is adopted with the following changes.
1001.1 Add Exception #8 to IMC section 1001.1 as follows:
8. Permits for steam and water boiler installation and repairs of boilers over 200,000 BTUs for commercial uses and 400,000 BTUs for private residences or apartments shall be issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Occupational Safety, Boiler Unit.
Chapter 11: Refrigeration
Chapter 11 is adopted with the following changes.
1101.4.1 Add the following new section 1101.4.1:
1101.4.1 "Prohibited Connections"
The uses of potable water as an open loop, single pass heat exchange fluid for the refrigeration cycle of HVAC equipment is prohibited.
1105.3 Delete IMC section 1105.3 and substitute the following:
1105.3 Refrigerant detector:
Machinery rooms shall contain a refrigerant detector with an audible and visual alarm. The detector, or a sampling tube that draws air to the detector, shall be located in an area where refrigerant from leak will concentrate. The alarm shall be actuated at value not greater than the corresponding TLV-TWA values shown for the refrigerant classification. Detectors and alarms shall be placed in approved locations.
Chapter 12: Hydronic Piping
Chapter 12 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 13: Fuel Oil Piping and Storage
Chapter 13 is adopted with the following changes.
1301.2.1 Add the following new section 1301.2.1:
1301.2.1 Maximum inside fuel oil storage.
Where connected to a fuel-oil piping system, the maximum amount of fuel oil allowed inside any building shall be 1,320 gallons and the maximum amount of oil connected to any one (1) appliance shall be 660 gallons. Where the amount of fuel oil stored inside a building exceeds 1,320 gallons the storage area shall be in compliance with the R.I. Fire Safety Code and the State Building Code (Part 1 of this Subchapter).
1305.8 Add the following new section 1305.8:
1305.8 Fuel Oil Supply and Vent Piping:
Fill and vent lines for above ground fuel storage tanks shall be permitted to be a minimum of one and one quarter inch (1 ¼”) in diameter for a single storage tank up to 500 gallon capacity.
Chapter 14: Solar Thermal Systems
Chapter 14 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 15: Referenced Standards
Chapter 15 is adopted with the following changes.
Delete without substitution:
ASHRAE-2013- ASHRAE Fundamentals handbook- 603.2
4.4Appendices to IMC 2021
The following Appendices are adopted: Appendix A.
All other appendices are deleted.