Table Of ContentCodes for
Homeowners
Updated 3rd Edition
Electrical • Mechanical • Plumbing • Building
Current with 2015-2017 Codes
Bruce A. Barker
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOtA
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First published in 2015 by Cool Springs Press, acquisitions Editor: Mark Johanson
an imprint of Quarto Publishing Group USa Inc., Design Manager: Brad Springer
400 First avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 layout: Danielle Smith-Boldt
author: Bruce Barker
© 2015 Quarto Publishing Group USa Inc. Illustration: Bruce Barker
additional Illustration: Mark abdellah
all rights reserved. With the exception of quoting brief passages for the pur- Photography: rau + Barber
poses of review, no part of this publication may be reproduced without prior Photo assistance: Jon Hegge
written permission from the Publisher. Cover Photo: rau + Barber
The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowl- Printed in China
edge. all recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
the author or Publisher, who also disclaims any liability incurred in connec-
tion with the use of this data or specific details.
Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discounts in bulk quantity for
industrial or sales-promotional use. For details write to Special Sales Man-
ager at Quarto Publishing Group USa Inc., 400 First avenue North, Suite 400,
Minneapolis, MN 55401 USa. To find out more about our books, visit us online
at www.coolspringspress.com.
Digital edition: 978-1-62788-605-5
Softcover edition: 978-1-59186-906-1
library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Barker, Bruce a.
Codes for homeowners : electrical, mechanical, plumbing, building, current
with 2015-2017 codes / by Bruce a. Barker.
pages cm.
at head of title: Black & Decker.
Summary: "Detailed step-by-step photos and how-to information explaining
the current codes necessary for homeowners to follow when doing home
remodeling or improvement"-- Provided by publisher.
ISBN 978-1-59186-906-1 (paperback)
1. House construction--Standards--Popular works. 2. Building laws--United
States--Popular works. 3. Dwellings--Maintenance and repair--Pictorial works
I. Title. II. Title: Black & Decker codes for homeowners.
TH4815.5.B365 2015
690'.8021873--dc23
2014038250
ISBN: 978-1-59186-906-1
Codes for Homeowners
Created by: The Editors of Cool Springs Press, in cooperation with BlaCk+DECkEr.
BlaCk+DECkEr and the BlaCk+DECkEr logo are trademarks of The Black & Decker Corporation and are used under license. all rights reserved.
NOTICE TO READERS
For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher
and Black+Decker cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse
of the information provided.
The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional
techniques not shown in this book may be required. always follow manufacturers’ instructions included with products,
since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required:
some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help.
consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to
your project.
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Contents
Codes for Homeowners
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Heating & Switch Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . 107
Codes & Permits: The Basics . . . . . . . . . 6 Light Fixture Installation . . . . . . . . . . 212
Building Design & Safety . . . 17 HVAC Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Satellite Dishes, Television
& Radio Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
HVAC Duct Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Habitable Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Broadband Cable Wiring . . . . . . . . . . 218
Combustion Air
Fire Separations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
for Fuel-burning Appliances . . . . . . . . 116
Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vents for Fuel-burning Appliances . . . 119 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Emergency Escape Openings . . . . . . . . 28
Plumbing System . . . . . . . . 123 Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . 232
Egress Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
The Home Plumbing System . . . . . . . 128 Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Exterior Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Water Supply Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Photography Credits . . . . . 233
Door & Window Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Drain, Waste & Vent Piping (DWV) . . . 135
Ventilation & Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Plumbing Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms . . . 40
Plumbing Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Structural Components . . . . 43
Plumbing Appliances & Fixtures . . . . 155
Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Electrical System . . . . . . . . 167
Crawlspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Understanding Electrical Circuits . . . . 171
Decks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Floor Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Electrical Grounding & Bonding . . . . . 182
Wall Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Electrical Branch
Circuit Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Wall Penetration Flashing . . . . . . . . . . 82
Electrical Receptacle Installation . . . . 196
Roof Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Ground-fault (GFCI)
Exterior Components . . . . . 95
& Arc-fault (AFCI) Protection . . . . . . . 200
Shingle Roof-Covering Installation . . . . 96
Junction Boxes, Device Boxes
Fireplaces & Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . 102 & Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
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Introduction
The purpose of the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), and of all building codes for that matter,
is expressed in IRC Section R101.3: “The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to
safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare…” This statement provides important information about
building codes and code inspections. Building codes are minimum requirements. A house built to minimum
requirements is not necessarily a high quality house built by craftsmen according to best practices. Code
inspections are about safety and health. They are not about fit, finish, and other cosmetic issues. They are not
even about functional issues that are not specifically addressed in the code. Understanding the purpose of
building codes helps you set realistic expectations about the limits of building codes and code inspections.
Building codes change; most do so on a three year cycle. Many code changes are little more than rewording
or reorganization in an attempt to make code provisions easier to understand and easier to find. Many code
changes and additions are substantive and homeowners should be aware of these as they perform repairs
and remodeling projects. Substantive additions and changes are the reasons for this updated edition of Codes
for Homeowners.
One substantive change and addition to the 2015 IRC involves the section on decks and we have expanded
the deck section of this book to reflect these changes. Decks are one of the most frequent sources of injuries and
fatalities of any structure in and around the home. The expanded decks section provides important information
to help you build a deck that complies with 2015 IRC requirements. It will also point you to information that will
help you go beyond minimum code requirements and build your deck according to best practices.
Another substantive change to the 2015 IRC involves energy efficiency requirements. We all want to use
less energy in our homes, not only to save the environment but to save money. We have added a significant new
section to this edition of Codes for Homeowners that will not only help you understand new IRC requirements,
but also provides tips on how you can save energy and save money.
Trying to condense a 900-page code book that is mostly text and tables in very small print into significantly
fewer pages filled with pictures and illustrations is a challenge. We have not included many code provisions
because homeowners will not use them. The provisions we include have been simplified to make them easier
to understand. This means that Codes for Homeowners is not your local building code. Your local building code,
as interpreted by your building inspector, is the code with which you must comply. You must do so even if you
do not obtain a building permit for your work. If you have any doubts or questions about how a building
code provision applies in your area, you should ask your local building inspectors. In almost every
case, if you approach them as a resource and not as an obstacle, you will find your local inspectors to be friendly,
knowledgeable, and eager to help.
—Bruce A. Barker
Residential Combination Inspector
International Code Council
■ 5
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Codes & Permits: The Basics
In just the United States you will find hundreds of homeowner living in a typical single-family home. As
code books describing thousands upon thousands a homeowner and DIYer, perhaps the hardest thing
of building code provisions. On top of this, there about building codes is learning how to tell which one
are even more books that look and feel like code applies to you and, if there is a disagreement, which
books but are really only attempting to describe best takes precedence. As an introduction, here are some
practices. Almost all of these have their own inherent brief biographies of the more common codes and
value. But almost none of them apply to a typical enforcement agencies you’re likely to encounter.
■
The International Residential Code
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2012 is by a government agency, the IRC regulates the
one of an extensive collection of model building codes construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair
published by the International Code Council (ICC). of buildings used as homes. The IRC, by itself, has
A model building code is a recommended building no formal legal status. A government agency must
code that is developed by a national organization that first adopt the IRC before it has any legal status in a
specializes in writing building codes. When adopted local area.
■
State & Local Building Codes
Almost all areas of the United States have Smaller cities and counties often use ICC model
adopted some version of a building code. Some building codes, such as the IRC. Some rural areas may
states, such as California, Florida, and New York, not have adopted a building code, but this is becoming
have a state building code. Some large cities, a rare situation. If you do any work that is regulated
such as Chicago and New York City, have a city by the local building code, you are responsible for
building code. Many of these state and local knowing, or for hiring someone who knows, the
building codes are based on model building applicable building code where the building is located.
codes from the ICC. Ignorance of the code is no excuse.
The International Residential Code has no jurisdiction of Some states and cities have their own building codes.
its own but is the basis for many state and local residential
building codes.
6 ■ Codes for Homeowners
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Local Code Amendments
Most building departments that use the IRC adopt
local changes to the IRC. Many of these changes are
minor and help to adapt the IRC to local conditions
and needs. Some of these changes can significantly
alter IRC provisions. The building department
should publish, in writing, any changes adopted
by the local government. You are responsible for
knowing and complying with all local changes.
Ask the building official if there are any local
code changes.
Most jurisdictions have their own code amendments. Your
city or municipality likely maintains a website with building
ordinances posted and updated regularly.
■
Other Building Codes
The IRC is not the only building code. Other The IECC regulates energy-related aspects of
commonly used building codes include: The all buildings. These aspects include: insulation, air
International Building Code (IBC), The International infiltration, and window and door energy efficiency.
Mechanical Code (IMC), The International Plumbing The IRC contains a simplified subset of the IECC in
Code (IPC), The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), IRC Chapter Eleven.
The International Fuel Gas Code (IFG), The National You should know which codes apply to your
Electrical Code (NEC), and The International construction project. Ask your local building official
Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Each of these which codes apply in your area.
building codes regulates a different aspect of
building construction.
The IBC regulates the structural aspects of all
buildings, although it is not commonly applied to
residential buildings. The IBC usually applies to
commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings
such as apartments. The IRC references the IBC and
the IECC when a part of a residential building is not
addressed by the IRC.
Each major system in a building has its own
code. The IMC regulates heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning systems; the IPC regulates plumbing
systems; and the IFG regulates gas piping and gas
equipment. These codes usually apply to commercial-
type buildings. The UPC is a separate code, published
by another code-writing organization, that also
regulates plumbing systems. It may replace the IRC
plumbing chapters in areas that adopt the UPC. The
NEC regulates electrical systems. The IRC contains
an adapted version of the NEC in the IRC electrical
Trade-oriented building codes with a more specific focus
chapters. When the IRC does not address an electrical
apply in some situations. Most of these are primarily for
situation in a home, the NEC usually applies. nonresidential construction.
Introduction ■ 7
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■
Zoning Ordinances
Many areas, particularly the more densely populated is doing. It is possible that the building inspection
ones, have land use and zoning ordinances that control department might issue a permit that would create
what you can build on your property. You are responsible a zoning violation. Projects that might run afoul of
for knowing and complying with them. In larger zoning ordinances include new, free-standing buildings,
jurisdictions, the planning and zoning department may basement remodels that add a bedroom, bathroom, and
be separate from the building inspection department, kitchen, and any project that adds an additional full
and sometimes one does not know what the other kitchen on property zoned for single-family use.
■
Buildings Governed by the IRC
Apply the IRC to buildings containing one or two lowest point 6 feet from each building foundation
individual residential dwelling units in one building. wall. Refer to the definitions in IRC Chapter 2
Duplex is a common term for one building containing and consult the local building official if there is a
two individual dwelling units. question about whether a basement is a story above
Apply the IRC to townhouses. A townhouse grade plane.
contains at least 3 individual dwelling units in Apply the IRC to owner-occupied guest
one building. accommodations (such as a bed and breakfast) if the
Each dwelling unit in any building within scope building contains not more than 5 guest rooms and if a
of the IRC must have a separate means of egress. This fire suppression system is installed in the building.
is often interpreted to mean that each dwelling unit Do not apply the IRC to buildings used for
must have a separate door to the outside. business, office, commercial, industrial, or other
Apply the IRC to residential buildings with not residential purposes such as a fraternity house. This is
more than 3 stories above grade plane. A story above true even if the building was once used as a residence.
grade plane is: (a) one where the finished floor is You may apply the IRC to an office in the home if
entirely above grade plane, or (b) is more than 6 feet the office is incidental to the residential use of the
above grade plane, or (c) is more than 12 feet above building. Refer to the International Building Code
finished ground level at any point. The definition (IBC) and other applicable codes for code provisions
of grade plane is complex and is measured at the governing buildings not governed by the IRC.
Apply the IRC to all single-family homes. Apply the IRC to multi-family buildings, such as duplexes
and townhomes.
8 ■ Codes for Homeowners
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