2018 IFGC® CODE and COMMENTARY 3-1

SECTION 301 (IFGC)GENERAL

301.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the approval andinstallation of all equipment and appliances that compriseparts of the installations regulated by this code in accordancewith Section 101.2.

❖ This section states that this chapter governs theapproval and installation of all gas-fired equipmentand appliances that are regulated by the code. Section101.2 establishes the scope of application of the code(see commentary, Section 101.2).

301.1.1 Other fuels. The requirements for combustion anddilution air for gas-fired appliances shall be governed by Sec-tion 304. The requirements for combustion and dilution airfor appliances operating with fuels other than fuel gas shallbe regulated by the International Mechanical Code.

❖ This code and the International Mechanical Code

(IMC) each have a combustion air chapter that is spe-cific to the fuels addressed in the respective code.

301.2 Energy utilization. Heating, ventilating and air-condi-tioning systems of all structures shall be designed andinstalled for efficient utilization of energy in accordance withthe International Energy Conservation Code.

❖ This section states that all appliances and equipmentmust be designed and installed to use depletableenergy sources efficiently. The International EnergyConservation Code (IECC) is the applicable docu-ment for regulating the efficiency and performance ofappliances and heating, ventilating and air-condition-ing (HVAC) systems. Special applications such asprocess heating or cooling should be designed for themaximum energy efficiency attainable. Note that theInternational Green Construction Code (IgCC®) alsoaddresses energy conservation and efficiency for highperformance green buildings.

301.3 Listed and labeled. Appliances regulated by this codeshall be listed and labeled for the application in which theyare used unless otherwise approved in accordance with Sec-tion 105. The approval of unlisted appliances in accordance

with Section 105 shall be based on approved engineeringevaluation.

❖ Gas-fired appliances must be listed and labeled by anapproved agency to show that they comply with theapplicable national standards. The code requires list-ing and labeling for appliances, such as boilers, fur-naces, space heaters, direct-fired heaters, cookingappliances, clothes dryers, rooftop HVAC units, etc.The code also requires listing for system componentsas specifically stated in the text addressing those com-ponents. The label is the primary, if not the only, assur-ance to the installer, the inspector and the end userthat a representative sample of an appliance modelhas been tested and evaluated by an approvedagency and has been determined to perform safelyand efficiently when installed and operated in accor-dance with its listing.

Appliances must be listed and labeled for the appli-cation in which they are used, otherwise the installa-tion would be a misapplication of the appliance. Forexample, if an appliance is listed for indoor use onlyand is installed outdoors, this installation is a misappli-cation of the appliance and serious malfunctions and/or conditions could result. An appliance might be mar-keted and installed for a particular purpose for which itwas not tested and listed and this is what this sectionintends to prohibit. Verifying that an appliance has atesting agency label is only part of the code official’sresponsibility. He or she must also verify that the list-ing from the testing agency includes the application athand. The bottom line is the use of an appliance mustmatch the use for which the appliance was tested.

The presence of a label is part of the information thatthe code official considers when approving appli-ances. The only exception to the labeling requirementoccurs when the code official approves a specificappliance in accordance with the authority granted inSection 105.2.

Approval of unlabeled appliances must be based ondocumentation that demonstrates compliance withapplicable standards or, where no product standards

Chapter 3:General Regulations

General CommentsA fundamental principle of the code is its dependenceon the listing and labeling method of approval for appli-ances and equipment. Section 301.3 prohibits theinstallation of unlisted appliances except whereapproved in accordance with Section 105.

PurposeChapter 3 contains requirements for the safe and properinstallation of gas-fired equipment and appliances tohelp ensure protection of life and property.

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exist, that the appliance is appropriate for the intendeduse and will provide the same level of performance aswould be provided by listed and labeled appliances. Afundamental principle of the code is the reliance on thelisting and labeling process to help ensure applianceperformance; approvals granted in accordance withSection 105.2 must be well justified with supportingdocumentation. To the code official, the installer andthe end-user, very little is known about the perfor-mance of an appliance that is not tested and built to anappliance standard.

301.4 Labeling. Labeling shall be in accordance with theprocedures set forth in Sections 301.4.1 through 301.4.2.3.

❖ This section establishes the requirements for testingand labeling appliances by an approved agency.Included within this section are the requirements fortesting the product and for approval of the testingagency, the testing equipment and the personnel whoconduct the test. Also included is the information thatmust appear on a label.

301.4.1 Testing. An approved agency shall test a representa-tive sample of the appliances being labeled to the relevantstandard or standards. The approved agency shall maintain arecord of all of the tests performed. The record shall providesufficient detail to verify compliance with the test standard.

❖ When an approved agency labels an appliance, theagency is ensuring that a representative sample of theappliance has been tested in accordance with anappropriate standard and has been determined to per-form acceptably when installed and operated in accor-dance with the appliance’s listing.

The basis for a label is the requirement for testing arepresentative, perhaps identical, sample of the appli-ance to indicate conformance to a required standard.This is an important premise in the code because acode official will consider the presence of a label in theapproval of an appliance. For this reason, the appliancemust meet the requirements of the standard. Becausethe appliance tested is installed and operated in accor-dance with the manufacturer’s instructions, theseinstructions must provide for proper installation andoperation. This is important because the code requiresthat the labeled appliance be installed in accordancewith the manufacturer’s instructions, and operatinginstructions must be either attached to or shipped witheach appliance.

There are numerous standards, not all of which arespecifically referenced in the code, applicable to vari-ous appliances and equipment. For this reason, theapproved agency determines the applicable standardsto be used for testing and then as the basis for labeling.Each standard contains safety requirements for a givenappliance or piece of equipment and specifies tests thatmust be performed. The labeling agency is required tomaintain sufficient documentation to demonstrate com-pliance with the test standard. The code official mayrequire that copies of the test reports be submitted todetermine the validity of the label.

Examples of standards that are used as a basis fortesting and labeling include:

• ANSI Z21.47, Gas-fired Central Furnaces;• ANSI Z83.8, Gas Unit Heaters; and • UL 795, Commercial—Industrial Gas Heating

Equipment.301.4.2 Inspection and identification. The approved agencyshall periodically perform an inspection, which shall be in-plant if necessary, of the appliances to be labeled. Theinspection shall verify that the labeled appliances are repre-sentative of the appliances tested.

❖ The approved agency whose identification insigniaappears on the label must perform periodic in-plantinspections. The primary objective of these inspec-tions is to determine that the manufactured product isequivalent to the sample that was tested. Because thelabel is good only for the products that were tested, thein-plant inspections are intended to discover anydesign changes or production quality control prob-lems. If any discrepancies are found, that the labelingagency would discontinue labeling of that particularproduct, and the manufacturer would be required toresolve the problem and, if necessary, have the rede-signed product retested before the labeling process isresumed.

301.4.2.1 Independent. The agency to be approved shall beobjective and competent. To confirm its objectivity, theagency shall disclose all possible conflicts of interest.

❖ As a part of the basis for a code official’s approval of aparticular labeling agency, the agency must demon-strate both its independence from the manufacturer ofthe product and its competence to perform therequired tests. The judgment of objectivity is linked tothe financial and fiduciary independence of theagency. The competence of the agency is judged byits experience, organization and the experience of itspersonnel. As a hypothetical example, the AcmeInspection Agency is performing testing for gas-firedfurnaces for the Real Hot Furnace Company. Aftersome investigation, both Acme and Real Hot are foundto be the subsidiaries of the same parent company.The inspection agency and the manufacturer clearlyhave a relationship that presents the potential for con-flict of interest. The objectivity of the inspection agencyis sufficiently questionable for the code official to justifynot approving Acme as a testing and labeling agencyfor equipment produced by the Real Hot FurnaceCompany.

301.4.2.2 Equipment. An approved agency shall have ade-quate equipment to perform all required tests. The equipmentshall be periodically calibrated.

❖ Referring to the example in the commentary for Sec-tion 301.4.2.1, if the Acme Inspection Agency had onlythe facilities to test and label fire doors, the agencywould not be qualified to test and label a gas-fired fur-nace. Although this example is oversimplified, thepoint is that the inspection agency must have all of the

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necessary equipment to perform the testing requiredby the applicable standard.

In addition to having the proper equipment, theagency must maintain records of the maintenance andcalibration of its equipment to demonstrate that theequipment can be relied on to produce accurate, con-sistent and reproducible results. Testing apparatus,instruments and equipment must often be capable ofmeasurements using very small units of measurewithin a specified tolerance. To produce accurate,dependable readings and reliable test results, testingapparatus, equipment and instruments must be rou-tinely calibrated to a fixed reference. Having theproper testing equipment can be just as important asthe competence of the testing personnel.

301.4.2.3 Personnel. An approved agency shall employexperienced personnel educated in conducting, supervisingand evaluating tests.

❖ The competence of an inspection agency is based onthe agency having the proper equipment to performthe test, as stated in Section 301.4.2.2, and also on theexperience and abilities of its personnel. The best cal-ibrated equipment can produce accurate results onlywhen operated by experienced personnel who aretrained to conduct, supervise and evaluate tests. Forexample, consider a newly formed agency that hasemployed individuals who do not have experiencerelated to the testing to be conducted and have notbeen adequately trained. The capabilities and experi-ence of supervisory personnel overseeing the work isalso important.

301.5 Label information. A permanent factory-appliednameplate(s) shall be affixed to appliances on which shallappear in legible lettering, the manufacturer’s name or trade-mark, the model number, serial number and, for listed appli-ances, the seal or mark of the testing agency. A label shallinclude the hourly rating in British thermal units per hour(Btu/h) (W); the type of fuel approved for use with the appli-ance; and the minimum clearance requirements.

❖ This section requires that the label be a metal plate,tag or other permanent label. In general, label materi-als, other than metal tags or plates, usually consist ofmaterial that is similar in appearance to a decal. Thelabel, its adhesive and the printed information must bedurable and water resistant. Because of the importantinformation provided by a label, the label is intended tobe permanent, not susceptible to damage and legiblefor the life of the appliance to which it is attached. Thestandards that appliances are tested to usually specifythe required label performance criteria, the method ofattachment and the required label information. Thecode requires that the label be affixed permanentlyand prominently on the appliance or equipment andspecifies, the information that must appear on thelabel. The manufacturer may be required by the rele-vant standard or may voluntarily provide additionalinformation on the label. Commentary Figures301.5(1) and 301.5(2) show typical appliance labels.

301.6 Plumbing connections. Potable water supply andbuilding drainage system connections to appliances regulatedby this code shall be in accordance with the InternationalPlumbing Code.

❖ Plumbing connections to appliances and equipmentregulated by the code must be in accordance with theInternational Plumbing Code (IPC).

Section 624.2 of the code requires that combinationdomestic water heating and hydronic supply waterheating units be listed and installed according to theirlisting and manufacturer’s instructions.

Hydronic systems normally require a means of sup-plying fill and makeup water to replace any water lostto evaporation, leakage or intentional draining. Wheredirect connections are made to the potable water sup-ply, the connections must be isolated from the potablewater source. This requirement is intended to protectthe potable water system from contamination by back-flow when a direct connection is made to a hydronicsystem.

Hydronic systems are normally pressurized, containnonpotable water and fluids and can contain condi-tioning chemicals or antifreeze solutions. Low-tem-perature hydronic fluids and cooling towers have alsobeen associated with disease-causing organismssuch as the Legionnaires’ disease bacterium. Thepotable water system must be protected from potentialcontamination resulting from connection to hydronicsystems, water-wash filter systems, cooling towers,solar systems, water-cooled heat exchangers, cook-ing appliances, ice makers, humidifiers, evaporativecoolers, etc.

In addition, water heaters are part of the potablewater distribution system and, therefore, must complywith both the code and the IPC. A water heater instal-lation is complex in that it has a fuel or power supply;a chimney or vent connection, if fuel-fired; a combus-tion air supply, if fuel-fired; connections to the plumb-ing potable water distribution system and controls anddevices to prevent a multitude of potential hazardsfrom conditions such as excessively high tempera-tures, pressures and ignition failure.

It is not uncommon for jurisdictions to issue bothplumbing and mechanical permits for water heaterinstallations or to require that the installer be licensedin both the plumbing and mechanical trades when per-forming such installations (see commentary, Section624). Water heaters are clearly under the purview ofboth plumbing and fuel gas codes. This section alsorefers to the IPC for the drainage associated withmechanical appliances and equipment, such as thoseaddressed in Section 307.

301.7 Fuel types. Appliances shall be designed for use withthe type of fuel gas that will be supplied to them.

❖ Appliances are usually designed by the manufacturerto operate on one specifically designated type of fuel.An element of information used for the approval ofappliances is the label, which ensures that the appli-ance has been tested in accordance with a valid stan-

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dard and determined to perform acceptably wheninstalled and operated in accordance with the appli-ance listing (see commentary, Section 301.5). Thefuel used in the appliance test must be the type of fuelspecified by the manufacturer.

301.7.1 Appliance fuel conversion. Appliances shall not beconverted to utilize a different fuel gas except where com-plete instructions for such conversion are provided in theinstallation instructions, by the serving gas supplier or by theappliance manufacturer.

❖ A mismatch between an appliance and a fuel will cre-ate an extremely hazardous condition that can beavoided by examining the appliance label. When anappliance is converted to a different type of fuel, theoriginal label that appears on the appliance is no lon-ger valid. Because the original approval of the appli-ance is based in part on the label, the appliance is nolonger approved for use. Fuel conversion kits willinclude a replacement label.

Many gas appliances are listed and labeled for morethan one fuel, most commonly natural gas and lique-fied petroleum (LP) (propane). Such appliances canbe converted from one fuel to the other using a manu-facturer’s conversion kit and following instructions pro-vided by the manufacturer. These conversions mustbe done only with the approval of the code official tomake sure that the instructions are complied with andthe safety of the original installation is maintained.Fuel conversions that are not performed correctly canadversely affect the performance of burners, the vent-ing of combustion gases and the proper clearance tocombustibles.

Once a conversion has been completed, a supple-mental label must be installed to update the informa-tion contained on the original label, thereby alertingany service personnel to the modifications that havebeen made.

Fuel-fired appliances are designed to operate with amaximum and minimum heat energy input capacity. In

Commentary Figure 301.5(1)TYPCIAL LABEL FOR A CATEGORY I GAS-FIRED FURNACE

(Figure courtesy of the Trane U.S. Inc., an Ingersoll Rand Company)

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accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instruc-tions, this capacity might need to be field adjusted tosuit the elevation because of the change in air densityat different elevations. Alteration of heat energy inputbeyond the allowable limits can result in hazardousoverfiring or underfiring. Either condition can causeoperation problems that include overheating, vent fail-ure, corrosion, poor draft and poor combustion. Inputadjustments for different elevations are dictated by theappliance manufacturer and are not addressed in thecode other than by Section 305.1.

301.8 Vibration isolation. Where means for isolation ofvibration of an appliance is installed, an approved means forsupport and restraint of that appliance shall be provided.

❖ Where vibration isolation connections are used inducts and piping and where equipment is mountedwith vibration dampers, support is required for theducts, piping and equipment to maintain positioningand alignment and to prevent stress and strain on thevibration connectors and dampers.

301.9 Repair. Defective material or parts shall be replaced orrepaired in such a manner so as to preserve the originalapproval or listing.

❖ Repair work must not alter the nature of appliancesand equipment in a way that would invalidate the list-ing or conditions of approval. For example, replace-ment of safety control devices with different devicescould alter the design and operation of an appliancefrom that intended by the manufacturer and the listingagency.

301.10 Wind resistance. Appliances and supports that areexposed to wind shall be designed and installed to resist thewind pressures determined in accordance with the Interna-tional Building Code.

❖ Installations of equipment and appliances that aresubject to wind forces must be designed to resist thoseforces. The wind pressures must be based on the windprovisions in the code. The wind pressure require-ments are based on the exposure of the building andwind speeds for that region.

Commentary Figure 301.5(2)ROOFTOP HVAC UNIT LABEL

(Figure courtesy of Carrier Corporation)

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[BS] 301.11 Flood hazard. For structures located in floodhazard areas, the appliance, equipment and system installa-tions regulated by this code shall be located at or above theelevation required by Section 1612 of the InternationalBuilding Code for utilities and attendant equipment.

Exception: The appliance, equipment and system installa-tions regulated by this code are permitted to be locatedbelow the elevation required by Section 1612 of the Inter-national Building Code for utilities and attendant equip-ment provided that they are designed and installed toprevent water from entering or accumulating within thecomponents and to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamicloads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy,during the occurrence of flooding to such elevation.

❖ In flood hazard areas, mechanical systems, equip-ment and appliances must be elevated above the ele-vation specified in the International Building Code

(IBC). Exposure to water can damage most mechan-ical system components as well as cause seriousappliance and equipment malfunctions. For example,the majority of appliance manufacturers require thereplacement of safety controls or entire appliancesthat have been submerged in flood waters. See FEMAP-348 for additional guidance.

The exception to this section provides criteria forplacing specific equipment below the required eleva-tion. To do so, the equipment must be designed to pre-vent the entry or accumulation of water. Standardequipment that typically is installed at-grade is notdesigned to withstand the entry of water and would notmeet the requirements of this exception.

301.12 Seismic resistance. Where earthquake loads areapplicable in accordance with the International BuildingCode, the supports shall be designed and installed for theseismic forces in accordance with that code.

❖ This code requires building systems to be designed forspecified seismic forces. This section references thedetailed equipment and component seismic supportrequirements contained in the code to bring theserequirements to the attention of the design profes-sional and the permit applicant.

Equipment piping must be braced for earthquakeloads as stated in the code. The failure of the supportsfor these components has been shown to be a threatto health and safety in geographical areas where mod-erate- to high-magnitude earthquakes occur. Thecode specifies the geographical locations whereearthquake design is required for certain piping andequipment and the size of the components that mustbe braced.

301.13 Ducts. Ducts required for the installation of systemsregulated by this code shall be designed and installed inaccordance with the International Mechanical Code.

❖ Chapter 6 of the IMC governs duct systems used forthe movement of environmental air, governing the

construction, installation, alteration, maintenance andrepair of these systems (see the definition of “Ductsystem” in Chapter 2).

301.14 Rodentproofing. Buildings or structures and thewalls enclosing habitable or occupiable rooms and spaces inwhich persons live, sleep or work, or in which feed, food orfoodstuffs are stored, prepared, processed, served or sold,shall be constructed to protect against rodents in accordancewith the International Building Code.

❖ This section states the requirements to prevent rodentinfestation of a building. Efforts must be made to pro-tect the annular spaces around openings in exteriorwalls. The annular spaces can be sealed by any effec-tive method, but the primary methods used are to fillthe annular space with a sealant material or to place ametal collar around the penetrating pipe, duct, etc. Thecollar material must be durable for the weather expo-sure and strong enough to prevent the rodents fromchewing through and entering the building.

Effort must also be made to cover ventilation andcombustion air openings with wire mesh material toprevent the entry of rodents through the opening.

301.15 Prohibited location. The appliances, equipment andsystems regulated by this code shall not be located in an ele-vator shaft.

❖ The code views an elevator shaft as an unnecessarilyrisky location for fuel-gas system components. Thereis a potential for leaks in fuel-gas system equipmentand piping, which would release fuel gas into the shaft,creating a hazardous condition. Because the elevatoris often relied on for fire-fighting access as well asegress for those with disabilities, the shaft must bemaintained free from contaminants and potential haz-ards that could render the elevator inoperative orunsafe for the occupants. The location of fuel-gas-fired equipment in an elevator shaft could also createaccess problems for service of the gas-fired equip-ment and the elevator equipment.

SECTION 302 (IFGC)STRUCTURAL SAFETY

[BS] 302.1 Structural safety. The building shall not beweakened by the installation of any gas piping. In the processof installing or repairing any gas piping, the finished floors,walls, ceilings, tile work or any other part of the building orpremises that is required to be changed or replaced shall beleft in a safe structural condition in accordance with therequirements of the International Building Code.

❖ The installation of fuel gas systems must not adverselyaffect the structural integrity of the building compo-nents. The code dictates the structural safety require-ments that must be applied to any structural portion ofthe building that is penetrated, altered or removedduring the installation, replacement or repair of fuelgas systems.