Interpretation #7848
Published November 03, 2016
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- MECHANIC
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 601.5
- Topic
- Application of "haitable"
Question
Is it the intent of section 601.5 to apply to all occupiable spaces or does the language of exception #3 stating "Habitable only shall be required to met these requirements..." mean that all of 601.5 only applies to habitable rooms?
Answer Published 11/03/2016 at 9:49 AM
No, the intent is not to apply balanced air requirements to
all "occupiable" spaces. The provision applies to "habitable
rooms" only.
all "occupiable" spaces. The provision applies to "habitable
rooms" only.
Commentary
As the requester points out, the wording of Exception #3 is
remarkably poor. This being the case, it is unlikely that
the author intended for any reader to read Exception #3
several times between the lines in an effort to
interpret/extract intent or meaning.
Perhaps there should have been 4 Exceptions. The first part
of Exception #3 exempts bathrooms, closets, storage rooms
and laundry rooms. The last part of Exception #3 should have
become Exception #4 �except that all supply air
into the master suite shall be included�. (Balancing the
return and supply air into the master suite became a concern
for the Technical Advisory Committee due to the large size
of some master suites with his and hers closets, dressing
areas, bath area, shower, toilet rooms, etc.)