A long copper hot-water main is subject to thermal expansion and contraction. Under 2021 IPC Section 305.2, what installation requirement addresses the resulting stress?
- Provide suitable protection against damaging expansion/contraction so stresses do not exceed the pipe strength
- BAdd rigid anchors until every movement is prevented, regardless of the resulting stress
- CReduce operating pressure instead of evaluating thermal movement
- DInsulate the pipe and omit any allowance for thermal movement
Where to look it up
https://www.ncosfm.gov/b-1-2024-ncpc/open
Why A is correct
Section 305.2 requires prevention of excessive pipe stress and, where necessary, protection from damage caused by expansion, contraction or structural settlement. The means must suit the installation; this is not a universal instruction to eliminate all movement or install an expansion joint everywhere. Insulation or pressure reduction does not replace that assessment. See PDF p.30. Source: 2021 IPC base text reproduced in the NC OSFM comparison document, https://www.ncosfm.gov/b-1-2024-ncpc/open