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Fuel Gas Code Chapter 2 Section…By… Section Analysis New York City Fuel Gas Code Based on the IFGC 2003
Section By Section Analysis Draft Copy
February 14, 2007

FUEL GAS CODE CHAPTER 1
{NOTE: Chapter 1 still under review}

FUEL GAS CODE CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS

Section FGC-201.1. Scope. This section defines the words and terms contained in the section.
For the purposes of this code and standard, these terms shall have the meanings indicated in this
chapter. The current New York City Building Code ("Building Code") has similar statements.
The current Building Code goes a step further and mentions that the definitions that appear in the
Building Code Reference Standard shall apply to the provisions of that reference standard only.

27-229, 27-230

Section FGC-201.2. Interchangeability. This section states that words used in the present tense
include the future; words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter genders;
singular number includes the plural; and vice-versa. The current Building Code has similar
statements regarding interchangeability.

27-231

Section FGC-201.3. Terms defined in other codes. This section states that when a word or
term that appears in this code that is not defined in this chapter, other references may be used to
find its definition, such as NYC Construction Codes and applicable standards.

The current Building Code states that where terms are not defined in the code, they shall have
their ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the context may require. This is a vague
definition, and is subject to the interpretation of the reader.

27-229

Section FGC-201.4. Terms not defined. This section addresses the terms which are not defined
in this code or other references. In such cases, their ordinarily accepted meanings shall be
used. The current Building Code has similar statements.

27-229

Section FGC-202. General Definitions. This section provides the meanings for additional terms
to be used throughout this code. The current Building Code does not provide meanings for the
majority of the terms introduced in this section.

27-232

FUEL GAS CODE CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REGULATIONS

Section FGC301. General. This section defines the scope of the chapter, including all gas-fired
equipment regulated by the code. The proposed code refers to the New York City Mechanical
Code for equipment firing fuels other than gas.

The section includes energy regulation in accordance with the Energy Conservation Construction
Code of New York State, which is also reflected in the current Building Code. The proposed
code provides for listing, labeling, and testing of equipment, as does the current Building Code.
However, the proposed code spells out the methodology for testing, providing that testing shall
be done using relevant standards by an approved testing agency. The code gives the labeling
requirements in detail, providing for identification information and ratings unlike the current
Building Code. This change is minor and will result in a clear picture of the equipment installed,
with a slight increase in costs because of the testing methodology. This cost increase will be
offset because the current Building Code requires acceptance of materials by MEA before the
equipment can be used. Since this will no longer be a requirement for the use of materials
complying with national standards, the overall effect will be a cost savings. The proposed code
also covers vibration isolation, flood, wind, and earthquake design, which is similarly covered in
the current Building Code. Rodent proofing is addressed in both the proposed code and the
Multiple Dwelling Law.

27-130, 27-131, 27-288, 27-569(b), 27-770, MDL 80(6), RS 4-5, RS 13-1

Section FGC302. Structural Safety. This section sets forth the requirements for structural
modification in buildings that result from the installation of equipment under the proposed code.
The section refers to the proposed New York City Building Code for penetration requirements,
requiring that fire resistance be maintained. Cutting, notching, and boring in wood framing
members are subject to the requirements specified. Alterations to trusses must be approved by a
registered design professional. Cutting, notching, and boring in steel framing must be approved
by a registered design professional.

The current Building Code does not directly address these points, but does require adequacy of
structural design. The new code may result in slight cost increases because it contains extra
safeguards that are not included in the current Building Code. However, the general requirement
in the current Building Code indirectly covers the extra provisions in the proposed code.

27-327(a), 27-585, 27-596

Section FGC303. Appliance Location. This section identifies locations where equipment may
be installed, and prohibits installation in hazardous locations, rooms occupied for sleeping,
bathrooms, toilet rooms, storage closets, and surgical rooms with certain exceptions. The current
Building Code does not cover these points but provides rules for equipment clearances. The
current Building Code also provides for easy access and states that the equipment may not block
a passageway or place of assembly. The proposed code provides rules for installations in pits that
prohibit contact with the soil and that require lining and flood protection. The current Building New York City Fuel Gas Code Based on the IFGC 2003
Section By Section Analysis Draft Copy
February 14, 2007

Code contains similar requirements. These points are relatively minor and will result in a slight
decrease in costs because the appliance location rules are simplified.

27-792, 27-805, 27-806, 27-817, 27-819, 27-820, RS 13-1, RS 14-15

Section FGC304. Combustion, Ventilation, and Dilution Air. This section contains rules for
the air required for combustion equipment including indoor air and outdoor air. Dampers must be
installed in the same room where the equipment is located. The code gives the requirements for
combustion air that may be drawn from indoors or outdoors, or a combination of both. The
appliances must be interlocked with a mechanical air supply system (if used) to prevent
operation if the air system fails, similar to current Building Code. The required size of louvers
and grilles are specified. Combustion air ducts must be of galvanized steel and allow free
movement of air to the appliance. The code provides for disposal of fumes and gases in areas
where chemicals that generate corrosive or flammable products are located.

The current Building Code has similar provisions regarding draft hoods and disposal of fumes
and gases from hazardous areas. However, the regulations in the current Building Code are
somewhat confusing because a long list of standards is identified in RS 14-6 applying
combustion air requirements. The proposed code is clearer in that it sets forth the amount of air
that is required. Nevertheless, the differences between the two codes are minimal and any costs
will be insignificant.

27-405, 27-807, 27-881(b), RS 14-2, RS 14-6

Section FGC305. Installation. This section covers the regulations for the installation of
various gas-fired appliances. The installation of appliances in Group H occupancies is prohibited.
Equipment located in hazardous areas and automotive areas must have an elevated ignition
source. The code regulates the installation of appliances in public garages, prescribing floor
height, and requires clearances from combustible construction. The current Building Code
provides that the equipment shall not be operated in a hazardous location. The current Building
Code further provides that equipment installed in garages shall be either installed in separate
rooms or enclosed in a room with a two-hour fire-resistance rating. The Building Code sets forth
the requirements for equipment foundation mountings in the Reference Standards, which are not
in the proposed code. The differences between the two codes are relatively insignificant.

27-419(b), 27-792, 27-804, 27-805, RS 14-15, RS 14-17

Section FGC306. Access and Service Space. This section of the code provides that clearances
around appliances shall allow inspection and service. The code provides that appliances in rooms
and attics shall also be readily accessible, and adequate lighting must be provided. Appliances
under floors must be provided with an access opening and passageway to allow for servicing. For appliances on roofs or similar structures, the method of access shall be as stated by a
registered design professional. The code provides for guards for the appliances when installed
near a roof edge. In contrast to the requirements in the proposed code, the current Building Code
provides that the equipment shall be readily accessible. The proposed code is therefore more
detailed, and may result in a relatively small increase in costs because of the added safety
provisions.

27-782

Section FGC307. Condensate Disposal. This section addressing condensate dis