Code Determination Number: 01

Date: April 20, 2020

Code Edition: 2018 IBC

Code Section: 1705.12.6

1705.12.6 Plumbing, mechanical and electrical components.

Periodic special inspection of plumbing, mechanical and electrical components shall be required for the following:

  1. Anchorage of electrical equipment for emergency and standby power systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
  2. Anchorage of other electrical equipment in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category E or F.
  3. Installation and anchorage of piping systems designed to carry hazardous materials and their associated mechanical units in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
  4. Installation and anchorage of ductwork designed to carry hazardous materials in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
  5. Installation and anchorage of vibration isolation systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F where the approved construction documents require a nominal clearance of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) or less between the equipment support frame and restraint.
  6. Installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, including duct work, piping systems and their structural supports, where automatic fire sprinkler systems are installed in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F to verify one of the following:
    1. 6.1. Minimum clearances have been provided as required by Section 13.2.3 ASCE/SEI 7.
    2. 6.2. A nominal clearance of not less than 3 inches (76 mm) has been provided between fire protection sprinkler system drops and sprigs and: structural members not used collectively or independently to support the sprinklers; equipment attached to the building structure; and other systems’ piping.

Where flexible sprinkler hose fittings are used, special inspection of minimum clearances is not required.

Question (from GBA):

If an MU Facility contains a sprinkler system and is designated as Seismic Design Category D, does UM System expect this Special Inspection to be performed in accordance with the code section listed above?

Answer (from UM System):

Yes, and whether the scope of the project is major or minor, we would expect both categories to be inspected. There will be instances where seismic support/bracing would be a delegated design item for sprinkler piping, plumbing piping, suspended equipment, etc., so those items need deferred submittal review and subsequent inspection. Those of a minor nature could be inspected by a building inspector or the RDPRC. Services of a Special Inspector may not be required for minor scopes of work. The preference would be for the building inspector to inspect those of a minor nature in an effort to provide a timely and more cost-effective inspection. If the RDPRC is to perform, the Owner should anticipate a longer lead time for scheduling the inspection and incurring an additional site visit fee.