International Mechanical Code 2021
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) serves as the foundation for establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, blending prescriptive and performance-related provisions. Developed with a comprehensive approach, the IMC is designed to accommodate the adoption of innovative materials, methods, and design concepts. In its 2021 edition, several noteworthy changes have been introduced. These include requirements for clothes dryer exhaust terminals to maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet from any building opening, specific limits on the use of polyurethane spray-applied foam on duct exteriors in attics and crawl spaces, mandatory approved access for inspection and maintenance in fire and smoke dampers, updated refrigerant tables to encompass new refrigerants, the addition of condensate termination identification markings and discharge restrictions, allowance for approved factory-built combination intake/exhaust terminations with relaxed separation requirements, a 30% reduction in the minimum mechanical ventilation for whole-house balanced ventilation systems, a continuous operation mandate for exhaust systems in manicure and pedicure stations, and a requirement for grease duct horizontal cleanout within 3 feet of a horizontal discharge fan.
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