The Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code-Ch - 1-2

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These standards shall be known as the Philippine

Mechanical Engineering Code and shall be referred to as
2012 "this Code.'
Philippine Mechanical 102.0 Purpose.

To establish minimum requirements of protection to
Engineering Code public safety and health thru mechanical engineering,
indoor air quality thru adequate air conditioning and
The Mechanical Code of the Philippines ventilation; carbon dioxide mitigation thru energy
conservation and renewable energy; to preserve life and
protect property from damage and other hazards
attributed fire and smoke; and provide safety to fire
fighters and emergency responders during emergency
Chapter 1 Administration operation.
Chapter 2 Definitions
Chapter 3 General Requirements To regulate and control the design, construction,
Chapter 4 Ventilation Air Supply and Exhaust installation, quality of materials, location, operation, and
Chapter 5 Exhaust Systems maintenance or use of heating, ventilating, cooling, and
Chapter 6 Duct Systems refrigeration systems; incinerators; and other
Chapter 7 Air Ventilation for Combustion miscellaneous heat producing mechanical equipment
Chapter 8 Chimney and Vents and systems within the jurisdiction of R.A 8495 or known
Chapter 9 Smoke Control/Fire Stop Production as the Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998.
Chapter 10 Hydronics
Chapter 11 Steam and Hot Water Boilers This Code is not to create or establish or designate any
Chapter 12 Refrigeration particular class or group of persons who will or should be
Chapter 13 Installation of Equipment especially protected or benefited by the terms of this
Chapter 14 Water Supply Code.
Chapter 15 Drainage Pipe System/Building Sewers
Chapter 16 Vents Part Il -Enforcement.
Chapter 17 Storm Drainage
Chapter 18 Fuel Gas Piping 108.0 Powers and Duties of the Authority Having
Chapter 19 Health Care Facilities and Medical Gas Jurisdiction.
and Vacuum Systems
Chapter 20 Fire Protection Systems 108.1 General. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be
Chapter 21 Indirect Drain, Traps and Interceptors authorized to enforce the provisions of the code. For such
and Sewage Treatment Plant purposes, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the
Chapter 22 Flammable and Combustible Liquid powers granted by the law.
Piping Systems and Storage
Chapter 23 Pressure Vessel Safety Requirements The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall adopt, interpret
Chapter 24 Energy Conservation and enforce the standards, rules and regulations of the
Chapter 25 Elevator Safety code in order to clarify the application of the provisions of
Chapter 26 Standard Practice for the Control of the code. All interpretations of the rules, standards and
Flammable and Combustible Liquid and regulations shall be in accordance with the intent and
Gases in Manholes, Sewers and purpose of this code.
Underground Structures
Chapter 27 Renewable Energy Source 108.2 Right of Entry. When the Authority Having
Chapter 28 Non-renewable Energy Source Jurisdiction has reasonable cause to believe that there
Chapter 29 Standards exists in a building or a premises a condition that is
CHAPTER 1 contrary to or in violation of this code that makes the
Administration building or premises unsafe, dangerous, or hazardous, the
Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to enter
Part I - General. the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or
to perform the duties imposed by this code. If the building
101.0 Title.
You shall not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, perform, modify, create derivative works, transmit, or in any way exploit any such content, nor may you distribute any part of this content over any
network, including a local area network, sell or offer it for sale, or use such content to construct any kind of database
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Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make a reasonable
or premises are occupied the credentials of the Authority effort to locate the owner or other person having charge
Having Jurisdiction shall present the occupant a request or control of the building or premises and request entry. If
entry. If the building or premises are unoccupied, the entry is refused, the Authorly Having Jurisdiction shall
find remedial recourse as provided by law to secure entry. obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damaged, or
108.3 Stop Orders. The Authority Having Jurisdiction abandonment. Unsafe equipment shall be a public
shall have the authority to order the work stopped by nuisance and shall be repaired, rehabilitated, demolished,
notice in writing served on any persons engaged in doing or removed in accordance with the adopted procedures of
or causing unsafe, dangerous or hazardous work to be this code. The Authority Having Jurisdiction or official of
done until authorized by the Authority Having this jurisdiction as appointed by the governing body shall
Jurisdiction to proceed with the work. be permitted to institute appropriate action to prevent,
restrain, correct, or abate the violation.
108.4 Authority to Disconnect Utilities in Emergencies.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction or authorized Part III - Permits and Inspections
representative shall be permitted to disconnect fuel gas
utility service or energy supplies to a building, structure, 110.0 Permits.
premises, or equipment regulated by this code in case of
emergency to prevent an immediate hazard to life or 110.1 Permits Required. No mechanical system
property. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall regulated by this code shall be installed, altered, repaired,
immediately notify the serving utility, the owner, and the replaced, or remodeled unless a separate mechanical
occupant of the building, structure, or premises of the permit for each separate building or structure has first
decision to disconnect prior to taking such action, and been obtained and except as permitted in Section 111.1.
shall immediately notify the serving utility, owner, and 110.1.1 Applicants for permits shall have been licensed
occupant of the building, structure, or premises in writing as contractor by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation
of such disconnection immediately thereafter. Board (PCAB) of the Construction Industry Authority of
the Philippines (CIAP) and shall have duly complied with
108.5 Authority to Condemn Equipment. The Authority the requirements Republic Act (RA) 4566 or known as the
Having Jurisdiction shall order in writing that the Contractors License Law
equipment be removed or restored to a safe or sanitary
condition after it ascertains that any equipment, or 111.0 Exempt Work. A mechanical permit shall not be
portion thereof, regulated by this code has become required for the following:
hazardous to life, health, or property.
111.1 A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating
The written notice shall have a fixed time limit for equipment, a portable cooling unit, or a portable
compliance with such order. After receiving a notice any evaporative cooler.
person shall not use or maintain the defective equipment.
Any equipment or an installation that shall be 111.2 Any closed mechanical system within heating or
disconnected, a written notice of the disconnection with cooling equipment that is regulated by this code.
causes shall be given within twenty-four (24) hours to the
serving utility, owner, and occupant of the building, 111.3 Any component part or assembly of mechanical
structure, or premises. Any equipment that is maintained equipment that is replaced and does not alter its original
in violation of this code, and in violation of a notice issued approval and complies with other applicable
pursuant to the provisions of this section, the Authority requirements of this code.
Having Jurisdiction shall institute an appropriate action to
prevent, restrain, correct, or abate the violation. 112.0 Application for Permit.
108.6 Connection After Order to Disconnect. The 112.1 Application. The applicant shall file an application
Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be solely authorized in writing on a form furnished by the code enforcement
to allow the reconnection and use of equipment that has agency for that purpose. Every application shall:
become hazardous to life, health, or property. Any
persons shall not make connections from an energy, fuel, 112.1.1 Identify and describe the work to be covered by
or power supply nor supply energy or fuel to any the permit.
equipment regulated by this code that has been
disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the 112.1.2 Indicate the location where the proposed work is
Authority Having Jurisdiction. to be done thru legal description of street address, or
109.0 Unsafe Equipment. similar description that will easily identify and definitely
Equipment under the jurisdiction of this code shall be locate the proposed building or work.
unsafe if it constitutes fire or health hazard or dangerous
to human due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
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work to be done.
112.1.3 Indicate the use or occupancy of the proposed
provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the
112.1.4 Submit plans, diagrams, computations, and jurisdiction. Any approved permits giving authority to
specifications and other data as required in Section violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other
1.12.2. ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid and is
considered as not approved.
112.1.5 Signed by the applicant or an authorized agent of
the applicant. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall not be prevented
from requiring the correction of errors in said approved
112.1.6 Provide such other data and information as may plans, specifications, and other data or from preventing
be required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. building operations being carried on when in violation of
this code or of other ordinances of this jurisdiction.
112.2 Plans and Specifications. Plans, engineering
calculations, diagrams, and other data shall be submitted 114.3 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become null
in one (1) or more sets with each application. All plans, and void if the work authorized by such permit is not
computations, and specifications shall be prepared, commenced within one hundred and eighty (180) days
designed and signed by a professional mechanical from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by
engineer licensed by the Professional Regulation such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after
Commission to practice. the work is commenced for a period of one hundred and
eighty (180) days. An expired permit can be
112.3 Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans and recommenced, provided a new permit shall be first
specifications shall be drawn to scale and shall be of obtained, and the fee therefore shall be one-half (1/2) the
sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and amount required for a new permit, provided no changes
extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will have been made or will be made in the original plans and
conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, specifications and provided that such suspension or
ordinances, rules, and regulations. abandonment has not exceeded one (1) year. No permit
shall be extended more than once. To renew a permit with
113.0 Permit Issuance. more than once after expiration, the permit applicant shall
pay a new full permit fee.
113.1 Issuance. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall
issue a permit to the applicant when the work described 114.4 Extension. For good and satisfactory reason, a
in an application for a permit and the plans, calculation, permittee with an unexpired permit shall be allowed to
specifications, and other data filed are in accordance with apply for an extension before the expired date. Upon
the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws written request showing the circumstances are beyond
and ordinances and that the required fees specified in control to execute the permit the Authority Having
Section 115.0 have been paid. Jurisdiction shall extend the permit for a period not
exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) days.
When issuing a permit where plans are required, the
Authority Having Jurisdiction shall endorse in writing or 114.5 Suspension or Revocation. The Authority Having
stamp the plans and specifications "APPROVED." Such Jurisdiction shall have the authority to suspend or revoke
approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, a permit issued under the provisions of this code
modified, or altered without approval from the Authority whenever the permit is issued with errors or on the basis
Having Jurisdiction. All work regulated by this code shall of incorrect information supplied or in violation of other
be done in accordance with the approved plans. ordinances or regulations of the jurisdiction.
114.0 Permit Conditions 115.0 Fees.
114.1 Retention of Plans. One (1) set of copy of 115.1 General. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with
approved plans, specifications, and computations shall the provisions of the National Building Code of the
be retained by the Authority Having Jurisdiction until final Philippines.
approval of the work and occupancy permit is issued.
Two (2) sets o 115.2 Plan Review Fees. A plan review fee shall be paid
"copy of approved plans and specifications shall be when submitting plans and specifications for review in
returned to the applicant, and shall be kept on the work accordance with the requirements of Section 112.2. The
authorized site at all times. fees for plan review of mechanical work shall be
determined and adopted by the Authority Having
114.2 Validity of Permit. Approved permit or plans, Jurisdiction.
specifications, and computations shall not be understood
to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of the
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or similar obstruction covering the item described.
The plan review fees in this subsection are separate fees
from the permit fees specified in Section 115.1 and are in ACCESSIBLE, READILY - Capable of being reached safely
addition to the permit fees. and quickly for operation, repair, or inspection without
requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to
Plans and specifications that are incomplete or revised, climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to the use of
an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the rate portable access equipment.
adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
AIR, CONDITIONED - Air that has been treated to achieve
115.3 Expiration of Plan Review. When no permit is a desired level of temperature, humidity, or cleanliness.
issued within one hundred and eighty (180) days after
the date of application, the application shall be AIR, EXHAUST - Air being removed from any space or
considered as expired, and plans and other data piece of equipment and conveyed directly to the
submitted for review shall be returned to the applicant or atmosphere by means of openings or ducts.
destroyed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The
Authority Having Jurisdiction shall allow an extension for AIRHANDLING UNIT - A blower or fan used for the
a period not exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) purpose of distributing supply air to a room, space, or
days upon request by the applicant showing that area.
circumstances that led to the expiration is beyond the
control of the applicant. An application shall not be AIR, MAKEUP - Air that is provided to replace air being
extended more than once. exhausted.
When an application has expired more than once, the AIR MOVING SYSTEM - A system designed to provide
applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review heating, cooling, or ventilation in which one or more air
fee. handling units are used to supply air to a common space
or are drawing air from a common plenum or space.
115.4 Work Without a Permit.
AIR, OUTSIDE - Air from outside the building intentionally
115.5.1 Investigation. Any mechanical work where a conveyed by openings or ducts to rooms or to
permit is required by this code has been executed without conditioning equipment.
first obtaining a permit; an investigation shall be made
before a permit shall be issued for such work. AIR, RETURN - Air from the conditioned area that is
returned to the conditioning equipment for
115.5.2 Fee. Any permit application as a result of section reconditioning.
115.5.1 an investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee,
shall be collected whether or not a permit is issued. The AIR, SUPPLY - Air being conveyed to a conditioned area
investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the through ducts or plenums from a heat exchanger of a
permit fee that would be required by this code if a permit heating, cooling, absorption, or evaporative cooling
were to be issued. The investigation fee shall not exempt system.
any person or entity from compliance with other
provisions of this code or from any penalty prescribed by APPLIANCE - A device that utilizes fuel or other forms of
law. energy to produce light, heat, power, refrigeration, or air
CHAPTER 2 conditioning. This definition also shall include a vented
Definitions decorative appliance.
ABSORPTION UNIT - absorption refrigeration system that ARROVED - Acceptable to the Authority Having
has been factory assembled and tested prior to its Jurisdiction.
installation.
APPROVED TESTING AGENCY - An organization primarily
ACCESSIBLE - Having access to but which first shall be established for purposes of testing to approved
permitted to require the removal of an access panel, door,
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education, instruction, worship, entertainment,
standards and approved by the Authority Having amusement, drinking, dining, or awaiting transportation.
Jurisdiction.
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION - The organization,
ASSEMBLY BUILDING - A building or a portion of a office, or individual responsible for enforcing the
building used for the gathering together of fifty (50) or requirements of a code or standard, or for approving
more persons for such purposes as deliberation, equipment, materials, installations, or procedures. The
Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be a local government Environmental heating equipment installed in a manner to
unit, or other regional department or an individual such as supply heat by means of ducts or pipes to areas other
a mechanical official, labor department official, health than the room or space in which the equipment is
department official, building official, or others having located.
statutory authority.
CERTIFIED - A formally stated recognition and approval of
AUTOMATIC - That which provides a function without the an acceptable level of competency, acceptable to the
necessity of human intervention. Authority Having Jurisdiction.
AZEOTROPE - A refrigerant blend comprising multiple CHIMNEY - A vertical shaft enclosing one or more flues
components of different volatiles that, when used in for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere.
refrigeration cycles, do not change volumetric
composition or saturation temperature as they evaporate Factory Built Chimney - A listed chimney.
or condense at constant pressure.
Masonry Chimney - A chimney of solid masonry units,
BOILER, HIGH PRESSURE - A boiler furnishing steam at bricks, stones, listed masonry units, or reinforced
pressures in excess of fifteen (15) pounds per square concrete, lined with suitable flue liners.
inch (103.4 kPa) or hot water at temperatures in excess
of 250F (121°C) or at pressures in excess of one hundred Metal Chimney - A chimney constructed of metal with a
and sixty (160) pounds per square inch (1,103.2 kPa). minimum thickness not less than one hundred and
twenty-seven one hundredths (0.127) inch (3.23 mm) (No.
BOILER ROOM - Any room containing a steam or hot 10 manufacturer's standard gauge steel sheet).
water boiler.
CHIMNEY CLASSIFICATIONS:
BONDING JUMPER - A reliable conductor to ensure the
required electrical conductivity between metal parts Chimney, Residential Appliance Type -A factory built or
required to be electrically connected. masonry chimney suitable for removing products of
combustion from residential type appliances producing
BREATHING ZONE - The region within an occupied space combustion gases not in excess of 1,000 F (538°C),
between three (3) planes and seventy-two (72) inches measured at the appliance flue outlet.
(1,800 mm) above the floor and more than (2) two feet
(600 mm) from the walls or fixed air-conditioning Chimney, Low Heat Appliance Type - A factory built,
equipment. masonry, or metal chimney suitable for removing the
products of combustion from fuel burning low heat
BREATHING ZONE OUTDOOR AIRFLOW (Vbz) - The rate appliances producing combustion gases not in excess of
of outdoor airflow required in the breathing zone of an 1,000F (538°C) under normal operating conditions, but
occupiable space. capable of producing combustion gases of 1,400F
(760°C) during intermittent forced firing for periods up to
BREECHING - A metal connector for medium and high one hour. All temperatures are measured at the appliance
heat appliances. flue outlet.
BTU/H - The listed maximum capacity of any appliance, Chimney, Medium Heat Appliance Type - A factory built,
absorption unit, or burner expressed in British thermal masonry, or metal chimney suitable for removing the
units input per hour, unless otherwise noted. products of combustion from fuel burning medium heat
BUILDING CODE - The National Building Code of the appliances producing combustion gases not in excess of
Philippines that is adopted by this jurisdiction. 2,000F (1,093°C), measured at the appliance flue outlet.
BUILDING OFFICIAL - See Authority Having Jurisdiction. Chimney, High Heat Appliance Type - A factory built,
masonry, or metal chimney suitable for removing the
CAS NUMBER - The Chemical Abstract System registry products of combustion from fuel burning high heat
number.
CENTRAL HEATING PLANT or HEATING PLANT -
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burning appliance to a chimney.
appliances producing combustion gases in excess of
2,000F (1,093°C), measured at the appliance flue outlet. CLOSED COMBUSTION SOLID FUEL BURNING
APPLIANCE - A heat producing appliance that employs a
CHIMNEY CONNECTOR - The pipe that connects a fuel combustion chamber that has no openings other than the
flue collar, fuel charging door, and adjustable openings habitation by any equipment.
provided to control the amount of combustion air that
enters the combustion chamber. CONFINED SPACE - A room or space having a volume
less than fifty (50) cubic feet (1.42 m) per 1,000 Btu/h
CLOSET - See Confined Space. (293 W) of the aggregate input rating of all fuel burning
appliances installed in that space.
CLOTHES DRYER - An appliance used to dry wet laundry
by means of heat derived from the combustion of fuel COOLING - Air cooling to provide a room or space
gases or electric heating elements. temperature of 68F (20°C) or above.
CLOTHES DRYER, TYPE 1 - Primarily used in family living COOLING SYSTEM - All of that equipment, including
environment. May or may not be coin operated for public associated refrigeration, intended or installed for the
use. purpose of cooling air by mechanical means and
discharging such air into any room or space. This
CLOTHES DRYER, TYPE 2 - Used in business with direct definition shall not include any evaporative cooler.
intercourse of the function with the public. May or may
not be operated by public or hired attendant. May or may COOLING UNIT - A self-contained refrigeration system
not be coin operated. that has been factory assembled, tested, and installed
with or without conditioned air and ducts, without
CODE - A standard that is an extensive compilation of connecting any refrigerant containing parts.
provisions covering broad subject matter or that is
suitable for adoption into law independently of other CRAWL SPACE - In a building, an area accessible by
codes. and standards. It also shall mean the Philippine crawling, having a clearance less than human height, for
Mechanical Code or the Philippine Mechanical access to plumbing or wiring, storage, etc.
Engineering Code.
CSST - An acronym for corrugated stainless-steel tubing
COMBUSTION AIR - The total amount of air provided to
the space that contains fuel burning equipment. Includes DAMPERS - shall be defined as follows:
air for fuel combustion, draft hood dilution, and
ventilation of the equipment enclosure. Fire Damper - An automatic closing metal assembly
consisting of one or more louvers, blades, slats or vanes
COMPRESSOR, POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT - A that closes upon detection of heat so as to restrict the
compressor in which an increase in pressure is attained passage of flame and is listed to the applicable
by changing the internal volume of the compression recognized standards.
chamber.
Smoke Damper - A damper arranged to seal off airflow
COMPRESSOR, REFRIGERANT - A machine, with or automatically through a part of an air duct system so as
without accessories, for compressing refrigerant vapor. to restrict the passage of smoke and is listed to the
applicable recognized standard.
CONDENSER - The part of the system designed to liquefy
refrigerant vapor by removal of heat. Volume Damper - Any device that, when installed, will
restrict, retard, or direct the flow of air in any duct, or the
CONDENSING APPLIANCE - An appliance that products of combustion in any heat producing
condenses part of the water vapor generated by the equipment, its vent connector, vent, or chimney.
burning of hydrogen in fuels.
DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION - The elevation of the "design
CONDENSING UNIT - A mechanical refrigeration system, flood," including wave height, relative to the datum
consisting of one or more power driven compressors, specified on the community's legally designated flood
condensers, liquid receivers if provided, and the regularly hazard map.
furnished accessories that have been factory assembled
and tested prior to its installation. DIRECT GASFIRED MAKEUP AIR HEATER - A heater in
which all the products of combustion generated by the
CONDITIONED SPACE - An area, room, or space normally
occupied and being heated or cooled for human
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gas burning device are released into the outside DIRECT VENT APPLIANCE - An appliance that is
airstream being heated. constructed and installed so that all air for combustion is
derived from the outside atmosphere and all flue gases
are discharged to the outside atmosphere. conditioned air is distributed through ducts or plenums to
the conditioned area.
DISTRICT HEATING PLANT - A power boiler plant
designed to distribute hot water or steam to users EVAPORATOR - That part of a refrigeration system in
located off the premises. which liquid refrigerant is vaporized to produce
refrigeration.
DRAFT HOOD - A device built into an appliance or made a
part of the vent connector from an appliance, that is EXCESS FLOW VALVE (EFV) - A valve designed to
designed to: Assure the ready escape of the flue gases in activate when the fuel gas passing through it exceeds a
the event of no draft, back draft, or stoppage beyond the prescribed flow rate.
draft hood. Prevent a back draft from entering the
appliance. FIRE CODE - The fire code adopted by this jurisdiction.
DUCT - Any tube or conduit for transmission of air, fumes, FIREPLACE STOVE - A chimney connected, solid fuel
vapors, or dusts. This definition shall not Include: A vent, burning stove (appliance) having part of its fire chamber
vent connector, or chimney connector. Any tube or open to the room.
conduit wherein the pressure of the air exceeds one (1)
pound per square inch (6.895 KPA). FIRE RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION - Construction
complying with the requirements of the Building Code for
DUCT FURNACE - A warm air furnace normally installed the time period specified.
in an air distribution duct to supply warm air for heating.
This definition shall apply only to a warm air heating FLOOD HAZARD AREA - The greater of the following two
appliance that depends for air circulation on a blower not areas:
furnished as part of the furnace. The area within a floodplain is subject to a 1 percent or
greater chance of flooding in any given year. The area
DUCT SYSTEM - Includes all ducts, duct fittings, plenums, designated as a flood hazard area on a community's
and fans assembled to form a continuous passageway flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.
for the distribution of air.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA SUBJECT TO HIGH VELOCITY
DWELLING - A building or portion thereof that contains WAVE ACTION - Area within the flood hazard area that is
not more than two dwelling units. subject to high velocity wave action, and shown in the
Philippine Government flood hazard map.
DWELLING UNIT - A building or portion thereof that
contains living facilities including provisions for sleeping, FLOOR FURNACE - A completely self-contained furnace
eating, cooking, and sanitation, as required by this code, suspended from the floor of the space being heated,
for not more than one family. taking air for combustion from outside such space and
with means for observing flames and lighting the
ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE - A device that appliance from such space.
produces heat energy to create a warm environment by
the application of electric power to resistance elements FORCED AIRTYPE CENTRAL FURNACE - A central
refrigerant compressors, or dissimilar material junctions. furnace equipped with a fan or blower that provides the
primary means for circulation of air.
ELECTRICAL CODE - The National Electrical Code
promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, Horizontal Type Central Furnace - A furnace designed for
as adopted by this jurisdiction. low headroom installations with airflow through the
appliance in a horizontal path.
EQUIPMENT - A general term including materials, fittings,
devices, appliances, and apparatus used as part of or in Up-flow Type Central Furnace - A furnace designed with
connection with installations regulated by this code. airflow essentially in a vertical path, discharging air at or
near the top of the furnace.
EVAPORATIVE COOLER - A device used for reducing the
sensible heat of air for cooling by the process of Down-flow Type Central Furnace - A furnace designed
evaporation of water into an airstream. with airflow essentially in a vertical path, discharging air
EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEM - All of that equipment at or near the bottom of the furnace.
intended or installed for the purpose of environmental
cooling by an evaporative cooler from which the
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ventilating furnace incorporating an integral total
Enclosed Furnace - A specific heating or heating and enclosure and using only outside air for combustion.
environmental heating system or appliance regulated by
FRACTIONATION - A change in composition of a blend by this code.
preferential evaporation of the more volatile component
or condensation of the less volatile component. HEATING SYSTEM - A warm air heating plant consisting
of a heat exchanger enclosed in a casing, from which the
FUSIBLE PLUG - A device arranged to relieve pressure by heated air is distributed through ducts to various rooms
operation of a fusible member at a predetermined and areas. A heating system includes the outside air,
temperature. return air and supply air system, and all accessory
apparatus and equipment installed in connection
GALVANIZED STEEL - Any steel conforming to the therewith.
requirements of the American Society for Testing and
Material (ASTM) A653/A653M-03 Standard Specification HEAT PUMP - A refrigeration system that extracts heat
for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coat (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy from one substance and transfers it to another portion of
Coat (Galvanized) by the Hot Dip Process. the same substance or to a second substance at a higher
temperature for a beneficial purpose.
GENERATOR - A device equipped with a means of
heating used in an absorption system to drive refrigerant HIGH SIDE - The parts of a refrigeration system subjected
out of solution. to approximately condenser pressure.
GRAVITY HEATING SYSTEM - Any heating system HOOD - An air intake device connected to a mechanical
consisting of a gravity type warm air furnace, together exhaust system for collecting vapors, fumes, smoke,
with all air ducts or pipes and accessory apparatus dust, steam, heat or odors from, at, or near the
installed in connection therewith. equipment, place, or area where generated, produced, or
released.
GRAVITY TYPE WARM-AIR FURNACE - A warm air
furnace depending primarily on circulation of air through IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) - A
the furnace by gravity. This definition also shall include concentration of airborne contaminant's, normally
any furnace approved with a booster type fan that does expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per
not materially restrict free circulation of air through the cubic meter (mg/m3), that represents the maximum level
furnace when the fan is not in operation. from which one could escape within thirty (30) minutes
without any escape impairing symptoms or irreversible
GROUNDING ELECTRODE - A conducting object through health effects. This level is established by the National
which a direct connection to earth is established. Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
HAZARDOUS LOCATION - Any area or space where INDUSTRIAL HEATING EQUIPMENT - Includes
combustible dust, ignitable fibers or flammable, volatile appliances, devices, or equipment used, or intended to be
liquids, gases, vapors or mixtures are or may be present used, in an industrial, manufacturing, or commercial
in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or occupancy for applying heat to any material being
ignitable mixtures. processed, but shall not include water heaters, boilers, or
portable equipment used by artisans in pursuit of a trade.
HEAT (ENERGY) RECOVERY VENTILATOR - A device
intended to remove air from buildings, replace it with INSANITARY LOCATION - An area, space, or room where
outside air, and in the process transfer heat from the the air is unfit or undesirable for circulation to occupied
warmer to the colder airstreams. parts of a building.
HEATING DEGREE DAY - A unit, based upon temperature JOINT, BRAZED - Any joint obtained by joining of metal
difference and time, used in estimating fuel consumption parts with alloys that melt at temperatures higher than
and specifying nominal annual heating load of a building. 840F (449°C) but lower than the meltin g temperature of
For any one day when the mean temperature is less than the parts being joined.
65F (18°C), there exist as many degree days as there are
Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature between JOINT, COMPRESSION - Any multipiece joint with cup
mean temperature for the day and 65F (18°C). shaped threaded nuts that, when tightened, compress
tapered sleeves so that they form a tight joint on the
HEATING EQUIPMENT - Includes all warm air furnaces, periphery of the tubing they connect.
warm air heaters, combustion products vents, heating air
distribution ducts and fans, and all steam and hot water JOINT, FLANGED - One made by bolting together a pair of
piping, together with all control devices and accessories flanged ends.
installed as part of, or in connection with, any
9
product conforms to applicable standards and found safe
JOINT, FLARED - Any metal-to-metal compression joint in for use in a specific manner.
which a conical spread is made on the end of a tube that
is compressed by a flare nut against a mating flare. LOW PRESSURE HOTWATER HEATING BOILER - A boiler
furnishing hot water at pressures not exceeding 160
JOINT, MECHANICAL - General form for gastight joints pounds per square inch (1,102.4 kPa) and at
obtained by the joining of metal parts through a positive temperatures not exceeding 250F
holding mechanical construction (such as flanged joint, (121°C)
screwed joint, or flared joint).
LOW PRESSURE STEAM HEATING BOILER -A boiler
JOINT, SOLDERED - A joint made by the joining of metal furnishing steam at pressures not exceeding fifteen (15)
parts with metallic mixtures or alloys that melt at a pounds per square inch (103.4 kPa)
temperature up to and including 840°F (449°C).
LOW SIDE - Refers to the parts of a refrigeration system
LABELED - Equipment or materials bearing a label of a subjected to approximate evaporator pressure.
listing agency (accredited conformity assessment body).
MACHINERY - The refrigeration equipment forming a part
LFL (Lower Flammable Limit or Lower Limit of of the refrigeration system, including, but not limited to,
Flammability) - The minimum concentration of a the following: compressors, condensers, liquid receivers,
combustible substance that is capable of propagating evaporators, and connecting piping.
flame through homogeneous mixture of the combustible
and a gaseous oxidizer under the specified condition of MANUFACTURER - The company or organization that
test. The LFL is sometimes referred to as LEL (Lower evidences its responsibility by affixing its name,
Explosive Limit). For the purposes of this definition, LFL trademark, or trade name to equipment or devices.
and LEL are identical.
MANUFACTURER'S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS -
LINE CONTACT INSTALLATION - An installation in which Printed instructions included with equipment or devices
a furnace is installed so that building joists, studs, or for the purpose of providing information regarding safe
framing are contacted by the furnace jacket upon the and proper installation and use whether or not as part of
lines formed by the intersection of the jacket sides with the conditions of listing.
the top surface.
NONCOMBUSTIBLE - As applied to building construction
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS or LPG (LP Gas) - Means material, means a material that in the form in which it is
and includes a material composed predominantly of any used is either one of the following:
of the following hydrocarbons or mixtures of them: (1) A material that, in the form in which it is used and
propane, propylene, butane's (normal butane or under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn,
isobutene), and butylenes. When reference is made to support combustion, or release flammable vapors when
liquefied petroleum gas in this code, it shall refer to subjected to fire or heat. Materials that are reported as
liquefied petroleum gases in either the liquid or gaseous passing ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior
state. of Materials in a vertical Tube Furnace at 750°F (400°C),
are considered noncombustible material.
LISTED (THIRD PARTY CERTIFIED) - Equipment or (2) Material having a structural base of noncombustible
materials included in a list published by a listing agency material as defined in 1 above, with a surface material not
(accredited conformity assessment body) that maintains over one-eighth (1/8) inch (3.2 mm) thick that has a flame
periodic inspection on current production of listed spread index not higher than fifty (50). Noncombustible
equipment or materials and whose listing states either does not apply to surface finish materials. Material
that the equipment or material complies with approved required to be noncombustible for reduced clearances to
standards or has been tested and found suitable for use flues, heating appliances, or other sources of high
in a specified manner. temperature shall refer to material conforming to 1 above.
No material shall be classed as noncombustible that is
LISTING AGENCY - An agency accredited by an subject to increase in combustibility or flame spread
independent and authoritative conformity assessment index beyond the limits herein established, through the
body to operate a material and product listing and effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric conditions.
labeling (certification) system and that is accepted by the
Authority Having Jurisdiction, which is in the business of OCCUPANCY - The purpose for which a building or part
listing or labeling. The system includes initial and ongoing thereof is used or intended to be used.
product testing, a periodic inspection on current
production of listed (certified) products, and that makes OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION - Classifications are
available a published report of such listing in which defined in the Building Code.
specific information is included that the material or
10
POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR - A
OCCUPIED SPACE - An enclosed space intended for compressor in which an increase in pressure is attained
human activities excluding those spaces intended by change.
primarily for other purposes such as storage rooms and
equipment rooms that are only occupied occasionally POWER BOILER PLANT - One or more power steam
and for short periods of time. boilers or power hot water boilers and connecting piping
and vessels within the same premises.
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) - The maximum
permitted eight-hour time weighted average PP - An acronym for polypropylene.
concentration of an airborne contaminant. The maximum
permitted time weighted average exposures to be utilized PRESSURE DESIGN - The maximum working pressure for
are those published in 29 CFR 1910.1000. which a specific part of a refrigeration system is
designed.
PEX - An acronym for cross linked polyethylene.
PRESSURE, FIELD TEST - A test performed in the field to
PIPING - The pipe or tube mains for interconnecting the prove system tightness.
various parts of a system. Piping includes pipe, tube,
flanges, bolting, gaskets, valves, fittings the pressure PRESSURE IMPOSING ELEMENT - A device or portion of
containing parts of other components such as expansion the equipment used for the purpose of increasing the
joints, strainers, and devices that serve such purposes as pressure of the refrigerant vapor.
mixing, separating, snubbing, distributing, metering, or
controlling tow pipe supporting fixtures and structural PRESSURE LIMITING DEVICE - A pressure responsive
attachments. mechanism designed to automatically stop the operation
of the pressure imposing element at a predetermined
PLENUM - An air compartment or chamber including pressure.
uninhabited crawl spaces areas above a ceiling or below
a floor, including air spaces below raised floors of PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE - A pressure actuated valve or
computer/data processing centers or attic spaces, to that rupture member, or fusible plug designed to
one or more ducts are connected and that forms part of automatically relieve excessive pressure.
either the supply air, return air or exhaust air system, other
than the occupied space being conditioned. PRESSURE TEST - The minimum gauge pressure to
which a specific system component is subjected under
PLUMBING CODE - The Uniform Plumbing Code test condition.
promulgated by the International Association of Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), as adopted by this PRESSURE VESSEL REFRIGERANT - A refrigerant
jurisdiction. containing receptacle that is a portion of a refrigeration
system, but shall not include evaporators, headers, or
PORTABLE COOLING UNIT - A self-contained piping of certain limited size and capacity.
refrigerating system, not over 3 horsepower rating, that
has been factory assembled and tested, installed without QUALIFIED - A competent and capable person or
supply air ducts and without connecting any refrigerant company that has met the requirements and training for
containing parts. This definition shall not include an a given field acceptable to the Authority Having
absorption unit. Jurisdiction. [NFPA 96:3.3.38]
PORTABLE EVAPORATIVE COOLER - An evaporative RADIANT HEATER - A heater designed to transfer heat
cooler that discharges the conditioned air directly into the primarily by direct radiation.
conditioned area without the use of ducts and can be
readily transported from place to place without RECEIVER, LIQUID - A vessel permanently connected to a
dismantling any portion thereof. refrigeration system by inlet and outlet pipes for storage
of liquid.
PORTABLE HEATING APPLIANCE - A heating appliance
designed for environmental heating that may have a self REFRIGERANT SAFETY CLASSIFICATIONS - Made up of
contained fuel supply and is not secured or attached to a a letter (A or B), that indicates the toxicity class, followed
building by any means other than by a factory installed by a number (1, 2, or 3), that indicates the flammability
power supply cord. class. Refrigerant blends are similarly classified, based
on the compositions at their worst cases of
PORTABLE VENTILATING EQUIPMENT - Ventilating fractionation, as separately determined for toxicity and
equipment that can be readily transported from place to flammability. In some cases, the worst case of
place without dismantling a portion thereof and that is fractionation is the original formulation.
not connected to a duct.
11
EQUIPMENT - A room having a volume of at least twelve
TOXICITY - Classes A and B signify refrigerants with (12) times the total volume of a furnace or air
"lower toxicity" and "higher toxicity, "respectively, based conditioning appliance and at least sixteen (16) times the
on prescribed measures of chronic (long-term, repeated total volume of a boiler. Total volume of the appliance is
exposures) toxicity. determined from exterior dimensions and includes fan
compartments and burner vestibules when used. When
FLAMMABILITY - Class 1 indicates refrigerants that do the actual ceiling height of a room is greater than eight
not show flame propagation in air when tested by (8) feet (2,438 mm), the volume of the room is figured on
prescribed methods at specified conditions. Classes 2 the basis of a ceiling height of eight (8) feet (2,438 mm).
and 3 signify refrigerants with "lower flammability" and
"higher flammability," respectively. The distinction RUPTURE MEMBER - A pressure relief device that
depends on both the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL) and operates by the rupture of a diaphragm within the device
heat of combustion. on a rise to a predetermined pressure.
REFRIGERATION MACHINERY ROOM - A space designed SEAM, WELDED - See Joint, Welded.
to safely house compressors and pressure vessels.
SELFCONTAINED - Having all essential working parts,
REFRIGERATION ROOM or SPACE - A room or space in except energy and control connections, so contained in a
which an evaporator or brine coil is located for the case or framework that they do not depend on appliances
purpose of reducing or controlling the temperature within or fastenings outside of the machine.
the room or space to below 68F (20°C) .
SHAFT - An interior space enclosed by walls or
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, ABSORPTION - A heat construction extending through one or more stories or
operated closed refrigeration cycle in which a secondary basements that connects openings in successive floors,
fluid, the absorbent, absorbs a primary fluid, the or floors and roof, to accommodate elevators,
refrigerant, that has been vaporized in the evaporator. dumbwaiters, mechanical equipment, or similar devices
to transmit light or ventilation air.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, MECHANICAL - A
combination of interconnected refrigerant containing SHAFT ENCLOSURE - The walls or construction forming
parts constituting one closed refrigerant circuit in which the boundaries of a shaft.
a refrigerant is circulated for the purpose of extracting
heat and in which a compressor is used for compressing SMOKE DETECTOR - An approved device that senses
the refrigerant vapor. visible or invisible particles of combustion.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, SELFCONTAINED - A STANDARD - A document, the main text of which

complete factory assembled and tested system that is contains only mandatory provisions using the word
shipped in one or more sections and has no refrigerant "shall" to indicate requirements and that is in a form
containing parts that are joined in the field by other than generally suitable for mandatory reference by another
companion or block valves. standard or code or for adoption into law.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING - A building or portion thereof STATIONARY FUEL CELL POWER PLANT - A self
designed or used for human habitation. contained package or factory matched packages that
constitute an automatically operated assembly of
RISER HEAT PIPE - A duct that extends at an angle of integrated systems for generating useful electrical energy
more than forty-five (45) degrees (0.79 rad) from the and recoverable energy that is permanently connected
horizontal. This definition shall not include any boot and fixed in place.
connection.
STRENGTH, ULTIMATE - The highest stress level that the
ROOM HEATER - A freestanding, non-recessed, component can tolerate without rupture.
environmental heating appliance installed in the space
being heated and not connected to ducts. SYSTEM OUTDOOR AIRFLOW (Vot) - The rate of outdoor
airflow required at the ventilation system outdoor air
ROOM HEATER, UNVENTED - An unvented, self intake.
contained, freestanding, non-recessed, fuel gas burning
appliance for furnishing warm air by gravity or fan TRAINED - A person who has become proficient in
circulation to the space in which installed, directly from performing a skill reliably and safely through instruction
the heater without duct connection. and practice/field experience acceptable to the Authority
Having Jurisdiction.
ROOM LARGE IN COMPARISON WITH SIZE OF
12
UNIT HEATER - A heating appliance designed for non Category I - An appliance that operates with a non
residential space heating and equipped with an integral positive vent static pressure and with a vent gas
means for circulation of air. temperature that avoids excessive condensate
production in the vent.
UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION – is construction
where: Category Il - An appliance that operates with a non
(1) Walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere positive vent static pressure and with a vent gas
have a continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of temperature that may cause excessive condensate
one (1) perm or less with any openings gasketed or production in the vent.
sealed;
(2) Weather-stripping is on openable windows and doors; Category III - An appliance that operates with a positive
and vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that
(3) Caulking or sealants are applied to areas such as avoids excessive condensate production in the vent.
joints around window and door frames, between sole Category IV - An appliance that operates with a positive
plates and floors, between wall ceiling joints, between vent static pressure and with a vent gas temperature that
wall panels, and at penetrations for plumbing, electrical, may cause excessive condensate production in the vent.
and gas lines and at other openings.
VENTED DECORATIVE APPLIANCE - A vented appliance
VALVE, PRESSURE RELIEF - A pressure actuated valve whose only function is providing anesthetic effect of
held closed by a spring or other means and designed to flames.
automatically relieve pressure in excess of its setting;
also called a safety valve. VENTED WALL FURNACE - A vented environmental
heating appliance designed for incorporation in, or
VALVE, STOP - A device in a piping system to shut off the permanent attachment to, a wall, floor, ceiling, or partition
flow of the fluid. and arranged to furnish heated air by gravity or by a fan.
This definition shall not include floor furnaces, unit
VALVE, THREE-WAY-TYPE STOP - A manually operated heaters, and room heaters.
valve with one inlet that alternately can stop flow to either
of two outlets. VENTILATING CEILING - A suspended ceiling containing
many small apertures through which air, at low pressure,
VALVES, COMPANION OR BLOCK - Pairs of mating stop is forced downward from an overhead plenum
valves valving off sections of refrigeration systems and dimensioned by the concealed space between the
arranged so that these sections maybe joined before suspended ceiling and the floor or roof above.
opening these valves or separated after closing them.
VENTILATION SYSTEM - All of that equipment intended
VENT - A listed factory-made vent pipe and vent fittings or installed for the purpose of supplying air to, or
for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere. removing air from, any room or space by mechanical
means, other than equipment that is a portion of an
Type B Gas Vent - A factory made gas vent listed by a environmental heating, cooling, absorption, or
nationally recognized testing agency for venting listed or evaporative cooling system.
approved appliances equipped to burn only gas.
VENTING COLLAR - The outlet opening of an appliance
Type BW Gas Vent - A factory made gas vent listed by a provided for connection of the vent system.
nationally recognized testing agency for venting listed or
approved gas fired vented wall furnaces. VENTING SYSTEM - The vent or chimney and its
connectors, assembled to form a continuous open
Type L - A venting system consisting of listed vent piping passageway from an appliance to the outside
and fittings for use with oil burning appliances listed for atmosphere for the purpose of removing products of
use with Type L or with listed gas appliances. combustion. This definition also shall include a venting
assembly that is an integral part of an appliance.
VENT CONNECTOR, GAS - That portion of a gas venting
system that connects a listed gas appliance to a gas vent VENTING SYSTEM-GRAVITY TYPE - A system that
and is installed within the space or area in which the depends entirely on the heat from the fuel being used to
appliance is located. provide the energy required to vent an appliance.
VENTED APPLIANCE CATEGORIES VENTING SYSTEM-POWER TYPE - A system that

depends on a mechanical device to provide a positive draft within the venting system.
13
VOLUME, INTERNAL GROSS - The volume as determined

from internal dimensions of the container, with no
allowance for the volume of the internal parts.
WALL HEATER - See Vented Wall Furnace
WARM AIR FURNACE - An environmental heating

appliance designed or arranged to discharge heated air
through any duct or ducts. This definition shall not
include a unit heater.
WATER HEATER or HOT WATER HEATING BOILER - An

appliance designed primarily to supply hot water and
equipped with automatic controls limiting water
temperature to a maximum of 210F (99°C).
ZEOTROPE - A blend comprising multiple components of

different volatiles that when used in refrigeration cycles
change volumetric composition and saturation
temperatures as they evaporate or condense at constant
pressure.

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The Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code-Ch - 1-2

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1

These standards shall be known as the Philippine

Philippine Mechanical 102.0 Purpose.

114.0 Permit Conditions 115.0 Fees.

CENTRAL HEATING PLANT or HEATING PLANT -

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, SELFCONTAINED - A STANDARD - A document, the main text of which

VENTED APPLIANCE CATEGORIES VENTING SYSTEM-POWER TYPE - A system that

VOLUME, INTERNAL GROSS - The volume as determined

WALL HEATER - See Vented Wall Furnace

WARM AIR FURNACE - An environmental heating

WATER HEATER or HOT WATER HEATING BOILER - An

ZEOTROPE - A blend comprising multiple components of

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