FLORIDA BUILDING COMMISSION

Minutes

Mechanical Technical Advisory Committee

Teleconference Meeting

March 30, 2010

9:00 a.m.

Voting Members present:

Bob Andrews, Larry Banks, Joe Crum, Jim Cummings, Dan Griffin, Gary Griffin, Scott Mollan, Rafael Palacios, Donny Pitmann and Pete Quintella.

Staff present: Mo Madani, Ann Stanton, Rick Dixon, Marlita Peters and Jeff Blair

Objectives:

1. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. The TAC reviewed and unanimously approved the agenda and the 12/8/09 minutes. A quorum was achieved with 10 voting members.

2. Staff provided an overview of DEC request DCA10-DEC-034. Petitioner reviewed the issue at hand, whether a Pressure Relief Value should be allowed on the solar loop of a solar system. Ensuing TAC discussion made the following points:

• The question does not adequately reflect whether the code allows or mandates the valve.
• The code is not specific as to where the valves must be placed.
• Most systems as designed do not have a problem with over pressure issues.
• Piping used that is not provided with the system may not be suitable for the temperatures and pressures they will experience; the manufacturer cannot predict how it will be installed. Materials to be used should be listed for use with the collector.

The TAC voted 6-3 to approve an amended motion by Pittman (second by Banks) that the staff recommendation be approved as follows:

To the question “Is it the intent of 2007 Florida Building Code [Residential] to allow installation of a PRV [pressure relief] valve in the “solar loop” portion of an active direct solar water heating system?”, the answer is YES, as long as the installation is in accordance with the system’s listing/certification and the manufacturer’s installation instructions and there is a temperature and pressure valve provided at the storage tank to protect the system.

3. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 9:45 a.m.