Code Check is a field inspection guide and not a formal code interpretation. The ones who decide what is “to code” are the authorities administering the building permit process in your area. Contact your building department early and often during the course of a construction project.
The current editions of the model codes have a 2003 cover date (2002 for
electrical), though some jurisdictions take years to adopt these current codes. For the broadest geographical application of this book, notations to the significant changes between the current and former codes are summarized on this page.
---THIS IS A SAMPLE KEY BASED ON CODE CHECK WEST. OTHER EDITIONS USE DIFFERENT CODES see ---
IAPMO = International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials ICBO = International Conference of Building Officials ICC = The International Code Council NFPA = National Fire Protection Association
Key
---THIS IS A SAMPLE KEY BASED ON CODE CHECK WEST. OTHER EDITIONS USE DIFFERENT CODES see ---
[Straight-bracketed information refers to 2003 IRC]
{Squiggle-bracketed information refers to UBC, UMC, UPC or NEC}
[408.3] {…} The left straight-bracketed number refers to the IRC code number
[…] {2306.3} The right squiggle-bracketed number is the equivalent code number or reference in the UBC, UPC, UMC or NEC
T# refers to Code Check tables
F# refers to Code Check figures
[local] = Not code but often a local amendment or requirement
[manu] = Typically required by manufacturer’s installation instructions
n/a = Not addressed
Ø = Not allowed
T# = Reference to table in the cited code book
F# = Reference to figure in the cited code book
trade = Unwritten trade practice—“The way it’s always been done”
Superscript E {XXX.XE} after a code citation refers to the 2002 NEC
Superscript M {XXX.XM} after a code citation refers to the 2000 UMC
Superscript P {XXX.XP} after a code citation refers to the 2000 UPC
Superscript B [XXX.XB] after a left column code citation refers to the 2000 IBC
Superscript B {XXX.XB} after a right column code citation refers to the 1997 UBC
EXC at the end of a line means the line that follows contains an exception to the cited rule
OR at the end of a line means the line that follows contains an alternative to the cited rule
Codes ending in numbers separated by commas refer to multiple code sections
i.e.- {1507.5,6,7} = UBC sections 1507.5 & 1507.6 & 1507.7
A colored code citation followed by a superscript number indicates a change in the code. For example: [408.3]4 = refers to a code change in the IRC,
listed as #4 in the Code Change Summary, found on the back page.
Abbreviations
ABS = Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene plastic pipe
AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction
Appl = Appliance
ASTM = American Society for Testing and Materials
AWG = American Wire Gauge
B (vent) = double walled round gas appliance flue
Bldg = building
BO = Building Official
Btu = British Thermal Unit
BUR = built-up roofing
BW = double walled oval gas appliance flue
CPVC = Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride plastic pipe
CSST = Corrugated stainless steel tubing (gas pipe)
Cu = copper
CWV = combination waste and vent
DFU = drainage fixture unit(s)
diam = diameter
DWV = drain, waste & vent
EGC = equipment grounding conductor
EMT = electrical metallic tubing (thinwall electrical conduit)
Eqpmt = equipment
Ext = exterior
Fe = iron or steel pipe
FMC = flexible metal conduit (“flex” or “Greenfield”)
Fndn = foundation
FP = fireplace
Ga = gage or gauge
Galv = galvanized
GEC = grounding electrode conductor
GPM = gallons per minute
IMC = intermediate metal conduit
IS = IAPMO Installation Standard
Kw = kilowatts
L&L = listed & labeled
LAVY = lavatory (bathroom sink)
LFMC = liquidtight flexible metal conduit (“sealtight”)
LFNC = liquidtight flexible non-metallic conduit
Loc = located, location
O.C. = on center
OFD = one-family dwelling
PB = polybutylene plastic pipe
PE = polyethylene plastic pipe
Pending = likely to be adopted, check with local jurisdiction
PEX = cross-linked polyethylene plastic pipe
PL = property Line
Prefab = prefabricated
PMI = per manufacturer’s instructions
PSI(G) = pounds per square inch (of gas)
PVC = polyvinyl chloride plastic pipe or electrical conduit
Recep = receptacle outlet (electrical)
RMC = rigid metal conduit
RNC = rigid nonmetallic conduit (PVC electrical conduit)
SA = small appliance (branch circuits)
Sch. = schedule of pipe, i.e., schedule 40 PVC
SDC = Seismic Design Category
SE = service entrance
SW = single wall gas flue pipe
SZ = seismic zone
UL = Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc.
VA = volt amps (input power vs. output power-watts)
W = electrical conductors rated for wet location
WH = water heater
WSFU = water supply fixture unit(s)
Books based on 2006 IRC, UMC, & UPC; 2005 & 2008 NEC; 2007 CBC, CPC, CMC & CEC with references to changes from prior editions. Books are published by The Taunton Press Inc. Code Check Copyright 2009 • Code Check is a registered trademark of the Taunton Press, Inc., registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
