The British Columbia Building Code | Section 6.2. | Planning Pt 2
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 6 – Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Section 6.2. Planning
(See Part 10)
6.2.1. General
6.2.1.1. Good Engineering Practice
(See NoteA-6.2.1.1.)
1) Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including mechanical refrigeration equipment, shall be
designed, constructed and installed in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in, but not
limited to,
a) the ASHRAE Handbooks and Standards,
b) the HRAI Digest,
c) the Hydronics Institute Manuals,
d) the NFPA Standards,
e) the SMACNA Manuals,
f) the Industrial Ventilation Manual published by the ACGIH,
g) CSA B214, “Installation Code for Hydronic Heating Systems,”
h) CAN/CSA-Z317.2, “Special Requirements for Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
Systems in Health Care Facilities,” and
i) EPA 625/R-92/016, “Radon Prevention in the Design and Construction of Schools and Other Large
Buildings.”
6.2.1.2. Outdoor Design Conditions
1) The outdoor conditions to be used in designing heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems shall be
determined in conformance with Subsection1.1.3. (See NoteA-6.2.1.2.(1).)
2) Reserved.
3) Reserved.
6.2.1.3. Expansion, Contraction and System Pressure
1) Heating and cooling systems shall be designed to allow for expansion and contraction of the heat transfer
fluid and to maintain the system pressure within the rated working pressure limits of all components of the system.
6.2.1.4. Structural Movement
(See NoteA-6.2.1.4.)
1) Mechanical systems and equipment shall be designed and installed to accommodate the maximum relative
structural movement provided for in the construction of the building.
6.2.1.5. Installation Standards
1) Except as provided in Articles6.9.4.2. and 6.3.1.5., the installation of heating and air-conditioning
equipment, including mechanical refrigeration equipment, and including provisions for mounting, clearances and air
supply, shall conform to
a) the Safety Standards Act and the following of its regulations:
i) the Gas Safety Regulation,
ii) the Electrical Safety Regulation, and
iii) the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation,
b) CSA B139, “Installation Code for Oil-Burning Equipment,” and
c) CSA B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment.”
Part 6 – Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
2) For the purposes of Clause (1)(c), a solid-fuel burning boiler accepted for use under section 10 of the Safety
Standards Act satisfies section 3.1 of CAN/CSA-B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and
Equipment.”
6.2.1.6. Installation – General
1) Equipment requiring periodic maintenance and forming part of a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning
system shall be installed with provision for access for inspection, maintenance, repair and cleaning.
(SeeNoteA-6.2.1.6.(1).)
2) Mechanical equipment shall be provided with guards so as to prevent injury.
3) Heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems shall be protected from freezing if they may be adversely
affected by freezing temperatures.
6.2.1.7. Asbestos
1) Asbestos shall not be used in HVAC
systems and equipment.
6.2.2. Incinerators
6.2.2.1. Applicable Standard
1) The design, construction, installation and alteration of every indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA82,
“Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment.”
6.2.3. Solid Fuel Storage
6.2.3.1. Solid Fuel Storage Bins
1) A storage bin for solid fuel shall not be located above a sewer opening or drain opening.
2) Storage bins for solid fuel shall be designed and constructed so that the air temperature in the bin or the
surface temperature of any part of the floor or walls is below 50°C.
Part 6 – Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
2) For the purposes of Clause (1)(c), a solid-fuel burning boiler accepted for use under section 10 of the Safety
Standards Act satisfies section 3.1 of CAN/CSA-B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and
Equipment.”
6.2.1.6. Installation – General
1) Equipment requiring periodic maintenance and forming part of a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning
system shall be installed with provision for access for inspection, maintenance, repair and cleaning.
(SeeNoteA-6.2.1.6.(1).)
2) Mechanical equipment shall be provided with guards so as to prevent injury.
3) Heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems shall be protected from freezing if they may be adversely
affected by freezing temperatures.
6.2.1.7. Asbestos
1) Asbestos shall not be used in HVAC
systems and equipment.
6.2.2. Incinerators
6.2.2.1. Applicable Standard
1) The design, construction, installation and alteration of every indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA82,
“Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment.”
6.2.3. Solid Fuel Storage
6.2.3.1. Solid Fuel Storage Bins
1) A storage bin for solid fuel shall not be located above a sewer opening or drain opening.
2) Storage bins for solid fuel shall be designed and constructed so that the air temperature in the bin or the
surface temperature of any part of the floor or walls is below 50°C.
In Plain Language
This part of Section 6.2 continues the Code's HVAC system planning requirements, covering how heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems must be designed to suit the building's occupancy and use, including the general design approach mechanical designers must follow before getting into equipment-specific rules elsewhere in Part 6.
This is a plain-language overview of the British Columbia Building Code 2018 text on this page, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the official BC Codes text or a qualified professional before construction.