Interpretation #7662

Original Request

Code Version: 2014
Code: MECHANIC
Code Description
Chapter
Section: 301.15
Topic: Mechanical wind load

Question

Is it the intent of code section 301.15, that all cities & counties under the FBC are to require an equipment wind load certification on all exterior mechanical equipment, such as condensers, package unit, fans, and pool heaters ?

Answer Published 10/16/2015 at 2:49 PM

Yes, FBC-R M1401.4 covers this for residential and FBC-M
301.15 covers wind resistance for other applications.

Whether or not a jurisdiction requires a permit, the
contractor must provide properly rated and installed
equipment in accordance with Code requirements.

Commentary

While the request does not specifically address commercial or single family residential construction, the FBC-R does not have language identical to the FBC-M. When considering the mechanical provisions of the FBC-R, Section M1301.1 states: "Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the installation of mechanical systems not specifically covered in other chapters applicable to mechanical systems. Installations of mechanical appliances, equipment and systems not addressed by this code shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Florida Building Code, Mechanical and the Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas." This section could invoke the requirements of FBC-M 301.15. This question may have been generated due to section M1307.2.1 from the 2010 edition not being included in the 2014 edition. FBC-R 2010, M1307.2.1 Wind resistance. Mechanical equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed to resist the wind pressures on the equipment and the supports as determined in accordance with the Florida Building Code, Building. As stated in the response, the removal of this section did not remove wind load requirements.