International Mechanical Code
The 2009 International Mechanical Code, adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council under Title 6, Chapter 9, effective January 1, 2011.
International Mechanical Code (2009)
South Carolina's Building Codes Council adopted the 2009 IMC as a mandatory statewide code, effective January 1, 2011. It covers the design and installation of mechanical and HVAC systems, including ventilation, exhaust, duct systems, combustion air, chimneys and vents, and heating and cooling equipment. The full text below is reproduced from the 2009 edition as adopted into law, sourced from public.resource.org.
- Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels
This chapter governs the installation, alteration, and repair of boilers, water heaters, and pressure vessels, establishing standards for their safe operation and connections.
- Chimneys and Vents
This chapter outlines requirements for the installation, maintenance, repair, and approval of factory-built chimneys, chimney liners, vents, and connectors, along with the use of masonry chimneys.
- Combustion Air
This chapter establishes general requirements for combustion air supply to solid fuel-burning and oil-fired appliances, directing users to manufacturer instructions and NFPA 31, and notes certain exclusions.
- Definitions
This chapter establishes the meanings for specific words and terms used throughout the code to ensure consistent interpretation.
- Duct Systems
This chapter establishes requirements for the design, construction, installation, and components of duct systems used in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and exhaust applications.
- Exhaust Systems
This chapter governs the design, construction, and installation of various mechanical exhaust systems, including those for clothes dryers, cooking appliances, hazardous materials, dust, subslab soil, smoke control, and energy recovery.
- Fuel Oil Piping and Storage
This chapter governs the design, installation, construction, and repair of fuel-oil storage and piping systems, with references to other chapters for flammable and combustible liquid storage.
- General Regulations
This chapter establishes general regulations for the approval, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems and appliances, including structural safety, access, and condensate disposal.
- Hydronic Piping
This chapter governs the construction, installation, alteration, and repair of hydronic piping systems, including steam, hot water, and chilled water lines within HVAC systems.
- Referenced Standards
- Refrigeration
This chapter governs the design, installation, construction, and repair of refrigeration systems, including specific requirements for refrigerants, machinery rooms, piping, and field testing.
- Scope and Administration
This chapter establishes the administrative framework for the Mechanical Code, detailing its scope, the authority and duties of the code official, permitting, inspections, violations, and appeal processes.
- Solar Systems
This chapter governs the design, installation, alteration, and repair of solar energy systems and equipment utilized for space heating or cooling, domestic hot water, swimming pools, or process heating.
- Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment
This chapter regulates the approval, design, installation, maintenance, and repair of various specific appliances, equipment, and factory-built fireplaces.
- Ventilation
This chapter governs the ventilation of occupied building spaces, covering natural, mechanical, and specialized exhaust systems, as well as controls and ventilation for uninhabited areas.