Page 523 - 2018_IRC

GENERAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

SECTION M1305 of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the ser-
APPLIANCE ACCESS vice space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below the adjoin-
M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair ing grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with
and replacement. Appliances shall be located to allow for concrete or masonry extending 4 inches (102 mm) above
access for inspection, service, repair and replacement without the adjoining grade in accordance with Chapter 4. The
removing permanent construction, other appliances, or any rough-framed access opening dimensions shall be not less
other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm), and
inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working large enough to remove the largest appliance.
space not less than 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 Exceptions:
mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side 1. The passageway is not required where the level
to service an appliance.
service space is present when the access is open,
M1305.1.1 Appliances in rooms. Appliances installed in and the appliance can be serviced and removed
a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be through the required opening.
accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed pas- 2. Where the passageway is unobstructed and not
sageway measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide less than 6 feet high (1929 mm) and 22 inches
and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance (559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passage-
in the space, provided there is a level service space of not way shall not be limited in length.
less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the
appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), at the M1305.1.3.1 Ground clearance. Equipment and appli-
front or service side of the appliance with the door open. ances supported from the ground shall be level and
firmly supported on a concrete slab or other approved
M1305.1.2 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appli- material extending not less than 3 inches (76 mm)
ances shall be provided with an opening and a clear and above the adjoining ground. Such support shall be in
unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instruc-
of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 tions. Appliances suspended from the floor shall have a
mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than clearance of not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from the
20 feet (6096 mm) long measured along the centerline of ground.
the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The
passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accor- M1305.1.3.2 Pit locations. Appliances installed in pits
dance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) or excavations shall not come in direct contact with the
wide. A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 surrounding soil and shall be installed not less than 3
mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present inches (76 mm) above the pit floor. The sides of the pit
along all sides of the appliance where access is required. or excavation shall be held back not less than 12 inches
The clear access opening dimensions shall be not less than (305 mm) from the appliance. Where the depth exceeds
of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), and large 12 inches (305 mm) below adjoining grade, the walls of
enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. the pit or excavation shall be lined with concrete or
masonry. Such concrete or masonry shall extend not
Exceptions:
less than 4 inches (102 mm) above adjoining grade and
1. The passageway and level service space are not shall have sufficient lateral load-bearing capacity to
required where the appliance can be serviced and resist collapse. Excavation on the control side of the
removed through the required opening. appliance shall extend horizontally not less than 30
2. Where the passageway is unobstructed and not inches (762 mm). The appliance shall be protected
less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high and 22 inches (559 from flooding in an approved manner.
mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway M1305.1.3.3 Electrical requirements. A luminaire
shall be not more than 50 feet (15 250 mm) long. controlled by a switch located at the required passage-
M1305.1.2.1 Electrical requirements. A luminaire way opening and a receptacle outlet shall be installed at
controlled by a switch located at the required passage- or near the appliance location in accordance with
way opening and a receptacle outlet shall be installed at Chapter 39. Exposed lamps shall be protected from
or near the appliance location in accordance with damage by location or lamp guards.
Chapter 39. Exposed lamps shall be protected from
damage by location or lamp guards.
SECTION M1306
M1305.1.3 Appliances under floors. Underfloor spaces CLEARANCES FROM
containing appliances shall be provided with an unob- COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION
structed passageway large enough to remove the largest
appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and M1306.1 Appliance clearance. Appliances shall be installed
22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than 20 feet (6096 with the clearances from unprotected combustible materials
mm) long measured along the centerline of the passage- as indicated on the appliance label and in the manufacturer’s
way from the opening to the appliance. A level service installation instructions.
space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches M1306.2 Clearance reduction. The reduction of required
(762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side clearances to combustible assemblies or combustible materi-

498 2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE ®
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