The Ontario Building Code | Clearances
6.2.9.3. Clearances
(1) Clearances between combustible material and bare pipes carrying steam or hot water shall conform to Table 6.2.9.3.
Table 6.2.9.3.
Clearance Between Steam or Hot water pipes and Combustible Material
Forming Part of Sentences 6.2.7.1.(1), 6.2.8.1.(2) and 6.2.9.3.(1)
| Item | Column 1 Steam or water temperature, °C | Column 2 Minimum Clearance, mm |
| 1. | not above 95 | no clearance |
| 2. | above 95 to 120 | 15 |
| 3. | above 120 | 25 |
In Plain Language
Clearances between combustible material and bare pipes carrying steam or hot water must conform to the values set out in a dedicated clearance table, preventing heat-related fire risk from these hot piping systems.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.