Online building codes are becoming widely available due to their convenience and the ability to keep them updated without having to issue addenda. A list of the FREE codes that we are aware of is included below. If you know of any that should be added to this list, please let us know.
A new startup called Up.codes offers free searchable versions of the iCodes, ADA codes, and NYC codes.
International Code Council
The International Code Council provides free code references for a number of states, plus free access to the International Codes. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have modifications to the code.
The codes are updated every three years and the latest revision is the 2018 version. Keep in mind that your jurisdiction may not have adopted the most recent version of the ICC codes so an older version may apply to your project.
READ UNIFORM CODES ONLINE. The codes of practice attempt to minimize public risk by specifying technical standards of design, materials, workmanship and maintenance for various systems. The main aims of the Uniform codes are: To ensure that planners, administrators and plumbers develop the required competency to ensure that the codes are.
Don't see the International Code you need? Here is the full list of I-Codes so you can find what you are looking for.
Did you know that the iCodes are available for purchase on Amazon? We've added links below for the versions available for purchase.
International Building Code
- International Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Residential (One and Two Family) Code
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Existing Building Code
- International Existing Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Energy Conservation Code
- International Energy Conservation Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Fire Code
- International Fire Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Plumbing Code
- International Plumbing Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Mechanical Code
- International Mechanical Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
ICC Code Commentaries
The International Code Council provides other versions of their code books, which include code commentaries to help professionals understand the intent of the code. These are incredibly helpful for understanding complex code issues. Unfortunately, the code commentary versions are not available for free online.
You can purchase the commentaries directly through the ICC website or you can usually find them on Amazon.
National Fire Protection Association (United States)
The NFPA is the world's leading advocate for fire prevention. They provide free access to the latest edition of their codes (registration is required). Below is a list of some of the most referenced codes for architects:
United States Access Board
The US Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for the disabled. They are responsible for maintaining the accessibility guidelines for public buildings and spaces in the United States. If you are interested in a more detailed overview of the United States accessibility law, check out our article: ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have more stringent requirements than the federal codes. Below are links to specific codes and laws:
- ABA Accessibility Standards (for projects built with Federal Funds)
- Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (for projects built with Federal Funds)
Full name | International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials |
---|---|
Founded | 1926 |
Key people | GP Russ Chaney, CEO; Bruce Pfeiffer, President; DJ Nunez, Vice President; Hugo Aguilar, Vice President of Codes and Standards; Zalmie Hussein, Code Development Administrator |
Country | United States |
Website | www.iapmo.org |
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, inspection and maintenance of HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) and refrigeration systems.
The UMC is developed using the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) 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 mechanical systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies. The public at large is encouraged to provide input for the development process. The code is updated every three years. A code development timeline and other relevant information are available at IAPMO’s Website.
History[edit]
In 1926, a group of Los Angeles plumbing inspectors recognized that there were no uniform requirements for the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems. At that time, heating was done by boilers that piped the heat to radiators. Efficient air conditioning was not available. Widely divergent practices and the use of many different, often conflicting, plumbing codes by local jurisdictions led to plumbing systems that were incompatible and potentially dangerous.[1] This underscored the necessity of developing a model code that could be uniformly applied across jurisdictions.
Uniform Mechanical Code Pdf Free Download
Two years later, the city adopted the first version 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, was published by IAPMO, the new name for LACPIA, which was adopted in 1966 when the scope of mechanical work grew beyond plumbing and became more readily available in residential applications.[1] in 1967. Over the last fifty years, this voluntary code has been adapted by jurisdictions not only throughout the United States, but internationally as well. The consensus development process was first applied to the 2003 edition.
The 2012 edition is the fourth edition developed under the ANSI consensus process. Contributions to the content of the code were made by every segment of the building industry, including such diverse interests as consumers, enforcing authorities, installers/maintainers, insurance, labor, manufacturers, research/standards/testing laboratories, special experts, and users. The 2012 Uniform Mechanical Code is supported by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE), the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC-NA), the United Association (UA) and the World Plumbing Council (WPC).
2018 Edition[edit]
Major changes include:
- New requirements for piping, tubing, balancing, louvers, protection of piping, mechanical systems and ductwork
- New provisions for evaporative cooling systems
- Refrigeration port protection requirement
- New requirements for piping, tubing and fittings used in hydronic systems
Content[edit]
- Chapter 1 - Administration
- Chapter 2 - Definitions
- Chapter 3 - General Regulations
- Chapter 4 - Ventilation Air
- Chapter 5 - Exhaust Systems (Part 1: Environmental Air Ducts and Product Conveying Systems; Part 2: Commercial Hoods and Kitchen Ventilation)
- Chapter 6 - Duct Systems
- Chapter 7 - Combustion Air
- Chapter 8 - Chimney and Vents
- Chapter 9 - Installation of Specific Appliances
- Chapter 10 - Boilers and Pressure Vessels
- Chapter 11 - Refrigeration (Part 1: Refrigeration Systems; 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 Energy Systems
- Chapter 16 - Stationary Power Plants
- Chapter 17 - Referenced Standards
- Appendix A - Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design
- Appendix B - Procedures to be Followed to Place Gas Equipment in Operation
- Appendix C - Installation and Testing of Oil (Liquid) Fuel-Fired Equipment
- Appendix D - Fuel Supply: Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks and Recreational Vehicle Parks
- Appendix E - Sustainable Practices
- Appendix F - Sizing of Venting Systems and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design
- Appendix G - Example Calculation of Outdoor Air Rate
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ ab'1926 to 2006: Eight Decades of Excellence,' Copyright © 2007 by IAPMO, p. 47-9
External links[edit]
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