REVISION RECORD

FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SUPPLEMENT

July 1, 2018

2016 Title 24, Part 4 California Mechanical Code

General Information:

1. The date of this Supplement is for identification purposes only. See the History Note
Appendix on the backside or accompanying page.

2. This supplement is issued by the California Building Standards Commission in order to

provide new and/or replacement pages containing recently adopted provisions for
California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 4, of the 2016 California Mechanical Code.
Instructions are provided below.

3. Health and Safety Code Section 18938.5 establishes that only building standards in effect
at the time of the application for a building permit may be applied to the project plans and
construction. This rule applies to both adoptions of building standards for Title 24 by the
California Building Standards Commission, and local adoptions and ordinances imposing
building standards. The new building standards provided with the enclosed blue
supplement pages must not be enforced before the effective date.

4. Not all code text on the enclosed blue supplement pages is a new building standard. New,
amended, or repealed building standards are identified by margin symbols. An explanation
of margin symbols is provided in the code before the Table of Contents.

5. You may wish to retain the superseded material with this revision record so that the prior
wording of any section can be easily ascertained.

Title 24, Part 4

Remove Existing Pages Insert Blue-Colored Pages

xxvii – xxx xxvii – xxx

1–2 1–2
27 – 28 27 – 28
45 – 46 45 – 46
55 – 56 55 – 56
61 – 80 61 – 80
80.1 – 80.2
81 – 84 81 – 84
105 – 106 105 – 106
491 – 492 491 – 492
 308.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 316.6 Steel Nail Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
309.0 Workmanship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 316.7 Sleeves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
309.1 Engineering Practices. . . . . . . . . . . 52 316.8 Firewalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
309.2 Concealing Imperfections . . . . . . . . 52 316.9 Structural Members . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
309.3 Installation Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . 52 316.10 Rodentproofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
310.0 Condensate Wastes 316.11 Metal Collars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 317.0 Trenching, Excavation,
310.1 Condensate Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . 52 and Backfill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
310.2 Condensate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 317.1 Trenches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
310.3 Condensate Waste Pipe 317.2 Tunneling and Driving. . . . . . . . . . . 55
Material and Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 317.3 Open Trenches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Table 310.3 Minimum Condensate 317.4 Excavations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Pipe Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
318.0 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
310.4 Appliance Condensate
318.1 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
318.2 Services/Systems and
310.5 Point of Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
310.6 Condensate Waste From 319.0 Steam and Hot-Water
Air-Conditioning Coils . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
310.7 Plastic Fittings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
319.1 Requirements for Hospitals
311.0 Heating or Cooling Air and Optional Services Provided
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 in Correctional Treatment
311.1 Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
311.2 Air Filters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 319.2 Requirements for Skilled
311.3 Prohibited Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Nursing, Intermediate Care
Facilities and Basic Services
311.4 Return-Air Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Provided in Correctional
312.0 Plumbing Connections . . . . . . . . . . 53 Treatment Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
312.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 320.0 Air Conditioning and
313.0 Hangers and Supports . . . . . . . . . . 54 Heating Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
313.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 320.1 Requirements for Hospitals
313.2 Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 and Optional Services
Provided in Correctional
313.3 Suspended Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Treatment Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
313.4 Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
320.2 Requirements for
313.5 Underground Installation. . . . . . . . . 54 Skilled Nursing, Intermediate
313.6 Hanger Rod Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Care Facilities and Basic
Table 313.6 Hanger Rod Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Services Provided in
Correctional Treatment
313.7 Gas Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
314.0 Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
320.3 Requirements for Outpatient
314.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Facilities and Licensed
315.0 Louvers in Hurricane Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Prone Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 320.4 Telephone and Data
315.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Equipment Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
316.0 Protection of Piping, Tubing, 320.5 Psychiatric Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Materials, and Structures . . . . . . . . 54 321.0 Essential Mechanical
316.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
316.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 322.0 Sensitive Areas or Rooms . . . . . . . 56
316.3 Corrosion, Erosion, and Table 303.10.1 Reduction of Clearances
Mechanical Damage. . . . . . . . . . . . 54 with Specified Forms
316.4 Protectively Coated Pipe. . . . . . . . . 54 or Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
316.5 Fire-Resistant Construction . . . . . . 54 Table 313.3 Hangers and Supports . . . . . . . . . . 59

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT xxvii

BLUE
CHAPTER 4 VENTILATION AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 410.0 Laboratory Ventilating Systems
401.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 and Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
401.1 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 410.1 Laboratory Ventilating Systems . . . 70
402.0 Ventilation Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 410.2 Exhaust Hoods and Safety
Cabinets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
402.1 Occupiable Spaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
410.3 Laboratory Fume Hoods . . . . . . . . . 70
402.2 Natural Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
411.0 Kitchen and Dining Areas . . . . . . . . 70
402.3 Mechanical Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . 64
412.0 Boiler, Mechanical, and
402.4 Outdoor Air
Electrical Rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Intake Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
413.0 Odorous Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
402.5 Bathroom Exhaust Fans . . . . . . . . . 64
414.0 Airborne Infection Isolations
403.0 Ventilation Rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
403.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
414.1 Exhaust Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
403.2 Zone Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
414.2 Air Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
403.3 Single-Zone Systems . . . . . . . . . . . 64
415.0 Protective Environment Rooms. . . . 71
403.4 One Hundred Percent
415.1 Air Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Outdoor Air Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . 64
416.0 Alarms – Airborne Infection
403.5 Multiple-Zone
Isolation Rooms and Protective
Recirculating Systems . . . . . . . . . . 64
Environment Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
403.6 Design for Varying
417.0 Testing and Balancing Airborne
Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Infection Isolation Rooms
403.7 Exhaust Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 and Protective Environment
403.8 Dynamic Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
403.9 Air Classification 418.0 Design Requirements for
and Recirculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Ethylene Oxide (ETO)
404.0 Multiple-Zone Systems . . . . . . . . . . 66 Sterilization Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

404.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 418.1 Air Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

404.2 Average Outdoor 418.2 Exhaust Requirements . . . . . . . . . . 71

Air Fraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 418.3 Ventilation Requirements . . . . . . . . 71
404.3 Zone Ventilation Efficiency . . . . . . . 66 418.4 Gas Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
405.0 Evaporative Cooling System 418.5 Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
for Health Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . 67 Table 4-A Pressure Relationship and
406.0 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Ventilation Requirements for
General Acute Care Hospitals,
407.0 Ventilation System Details . . . . . . . . 67
Skilled Nursing Facilities,
407.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Intermediate Care Facilities,
407.2 Outdoor Air Intakes and Correctional Treatment Centers,
Exhaust Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Outpatient Facilities, and
407.3 Air Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Licensed Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

407.4 Air Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Table 4-B Filter Efficiencies for Central

Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
407.5 Variable Air Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Systems in General Acute Care
408.0 Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Hospitals, Acute Psychiatric
408.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Hospitals, Outpatient Facilities,
and Licensed Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
408.2 Filters for Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Table 4-C Filter Efficiencies for Central
408.3 Filters for Skilled Nursing
Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
Facilities, Intermediate
Systems in Skilled Nursing
Care Facilties, and Correctional
Facilities and Intermediate
Treatment Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Care Facilities and Correctional
408.4 Filters for Outpatient Facilities . . . . 69 Treatment Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
409.0 Ducts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Table 402.1 Minimum Ventilation
409.3 Insulation of Ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Rates in Breathing Zone. . . . . . . . . 79

xxviii JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 Table 403.2.2 Zone Air Distribution 506.6 Fire Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80.1 506.7 Duct Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Table 403.5.2 System Ventilation Efficiency . . . . 80.1 Table 506.2(2) Minimum Sheet Metal
Table 403.7 Minimum Exhaust Rates . . . . . . . 80.2 Thickness for
Rectangular Ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
CHAPTER 5 EXHAUST SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . 81 506.8 Protection from
Physical Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
501.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
501.1 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Part II Commercial Hoods and
Kitchen Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
502.0 Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
507.0 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . 91
502.1 Exhaust Opening Protection . . . . . . 83
507.1 Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
502.2 Termination of
Exhaust Ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 507.2 Listed Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Part I Environmental Air Ducts and 507.3 Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Product-Conveying Systems . . . . 83 507.4 Drawings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
503.0 Motors, Fans, and Filters . . . . . . . . 83 507.5 Notification of Change . . . . . . . . . . 92
503.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 508.0 Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
503.2 Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 508.1 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
503.3 Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 508.2 Listed Type I
504.0 Environmental Air Ducts . . . . . . . . . 83 Hood Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
504.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 508.3 Construction of Type I Hoods . . . . . 93
504.2 Independent Exhaust 508.4 Construction of Type II Hoods . . . . . 93
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 508.5 Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
504.3 Domestic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 508.6 Grease Vapor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
504.4 Clothes Dryers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 508.7 Seams, Joints,
504.5 Heat (Energy) and Penetrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Recovery Ventilators . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 508.8 Eyebrow-Type Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . 93
504.6 Gypsum Wallboard Ducts . . . . . . . . 85 508.9 Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
505.0 Product-Conveying Systems . . . . . . 85 508.10 Hood Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
505.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Table 508.10.1.2 Extra-Heavy-Duty Cooking
505.2 Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Appliance Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
505.3 Product-Conveying Table 508.10.1.3 Heavy-Duty Cooking
Ducts Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Appliance Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
505.4 Minimum Velocities Table 508.10.1.4 Medium-Duty Cooking
and Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Appliance Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Table 505.4 Minimum Duct Design Table 508.10.1.5 Light-Duty Cooking
Velocities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Appliance Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
505.5 Makeup Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 508.11 Exhaust Hood Assemblies
with Integrated Supply-Air
505.6 Hoods and Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . 86
Plenums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
505.7 Pharmacies – Compounding
508.12 Solid-Fuel Hood Assemblies. . . . . . 95
Area of Parenteral Solutions. . . . . . 86
508.13 Exhaust Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
506.0 Product-Conveying Ducts . . . . . . . . 86
509.0 Grease Removal
506.1 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Devices in Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
506.2 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 509.1 Grease Removal Devices . . . . . . . . 95
506.3 Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 509.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
506.4 Explosion Venting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 509.3 Solid-Fuel Grease Removal
506.5 Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Table 506.2(1) Minimum Sheet Metal 510.0 Exhaust Duct Systems . . . . . . . . . . 96
Thickness for Round Ducts . . . . . . 88 510.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT xxix

BLUE
 510.2 Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 514.2 Inspection, Testing and
510.3 Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
510.4 Listed Grease Ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 514.3 Inspection for
Grease Buildup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
510.5 Other Grease Ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Table 514.3 Schedule of Inspection for
510.6 Exterior Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Grease Buildup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
510.7 Interior Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
514.4 Cleaning of
510.8 Underground Installations . . . . . . . 100 Exhaust Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
510.9 Termination of Type I Hood 514.5 Cooking Equipment
Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
510.10 Termination of Type II Hood 515.0 Minimum Safety Requirements
Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 for Cooking Equipment . . . . . . . . . 108
510.11 Solid-Fuel Duct Systems . . . . . . . . 101 515.1 Cooking Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 108
511.0 Air Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 515.2 Operating Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
511.1 Exhaust Fans for Commercial 516.0 Recirculating Systems. . . . . . . . . . 109
Cooking Operations . . . . . . . . . . . 102 516.1 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . 109
511.2 Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 516.2 Design Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . 109
511.3 Makeup Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 516.3 Interlocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
511.4 Common Duct (Manifold) 516.4 Location and Application
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
511.5 Solid-Fuel Air Movement 516.5 Additional Fire Safety
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
512.0 Auxiliary Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 104 516.6 Use and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 110
512.1 Dampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 517.0 Solid-Fuel
Cooking Operations . . . . . . . . . . . 110
512.2 Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 104
517.1 Venting Application . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
512.3 Other Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
517.2 Location of Appliances . . . . . . . . . 111
512.4 Solid-Fuel
Auxiliary Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 104 517.3 Hoods for
Solid-Fuel Cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
513.0 Fire-Extinguishing
517.4 Exhaust Systems for
Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Solid-Fuel Cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
513.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
517.5 Grease Removal Devices
513.2 Types of Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 105 for Solid-Fuel Cooking. . . . . . . . . . 112
513.3 Simultaneous Operation . . . . . . . . 106 517.6 Air Movement for
513.4 Fuel and Electric Solid-Fuel Cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Power Shutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 517.7 Fire-Extinguishing Equipment
513.5 Manual Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 for Solid-Fuel Cooking. . . . . . . . . . 112
513.6 System Annunciation . . . . . . . . . . 106 517.8 Other Safety Requirements. . . . . . 112
513.7 System Supervision . . . . . . . . . . . 106 518.0 Downdraft Appliances . . . . . . . . . . 113
513.8 Special Design 518.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
and Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 518.2 Ventilation System. . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
513.9 Review and Certification . . . . . . . . 107 518.3 Fire-Extinguishing
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
513.10 Installation Requirements . . . . . . . 107
518.4 Airflow Switch or
513.11 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . 107
Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
513.12 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
518.5 Surface Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
513.13 Solid-Fuel Fire-Extinguishing
Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
CHAPTER 6 DUCT SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
514.0 Procedures for the Use,
Inspection, Testing, and 601.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Maintenance of Equipment . . . . . . 107 601.1 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
514.1 Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . 107 601.2 Sizing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 117

xxx 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION
(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

BSC- HCD DSA OSHPD

Adopting Agency BSC
CG
SFM
1 2 1-AC AC SS SS/CC 1 2 3 4
BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC

Adopt Entire Chapter

Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)
Adopt only those
sections that are listed
X X X X X X X X X X
below
Chapter/Section
Division I – California
Administration
1.1.0 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.1 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.2 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.3 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.3.1 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.3.2 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.4 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.5 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.6 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.7 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.7.1 X X X X X X
1.1.7.2 X X X X X X
1.1.7.3 X X X X X X
1.1.8 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.9 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.10 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.11 X X X X X X X X X X
1.1.12 X X X X X X X X X X
1.2.0 – 1.2.3 X
1.8.0 – 1.8.10 X X
1.9.0 X X
1.9.1 X
1.9.2 X X
1.9.2.1 X
1.9.2.2 X
1.9.2.3 X
1.9.2.4 X
1.10.1 X
1.10.2 X
1.10.3 X
1.10.4 X
1.11.0 X
Division II –
Administration
101.0 – 104.1 X X X X
104.2 (Items 1 – 5) X X
104.3 – 107.0 X X X X
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to
Section 1.11.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 1

BLUE
2 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

BSC- HCD DSA OSHPD

Adopting Agency BSC
CG
SFM BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
1 2 1-AC AC SS SS/CC 1 2 3 4

Adopt Entire Chapter

Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended X X X X X X X X X X X
sections listed below)
Adopt only those
sections that are listed
below
Article/Section
203.0 X X X X X X X
204.0 X X X X X X X
206.0 X X
207.0 X X X X X X X
208.0 X X X X
209.0 X X X X X X X X X
210.0 X X X X
214.0 X X X
215.0 X
216.0 X X
217.0 X X X X X X X
218.0 X X
222.0 X X
223.0 X X X X X X X
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to
Section 1.11.

JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 27
BLUE
28 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 3 – GENERAL REGULATIONS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

BSC- HCD DSA OSHPD

Adopting Agency BSC
CG
SFM BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
1 2 1-AC AC SS SS/CC 1 2 3 4

Adopt Entire Chapter X

Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections X X X X X X X X X
listed below)
Adopt only those sections
that are listed below
Chapter/Section
303.2, Exception X X X X
303.7 X X X
303.7.1 X X
318.0 X X X
319.1 x X X
319.2 X X
320.1 X X
320.2 X X
320.3 X
320.4 X X
320.5 X X X
321.0 X X X X
322.0 X X X X
322.1 X X X X
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to
Section 1.11.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 45

BLUE
46 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
 GENERAL REGULATIONS

» 316.7.2 Exterior Walls. In exterior walls, annular space

between sleeves and pipes or tubing shall be sealed and
318.0 Scope.
318.1 Applicability. This part is applicable to health facili-
made watertight, as approved by the Authority Having ties regulated by OSHPD (See Adoption Tables for applica-
Jurisdiction. A penetration through fire-resistive tion for specific sections).
construction shall be in accordance with Section 316.5.
»
Note: This section has no corresponding provisions in the
316.8 Firewalls. A pipe sleeve through a firewall shall have UMC. For the scope and authority of each state agency, refer
the space around the pipe or tubing completely sealed with to Chapter 1.
an approved fire-resistive material in accordance with other 318.2 Services/Systems and Utilities. Refer to Section
codes. 1224.4.1 of the California Building Code.
» 316.9 Structural Members. A structural member weakened
or impaired by cutting, notching, or otherwise shall be rein- 319.0 Steam and Hot-Water Systems.
forced, repaired, or replaced so as to be left in a safe structural
condition in accordance with the requirements of the building 319.1 Requirements for Hospitals and Optional Services
code. Provided in Correctional Treatment Centers. [OSHPD 1 & 4]
» 316.10 Rodentproofing. Mechanical system shall be
constructed in such a manner as to restrict rodents or vermin
319.1.1 Boilers shall have the capacity, based upon the
rest ratings published by the Hydronics Institute or
another acceptable national standard to supply the
from entering a building by following the ductwork from the normal operating requirements of all connected systems
outside into the building.
»
and equipment.
316.11 Metal Collars. In or on buildings where openings 319.1.2 A minimum of two boilers shall be provided. The
have been made in walls, floors, or ceilings for the passage of arrangement of boilers shall be based on the capacity
ductwork or pipes, such openings shall be closed and and capability of a boiler or boilers to operate all
protected by the installation of approved metal collars systems during-periods of breakdown or maintenance of
securely fastened to the adjoining structure. any one boiler.
319.1.3 Boiler systems providing space heating shall be
317.0 Trenching, Excavation, and Backfill. designed to maintain a minimum temperature of 60°F
» 317.1 Trenches. Trenches deeper than the footings of a
building or structure, and paralleling the same, shall be
(15.6°C) in general patient areas and the temperatures
specified in Table 4-A for sensitive areas during periods
of breakdown or maintenance of any one boiler.
located not less than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) from the bottom
exterior edge of the footing, or as approved in accordance 319.1.4 Boiler feed pumps, condensate return pumps,
with Section 302.0. fuel oil pumps, and heating circulating pumps shall be
» 317.2 Tunneling and Driving. Tunneling and driving shall
be permitted to be done in yards, courts, or driveways of a
connected and installed to provide standby service in the
event of pump failure. Installation of duplex pumps or
provision of a spare pump will meet this requirement.
building site. Where sufficient depth is available to permit,
319.1.5 At least two sources of heat (e.g. two pieces of
tunnels shall be permitted to be used between open-cut
equipment) shall be provided for supplying essential
trenches. Tunnels shall have a clear height of 2 feet (610 mm) services such as sterilizers, hot water for dishwashing,
above the pipe and shall be limited in length to one-half the and domestic hot water for minimum patient service,
depth of the trench, with a maximum length of 8 feet (2438 such as handwashing and baths. Booster heaters for
mm). Where pipes are driven, the drive pipe shall be not less dishwashing providing 125°F to 180°F (52°C to 82°C)
than one size larger than the pipe to be laid. water may be counted as the second source of heat for
317.3 Open Trenches. Excavations required to be made for that service.
the installation of a mechanical system or part thereof, within 319.2 Requirements for Skilled Nursing, Intermediate Care
the walls of a building, shall be open trench work and shall be Facilities and Basic Services Provided in Correctional
kept open until it has been inspected, tested, and accepted. Treatment Centers. [For OSHPD 2 & 4]
» 317.4 Excavations. Excavations shall be completely back-
filled as soon after inspection as practicable. Precaution shall
319.2.1 Boilers, if provided, shall accommodate Section
319.1.
be taken to ensure compactness of backfill around piping 319.2.2 Two or more interconnected water heaters are
without damage to such piping. Trenches shall be backfilled an acceptable means to provide two sources of heat for
in thin layers to 12 inches (305 mm) above the top of the hot water (See Section 319.1.5).
piping with clean earth, which shall not contain stones, boul-
ders, cinderfill, frozen earth, construction debris, or other
materials that will damage or break the piping or cause 320.0 Air Conditioning and Heating Systems.
corrosive action. Mechanical devices such as bulldozers, 320.1 Requirements for Hospitals and Optional Services
graders, etc., shall be permitted to then be used to complete Provided in Correctional Treatment Centers. [OSHPD 1 & 4]
backfill to grade. Fill shall be properly compacted. Precau- 320.1.1 The systems shall be designed to provide the
tions shall be taken to ensure permanent stability for pipe laid temperatures and relative humidity for sensitive areas or
in filled or made ground. rooms shown in Table 4-A. When outdoor humidity and

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 55

BLUE
GENERAL REGULATIONS

internal moisture sources are not sufficient to meet the psychiatric hospitals, general acute-care hospitals, and
requirements of sensitive areas or rooms in Table 4-A, special treatment program service units in skilled nursing
humidification shall be provided by means of the health- facilities, psychiatric, seclusion, and holding-patient rooms
care facility air-handling systems. Temperature shall be shall be designed with security diffusers, grilles, and registers.
individually controlled for each operating and delivery
room. Burn unit patient rooms that require humidifiers
321.0 Essential Mechanical Provisions. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3
to comply with the requirements of sensitive areas or
(Surgical Clinics only) & 4] During periods of power
rooms in Table 4-A shall be provided with individual
outages essential electrical power shall be provided for the
humidity control. All humidifiers shall use dry steam.
following equipment:
Humidifiers shall be located within air handling systems
or ductwork to avoid moisture accumulation in down- 321.1 (Does not apply to OSHPD 3 surgical clinic.) All
stream components, including filters and insulation. heating equipment necessary to maintain a minimum temper-
ature of 60°F (15.6°) in patient areas which are not specified
320.1.2 Heating systems shall be designed based on the
in Section 322.0.
“Heating DB 99.6%” column of the Climatic Design
Data in ASHRAE Handbook-Fundamentals. The systems 321.2 All heating equipment necessary to maintain the
shall be thermostatically controlled with appropriate minimum temperatures listed in Table 4-A for sensitive areas
zoning to achieve the above conditions. specified in Section 322.0.
320.1.3 Cooling systems shall be designed based on the 321.3 Equipment necessary for humidification of the areas
0.4% columns of the four Annual Design Conditions listed in Section 322.0.
titled Cooling, Evaporation, Dehumidification, and 321.4 All supply, return, and exhaust fans required to maintain
Enthalpy shown by the Climate Design Data in ASHRAE the positive and negative air balances as required in Table 4-A.
Handbook-Fundamentals. The systems shall be thermo- 321.5 All control components and control systems necessary
statically controlled with appropriate zoning to achieve for the normal operation of equipment required to have essen-
the above conditions. tial electrical power.
320.2 Requirements for Skilled Nursing, Intermediate Care 321.6 Alarms for airborne infection isolation rooms and
Facilities and Basic Services Provided in Correctional protective environment rooms.
Treatment Centers. [For OSHPD 2 & 4]
320.2.1 Systems shall accommodate the provisions of 322.0 Sensitive Areas or Rooms. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 (Surgical
Sections 320.1.2 through 320.1.3. Clinics) & 4] The following are sensitive areas or rooms:
320.2.2 Where air conditioning is provided, the system (1) Operating room, hybrid operation room
shall be thermostatically controlled in one or more zones.
(2) Cystoscopy
320.3 Requirements for Outpatient Facilities and Licensed (3) Cardiac catheterization lab
Clinics. [For OSHPD 3]
(4) Trauma/cardiac room
320.3.1 The system shall be designed to provide the
temperature and humidity’s for sensitive areas for rooms (5) Delivery room, cesarean operating room
shown in Table 4-A. (6) Gastrointestinal endoscopy procedure room
320.4 Telephone and Data Equipment Rooms. [OSHPD 1 & (7) Post-anesthesia care unit
4] Where telecommunications service entrance rooms, tech- (8) Newborn nursery
nology equipment centers, or technology distribution rooms (9) Newborn intensive-care nursery unit
are provided in accordance with Section 1224.5 of the Cali-
(10) Intensive care
fornia Building Code, the following requirements shall apply:
(11) Burn unit
320.4.1 Power for HVAC systems serving the room(s)
shall be supplied by the Equipment Branch pursuant to 322.1 The following conditions shall be met for sensitive
the California Electrical Code. Where redundant systems areas or rooms:
are provided, only one shall be required to be supplied by (1) Thermostats and humidistats shall be either locally reset-
the Equipment Branch. table and of the non-locking type or remotely resettable
320.4.2 Mechanical equipment or fixtures that are not and of the locking type.
directly related to the support of the room shall not be (2) Systems shall be capable of maintaining the rooms within
installed in or pass through the room. the temperature range in Table 4-A during normal oper-
ation. Lower or higher temperature shall be permitted
Exception: Unrelated ductwork may be installed and shall
when patients’ comfort and/or medical conditions require
be not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the finished floor.
those conditions.
320.4.3 HVAC systems shall be provided to maintain
(3) The humidity ranges listed in Table 4-A are the minimum
environmental conditions recommended in ASHRAE’s
and maximum limits where control is specifically needed.
Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environment
and the requirements of the specific equipment installed. (4) Types of intensive care service spaces are listed in the
California Building Code.
320.5 Psychiatric Services. [OSHPD 1, 2, & 4] For projects
associated with provision of psychiatric services in acute

56 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 4 – VENTILATION AIR
(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

BSC- HCD DSA OSHPD

Adopting Agency BSC
CG
SFM BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
1 2 1-AC AC SS SS/CC 1 2 3 4

Adopt Entire Chapter

Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended X X X X X X
sections listed below)
Adopt only those
sections that are listed
below X X X X
Chapter/Section
401.0 X X X X X
402.0 X X X X
402.1 X X X X X X X
402.5 X X
403.0 X X X X
403.7.2.1 – 403.7.2.4 X X X
405.0 X X X X
407.0 X X X X
408.0 X X X X
409.0 X X X X
410.0 X X X X
411.0 X X X X
412.0 X X X X
413.0 X X X X
414.0 X X X X
415.0 X X X X
416.0 X X X X
416.3 X
417.0 X X X X
418.0 X X X X
Table 4-A X X X X
Table 4-B X X
Table 4-C X X
Table 402.1 X X X
Table 403.7 Note 10 & 11 X X
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to
Section 1.11.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 61

BLUE
62 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
 CHAPTER 4
VENTILATION AIR

401.0 General. 402.2 Natural Ventilation. Natural ventilation systems shall

401.1 Applicability. This chapter contains requirements for be designed in accordance with this section and shall include
ventilation air supply, exhaust, and makeup air requirements mechanical ventilation systems designed in accordance with
for occupiable spaces within a building. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] Section 403.0, Section 404.0, or both.
See Sections 404.0 through 418.0. [SFM] Air filters shall Exceptions:
comply with all requirements of Part 12, Title 24, Chapter 12-
(1) An engineered natural ventilation system where
71, SFM Standard 12-71-1.
approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction need not
comply with Section 402.2.
402.0 Ventilation Air. [Not permitted for OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] (2) A mechanical ventilation system is not required where
402.1 Occupiable Spaces. Occupiable spaces listed in Table natural ventilation openings comply with the require-
402.1 shall be designed to have ventilation (outdoor) air for ments of Section 402.2 and are permanently open or have
occupants in accordance with this chapter. Ventilation air controls that prevent the openings from being closed
supply requirements for occupancies regulated by the Cali- during occupancy.
fornia Energy Commission are found in the California Energy
(3) A mechanical ventilation system is not required where
Code.
the zone is not served by heating or cooling equipment.
402.1.1 Construction Documents. The outdoor air [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4]
ventilation rate and air distribution assumptions made in
the design of the ventilation system shall be clearly iden- 402.2.1 Floor Area to Be Ventilated. Spaces, or portions
tified on the construction documents. of spaces, to be naturally ventilated shall be located
within a distance based on the ceiling height, in accor-
402.1.2 Dwelling. Requirements for ventilation air rate dance with Section 402.2.1.1, Section 402.2.1.2, or
for single-family dwellings shall be in accordance with
Section 402.2.1.3, from operable wall openings in accor-
this chapter or ASHRAE 62.2.
dance with Section 402.2.2. For spaces with ceilings
402.1.3 Ventilation in Health Care Facilities. Mechan- which are not parallel to the floor, the ceiling height shall
ical ventilation for health care facilities shall be designed be determined in accordance with Section 402.2.1.4.
and installed in accordance with this code and ASHRAE [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1]
170-2013, through Addendum ae, as published with
“Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and 402.2.1.1 Single Side Opening. For spaces with
Outpatient Facilities,” 2014 edition (published by The operable openings on one side of the space, the
Facility Guidelines Institute). All supply-air, return air, distance from the operable openings shall be not
and exhaust-air systems shall comply with ASHRAE 170. more than 2H, where H is the ceiling height.
The text of ASHRAE 170 shall be modified as follows: [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.1]
(1) ASHRAE 170. Section 6.1.2.1 -- Not adopted. 402.2.1.2 Double Side Opening. For spaces with
(2) ASHRAE 170. Section 6.3.2 -- Not adopted. operable openings on two opposite sides of the
space, the distance from the operable openings shall
(3) ASHRAE 170. Table 6.4 - Not adopted.
be not more than 5H, where H is the ceiling height.
(4) ASHRAE 170. Section 6.4-6.4.4 -- Not adopted. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.2]
(5) ASHRAE 170. Section 6.9 -- Not adopted. 402.2.1.3 Corner Openings. For spaces with oper-
(6) ASHRAE 170. Section 7.1a -- Modify as follows: able openings on two adjacent sides of a space, such
Replace reference to Table 7.1 with reference to as two sides of a corner, the distance from the oper-
Table 4-A. able openings shall be not more than 5H along a line
(7) ASHRAE 170. Section 7.2.1a through e -- Not drawn between the two openings that are farthest
adopted. apart. Floor area outside that line shall comply with
Section 402.2.1.1. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.3]
(8) ASHRAE 170. Section 7.2.2 a through c, and e --
Not adopted 402.2.1.4 Ceiling Height. The ceiling height, H, to
(9) ASHRAE 170. Section 7.2.3 -- Not adopted. be used in Section 402.2.1.1 through Section
402.2.1.3 shall be the minimum ceiling height in the
(10) ASHRAE 170. Section 7.3.1 -- Modify as follows: space.
Replace reference to Table 7.1 with reference to Exception: For ceilings that are increasing in height
Table 4-A.
as distance from the openings is increased, the
(11) ASHRAE 170. Section 7.4.1 -- Modify as follows: ceiling height shall be determined as the average
Delete the Exception that allows for high return height of the ceiling within 20 feet (6096 mm) from
grilles. the operable openings. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.4]

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 63

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

» 402.2.2 Location and Size of Openings. Spaces, or

portions of spaces, to be naturally ventilated shall be
zone outdoor airflow (Vbz), shall be not less than the
value determined in accordance with Equation 403.2.1.
permanently open to operable wall openings directly to
the outdoors, the openable area of which is a minimum of
Vbz = Rp• Pz + Ra• Az (Equation 403.2.1)
4 percent of the net occupiable floor area. Where openings
are covered with louvers or otherwise obstructed, open-
able area shall be based on the net free unobstructed area Where:
through the opening. Where interior rooms, or portions of Az = zone floor area: the net occupiable floor area of
rooms, without direct openings to the outdoors are venti- the ventilation zone, square feet (m2).
lated through adjoining rooms, the opening between rooms Pz = zone population: The number of people in the venti-
shall be permanently unobstructed and shall have a free lation zone during typical usage.
area of not less than 8 percent of the area of the interior
room nor less than 25 square feet (2.3 m2). [ASHRAE Rp = outdoor airflow rate required per person as deter-
62.1:6.4.2] mined from Table 402.1.

» 402.2.3 Control and Accessibility. The means to open

required operable openings shall be readily accessible to
Ra = outdoor airflow rate required per unit area as deter-
mined from Table 402.1. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.2.1]
building occupants where the space is occupied. Controls 403.2.2 Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness. The zone
shall be designed to coordinate operation of the natural air distribution effectiveness (Ez ) shall be not greater
and mechanical ventilation systems. [ASHRAE than the default value determined in accordance with
62.1:6.4.3] Table 403.2.2. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.2.2]
402.3 Mechanical Ventilation. Where natural ventilation is 403.2.3 Zone Outdoor Airflow. The zone outdoor
not permitted by this section or the building code, mechanical airflow (Voz), i.e., the outdoor airflow rate that shall be
ventilation systems shall be designed, constructed, and provided to the ventilation zone by the supply air distri-
installed to provide a method of supply air and exhaust air. bution system, shall be determined in accordance with
Mechanical ventilation systems shall include controls, manual Equation 403.2.3. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.2.3]
or automatic, that enable the fan system to operate wherever
the spaces served are occupied. The system shall be designed Voz = Vbz / Ez (Equation 403.2.3)
to maintain minimum outdoor airflow as required by Section
403.0 under any load conditions.
403.3 Single-Zone Systems. For ventilation systems where
402.4 Outdoor Air Intake Protection. Required outdoor-air
one or more air handlers supply a mixture of outdoor air and
intakes shall be covered with a screen having not less than 1⁄4
recirculated air to only one ventilation zone, the outdoor air
of an inch (6.4 mm) openings, and shall have not more than 1⁄2
intake flow (Vot) shall be determined in accordance with
of an inch (12.7 mm) openings.
Equation 403.3. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.3]
402.4.1 Weather Protections. Outdoor air intakes that
are part of the mechanical ventilation system shall be
designed to manage rain entrainment, to prevent rain Vot = Voz (Equation 403.3)
intrusion, and manage water from snow in accordance
with ASHRAE 62.1. 403.4 One Hundred Percent Outdoor Air Systems. For
402.5 Bathroom Exhaust Fans. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Each ventilation systems where one or more air handlers supply
bathroom shall be mechanically ventilated in accordance with only outdoor air to one or more ventilation zones, the outdoor
Division 4.5 of the California Green Building Standards Code air intake flow (Vot ) shall be determined in accordance with
(CALGreen). Equation 403.4. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.4]

403.0 Ventilation Rates. [Not permitted for OSHPD 1, 2, 3 Vot = ∑ all zones Voz (Equation 403.4)
& 4]
403.1 General. The design outdoor air intake flow rate for a 403.5 Multiple-Zone Recirculating Systems. For ventila-
ventilation system shall be determined in accordance with tion systems where one or more air handlers supply a mixture
Section 403.2 through Section 403.9.4. of outdoor air and recirculated air to more than one ventila-
403.2 Zone Calculations. Ventilation zone parameters shall tion zone, the outdoor air intake flow (Vot) shall be deter-
be determined in accordance with Section 403.2.1 through mined in accordance with Section 403.5.1 through Section
Section 403.2.3 for each ventilation zone served by the venti- 403.5.4. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.5]
lation system. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.2] 403.5.1 Primary Outdoor Air Fraction. The primary
403.2.1 Breathing Zone Outdoor Airflow. The outdoor outdoor air fraction (Zpz ) shall be determined for venti-
airflow required in the breathing zone of the occupiable lation zones in accordance with Equation 403.5.1.
space or spaces in a ventilation zone, i.e., the breathing [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.5.1]

64 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

Zpz = Voz /Vpz (Equation 403.5.1) Where:

T = averaging time period, minutes.
Where: v = the volume of the ventilation zone for which
Vpz is the zone primary airflow, i.e., the primary airflow averaging is being applied, cubic foot (m3).
rate to the ventilation zone from the air handler, including Vbz = the breathing zone outdoor airflow determined
outdoor air and recirculated air. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.5.1] in accordance with Equation 403.2.1 and design
403.5.2 System Ventilation Efficiency. The system value of the zone population (Pz), cubic foot per
ventilation efficiency (Ev) shall be determined in accor- minute (cfm) (m3/min).
dance with Table 403.5.2 or Section 404.0. [ASHRAE Acceptable design adjustments based on this optional
62.1:6.2.5.2] provision shall be in accordance with the following:
403.5.3 Uncorrected Outdoor Air Intake. The uncor- (1) Zones with fluctuating occupancy: The zone popu-
rected outdoor air intake (Vou) flow shall be determined in lation (Pz) shall be permitted to be averaged over
accordance with Equation 403.5.3(1). [ASHRAE time (T).
62.1:6.2.5.3] (2) Zones with intermittent interruption of supply air: The
average outdoor airflow supplied to the breathing
zone over time (T) shall be not less than the breathing
[Equation 403.5.3(1)]
zone outdoor airflow (Vbz) calculated using Equation
Vou = D ∑ all zones (Rp•Pz) + ∑ all zones (Ra•Az) 403.2.1.
(3) Systems with intermittent closure of the outdoor air
The occupant diversity ratio (D) shall be determined intake: The average outdoor air intake over time (T)
in accordance with Equation 403.5.3(2) to account for shall be not less than the minimum outdoor air intake
variations in population within the ventilation zones served (Vot) calculated using Equation 403.3, Equation 403.4,
by the system. or Equation 403.5.4. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.6.2]
403.7 Exhaust Ventilation. Exhaust airflow shall be
provided in accordance with the requirements in Table 403.7.
D = Ps / ∑ all zones Pz [Equation 403.5.3(2)] Exhaust makeup air shall be permitted to be a combination
of outdoor air, recirculated air, and transfer air.
Where the system population (Ps) is the total popu- 403.7.1 Parking Garages. Exhaust rate for parking
lation in the area served by the system. garages shall be in accordance with Table 403.7. Exhaust
Exception: Alternative methods to account for occupant rate shall not be required for enclosed parking garages
diversity shall be permitted, provided that the resulting having a floor area of 1000 square feet (92.9 m2) or less
(Vou) value is not less than that determined in accordance and used for the storage of 5 or less vehicles.
with Equation 403.5.3(1). [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.5.3.1] 403.7.2 Enclosed Parking Garages. Mechanical venti-
403.5.4 Outdoor Air Intake. The design outdoor air lation systems for enclosed parking garages shall operate
intake flow (Vot) shall be determined in accordance with continuously.
Equation 403.5.4. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.5.4] Exceptions:
(1) Mechanical ventilation systems shall be permitted
to operate intermittently where the system is
Vot = Vou/Ev (Equation 403.5.4)
designed to operate automatically upon detection of
vehicle operation or the presence of occupants by
403.6 Design for Varying Operating Conditions. Ventila- approved automatic detection devices.
tion systems shall be designed to be capable of providing not (2) Approved automatic carbon monoxide sensing
less than the minimum ventilation rates required in the devices shall be permitted to be employed to modu-
breathing zone where the zones served by the system are occu- late the ventilation system to not exceed a maximum
pied, including all full and part-load conditions. The minimum average concentration of carbon monoxide of 50
outdoor air intake flow shall be permitted to be less than the parts per million during an eight-hour period, with a
design value at part-load conditions. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.6.1] concentration of not more than 200 parts per million
403.6.1 Short-Term Conditions. Where it is known that for a period not exceeding one hour. Automatic
peak occupancy will be of short duration or the ventila- carbon monoxide sensing devices installed to modu-
lated parking garage ventilation systems shall be
tion will be varied or interrupted for a short period of
approved in accordance with Section 301.2.
time, the design shall be permitted to be based on the
average conditions over a time period (T) determined in 403.7.2.1 Alternative Exhaust Ventilation for
accordance with Equation 403.6.1. Enclosed Parking Garages.
403.7.2.2 Minimum Exhaust Rate. [HCD 1 & 2] In
lieu of the exhaust rates in Table 403.7, ventilation
T = 3v/Vbz (Equation 403.6.1) systems shall be capable of providing 14,000 cfm

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 65

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

(6608 L/s) of exhaust air for each operating vehicle. 403.9.4 Class 4 Air. Class 4 air shall not be recirculated
Number of operating vehicles shall be determined or transferred to other spaces or be recirculated within
based on 2.5 percent of all parking spaces (and not the space of origin. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.4]
less than one vehicle).
403.7.2.3 Exhaust Inlet Distribution. [HCD 1 & 2] 404.0 Multiple-Zone Systems.
To ensure proper exhaust of contaminated air and
fumes from parking garages, exhaust systems 404.1 General. This section presents an alternative procedure
utilizing multiple exhaust inlets shall be designed so for calculating the system ventilation efficiency (Ev) where
that exhaust inlets are distributed in such a manner values in Table 403.5.2 are not used. The system ventilation
that no portion of the parking garage is more than efficiency shall equal the lowest zone ventilation efficiency
50 feet (15 240 mm) from an exhaust inlet. Such among the ventilation zones served by the air handler in
exhaust inlets shall be installed so that the highest accordance with Equation 404.1. [ASHRAE 62.1:A1.3]
elevation of the exhaust inlet is no greater than 12
inches (305 mm) below the lowest ceiling level. Ev = minimum (Evz) (Equation 404.1)
Exception: Garage exhaust systems designed without
distributed exhaust inlets may have their exhaust
inlets designed based on the principles of engineering 404.2 Average Outdoor Air Fraction. The average outdoor
and mechanics and shall provide the minimum air fraction (Xs) for the ventilation system shall be determined
required exhaust rate in Table 403.7. in accordance with Equation 404.2.
403.7.2.4 Exhaust System Operation. [HCD 1 & 2]
Exhaust systems shall operate continuously unless Xs =Vou/Vps (Equation 404.2)
one of the exceptions to continuous operation of
Section 403.7 is utilized.
The uncorrected outdoor air intake (Vou) shall be deter-
403.8 Dynamic Reset. The system shall be permitted to be mined in accordance with Section 403.5.3, and the system
designed to reset the outdoor air intake flow (Vot ), the space primary airflow (Vps) shall be determined at the condition
or ventilation zone airflow (Voz ) as operating conditions
analyzed. [ASHRAE 62.1:A1.1]
change. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.2.7]
403.9 Air Classification and Recirculation. Air shall be
404.3 Zone Ventilation Efficiency. The zone ventilation effi-
ciency (Evz) shall be the efficiency with which a system
«
classified, and the recirculation or transfer shall be limited in
accordance with Section 403.9.1 through Section 403.9.4. distributes outdoor air from the intake to an individual
[ASHRAE 62.1:5.16] Recirculated air shall not be taken from breathing zone, and shall be determined in accordance with
Section 404.3.1 or Section 404.3.2. [ASHRAE 62.1:A1.2]
prohibited locations in accordance with Section 311.3.
403.9.1 Class 1 Air. Recirculation or transfer of Class 1 404.3.1 Single Supply Systems. For single supply
systems, where the air supplied to a ventilation zone is a
«
air to other spaces shall be permitted. [ASHRAE
62.1:5.16.3.1] mixture of outdoor air and system-level recirculated air,
zone ventilation efficiency (Evz) shall be determined in
403.9.2 Class 2 Air. Recirculation of Class 2 air within accordance with Equation 404.3.1. Examples of single
the space of origin shall be permitted. Recirculation or
supply systems include constant-volume reheat, single-
transfer of Class 2 air to other Class 2 or Class 3 spaces
duct VAV, single-fan dual-duct, and multizone systems.
shall be permitted, provided the other spaces are used for
the same or similar purpose or task and involve the same
or similar pollutant sources as the Class 2 space. Transfer Evz = 1+Xs–Zpz (Equation 404.3.1)
of Class 2 air to toilet rooms shall be permitted. Recir-
culation or transfer of Class 2 air to Class 4 spaces shall
be permitted. Class 2 air shall not be recirculated or trans- The average outdoor air fraction for the system (Xs)
ferred to Class 1 spaces. Where using an energy recover shall be determined in accordance with Equation 404.2
device, recirculation from leakage, carryover, or transfer and the primary outdoor air fraction for the zone (Zpz)
from the exhaust side of the energy recovery device shall shall be determined in accordance with Section 403.5.1.
[ASHRAE 62.1:A1.2.1]
«
be permitted and the recirculated Class 2 air shall not
exceed 10 percent of the outdoor air intake flow. 404.3.2 Secondary-Recirculation Systems. For
[ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.2] secondary-recirculation systems where the supply air or a
403.9.3 Class 3 Air. Recirculation of Class 3 air within portion thereof to a ventilation zone is recirculated air
the space of origin shall be permitted. Class 3 air shall from other zones, without being directly mixed with
not be recirculated or transferred to other spaces. Where outdoor air, the zone ventilation efficiency (Evz) shall be
using an energy recover device, recirculation from determined in accordance with Equation 404.3.2(1).
leakage, carryover, or transfer from the exhaust side of Examples of secondary-recirculation systems include
the energy recovery device shall be permitted and the dual-fan dual-duct and fan-powered mixing box systems,
recirculated Class 3 air shall not exceed 5 percent of the and systems that include transfer fans for conference
outdoor air intake flow. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.3] rooms.

66 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

[Equation 404.3.2(1)] equipment will be considered when specifically approved by

Evz = (Fa+Xs•Fb–Zpz•Ep•Fc)/Fa the enforcing agency. The evaporative pads shall be a synthetic
type. Filters shall be required in accordance with Tables 4-B
and 4-C except utility rooms, i.e.: boiler or machinery rooms.
The system air fractions Fa, Fb, and Fc shall be
determined in accordance with Equation 404.3.2(2),
Equation 404.3.2(3), and Equation 404.3.2(4). The zone 406.0 Reserved.
primary air fraction (Ep) shall be determined in accor-
dance with Equation 404.3.2(5). For single-zone and 407.0 Ventilation System Details. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4]
single-supply systems Ep shall equal to 1.0. The zone
secondary recirculation fraction (Er) shall be determined 407.1 General.
by the designer based on system configuration. The zone 407.1.1 All supply-air, return air, and exhaust-air systems
air distribution effectiveness (Ez) shall be determined in shall be mechanically operated and such systems for
accordance with Section 403.2.2. [ASHRAE 62.1:A1.2.2] areas listed in Table 4-A shall be operated continuously.
Natural ventilation through windows or other openings
such as louvers will be considered as supplemental to the
Fa = Ep+(1–Ep)•Er [Equation 404.3.2(2)] required mechanical ventilation systems.
Exceptions:
Fb = E p [Equation 404.3.2(3)]
(1) Natural ventilation shall not be used in airborne
infection isolation rooms and protective environment
Fc = 1–(1–Ez)•(1–Er)•(1–Ep) [Equation 404.3.2(4)] rooms.
(2) The number of air changes may be reduced to 25
Ep = Vpz/Vdz [Equation 404.3.2(5)] percent of the indicated value in Table 4-A, when the
room is unoccupied, if provisions are made to ensure
Where: the following:
Ep - Primary air fraction: The fraction of primary air in (1) The number of air changes per hour indicated
the discharge air to the ventilation zone. is reestablished whenever the space is occupied.
Er - Secondary recirculation fraction: In systems with (2) The pressure relationship with the surrounding
secondary recirculation of return air, the fraction of rooms is maintained when the air changes per
secondary recirculated air to the zone that is representa- hour are reduced. In areas requiring no contin-
tive of average system return air rather than air directly uous directional control as identified in accor-
recirculated from the zone. dance with Table 4-A, ventilation systems may
Fa - Supply air fraction: The fraction of supply air to the be shut down when the space is unoccupied and
ventilation zone from sources or air outside the zone. ventilation is not otherwise required. Ventila-
tion shall not be reduced in rooms specifically
Fb - Mixed air fraction: The fraction of supply air to the used for airborne infection control, such as
ventilation zone from fully mixed primary air. waiting rooms, triage rooms, corridors, recep-
Fc - Outdoor air fraction: The fraction of outdoor air to tion areas, areas adjacent to waiting areas,
the ventilation zone from sources of air outside the zone. airborne infection isolation rooms, negative
Vdz - Zone discharge airflow: The expected discharge pressure exam room, negative pressure x-ray
(supply) airflow to the zone that includes primary airflow treatment rooms, and protective environment
and secondary recirculated airflow, cfm (m3/min). rooms. All operating and delivery rooms shall
Vpz - Zone primary airflow: Determine in accordance maintain a minimum of six air changes per hour
with Section 403.5.1. of total air when not in use.
Xs - Average outdoor air fraction: At the primary air 407.1.2 Fans serving exhaust systems shall be located at
handler, the fraction of outdoor air intake flow in the the discharge end of the system. The ventilation rates
system primary airflow. shown in Table 4-A shall be considered as minimum
acceptable rates and shall not be construed as
Zpz - Primary outdoor air fraction: The outdoor air frac-
precluding the use of higher ventilation rates if they are
tion required in the primary air supplied to the ventilation
required to meet design conditions.
zone prior to the introduction of secondary recirculation
air. [ASHRAE 62.1: A4] 407.1.3 Services/Systems and Utilities. (Refer to Section
1224.4.1 of the California Building Code).
405.0 Evaporative Cooling System for Health Care Facilities. 407.2 Outdoor Air Intakes and Exhaust Outlets.
[For OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] Direct evaporative cooling systems 407.2.1 Outdoor Air Intakes. Outdoor air intakes shall be
where the air directly contacts the wetted surface or spray shall located at least 25 feet (7.62 m) from exhaust outlets of
be limited in health facilities to nonpatient areas such as ventilating systems, combustion equipment stacks,
laundry rooms, food preparation areas, and boiler or medical-surgical vacuum systems, cooling towers, and
machinery rooms. Similar rooms with high heating-producing areas that may collect vehicular exhaust or other noxious

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 67

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

fumes. Plumbing vents shall be located in relation to Exception: For airborne infection isolation rooms
outdoor air intakes per California Plumbing Code. The and protective environment rooms, see Sections
bottom of outdoor air intakes shall be located as high as 414.0 and 415.0.
practicable, but not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) above 407.4.1.2 Room supply air outlets and room recir-
ground level. If installed above the roof, they shall be culation and exhaust air inlets installed in nonsen-
located 18 inches (457 mm) above roof level or 3 feet (914 sitive areas shall be located not less than 3 inches
mm) above a flat roof where heavy snowfall is anticipated.
(76 mm) above the floor.
Exceptions:
Exception: For airborne infection isolation rooms
(1) These dimensions may be reduced if it is demon- and protective environment rooms, see Sections
strated by the submission of details and calculations 414.0 and 415.0.
that location of intakes with respect to exhausts and
407.4.1.3 Corridors shall not be used to convey
their orientation, or the use of special filters,
supply, return, or exhaust air to or from any room if
provides equal performance.
the corridor is required to be of fire resistive
(2) The requirements regarding the bottom of outdoor construction per the California Building Code.
air intakes and installation through the roof do not
apply to skilled nursing facilities, intermediate-care Exceptions:
facilities or nonsensitive areas in correctional treat- (1) Mechanically exhausted toilet rooms of 50
ment centers. square feet (4.7 m2) or less and small rooms of
407.2.2 Exhaust Outlets. Exhaust outlets shall be 30 square feet (2.79 m2) or less such as janitor
located a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) above adjoining closets, housekeeping rooms, and electrical or
grade and 10 feet (3048 mm) from doors, occupied areas, telephone closets opening directly onto
and operable windows. corridor.
Exception: Airborne infection isolation rooms shall (2) Air transfer caused by pressure differentials in

> comply with Section 414.1.

407.3 Air Balance.
rooms required to have a positive or negative
air balance by Table 4-A.
407.4.1.4 No space above a ceiling may be utilized
407.3.1 The ventilation systems shall be designed and
as an outside-air, relief-air, supply-air, exhaust-air,
balanced to provide the general air balance relationship
or return-air plenum.
to adjacent areas, shown in Table 4-A. The ventilation
systems shall be balanced in accordance with the latest Exception: Designs specifically approved by the
edition of standards published by the Associated Air enforcing agency.
Balance Council (AABC), the National Environmental 407.4.1.5 Air from a patient room, exam room, treat-
Balancing Bureau (NEBB), or the Testing, Adjusting and ment room shall not be transferred to another

> Balancing Bureau (TABB).

407.4 Air Circulation.
407.4.1 Design of the ventilation system shall provide air
similar room without first having passed through air
filters as required by Table 4-B or Table 4-C.
407.4.1.6 Supply outlets and return and exhaust air
movement that is generally from clean to less clean inlets shall be located to prevent short-circuiting.
areas. 407.5 Variable Air Volume.
407.4.1.1 Air supplied to operating rooms, cesarean 407.5.1 Variable Air Volume Systems (VAV). Variable
operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, air volume systems subjecting the patient to a fluctuating
cystoscopy rooms, delivery rooms, and nurseries air movement are not acceptable for airborne infection
shall be delivered at or near the ceiling of the area isolation rooms, protective environment rooms or those
served. In these areas and in morgues and autopsy critically sensitive areas listed in Table 320.0. For
rooms all air removed from the area shall be nonsensitive areas, variable air volume systems meeting
removed near floor level. Exhaust or recirculation the following criteria can be considered:
inlets shall be located not less than 3 inches (76 mm)
407.5.1.1 The VAV system shall comply with code
nor more than 8 inches (203 mm) above the finished
requirements for outside air, total air, and pressure
floor, except in morgues and autopsy rooms where
relationship through the full range of operation from
all of the exhaust air is removed through an autopsy
minimum to maximum.
table designed for this purpose. At least two exhaust
or recirculation air inlets of equal capacity shall be 407.5.1.2 The central return or exhaust fan shall be
used in all cardiac catheterization labs, cystoscopy controlled to accomplish the variable air volume
rooms, operating rooms, and delivery rooms and requirements of the individual rooms served by the
shall be located not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nor fan as described in Section 407.5.1.3.
more than 8 inches (203 mm) above the finished 407.5.1.3 Variable air volume for return or exhaust
floor. air shall be accomplished by utilizing an automatic

68 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

modulating damper in the return or exhaust air for 408.2.3 Noncentral air systems serving any areas not
each zone. The damper will modulate from full open listed in Table 4-B shall be provided with filter arrange-
to minimum position in conjunction with the supply ment and efficiency specifically approved by the
air VAV terminal box. enforcing agency.
408.2.4 Noncentral recirculating air handling systems,
408.0 Filters. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] for example, through-the-wall units, fan coil units, and
heat pumps may be utilized for single patient rooms of
408.1 General. Filter efficiencies shall be certified by the
one or more beds. Filtration for these units shall have a
manufacturer and shall be based on ASHRAE 52.2 Method
minimum weight arrestance value of 50 percent, based
of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for
Removal Efficiency by Particle Size when specifically set on ASHRAE 52.2 or a minimum efficiency reporting
forth in these standards. value (MERV) of 1, based on ASHRAE 52.2. The air
ventilation system providing the minimum air changes of
408.1.1 A filter gauge shall be installed across each filter outdoor air shall comply with Table 4-B. These units may
bank serving central air systems. The gauge shall be red be used as recirculating units only. All outdoor air
lined or a filter alarm light installed to signal when the requirements shall be met by a separate central air
recommended maximum static pressure drop has been handling systems.
reached.
408.3 Filters for Skilled Nursing Facilities, Intermediate
408.1.2 Central air-handling systems are defined as any
Care Facilities, and Correctional Treatment Centers.
unit requiring duct work on the supply or inlet side that
serve more than one room. 408.3.1 The air ventilation systems shall comply with
code requirements of this section for skilled nursing facil-
408.1.3 Filter banks shall be visually inspected for torn
ities, intermediate care facilities and correctional treat-
media and bypass in filter frames by means of a flash-
ment centers and shall have filter bank efficiencies as
light or equivalent, both with fans in operation and
listed in Table 4-C.
stopped. Tears in media and bypass in filter frames shall
be eliminated in accordance with the manufacturer’s 408.3.2 Noncentral air systems serving single patient
directions and the requirements of the enforcing agency rooms of one or more beds shall comply with Table 4-C.
prior to commencing operation of the system. 408.3.3 Noncentral recirculating air-handling systems,
408.1.4 Central air-handling systems shall be maintained i.e. through the wall units, may be utilized for each
in a reasonably clean condition during construction and patient room with one or more beds. Filtration for these
shall be cleaned as necessary prior to replacement of units shall have a minimum weight arrestance value of 50
temporary filter used during construction to ensure that percent, based on ASHRAE 52.2 or a minimum efficiency
clean air will be delivered to the occupied spaces. reporting value (MERV) of 1, based on ASHRAE 52.2.
408.1.5 Filter bank No. 1 shall be located upstream of The air ventilation system providing the minimum air
the air-conditioning equipment. Filter bank No. 2 and changes of outdoor air shall comply with Table 4-C.
filter bank No. 3 shall be located downstream of the These units may be used as recirculating units only. All
supply fan and all cooling and humidification equipment outdoor air requirements shall be met by a separate
with efficiencies as indicated in Table 4-B or Table 4-C. central air handling system.
Exception: Dry steam-type humidifiers for local room 408.3.4 Airborne infection isolation rooms, protective
humidity control may be installed in the supply air duct environment rooms, and sensitive areas in correctional
downstream of the final filter bank where designs are treatment centers shall comply with Section 408.2.
specifically approved by the enforcing agency. Dry steam 408.4 Filters for Outpatient Facilities.
is that which is defined in the ASHRAE HVAC Systems 408.4.1 The air ventilation systems shall comply with
and Equipment Handbook. code requirements of this section for outpatient facilities
408.1.6 Filter bank No. 2 and filter bank No. 3 media and shall have filter bank efficiencies as listed in Table
shall be rigid or supported (noncollapsing type) and 4-B.
shall operate on the principles of impingement, straining, 408.4.2 Noncentral air systems serving individual rooms
and diffusion. shall comply with Table 4-B.
408.2 Filters for Hospitals.
408.2.1 All air-ventilation systems shall comply with 409.0 Ducts. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4]
code requirements of this section and shall have filter
bank efficiencies as listed in Table 4-B. 409.1 Ducts which penetrate construction, intended for X-ray
or other radiation protection, shall not impair the effective-
408.2.2 Noncentral recirculating air systems providing ness of the protection.
cooling to high heat producing equipment located in
nonsensitive areas shall have a filter with 30 percent 409.2 Duct linings and their use shall meet the requirements
average efficiency based on ASHRAE 52.2 or a minimum of Chapter 6, California Mechanical Code.
efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 8 based on 409.3 Insulation of Ducts. Cold air ducts shall be insulated
ASHRAE 52.2. wherever necessary or to prevent condensation.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 69

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

409.4 The anchorage and supporting structural elements for filter with at least an 80 percent average efficiency based on
airducts shall be designed to withstand the lateral forces as ASHRAE 52.2 or a minimum efficiency reporting value
required by the California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2. (MERV) of 13, based on ASHRAE 52.2.
Exception: For skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care
410.0 Laboratory Ventilating Systems and Hoods. [OSHPD facilities and correctional treatment centers, the air from dining
1, 2, 3 & 4] area may be used to ventilate food preparation areas only after
it has passed through a filter with a 50 percent average effi-
410.1 Laboratory Ventilating Systems. Laboratory venti-
ciency based on ASHRAE 52.2 or a minimum efficiency
lating systems shall comply with NFPA 99, as required by
Section 1224.4.6.4 of the California Building Code. reporting value (MERV) of 10, based on ASHRAE 52.2.
410.2 Exhaust Hoods and Safety Cabinets. Hoods and safety
cabinets may be used for normal exhaust of a space provided 412.0 Boiler, Mechanical, and Electrical Rooms. [OSHPD
minimum air change rates are maintained. If air change stan- 1, 2, 3 & 4]
dards in Table 4-A do not provide sufficient air for proper 412.1 Boiler, heater and electrical equipment rooms shall be
operation of exhaust hoods and safety cabinets (when in use), provided with outdoor air so as to maintain combustion rates
supplementary makeup air (filtered and preheated) shall be of equipment and temperatures in the rooms and in adjoining
provided around these units to maintain the required airflow areas as rated in this chapter.
direction and exhaust velocity. Makeup systems for hoods shall 412.2 Floor surfaces in occupied spaces above such rooms
be arranged to minimize “short circuiting” of air and to avoid should not exceed a temperature of 85°F (29.4°C), and suit-
reduction in air velocity at the point of contaminant capture. able insulation may be required.
410.3 Laboratory Fume Hoods. Laboratory fume hoods shall
meet the following standards:
413.0 Odorous Rooms. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4]
410.3.1 General Standard. Average face velocity shall
be at least 75 feet per minute (0.38 meters per second). 413.1 Rooms in areas where excessive heat or moisture is
Exhaust system shall be separate from the building generated, where objectional odors or dust are present, or
exhaust system. Exhaust fan shall be located at the where flammable or toxic gases may accumulate, which are
discharge end of the system. Exhaust duct system shall be used by health facility personnel or patients, shall be provided
of noncombustible corrosion-resistant material as with exhaust ventilation to change the air a minimum of ten
required to meet the planned usage of the hood. times per hour.
410.3.2 Special Standards for Use with Strong Oxidants. 413.2 Kitchen, morgues and laundries located inside a
Fume hoods and their associated equipment in the air hospital building or skilled nursing facility in which patients
stream intended for use with perchloric acid and other are accommodated, or treated, shall be ventilated with
strong oxidants shall be constructed of stainless steel or exhaust systems which will provide a minimum of ten air
other material consistent with special exposures. Hoods changes per hour and prevent odors from entering patient
and equipment shall be provided with a water wash and areas.
drain system to permit periodic flushing of duct and hood.
When perchloric acid or other strong oxidants are only 414.0 Airborne Infection Isolations Rooms. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3
transferred from one container to another, standard labo- & 4]
ratory fume hoods and the associated equipment may be
used in lieu of stainless steel construction. 414.1 Exhaust Systems. A separate, dedicated exhaust
system shall be provided for airborne infection isolation
410.3.3 Special Standards for Use with Infectious or rooms. The dedicated system may serve more than one
Radioactive Materials. Each hood shall have a minimum
airborne infection isolation room, adjoining toilet room and
face velocity of 90 to 110 feet per minute (0.45 to 0.56
anteroom. The exhaust ducts shall be identified by appro-
meters per second) with suitable pressure-independent
priate labeling with the words "Caution Airborne Infection
air-modulating devices and alarms to alert staff of fan
Isolation Rooms Exhaust" or similar terminology. Such
shutdown or loss of airflow. Each hood shall have filters
labeling shall be in a manner which is not readily removable
with a 99.97 percent efficiency (based on the DOP test
and shall appear on the exhaust duct at intervals of not more
method) in the exhaust stream and be designed and
equipped to permit the safe removal, disposal, and than 20 feet (6096 mm) and at least once near each room
replacement of contaminated filters. Filters shall be as and each story traversed by the exhaust system. Exhaust fans
close to the hood as practical to minimize duct contam- shall comply with Section 407.1.2. The discharge from
ination. Fume hoods intended for use with radioactive exhaust fans shall be located above the roof and shall be
isotopes shall be constructed of stainless steel or other located a minimum of 25 feet (7620 mm) from areas that may
material suitable for the particular exposure. be occupied, doors, operable windows, outdoor air intakes,
or other openings into the building. The exhaust fan
discharge shall be labeled in a manner which readily iden-
411.0 Kitchen and Dining Areas. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] tifies the precautions which should be observed. To ensure
411.1 The air from dining areas may be used to ventilate the that the airborne contaminates do not reenter the building,
food preparation areas only after it has passed through a one of the following shall be provided:

70 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

414.1.1 Exhaust discharge from fan shall extend at least near the door to the room and a visual and audible alarm
7 feet (2134 mm) above the roof and discharge vertically which annunciates at the room and at a nurses' station or other
upward. Self-draining stacks or equivalent shall be used suitable location that will provide responsible surveillance. A
for rain protection. Rain caps which divert the exhaust time delay shall be provided to allow for routine openings of
toward the roof shall be prohibited. doors. The alarm shall annunciate when the supply, return, or
414.1.2 Exhaust shall discharge above roof level and exhaust fans are interrupted and when one of the following
through an accessible HEPA filter. The HEPA filter shall conditions is not being met during closed door conditions:
be located upstream of the exhaust fan and have a (1) When the minimum air quantity difference of 75 cfm
minimum efficiency of 99.97 percent based on the DOP (35.4 L/s) required by Table 4-A is not being maintained;
method in accordance with Mil-Std. 282 or a minimum or
efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 17, based on (2) When a minimum pressure differential of 0.01 inch
ASHRAE 52.2. Filter gage shall be installed across the (0.003 kPa) of water and a minimum inward (outward
filter. For maintenance of air balance relationship, see for protective environment rooms) air velocity of 100 feet
Section 407.3.2. The 25-foot (7620 mm) dimension per minute (0.508 m/s) is not being maintained at the air
required by Section 414.1 may be reduced when a 99.97 transfer opening required by Table 4-A.
percent HEPA filter or a minimum efficiency reporting 416.2 Other acceptable alarm systems will be allowed when
value (MERV) of 17, based on ASHRAE 52.2 is used and designs are specifically approved by the enforcing agency.
the reduced dimension is specifically approved by the 416.3 [For OSHPD 4] For correctional treatment centers,
enforcing agency. the alarm system shall not create false alarms or security
414.2 Air Distribution. The supply outlets and exhaust inlets hazards.
shall be located to provide airflow patterns that prevent stag- 416.4 Prior to acceptance of the rooms, the alarm system
nation of the air and eliminate short circuiting of the supply shall be tested and operated to demonstrate to the owner or
to the exhaust, and minimize exposure of health care workers designated representative that the installation and perform-
to airborne infectious particles. Supply-air outlets shall be ance of the system conforms to design intent.
located at or near the ceiling and at the end of the airborne
infection isolation room which is opposite the head of the bed.
417.0 Testing and Balancing Airborne Infection Isolation
Exhaust registers shall be located on the wall behind the
Rooms and Protective Environment Rooms. [OSHPD 1, 2,
patient's head, or as close to that wall as practical and shall
3 & 4] Prior to acceptance of the rooms, all mechanical
be located not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nor more than 24
systems shall be tested, balanced, and operated to demon-
inches (610 mm) above the finished floor.
strate to the owner or designated representative that the
Exception: For correctional treatment centers, the location installation and performance of the systems conform to
and design of the supply outlets an exhaust or return inlets design intent. All testing and balancing shall be performed
shall not compromise the safety, security and protection of by a qualified independent agency certified by the Associated
staff, inmates and property. Air Balance Council (AABC): the National Environmental
Balancing Bureau (NEBB); or the Testing, Adjusting and
Balancing Bureau (TABB).
415.0 Protective Environment Rooms. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4]
415.1 Air Distribution. The supply outlets and exhaust and
return inlets shall be located to provide airflow patterns that 418.0 Design Requirements for Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Ster-
prevent stagnation of the air and eliminate short circuiting of ilization Areas. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4]
the supply to the exhaust or return. Supply air shall be deliv- 418.1 Air Changes. The ETO sterilization equipment room
ered at or near the ceiling and near the patient's bed. All shall be provided with minimum air changes per hour per
exhaust or return registers shall be located near the entrance Table 4-A and be maintained at a negative air balance.
to the protective environment room and not less than 3 inches 418.2 Exhaust Requirements.
(76 mm) nor more than 8 inches (203 mm) above the finished 418.2.1 All air from the ETO sterilizer equipment room
floor. shall be exhausted to the outside by a dedicated system
Exception: For correctional treatment centers, the location or other approved method.
and design of the supply outlets and exhaust or return inlets 418.2.2 The exhaust fan for the dedicated system shall
shall not compromise the safety, security, and protection of be located at the discharge point of the system and iden-
staff, inmates and property. tified as ETO Equipment Room Exhaust.
418.2.3 Discharge Point. The discharge point shall be a
416.0 Alarms – Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms and minimum of 25 feet (7620 mm) away from any outside
Protective Environment Rooms. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] intake, operable window or personnel passage.
416.1 An alarm system which is based on static pressure 418.3 Ventilation Requirements.
control, volumetric control, or directional flow measurement 418.3.1 Aeration Units. The aeration units shall be venti-
shall be provided for each isolation room. The alarm system lated through a nonrecirculating dedicated ventilation
shall consist of a display monitor located on the corridor wall exhaust system.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 71

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

418.3.2 Capture Box. When the drain is not located in

the ETO sterilizer equipment room, ventilation is
required by a capture box.
418.3.3 Cylinder Change. When not located in the ETO
sterilizer equipment room, exhaust during cylinder
change is required by installing a hood that is part of a
dedicated ventilation exhaust system, positioned no more
than 1 foot (305 mm) above or behind the point where
the change of cylinders takes place.
418.3.4 Sterilizer Relief Valve. The ventilation of steril-
izer relief valve is required through a pipe connected to
the outlet of the relief valve exhausted directly to the
outdoors at a point high enough to be away from passers
by, and not near any windows that open, nor near any
air-conditioning or ventilation air intakes.
418.3.5 Ventilation of Sterilizer Door Area. The system
shall be designed to capture the ETO when the door is
opened following the completion of the sterilization
process. A hood or canopy closed on each end should be
installed over the sterilization door. A hood or canopy
shall be connected to a dedicated exhaust ventilation
system.
418.4 Gas Valves. Installation of gas line hand valves at the
connection to the supply cylinders are required to minimize
leakage during cylinder change.
418.5 Alarm Systems. An Audible and visual alarm system
shall be installed to alert sterilizer operating personnel if the
air flow falls below design cubic feet per minute (L/s).

72 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 4-A
PRESSURE RELATIONSHIP AND VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL ACUTE CARE
HOSPITALS, SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES, INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES, CORRECTIONAL
TREATMENT CENTERS, OUTPATIENT FACILITIES, AND LICENSED CLINICS
AIR
PRESSURE MINIMUM ALL ROOM AIR DESIGN
MINIMUM MINIMUM RECIRCULATED DESIGN
RELATIONSHIP TOTAL ACH EXHAUSTED RELATIVE
FUNCTION OR SPACE OUTDOOR TOTAL BY MEANS TEMPERATURE
TO ADJACENT IF 100% DIRECTLY TO HUMIDITY(k),
ACH ACH OF ROOM (l),°F/°C
AREAS (f) (n) O.A. OUTDOORS (j) %
UNITS (a)
Administrative NR 2 4 2 NR NR NR NR
Airborne infection isolation
(e) NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
anteroom (u)
Airborne infection isolation
Negative 2 12 12 Yes No max 60 70-75/21-24
room (u)
Airborne infection isolation
Negative 2 12 12 Yes No NR NR
treatment/exam room
Angiography room Positive 5 15 12 NR NR NR NR
Bathing room Negative NR 10 NR Yes No NR 70-75/21-24
Bathroom Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR 72-78/22-26
Bedpan room Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Blood bank/tissue storage NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Blood draw/phlebotomy NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Bronchoscopy, sputum
collection, and pentamidine Negative 2 12 12 Yes No NR 68-73/20-23
administration (n)
Cardiac catheterization lab Positive 5 20 12 NR No max 60 70-75/21-24
Clean linen storage Positive NR 2 2 NR NR NR 72-78/22-26
Clean workroom (central
medical and surgical supply Positive 2 4 4 NR No max 60 72-78/22-26
space)
Clean workroom or clean
Positive 2 4 4 NR NR NR NR
holding (support)
Critical and intensive care NR 2 6 6 NR No 30-60 70-75/21-24
CT Scan NR 2 6 6 NR NR max 60 NR
Darkroom (g) Negative 2 10 12 Yes No NR NR
Delivery room (caesarean)
Positive 4 20 12 NR No 20-60 68-75/20-24
(m), (n), (o)
Dialysis treatment area NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR 72-78/22-26
Dialyzer reprocessing room Negative NR 10 NR Yes No NR NR
Dietary storage NR NR 2 2 NR No NR 72-78/22-26
Dining room NR 2 10 10 NR NR NR NR
Dishwashing room N NR 10 NR Yes NR NR NR
Electroconvulsive therapy
P 3 15 10 NR NR NR NR
procedure room
Emergency department
NR 2 6 6 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
exam/treatment room (p)
Endoscope cleaning Negative 2 10 10 Yes No NR NR
ER decontamination Negative 2 12 4 Yes No NR NR
ER waiting rooms Negative 2 12 12 Yes (q) NR max 65 70-75/21-24
Examination room NR 2 6 6 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
Fast track room NR 2 6 2 NR NR NR NR
Fluoroscopy room Negative 2 6 6 Yes No NR NR

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 73

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 4-A (continued)

PRESSURE RELATIONSHIP AND VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL ACUTE CARE
HOSPITALS, SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES, INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES, CORRECTIONAL
TREATMENT CENTERS, OUTPATIENT FACILITIES, AND LICENSED CLINICS
AIR
PRESSURE MINIMUM ALL ROOM AIR DESIGN
MINIMUM MINIMUM RECIRCULATED DESIGN
RELATIONSHIP TOTAL ACH EXHAUSTED RELATIVE
FUNCTION OR SPACE OUTDOOR TOTAL BY MEANS TEMPERATURE
TO ADJACENT IF 100% DIRECTLY TO HUMIDITY(k),
ACH ACH OF ROOM (l),°F/°C
AREAS (f) (n) O.A. OUTDOORS (j) %
UNITS (a)
Food preparation center (i) NR 2 10 10 NR No NR 72-78/22-26
Gamma camera NR 2 6 6 NR No NR NR
Gastrointestinal endoscopy
NR 2 6 12 NR No 20-60 68-73/20-23
procedure room (x)
Hazardous material storage Negative 2 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Hydrotherapy Negative 2 6 6 NR NR NR 72-80/22-27
Infusion room Positive 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Intermediate care (s) NR 2 6 6 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
Interventional imaging
Positive 5 15 12 NR NR NR NR
procedure room
IV Prep. room Positive 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Janitor’s closet, housekeeping Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Labor/delivery/recovery
NR 2 6 2 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
(LDR) (s)
Labor/delivery/recovery/
NR 2 6 2 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
postpartum (LDRP) (s)
Laboratory, bacteriology (v) Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, biochemistry (v) Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, cytology (v) Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, general (v) Negative 2 6 6 NR NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, glasswashing Negative 2 10 10 Yes NR NR NR
Laboratory, histology (v)
Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, infectious disease
Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
and virus
Laboratory, media transfer
Positive 2 4 4 NR NR NR 70-75/21-24
(v)
Laboratory, microbiology (v) Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, nuclear medicine
Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
(v)
Laboratory, pathology (v) Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, serology (v) Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Laboratory, sterilizing Negative 2 10 10 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
Lactation NR 2 6 2 NR NR NR NR
Laser eye room Positive 3 15 15 NR No 20-60 70-75/21-24
Laundry, general Negative 2 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Linen and trash chute room Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Medical/anesthesia gas
Negative NR 8 8 Yes NR NR NR
storage (r)
Medication room NR 2 4 2 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
Morgues and autopsy room
Negative 2 12 12 Yes No NR 68-75/20-24
(n)
MRI room NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Multipurpose room NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR

74 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 4-A (continued)

PRESSURE RELATIONSHIP AND VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL ACUTE CARE
HOSPITALS, SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES, INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES, CORRECTIONAL
TREATMENT CENTERS, OUTPATIENT FACILITIES, AND LICENSED CLINICS
AIR
PRESSURE MINIMUM ALL ROOM AIR DESIGN
MINIMUM MINIMUM RECIRCULATED DESIGN
RELATIONSHIP TOTAL ACH EXHAUSTED RELATIVE
FUNCTION OR SPACE OUTDOOR TOTAL BY MEANS TEMPERATURE
TO ADJACENT IF 100% DIRECTLY TO HUMIDITY(k),
ACH ACH OF ROOM (l),°F/°C
AREAS (f) (n) O.A. OUTDOORS (j) %
UNITS (a)
Negative-pressure x-ray room Negative 2 12 12 Yes No max 60 72-78/22-26
Newborn intensive care Positive 2 6 6 NR No 30-60 72-78/22-26
Newborn/well baby nursery
NR 2 6 6 NR No 30-60 72-78/22-26
suite
Nonrefrigerated body-holding
Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR 70-75/21-24
room (h)
Nourishment area or room NR NR 2 2 NR NR NR NR
Nuclear medicine (Gamma,
Negative 2 6 6 Yes No NR NR
PET, SPECT)
Nuclear medicine hot lab Negative NR 6 6 Yes No NR 70-75/21-24
Nuclear medicine treatment
Negative 2 6 6 Yes NR NR 70-75/21-24
room
Observation/seclusion room NR 2 6 2 NR NR NR NR
Occupational therapy NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR 70-75/21-24
Operating room, hybrid oper-
ating room (m), (n), (o) Positive 4 20 12 NR No 20-60 68-75/20-24
Operating/surgical cysto-
Positive 4 20 12 NR No 20-60 68-75/20-24
scopic room (m), (n), (o)
Patient corridor NR NR 2 2 NR NR NR NR
Patient holding preparation NR 2 6 6 NR No NR NR
Patient room NR 2 4 (y) 2 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
Pediatric play area NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Pharmacy (b) Positive 2 4 2 NR NR NR NR
Physical therapy (nursing
Negative 2 6 6 NR NR NR 70-75/21-24
facility)
Physical therapy (diagnostic
Negative 2 6 6 NR NR max 65 72-80/22-27
and treatment)
Post-anesthesia care unit NR 2 6 6 Yes No 20-60 70-75/21-24
Pre-screening area Negative 2 12 12 Yes (q) NR NR NR
Procedure room (o), (d) Positive 3 15 12 NR No 20-60 70-75/21-24
Protective environment
(e) NR 10 15 NR No NR NR
anteroom (t)
Protective environment
Positive 2 12 15 NR No max 60 70-75/21-24
room (t)
Radiology waiting rooms Negative 2 12 12 Yes (q), (w) NR max 60 70-75/21-24
Recovery room NR 2 6 2 NR No 20-60 70-75/21-24
Recreation/activity room NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Resident
gathering/activity/dining NR 4 4 4 NR NR NR 70-75/21-24
(nursing facility)
Resident room
NR 2 2 2 NR NR NR 70-75/21-24
(nursing facility)
Resident unit corridor
NR NR 4 2 NR NR NR NR
(nursing facility)

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 75

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 4-A (continued)

PRESSURE RELATIONSHIP AND VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL ACUTE CARE
HOSPITALS, SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES, INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES, CORRECTIONAL
TREATMENT CENTERS, OUTPATIENT FACILITIES, AND LICENSED CLINICS
AIR
PRESSURE MINIMUM ALL ROOM AIR DESIGN
MINIMUM MINIMUM RECIRCULATED DESIGN
RELATIONSHIP TOTAL ACH EXHAUSTED RELATIVE
FUNCTION OR SPACE OUTDOOR TOTAL BY MEANS TEMPERATURE
TO ADJACENT IF 100% DIRECTLY TO HUMIDITY(k),
ACH ACH OF ROOM (l),°F/°C
AREAS (f) (n) O.A. OUTDOORS (j) %
UNITS (a)
Semi-restricted corridor NR 2 4 2 NR NR NR NR
Shower room Negative NR 10 NR Yes No NR NR
Soiled linen sorting and
Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
storage
Soiled or decontamination
Negative 2 6 4 Yes No NR 72-78/22-26
room
Soiled workroom or soiled
Negative 2 10 4 Yes No NR NR
holding, utility room
Special purpose room
NR 2 6 6 Yes NR NR NR
(SNF & ICF only)
Speech therapy/audiology
NR 2 6 2 NR NR NR NR
room
Staff sleep rooms NR 2 4 2 NR NR NR NR
Sterile storage Positive 2 4 4 NR NR max 60 72-78/22-26
Sterilizer equipment room Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Substerile service area NR 2 6 10 NR No NR NR
Toilet room Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Trauma/cardiac room
Positive 3 15 12 NR No 20-60 70-75/21-24
(crisis or shock) (c)
Treatment room
NR 2 6 6 NR NR 20-60 70-75/21-24
(surgery and critical care) (p)
Treatment room (diagnostic
NR 2 6 6 NR NR max 60 70-75/21-24
and treatment) (x)
Triage Negative 2 12 12 Yes (q) NR max 60 70-75/21-24
Ultrasound room NR 2 6 6 NR NR NR NR
Unsterile supply NR 2 2 2 NR NR NR NR
Waiting area
Negative 2 12 12 Yes No NR NR
(nuclear medicine)
Waiting area primary care
Negative 2 10 10 Yes(q) NR NR NR
clinic
Warewashing Negative NR 10 10 Yes No NR NR
Wound intensive care
NR 2 6 6 NR No 40-60 70-75/21-24
(burn unit)
X-ray (diagnostic and
NR 2 6 6 NR NR max 60 72-78/22-26
treatment)
X-ray (surgery/critical care
Positive 3 15 12 NR No max 60 70-75/21-24
and catheterization)
Note: NR = No requirement
Notes:
a. Except where indicated by a “No” in this column, recirculating room HVAC units (with heating or cooling coils) are acceptable for providing that portion
of the minimum total air changes per hour that is permitted by Section 7.1 (subparagraph [a][5]). Because of the cleaning difficulty and potential for buildup
of contamination, recirculating room units shall not be used in areas marked “No.” Recirculating devices with HEPA filters shall be permitted in existing
facilities as interim, supplemental environmental controls to meet requirements for the control of airborne infectious agents. The design of either portable
or fixed systems should prevent stagnation and short circuiting of airflow. The design of such systems shall also allow for easy access for scheduled preven-
tative maintenance and cleaning.
b. Pharmacy compounding areas may have additional air change, differential pressure, and filtering requirements beyond the minimum of this table depending
on the type of pharmacy, the regulatory requirements which may include adoption of USP 797), the associated level of risk of the work (see USP [2013] in
Informative Appendix B), and the equipment utilized in the spaces.
c. The term trauma room as used herein is a first-aid room and/or emergency room used for general initial treatment of accident victims. The operating room
within the trauma center that is routinely used for emergency surgery is considered to be an operating room by this standard.

76 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

d. Pressure relationships need not be maintained when the room is unoccupied.

e. See Section 7.2 and its subsections for pressure-relationship requirements.
f. For operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, angiography rooms, cystoscopy rooms, delivery rooms, cesarean operating rooms, newborn intensive
care, intensive care units, and nurseries provide approximately 15% excess supply air to the room or a sufficient quantity of excess supply air to maintain
an appropriate positive air balance based on the room tightness and number of doors. For all rooms not listed in this footnote or not listed in Section 322.0
requiring either a positive or negative air balance, provide approximately 10% differential cfm between supply and return/exhaust airflow but not less than
25 cfm differential shall be provided regardless of room size. Room function, size, and tightness may be considered when determining the differential airflow
required. Where continuous directional control is not required, variations between supply cfm and return or exhaust cfm shall be minimized.
g. All air need not be exhausted if darkroom equipment has a scavenging exhaust duct attached and meets ventilation standards regarding NIOSH, OSHA, and
local employee exposure limits.2,3
h. A nonrefrigerated body-holding room is applicable only to facilities that do not perform autopsies on-site and use the space for short periods while waiting
for the body to be transferred.
i. Minimum total4 air changes per hour (ach) shall be that required to provide proper makeup air to kitchen exhaust systems as specified in ANSI/ASHRAE 5
Standard 154. In some cases, 6excess exfiltration or infiltration to or from exit corridors compromises the exit corridor restrictions of NFPA 90A, the pres-
sure requirements of NFPA 96, or the maximum defined in the table. During operation, a reduction to the number of air changes to any extent required for
odor control shall be permitted when the space is not in use. (See FGI [2010] in Informative Appendix B.)
j. In some areas with potential contamination and/or odor problems, exhaust air shall be discharged directly to the outdoors and not recirculated to other
areas. Individual circumstances may require special consideration for air exhausted to the outdoors. To satisfy exhaust needs, constant replacement air from
the outdoors is necessary when the system is in operation.
k. The RH ranges listed are the minimum and/or maximum allowable at any point within the design temperature range required for that space.
l. Systems shall be capable of maintaining the rooms within the range during normal operation. Lower or higher temperature shall be permitted when patients’
comfort and/or medical conditions require those conditions.
m. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 7(NIOSH) criteria documents regarding occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases and vapors,
and control of occupational exposure to nitrous oxide indicate a need for both local 8
exhaust (scavenging) systems and general ventilation of the areas in
which the respective gases are utilized. Refer to NFPA 99 for other requirements.
n. If pressure-monitoring device alarms are installed, allowances shall be made to prevent nuisance alarms. Short-term excursions from required pressure rela-
tionships shall be allowed while doors are moving or temporarily open. Simple visual methods such as smoke trail, ball-in-tube, or flutterstrip shall be
permitted for verification of airflow direction.
o. Surgeons or surgical procedures may require room temperatures, ventilation rates, humidity ranges, and/or air distribution methods that exceed the minimum
indicated ranges.
p. Treatment rooms used for bronchoscopy shall be treated as bronchoscopy rooms. Treatment rooms used for procedures with nitrous oxide shall contain provi-
sions for exhausting anesthetic waste gases.
q. In a recirculating ventilation system, HEPA filters shall be permitted instead of exhausting the air from these spaces to the outdoors provided that the return
air passes through the HEPA filters before it is introduced into any other spaces. The entire minimum total air changes per hour of recirculating airflow shall
pass through HEPA filters. When these areas are open to larger, nonwaiting spaces, the exhaust air volume shall be calculated based on the seating area of
the waiting area. (Note: The intent here is to not require the volume calculation to include a very large space [e.g., an atrium] just because a waiting area
opens onto it.)
r. See NFPA 99 for further requirements. 8
s. For intermediate care, labor/delivery/recovery rooms, and labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum rooms, four total ach shall be permitted when supplemental
heating and/or cooling systems (radiant heating and cooling, baseboard heating, etc.) are used.
t. The protective environment airflow design specifications protect the patient from common environmental airborne infectious microbes (i.e., Aspergillus spores).
The anteroom shall have negative air pressure in relation to the protective environment room. A door louver, transfer grille, or other acceptable means shall
be provided to allow for airflow from the protective environment room to the anteroom. The protective environment room shall have positive-pressure in rela-
tion to the anteroom and adjoining toilet room. Recirculation HEPA filters shall be permitted to increase the equivalent room air exchanges; however, the
outdoor air changes are still required. Constant-volume airflow is required for consistent ventilation for the protected environment. The pressure relation-
ship to adjacent areas shall remain unchanged if the PE room is utilized as a normal patient room. Rooms with reversible airflow provisions for the purpose
of switching between protective environment and AII functions shall not be permitted. Positive pressure in each anteroom shall be achieved by balancing the
supply cfm to not less than 75 cfm (35.4 L/s) greater than the exhaust and return cfm. Positive-pressure for each protective environment room the anteroom
serves shall be achieved by balancing the supply cfm to not less than 75 cfm (35.4 L/s) greater than the exhaust and return cfm.
u. The AII room described in this standard shall be used for isolating the airborne spread of infectious diseases, such as measles, varicella, or tuberculosis.
The airborne infection isolation room shall have negative pressure in relation to the anteroom, and the adjoining toilet room shall have negative pressure
in relation to the airborne infection isolation room. Supplemental recirculating devices using HEPA filters shall be permitted in the AII room to increase the
equivalent room air exchanges; however, the minimum outdoor air changes of Table 4-A are still required. AII rooms that are retrofitted from standard patient
rooms from which it is impractical to exhaust directly outdoors may be recirculated with air from the AII room, provided that air first passes through a HEPA
filter. When the AII room is not utilized for airborne infection isolation, the pressure relationship to adjacent areas, when measured with the door closed, shall
remain unchanged and the minimum total air change rate shall be 6 ach. Switching controls for reversible airflow provisions shall not be permitted. Nega-
tive pressure shall be achieved by balancing the exhaust cfm to not less than 75 cfm (35.4 L/s) greater than the supply cfm for each airborne infection isola-
tion room the anteroom serves. The anteroom shall have positive air pressure in relation to the airborne infection isolation room. A door louver, transfer
grille, or other acceptable means shall be provided to allow for airflow from the anteroom to the airborne infection isolation room.
8
v. When required, appropriate hoods and exhaust devices for the removal of noxious gases or chemical vapors shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 99.
w. The requirement that all room air is exhausted directly to outdoors applies only to radiology waiting rooms programmed to hold patients who are waiting for
chest x-rays for diagnosis of respiratory disease.
x. If the planned space is designated in the organization’s operational plan to be utilized for both bronchoscopy and gastrointestinal endoscopy, the design param-
eters for “bronchoscopy, sputum collection, and pentamidine administration” shall beused.
y. For single-bed patient rooms using Group D diffusers, a minimum of six total ach shall be provided and calculated based on the volume from finished floor
to 6 ft (1.83 m) above the floor.
z. This table is based on Table 7.1 in ASHRAE 170, “Ventilation of Healthcare Facilities”, and is used with expressed written permission from ASHRAE.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 77

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 4-B
FILTER EFFICIENCIES FOR CENTRAL VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL ACUTE
CARE HOSPITALS, ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS, OUTPATIENT FACILITIES, AND LICENSED CLINICS1
FILTER EFFICIENCY % FILTER BANK
MINIMUM NUMBER OF
AREA DESIGNATION (MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REPORTING VALUE MERV)5
FILTER BANKS
NO. 11 NO. 21 NO. 31
Orthopedic operating room,
30% 90% 99.97%3
bone marrow transplant
3
operating room, organ transplant
(8) (14) (17)
operating room
30% 90% 99.97%4
Protective environment rooms 3
(8) (14) (17)
Angiography; cardiac catheterization
labs; operating rooms; interventional
imaging procedure rooms;delivery rooms 30% 90% ––
nurseries; patient care, treatment,
cystoscopy, cesarean operating room,
2
diagnostic, and related areas; airborne
infection isolation rooms; areas
providing direct patient service or clean (8) (14) ––
supplies such as sterile and clean
processes, and patient area corridors
30% 80% ––
Laboratories 2
(8) (13) ––
Administrative, med staff support areas,
30% –– ––
bulk storage, soiled holding areas,
1
food preparation areas, public cafeterias,
(8) –– ––
and laundries
Psychiatric hospitals intended for the care 30% –– ––
and treatment of inpatients who do not require 1
acute medical services (8) –– ––
1 Based on ASHRAE 52.2.
2 Based on DOP test in accordance with MIL-STD-282 or based on ASHRAE 52.2.
3 HEPA filters at air outlet or other locations when approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
4 HEPA filter located in the supply duct which serves the positive-pressure isolation room or rooms may serve more than one supply outlet and more than

one positive-pressure isolation room. HEPA filter or a filter with minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 17 installation shall be designed and
equipped to permit safe removal, disposal and replacement of filters.
5 The numbers in parentheses represent MERV rating based on ASHRAE 52.2.

TABLE 4-C
FILTER EFFICIENCIES FOR CENTRAL VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN SKILLED
NURSING FACILITIES AND INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES AND CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT CENTERS1
FILTER EFFICIENCY % FILTER BANK
MINIMUM NUMBER OF
AREA DESIGNATION (MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REPORTING VALUE MERV)3
FILTER BANKS
NO. 11 NO. 21
All areas for inpatient care, treatment 30% 80%
and/or diagnosis, and those areas 2
providing direct service or cleaning supplies) (8) (13)
2 ––
Administrative, bulk storage, soiled 30%
1
holding, laundries and food prep areas (8) ––
1 Based on ASHRAE 52.2.
2 Filters are not required for evaporative coolers serving laundries and food preparation areas.
3 The numbers in parentheses represent MERV rating based on ASHRAE 52.2.

78 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 402.1
MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES IN BREATHING ZONE1, 2, 4
[ASHRAE 62.1: TABLE 6.2.2.1]
Note: Ventilation air supply requirements for occupancies regulated by the California Energy Commission are found in the California Energy Code.
PEOPLE OUTDOOR AREA OUTDOOR DEFAULT OCCUPANT
AIR
OCCUPANCY CATEGORY4 Air Rate RP Air Rate RA Density3
CLASS
(cfm/person) (cfm/ft2) (people/1000 ft2)
CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
Booking/waiting 7.5 0.06 50 2
Cell 5 0.12 25 2
Day room 5 0.06 30 1
Guard stations 5 0.06 15 1
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Art classroom 10 0.18 20 2
Classrooms (ages 5-8) 10 0.12 25 1
Classrooms (age 9 plus) 10 0.12 35 1
Computer lab 10 0.12 25 1
Daycare (through age 4) 10 0.18 25 2
Daycare sickroom 10 0.18 25 3
Lecture classroom 7.5 0.06 65 1
Lecture hall (fixed seats) 7.5 0.06 150 1
Media centera 10 0.12 25 1
Multi-use assembly 7.5 0.06 100 1
Music/theater/dance 10 0.06 35 1
Science laboratories 10 0.18 25 2
University/college laboratories 10 0.18 25 2
Wood/metal shop 10 0.18 20 2
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE
Bars, cocktail lounges 7.5 0.18 100 2
Cafeteria/fast food dining 7.5 0.18 100 2
Kitchen (cooking) 7.5 0.12 20 2
Restaurant dining rooms 7.5 0.18 70 2
GENERAL
Break rooms 5 0.06 25 1
Coffee stations 5 0.06 20 1
Conference/meeting 5 0.06 50 1
Corridors – 0.06 – 1
Occupiable storage rooms for liquids or gelsb 5 0.12 2 2
HOTELS, MOTELS, RESORTS, DORMITORIES
Barracks sleeping areas 5 0.06 20 1
Bedroom/living room 5 0.06 10 1
Laundry rooms, central 5 0.12 10 2
Laundry rooms within dwelling units 5 0.12 10 1
Lobbies/pre-function 7.5 0.06 30 1
Multipurpose assembly 5 0.06 120 1
OFFICE BUILDINGS
Breakrooms 5 0.12 50 1
Main entry lobbies 5 0.06 10 1
Occupiable storage rooms for dry materials 5 0.06 2 1
Office space 5 0.06 5 1
Reception areas 5 0.06 30 1
Telephone/data entry 5 0.06 60 1
MISCELLANEOUS SPACES
Bank or bank lobbies 7.5 0.06 15 1
Bank vaults/safe deposit 5 0.06 5 2
Computer (not printing) 5 0.06 4 1
Freezer and refrigerated spaces (<50°F)e 10 – – 2
General manufacturing (excludes heavy
10 0.18 7 3
industrial and processes using chemicals)

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 79

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 402.1 (continued)

MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES IN BREATHING ZONE1, 2
[ASHRAE 62.1: TABLE 6.2.2.1]
PEOPLE OUTDOOR AREA OUTDOOR DEFAULT OCCUPANT
AIR
OCCUPANCY CATEGORY4 Air Rate RP Air Rate RA Density3
CLASS
(cfm/person) (cfm/ft2) (people/1000 ft2)
Pharmacy (prep. area) 5 0.18 10 2
Photo studios 5 0.12 10 1
Shipping/receivingb 10 0.12 2 2
Sorting, packing, light assembly 7.5 0.12 7 2
Telephone closets – – – 1
Transportation waiting 7.5 0.06 100 1
Warehousesb 10 0.06 – 2
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY SPACES
Auditorium seating area 5 0.06 150 1
Courtrooms 5 0.06 70 1
Legislative chambers 5 0.06 50 1
Libraries 5 0.12 10 1
Lobbies 5 0.06 150 1
Museums (children’s) 7.5 0.12 40 1
Museums/galleries 7.5 0.06 40 1
Places of religious worship 5 0.06 120 1
RESIDENTIAL
Common corridors – 0.06 – 1
Dwelling unitf, g 5 0.06 See footnotef 1
RETAIL
Sales (except as below) 7.5 0.12 15 2
Barber shop 7.5 0.06 25 2
Beauty and nail salons 20 0.12 25 2
Coin-operated laundries 7.5 0.12 20 2
Mall common areas 7.5 0.06 40 1
Pet shops (animal areas) 7.5 0.18 10 2
Supermarket 7.5 0.06 8 1
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Bowling alley (seating) 10 0.12 40 1
Disco/dance floors 20 0.06 100 2
Gambling casinos 7.5 0.18 120 1
Game arcades 7.5 0.18 20 1
Gym, sports arena (play area)e 20 0.18 7 2
Health club/aerobics room 20 0.06 40 2
Health club/weight rooms 20 0.06 10 2
Spectator areas 7.5 0.06 150 1
Stages, studiosd 10 0.06 70 1
Swimming (pool & deck)c – 0.48 – 2
For SI units: 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.0283 m3/min, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2
Notes:
1
This table applies to no-smoking areas. Rates for smoking-permitted spaces shall be determined using other methods.
2
Volumetric airflow rates are based on an air density of 0.075 pounds of dry air per cubic foot (lbda/ft3) (1.201 kgda/m3), which corresponds to dry air at a
barometric pressure of 1 atm (101 kPa) and an air temperature of 70°F (21°C). Rates shall be permitted to be adjusted for actual density but such adjust-
ment is not required for compliance with this chapter.
3
The default occupant density shall be used where actual occupant density is not known.
4
Where the occupancy category for a proposed space or zone is not listed, the requirements for the listed occupancy category that is most similar in terms of
occupant density, activities, and building construction shall be used.

ITEM-SPECIFIC NOTES FOR TABLE 402.1

a
For high school and college libraries, use values shown for Public Assembly Spaces – Libraries.
b
Rate is capable of not being sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.

80 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 VENTILATION AIR

c
Rate does not allow for humidity control. Additional ventilation or dehumidification shall be permitted to remove moisture. “Deck area” refers to the area
surrounding the pool that would be expected to be wetted during normal pool use, i.e., where the pool is occupied. Deck area that is not expected to be wetted
shall be designated as a space type (for example, “spectator area”).
d
Rate does not include special exhaust for stage effects, e.g., dry ice vapors, smoke.
e
Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be
provided.
f
Default occupancy for dwelling units shall be two persons for studio and one-bedroom units, with one additional person for each additional bedroom.
g
Air from one residential dwelling shall not be recirculated or transferred to other spaces outside of that dwelling.

TABLE 403.2.2
ZONE AIR DISTRIBUTION EFFECTIVENESS1, 2, 3, 4, 5
[ASHRAE 62.1: TABLE 6.2.2.2]
AIR DISTRIBUTION CONFIGURATION Ez

Ceiling supply of cool air. 1.0

Ceiling supply of warm air and floor return. 1.0
Ceiling supply of warm air 15°F or more above space temperature and ceiling return. 0.8
Ceiling supply of warm air less than 15°F above space temperature and ceiling return provided that the 150 1.06
feet per minute (fpm) supply air jet reaches to within 4.5 feet of floor level.
Floor supply of cool air and ceiling return, provided that the vertical throw is more than 50 fpm at a height of 1.0
4.5 feet or more above the floor.
Floor supply of cool air and ceiling return, provided low velocity displacement ventilation achieves unidirec- 1.2
tional flow and thermal stratification, or underfloor air distribution systems where the vertical throw is 50
fpm or less at a height of 4.5 feet above the floor.
Floor supply of warm air and floor return. 1.0
Floor supply of warm air and ceiling return. 0.7
Makeup supply drawn in on the opposite side of the room from the exhaust, return, or both. 0.8
Makeup supply drawn in near to the exhaust, return, or both locations. 0.5
For SI units: °C = (°F-32)/1.8, 1 foot per minute = 0.005 m/s, 1 foot = 304.8 mm
Notes:
1
“Cool air” is air cooler than space temperature.
2
“Warm air” is air warmer than space temperature.
3
“Ceiling supply” includes any point above the breathing zone.
4
“Floor supply” includes any point below the breathing zone.
5
As an alternative to using the above values, Ez shall be permitted to be regarded as equal to air change effectiveness determined in accordance with ASHRAE
129 for air distribution configurations except unidirectional flow.
6
For lower velocity supply air, Ez=0.8

TABLE 403.5.2
SYSTEM VENTILATION EFFICIENCY1, 2, 3
[ASHRAE 62.1: TABLE 6.2.5.2]
MAX (ZPz) Ev

≤ 0.15 1.0
≤ 0.25 0.9
≤ 0.35 0.8
≤ 0.45 0.7
≤ 0.55 0.6
> 0.55 Use Section 404.0
Notes:
1
“Max Zpz” refers to the largest value of Zpz, calculated in accordance with Equation 403.5.1, among the
ventilation zones served by the system.
2
For values of Max (Zpz) between 0.15 and 0.55, the corresponding value of Ev shall be permitted to be
determined by interpolating the values in the table.
3
The values of Ev in this table are based on a 0.15 average outdoor air fraction for the system (i.e., the ratio
of the uncorrected outdoor air intake (Vou) to the total zone primary airflow for the zones served by the air
handler). For systems with higher values of the average outdoor air fraction, this table is capable of resulting
in unrealistically low values of Ev and the use of Section 404.0 is capable of yielding more practical results.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 80.1

BLUE
VENTILATION AIR

TABLE 403.7
MINIMUM EXHAUST RATES
[ASHRAE 62.1: TABLE 6.5]
EXHAUST RATE EXHAUST RATE AIR
OCCUPANCY CATEGORY8
(cfm/unit) (cfm/ft2) CLASS

Arenas2 – 0.50 1
Art classrooms – 0.70 2
Auto repair rooms1 – 1.50 2
Barber shops – 0.50 2
Bathroom10,11 20/50 – 2
Beauty and nail salons – 0.60 2
Cells with toilet – 1.00 2
Copy, printing rooms – 0.50 2
Darkrooms – 1.00 2
Educational science laboratories – 1.00 2
Janitor closets, trash rooms, recycling – 1.00 3
Kitchens – commercial – 0.70 2
Kitchenettes – 0.30 2
Locker rooms – 0.50 2
Locker/dressing rooms – 0.25 2
Paint spray booths – – 4
Parking garages 3
– 0.75 2
Pet shops (animal areas) – 0.90 2
Refrigerating machinery rooms6 – – 3
Residential – kitchens7 50/100 – 2
Soiled laundry storage rooms – 1.00 3
Storage rooms, chemical – 1.50 4
Toilets – private5, 9 25/50 – 2
Toilets – public4, 9 50/70 – 2
Woodwork shop/classrooms – 0.50 2
For SI units: 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.0283 m3⁄min, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2
Notes:
1
Stands where engines are run shall have exhaust systems that directly connect to the engine exhaust and prevent escape of fumes.
2
Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
3
Exhaust rate is not required for open parking garages as defined in accordance with the building code.
4
Rate is per water closet, urinal, or both. Provide the higher rate where periods of heavy use are expected to occur, e.g., toilets in theatres, schools, and sports
facilities. Otherwise the lower rate shall be permitted to be used.
5
Rate is for a toilet room intended to be occupied by one person at a time. For continuous system operation during normal hours of use, the lower rate shall
be permitted to be used. Otherwise the higher rate shall be used.
6
For refrigeration machinery rooms, the exhaust rate shall comply with Chapter 11.
7
For continuous system operation, the lower rates shall be permitted. Otherwise the higher rate shall be used.
8
For unlisted occupancies for a proposed space not listed in the table, the requirements for the listed occupancy that is most similar in terms of occupant density
and occupancy type shall be used.
9
Exhaust air that has been cleaned in accordance with the criteria of Class 1 shall be permitted to be recirculated.
10
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] A bathroom is any room containing a bathtub, a shower, a spa, or a similar source of moisture.
11
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] ANSI/ASHRAE 62.2: Tables 5.1 and 5.2.

80.2 JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

BLUE
 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 5 – EXHAUST SYSTEMS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

BSC- HCD DSA OSHPD

Adopting Agency BSC
CG
SFM BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
1 2 1-AC AC SS SS/CC 1 2 3 4

Adopt Entire Chapter X X X

Adopt Entire Chapter

as amended (amended X X X X X X X X
sections listed below)

Adopt only those

sections that are listed
below X X

Chapter/Section
503.3 X X X
503.3 Exception 1 & 2 X X X
503.3.1 X X X
504.1.1 X X X
505.7 X
505.7.1 X
508.5 X X X
509.2.3 X
509.2.3.4 X
511.1.6 X X X
513.2.2 X X X
513.2.2 Exception 2 X X
513.3.2 X
513.11 X
513.11.1 X
516.2.7 Exception X
516.2.9 X
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: †
The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to
Section 1.11.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 81

BLUE
82 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
 CHAPTER 5
EXHAUST SYSTEMS

501.0 General. in operations that generate explosive or flammable vapors,

501.1 Applicability. This chapter includes requirements for fumes, or dusts shall be interlocked with the ventilation
environmental air ducts, product-conveying systems, and system so that the equipment cannot be operated unless the
commercial hoods and kitchen ventilation. Part I addresses ventilation fans are in operation. Motors for fans used to
environmental air ducts and product conveying systems. Part convey flammable vapors or dusts shall be located outside
II addresses commercial hoods and kitchen ventilation. the duct or shall be protected with approved shields and dust-
proofing. Where belts are used, they shall not enter the duct
unless the belt and pulley within the duct are enclosed.
502.0 Termination. Motors and fans shall be accessible for servicing and main-
502.1 Exhaust Opening Protection. Exhaust openings tenance.
terminating to the outdoors shall be covered with a corrosion- 503.2 Fans. Parts of fans in contact with explosive or flam-
resistant screen having not less than 1⁄4 of an inch (6.4 mm) mable vapors, fumes, or dusts shall be of nonferrous or
openings, and shall have not more than 1⁄2 of an inch (12.7 nonsparking materials or their casing shall be lined or
mm) openings. constructed of such material. Where the size and hardness of
Exception: Clothes dryers. materials passing through a fan are capable of producing a
spark, both the fan and the casing shall be of nonsparking
502.2 Termination of Exhaust Ducts. Exhaust ducts shall
materials. Where fans are required to be spark-resistant, their
terminate in accordance with Section 502.2.1 through Section bearings shall not be within the airstream, and parts of the fan
502.2.3.
» 502.2.1 Environmental Air Ducts. Environmental air
duct exhaust shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm)
shall be grounded. Fans in systems handling materials that
are likely to clog the blades, and fans in buffing or wood-
working exhaust systems, shall be of the radial-blade or
from a property line, 10 feet (3048 mm) from a forced tube-axial type.
air inlet, and 3 feet (914 mm) from openings into the Equipment used to exhaust explosive or flammable
building. Environmental exhaust ducts shall not vapors, fumes, or dusts shall bear an identification plate
discharge onto a public walkway.
»
stating the ventilation rate for which the system was designed.
502.2.2 Product Conveying Ducts. Ducts conveying Fans located in systems conveying corrosives shall be of
explosive or flammable vapors, fumes, or dusts shall materials that are resistant to the corrosive or shall be coated
terminate not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from a property with corrosion-resistant materials.
line, 10 feet (3048 mm) from openings into the building,
503.3 Filters. [BSC-CG], [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] In
6 feet (1829 mm) from exterior walls or roofs, 30 feet
mechanically ventilated buildings, provide regularly occu-
(9144 mm) from combustible walls or openings into the pied areas of the building with air filtration media for outside
building that are in the direction of the exhaust discharge, and return air that provides at least a Minimum Efficiency
and 10 feet (3048 mm) above adjoining grade. Reporting Value (MERV) of 8. MERV 8 filters shall be
Other product-conveying outlets shall terminate not installed prior to occupancy, and recommendations for main-
less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from a property line, 3 feet tenance with filters of the same value shall be included in the
(914 mm) from exterior walls or roofs, 10 feet (3048 operation and maintenance manual in compliance with
mm) from openings into the building, and 10 feet (3048 Chapter 5, Division 5.5. of the California Green Building
mm) above adjoining grade. Standards Code (CALGreen).
502.2.3 Commercial Kitchen Ducts. Commercial Exceptions:
kitchens exhaust ducts shall terminate in accordance with 1. An ASHRAE 10-percent to 15-percent efficiency filter
Section 510.9 or Section 510.10. shall be permitted for an HVAC unit meeting the 2013
California Energy Code having 60,000 Btu/h (17.6 kW)
Part I – Environmental Air Ducts and Product- or less capacity per fan coil, if the energy use of the air
Conveying Systems. delivery system is 0.4 W/cfm [848 W/(m3/s)] or less at
design air flow.
2. Existing mechanical equipment.
503.0 Motors, Fans, and Filters.
503.3.1 Labeling. Installed filters shall be clearly
503.1 General. Motors and fans shall be sized to provide the labeled by the manufacturer indicating the MERV rating.
required air movement. Motors in areas that contain flam-
mable vapors or dusts shall be of a type approved for such
environments. A manually operated remote control installed 504.0 Environmental Air Ducts.
at an approved location shall be provided to shut off fans or 504.1 General. Where not specified in this chapter, exhaust
blowers in flammable vapor or dust systems. Equipment used ducts shall be constructed and installed in accordance with

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 83

BLUE
 EXHAUST SYSTEMS

Chapter 6 and shall be airtight as approved by the Authority Devices, such as fire or smoke dampers, that will obstruct the
Having Jurisdiction. Environmental air ducts that have an alter- flow of the exhaust shall not be used. Where joining of ducts,
nate function as a part of an approved smoke-control system the male end shall be inserted in the direction of airflow.
do not require design as Class 1 product-conveying ducts.
Exceptions:
504.4.1 Provisions for Makeup Air. Makeup air shall
be provided in accordance with the following:
«
(1) Ductless range hoods where installed in accordance with (1) Makeup air shall be provided for Type 1 clothes
the manufacturer’s installation instructions. dryers in accordance with the manufacturer’s
(2) Condensing clothes dryers where installed in accordance instructions. [NFPA 54:10.4.3.1]. Where a closet is
with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. designed for the installation of a clothes dryer, an
504.1.1 Backdraft Protection. Exhaust ducts shall opening of not less than 100 square inches (0.065
terminate outside the building and shall be equipped with m2) for makeup air shall be provided in the door or
backdraft dampers or with motorized dampers that auto- by other approved means.
matically shut where the systems or spaces served are (2) Provision for makeup air shall be provided for Type
not in use. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Exception: Backdraft 2 clothes dryers, with a free area of not less than 1
dampers are not required when the exhaust fan must square inch (0.0006 m2) for each 1000 British
operate continuously. thermal units per hour (Btu/h) (0.293 kW) total input
rating of the dryer(s) installed. [NFPA 54:10.4.3.2]
Exception: Where the exhaust duct does not discharge
into a common exhaust plenum and one of the following: 504.4.2 Domestic Clothes Dryers. Where a compartment
or space for a Type 1 clothes dryer is provided, not less
«
(1) The exhaust fan runs continuously.
than a 4 inch diameter (102 mm) exhaust duct of approved
(2) The exhaust duct serves space(s) that are not mechan- material shall be installed in accordance with Section
ically heated or cooled. 504.0.
(3) The space served is maintained at positive pressure. Type 1 clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall be of rigid
504.2 Independent Exhaust Systems. Single or combined metal and shall have smooth interior surfaces. The diam-
mechanical exhaust systems shall be independent of other eter shall be not less than 4 inches nominal (100 mm)
exhaust systems. and the thickness shall be not less than 0.016 of an inch
» 504.3 Domestic Range. Ducts used for domestic kitchen
range ventilation shall be of metal and shall have smooth inte-
(0.406 mm).
504.4.2.1 Length Limitation. Unless otherwise «
rior surfaces. permitted or required by the dryer manufacturer’s
instructions and approved by the Authority Having
Exception: Ducts for domestic kitchen downdraft grill-range
Jurisdiction, domestic dryer moisture exhaust ducts
ventilation installed under a concrete slab floor shall be
shall not exceed a total combined horizontal and
permitted to be of approved Schedule 40 PVC provided:
vertical length of 14 feet (4267 mm), including two
(1) The under-floor trench in which the duct is installed shall 90 degree (1.57 rad) elbows. A length of 2 feet (610
be completely backfilled with sand or gravel. mm) shall be deducted for each 90 degree (1.57 rad)
(2) Not more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) of 6 inch diameter (152 elbow in excess of two.
mm) PVC coupling shall be permitted to protrude above 504.4.2.2 Transition Ducts. Listed clothes dryer
the concrete floor surface. transition ducts not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in
(3) PVC pipe joints shall be solvent cemented to provide an length shall be permitted to be used to connect the
air and greasetight duct. Type 1 dryer to the exhaust ducts. Transition ducts
(4) The duct shall terminate above grade outside the building and flexible clothes dryer transition ducts shall not
and shall be equipped with a back-draft damper. be concealed within construction, and shall be

» 504.4 Clothes Dryers. A clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not

installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
be connected to a vent connector, gas vent, chimney, and shall
not terminate into a crawl space, attic, or other concealed
504.4.3 Commercial Clothes Dryers. Commercial
dryer exhaust ducts shall be installed in accordance with
«
space. Exhaust ducts shall not be assembled with screws or
their listings. The installation of commercial clothes
other fastening means that extend into the duct and that are
dryer exhaust ducts shall comply with the appliance
capable of catching lint, and that reduce the efficiency of the
manufacturer’s installation instructions.
exhaust system. Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of rigid
metallic material. Transition ducts used to connect the dryer 504.4.3.1 Exhaust Ducts for Type 2 Clothes
Dryers. Exhaust ducts for Type 2 clothes dryers
«
to the exhaust duct shall be listed for that application or
installed in accordance with the clothes dryer manufacturer’s shall comply with the following:
installation instructions. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall (1) Exhaust ducts for Type 2 clothes dryers shall
terminate to the outside of the building in accordance with comply with Section 504.4. [NFPA 54:10.4.5.1]
Section 502.2.1 and shall be equipped with a backdraft (2) Exhaust ducts for Type 2 clothes dryers shall be
damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. constructed of sheet metal or other noncom-

84 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

 EXHAUST SYSTEMS

513.0 Fire-Extinguishing Equipment. 513.2.4.2 Obstructions. The addition of obstructions

513.1 General. Fire-extinguishing equipment for the protection to spray patterns from the cooking appliance nozzle(s)
of grease removal devices, hood exhaust plenums, and exhaust such as baffle plates, shelves, or a modification shall
duct systems shall be provided. [NFPA 96:10.1.1] not be permitted. [NFPA 96:10.2.7.3]
513.1.1 Protection. Cooking equipment that produces 513.2.4.3 System Re-evaluation. Changes or modi-
grease-laden vapors and is capable of being a source of fications to the hazard after installation of the fire-
ignition of grease in the hood, grease removal device, extinguishing systems shall result in re-evaluation
or duct shall be protected by fire-extinguishing equip- of the system design by a properly trained, qualified,
ment. [NFPA 96:10.1.2] and certified person(s). [NFPA 96:10.2.7.4]
513.2 Types of Equipment. Fire-extinguishing equipment 513.2.5 Fixed Baffle Hoods with Water Wash. Grease
shall include both automatic fire-extinguishing systems as removal devices, hood exhaust plenums, and exhaust ducts
primary protection and portable fire extinguishers as requiring protection in accordance with Section 513.1
secondary backup. [NFPA 96:10.2.1] shall be permitted to be protected by a listed fixed baffle
513.2.1 Identification. A placard shall be conspicuously hood containing a constant or fire-actuated water wash
placed near the fire extinguisher that states that the fire system that is listed and in accordance with UL 300 or
protection system shall be activated prior to using the fire- other equivalent standards and shall be installed in accor-
extinguisher. [NFPA 96:10.2.2] dance with the requirements of their listing. [NFPA
513.2.2 Standard. Commercial cooking equipment that 96:10.2.8.1]
produce grease laden vapors shall be provided with a 513.2.5.1 Domestic Water Supply. The water for
Type I Hood, in accordance with this Code, and an auto- listed, fixed baffle hood assemblies shall be
matic fire extinguishing system that is listed and labeled permitted to be supplied from the domestic water
for its intended use as follows: supply where the minimum water pressure and flow
(1) Wet chemical extinguishing system (NFPA 17A, Stan- are provided in accordance with the terms of the
dard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems), listing. [NFPA 96:10.2.8.3]
complying with UL 300, Fire Testing of Fire Extin- 513.2.5.2 Control Valve. The water supply shall be
guishing Systems for Protection of Restaurant controlled by a supervised water supply control
Cooking Equipment. All existing dry chemical and valve. [NFPA 96:10.2.8.4]
wet chemical extinguishing systems shall comply with 513.2.5.3 Activation. The water wash in the fixed
UL 300, Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems baffle hood specifically listed to extinguish a fire
for Protection of Restaurant Cooking Equipment. shall be activated by the cooking equipment extin-
(2) Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems (NFPA 12, guishing system. [NFPA 96:10.2.8.5]
Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing
513.2.5.4 Water-Wash System. A water-wash
Systems).
system approved to be used for protection of the
(3) Automatic fire sprinkler systems (NFPA 13, Stan-
grease removal device(s), hood exhaust plenum(s),
dard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems).
exhaust duct(s), or combination thereof shall include
All existing dry chemical and wet chemical extinguishing
instruction and electrical interface for simultaneous
systems shall comply with UL 300, no later than the
activation of the water-wash system from an auto-
second required servicing of the system following the
matic fire-extinguishing system, where the auto-
effective date of this section.
matic fire-extinguishing system is used for cooking
Exceptions:
equipment protection. [NFPA 96:10.2.8.6]
(1) Automatic fire-extinguishing equipment provided as
part of listed recirculating systems in accordance 513.2.5.5 Exception. Where the fire-extinguishing
with UL 710B. [NFPA 96:10.2.5] system provides protection for the cooking equip-
(2) [DSA-SS and DSA-SS/CC] Public schools kitchens, ment, hood, and duct, activation of the water-wash
without deep-fat fryers, shall be upgraded to a UL shall not be required. [NFPA 96:10.2.8.7]
300, Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for 513.2.5.6 Water Supply. The water required for
Protection of Restaurant Cooking Equipment, listed automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be
compliant system during state-funded modernization permitted to be supplied from the domestic water
projects that are under the jurisdiction of the Divi- supply where the minimum water pressure and flow
sion of the State Architect. are provided in accordance with the terms of the
513.2.4 Modification of Existing Hood Systems. An listing. The water supply shall be controlled by a
abandoned pipe or conduit from a previous installation supervised water supply control valve. Where the
shall be removed from within the hood, plenum, and water supply is from a dedicated fire protection
exhaust duct. [NFPA 96:10.2.7.1] water supply in a building with one or more fire
513.2.4.1 Sealing. Penetrations and holes resulting sprinkler systems, separate indicating control valves
from the removal of conduit or piping shall be sealed and drains shall be provided and arranged so that the
with listed or equivalent liquid-tight sealing devices. hood system and sprinkler system are capable of
[NFPA 96:10.2.7.2] being controlled individually. [NFPA 96:10.2.9]

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 105

BLUE
EXHAUST SYSTEMS

513.2.6 Water Valve Supervision. Valves controlling the shall not require more than 40 pounds-force (lbf) (178 N) of
water supply to listed fixed baffle hood assemblies, auto- force, with a pull movement not to exceed 14 inches (356
matic fire-extinguishing systems, or both shall be listed mm) to activate the automatic fire extinguishing system. The
indicating type of valve and shall be supervised open by automatic and manual means of system activation external to
one of the following methods: the control head or releasing device shall be separate and
(1) Central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm independent of each other so that failure of one will not
service. impair the operation of the other except as permitted in
(2) Local alarm service that will cause the sounding of Section 513.5.1. [NFPA 96:10.5.1 – 10.5.2]
an audible signal at a constantly attended point. 513.5.1 Location of Manual Activation Device. The
(3) Locking valves open. manual means of system activation shall be permitted to
be common with the automatic means where the manual
(4) Sealing of valves and approved weekly recorded activation device is located between the control head or
inspection. [NFPA 96:10.2.10]
releasing device and the first fusible link. [NFPA
513.3 Simultaneous Operation. Fixed pipe extinguishing 96:10.5.3]
systems in a single hazard area shall be arranged for simulta-
513.5.2 Automatic Sprinkler System. An automatic sprin-
neous automatic operation upon actuation of any one of the
kler system shall not require a manual means of system
systems. [NFPA 96:10.3.1]
activation. [NFPA 96:10.5.4]
513.3.1 Automatic Sprinkler System. Simultaneous
513.5.3 Manual Actuator(s). The means for manual acti-
operation shall not be required where the one fixed pipe
vation shall be mechanical or rely on electrical power for
extinguishing system is an automatic sprinkler system.
Where an automatic sprinkler system is used in conjunc- activation in accordance with Section 513.5.4. [NFPA
tion with a water-based fire-extinguishing system served 96:10.5.5]
by the same water supply, hydraulic calculations shall 513.5.4 Standby Power Supply. Electrical power shall
consider both systems operating simultaneously. [NFPA be permitted to be used for manual activation where a
96:10.3.2, 10.3.2.1] standby power supply is provided or where supervision
513.3.2 Dry or Wet Chemical Systems. Simultaneous is provided in accordance with Section 513.7. [NFPA
96:10.5.6]
operation shall be required where a dry or wet chemical
system is used to protect common exhaust ductwork by 513.6 System Annunciation. Upon activation of an auto-
NFPA 17A, Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems. matic fire-extinguishing system, an audible alarm or visual
indicator shall be provided to show that the system has acti-
513.4 Fuel and Electric Power Shutoff. Upon activation of a vated. [NFPA 96:10.6.1]
fire-extinguishing system for a cooking operation, sources of
513.6.1 Signaling. Where a fire alarm signaling system is
fuel and electric power that produce heat to equipment requiring
serving the occupancy where the extinguishing system is
protection by that system shall automatically shut off. [NFPA located, the activation of the automatic fire-extinguishing
96:10.4.1] system shall activate the fire alarm signaling system.
Exception: Solid-fuel cooking operations. [NFPA 96:10.6.2]
513.4.1 Steam. Steam supplied from an external source 513.7 System Supervision. Where electrical power is required
shall not be required to automatically shut off. [NFPA to operate the fixed automatic fire-extinguishing system, the
96:10.4.2] system shall be provided with a reserve power supply and be
monitored by a supervisory alarm except as permitted in
513.4.2 Protection Not Required. A gas appliance
accordance with Section 513.7.1. [NFPA 96:10.7.1]
not requiring protection, but located under ventilating
equipment where protected appliances are located, shall 513.7.1 Automatic Fire-Extinguishing System. Where a
be automatically shut off upon activation of the extin- fixed automatic fire-extinguishing system includes auto-
matic mechanical detection and actuation as a backup
guishing system. [NFPA 96:10.4.3]
detection system, electrical power monitoring and reserve
513.4.3 Manual Reset. Shutoff devices shall require power supply shall not be required. [NFPA 96:10.7.2]
manual reset. [NFPA 96:10.4.4]
513.7.2 Supervision. System supervision shall not be
513.5 Manual Activation. A readily accessible means for required where a fire-extinguishing system(s) is inter-
manual activation shall be located between 42 inches and 48 connected or interlocked with the cooking equipment
inches (1067 mm and 1219 mm) above the floor, be acces- power source(s) so that where the fire-extinguishing
sible in the event of a fire, be located in a path of egress, and system becomes inoperable due to power failure, sources
clearly identify the hazard protected. Not less than one of fuel or electric power that produce heat to cooking
manual actuation device shall be located not less than 10 feet equipment serviced by that hood shall automatically shut
(3048 mm) and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) from the off. [NFPA 96:10.7.3]
protected exhaust system(s) within the path of egress or at an 513.7.3 Listed Water Wash System. System supervi-
alternative location acceptable to the Authority Having Juris- sion shall not be required where an automatic fire-extin-
diction. Manual actuation using a cable-operated pull station guishing system, including automatic mechanical

106 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

 HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
(TITLE 24, PART 4, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS)

For prior history, see the History Note Appendix to the Cali-
fornia Mechanical Code, 2013 Triennial Edition effective
January 1, 2014.

1. (BSC 02/15, HCD 05/15, DSA-SS 06/15, OSHPD 06/15,

SFM 03/15) Adoption by reference of the 2015 Uniform
Mechanical Code (UMC) with necessary state amend-
ments and repeal of the 2012 edition of the UMC; Effec-
tive on January 1, 2017.
2. Errata to correct editorial errors within the preface as
well as throughout various chapters in this code. Effec-
tive January 1, 2017.
3. 2016 Intervening Update (DSA-SS/CC 03/16) Adopted
by the California Building Standards Commission on
June 20, 2017, published on January 1, 2018, effective
on July 1, 2018.
4. 2016 Intervening Update (OSHPD 04/16) Adopted by the
California Building Standards Commission on August
14, 2017, published on January 1, 2018, effective on July
1, 2018.

2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE JULY 1, 2018 SUPPLEMENT 491

BLUE
492 2016 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE