The British Columbia Building Code | Section 6.7. | Piping Systems
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 6 – Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B
Section 6.7. Piping Systems
6.7.1. Piping for Heating and Cooling Systems
6.7.1.1. Piping Materials and Installation
1) Piping shall be made from materials designed to withstand the effects of temperatures and pressures that may
occur in the system. (See Articles3.1.5.19.,3.1.9.1.,9.10.9.6. and9.10.9.7. for fire safety requirements.)
2) Every pipe used in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be installed to allow for expansion and
contraction due to temperature changes.
3) Supports and anchors for piping in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be designed and installed to
ensure that undue stress is not placed on the supporting structure.
6.7.1.2. Clearances
1) Clearances between combustible material and bare pipes carrying steam or hot water shall conform to
Table6.7.1.2.
6.7.1.3. Surface Temperature
1) The exposed surface temperature of a steam or hot water radiator shall not exceed 70°C unless precautions are
taken to prevent human contact. (See NoteA-6.5.1.1.(3).)
6.7.1.4. Protection
1) Where a pipe carrying steam or hot water at a temperature above 120°C passes through a combustible floor,
ceiling or wall, the construction shall be protected by a sleeve of metal or other noncombustible material not less than
50mm larger in diameter than the pipe.
6.7.1.5. Piping in Shafts
1) Where piping for heating or air-conditioning systems is enclosed in a shaft, the requirements of
Article3.6.3.1. for shafts shall apply.
6.7.2. Storage Bins
6.7.2.1. Storage Bins
1) Service pipes passing through a storage bin for solid fuel shall be protected or so located as to avoid damage to
the pipes.
2) Except for fuel-thawing pipes, every pipe designed to operate at a temperature of 50°C or above shall be
located where solid fuel cannot be stored in contact with it.
Table 6.7.1.2.
Clearance Between Steam or Hot Water Pipes and Combustible Material
Forming Part of Articles 6.4.2.1. and 6.7.1.2., and Sentence 6.4.3.1.(2)
Steam or Water Temperature, °C Minimum Clearance, mm
Up to 95 No clearance
Above 95 to 120 15
Above 120 25
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 6 – Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B
Section 6.7. Piping Systems
6.7.1. Piping for Heating and Cooling Systems
6.7.1.1. Piping Materials and Installation
1) Piping shall be made from materials designed to withstand the effects of temperatures and pressures that may
occur in the system. (See Articles3.1.5.19.,3.1.9.1.,9.10.9.6. and9.10.9.7. for fire safety requirements.)
2) Every pipe used in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be installed to allow for expansion and
contraction due to temperature changes.
3) Supports and anchors for piping in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be designed and installed to
ensure that undue stress is not placed on the supporting structure.
6.7.1.2. Clearances
1) Clearances between combustible material and bare pipes carrying steam or hot water shall conform to
Table6.7.1.2.
6.7.1.3. Surface Temperature
1) The exposed surface temperature of a steam or hot water radiator shall not exceed 70°C unless precautions are
taken to prevent human contact. (See NoteA-6.5.1.1.(3).)
6.7.1.4. Protection
1) Where a pipe carrying steam or hot water at a temperature above 120°C passes through a combustible floor,
ceiling or wall, the construction shall be protected by a sleeve of metal or other noncombustible material not less than
50mm larger in diameter than the pipe.
6.7.1.5. Piping in Shafts
1) Where piping for heating or air-conditioning systems is enclosed in a shaft, the requirements of
Article3.6.3.1. for shafts shall apply.
6.7.2. Storage Bins
6.7.2.1. Storage Bins
1) Service pipes passing through a storage bin for solid fuel shall be protected or so located as to avoid damage to
the pipes.
2) Except for fuel-thawing pipes, every pipe designed to operate at a temperature of 50°C or above shall be
located where solid fuel cannot be stored in contact with it.
Table 6.7.1.2.
Clearance Between Steam or Hot Water Pipes and Combustible Material
Forming Part of Articles 6.4.2.1. and 6.7.1.2., and Sentence 6.4.3.1.(2)
Steam or Water Temperature, °C Minimum Clearance, mm
Up to 95 No clearance
Above 95 to 120 15
Above 120 25