Idaho - HVAC SPECIALTY JOURNEYMAN EXAM

Key Concepts

Code Structure and Authority (Section 101) - The IFGC applies to fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, gaseous hydrogen systems, and related accessories - Critical Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses (≤3 stories) with separate egress follow the International Residential Code, NOT the IFGC

Piping System Pressure Limits (Section 101.2.2) - Natural gas: ≤125 psig (862 kPa gauge) operating pressure - LP-gas: ≤20 psig (140 kPa gauge) operating pressure - Coverage extends from point of delivery to appliance shutoff valve outlets

Systems Outside Code Scope (Section 101.2.4) Key exclusions include: - Portable LP-gas equipment not connected to fixed piping - Farm equipment (brooders, dehydrators, dryers, irrigation) - Industrial gas applications (acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, etc.) - Vehicle-mounted gas systems (CNG, LP-gas, hydrogen) - Temporary construction piping not becoming permanent - Gas utility distribution equipment (except per Section 401.1.1)

Conflict Resolution (Section 102.1) - Specific requirements govern over general requirements - Most restrictive requirement applies when sections conflict

Key Concepts

Scope and Application (Section 101.2) - IFGC applies to fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, gaseous hydrogen systems, and related accessories - Exception: Detached 1-2 family dwellings and townhouses ≤3 stories follow IRC instead of IFGC - Coverage extends from point of delivery to outlet of appliance shutoff valves

Pressure Limitations (Section 101.2.2) - Natural gas systems: ≤125 psig (862 kPa gauge) - LP-gas systems: ≤20 psig (140 kPa gauge) - Exception reference: Section 402.7 for higher pressures

Systems Outside IFGC Scope (Section 101.2.4) Critical exclusions include: - Portable LP-gas appliances not connected to fixed piping - Farm equipment (brooders, dehydrators, dryers, irrigation) - Industrial gas applications (acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, CO, oxygen, nitrogen) - Petroleum refineries and processing plants - LNG installations - Vehicle-mounted gas systems (hydrogen, LP-gas, CNG) - Temporary LP-gas piping during construction

Conflict Resolution (Section 102.1) - Specific requirements govern over general requirements - When different sections conflict, most restrictive requirement applies

Existing Installations (Section 102.2) - Existing lawful installations can continue operation and maintenance - No requirement to remove or alter existing compliant systems - Building/structural issues follow International Existing Building Code

Key Concepts

Scope and Application (Section 101.2) - IFGC applies to fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, and gaseous hydrogen systems - Key pressure limits: Natural gas ≤125 psig (862 kPa gauge), LP-gas ≤20 psig (140 kPa gauge) - Coverage extends from point of delivery to outlet of appliance shutoff valves - Exception: Detached 1-2 family dwellings and townhouses ≤3 stories follow International Residential Code instead

Systems Outside IFGC Scope (Section 101.2.4) Critical exclusions include: - Portable LP-gas appliances not connected to fixed piping - Farm equipment (brooders, dehydrators, dryers, irrigation) - Industrial gas applications (acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, CO, oxygen, nitrogen) - Petroleum refineries and natural gas processing plants - Temporary LP-gas piping for construction - Vehicle-mounted gas systems - Gas utility distribution equipment (except Section 401.1.1 provisions)

Code Hierarchy and Conflicts (Section 102.1) - Specific requirements govern over general requirements - When different sections specify conflicting requirements, most restrictive governs - This principle is frequently tested on exam scenarios

Key Concepts

Code Scope and Applicability (Section 101.2) - IFGC applies to fuel-gas piping systems, gas appliances, and gaseous hydrogen systems - Natural gas systems: Operating pressure ≤ 125 psig (862 kPa gauge) - LP-gas systems: Operating pressure ≤ 20 psig (140 kPa gauge) - Coverage extends from point of delivery to outlet of appliance shutoff valves - Exception: Detached 1-2 family dwellings and townhouses ≤3 stories follow IRC instead

Systems Outside Code Scope (Section 101.2.4) Critical exclusions include: - Portable LP-gas appliances not connected to fixed piping - Farm equipment (brooders, dehydrators, dryers, irrigation) - Industrial gas applications (acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, CO, oxygen, nitrogen) - Petroleum refineries and natural gas processing plants - Temporary LP-gas piping for construction - Vehicle-mounted gas systems (CNG, LP-gas, hydrogen) - Gas utility distribution equipment (except as noted in 401.1.1)

Code Authority and Enforcement (Section 102) - Conflict resolution: Specific requirements override general requirements; most restrictive governs when conflicts exist - Existing installations: May remain if lawfully installed before code adoption - Maintenance responsibility: Owner/authorized agent responsible for proper operating condition - Additions/alterations: Must meet new installation requirements without forcing full existing system compliance

Key Concepts

Scope and Application (Section 101) - IFGC applies to fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, gaseous hydrogen systems, and related accessories - Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses (≤3 stories) follow IRC instead - Piping system coverage: Natural gas ≤125 psig, LP-gas ≤20 psig (except per Section 402.7) - Coverage extends from point of delivery to appliance shutoff valve outlet

Excluded Systems (Section 101.2.4) Critical exclusions include: - Portable LP-gas appliances not connected to fixed piping - Farm equipment (brooders, dehydrators, dryers, irrigation) - Industrial gas applications (acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, oxygen, nitrogen) - Petroleum refineries and natural gas processing plants - Vehicle-mounted gas systems (CNG, LP-gas, hydrogen) - Gas supplier distribution equipment (except as noted in Section 401.1.1)

Conflict Resolution (Section 102.1) - Specific requirements govern over general requirements - When sections conflict, most restrictive requirement applies - This is fundamental for code interpretation on the exam

Existing Installations (Section 102.2) - Existing lawful installations can continue operation and maintenance - No requirement to remove or alter existing systems unless specifically mandated - Additions/alterations must meet new construction standards without requiring full existing system upgrade

Key Concepts

Based on the foundational principles in Chapter 1, understanding the scope and application of the IFGC is critical for Chapter 6 questions:

Code Scope (Section 101.2): The IFGC applies to fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, and gaseous hydrogen systems. Key pressure limits are: - Natural gas: 125 psig (862 kPa gauge) or less - LP-gas: 20 psig (140 kPa gauge) or less

Coverage extends from point of delivery to outlet of appliance shutoff valves - this is a frequently tested boundary definition.

Residential Exception (Section 101.2): Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses (3 stories max) with separate egress follow the International Residential Code, NOT the IFGC.

Systems Outside Code Scope (Section 101.2.4): Critical exclusions include: - Portable LP-gas appliances not connected to fixed piping - Farm equipment (brooders, dehydrators, dryers) - Industrial gas applications (acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia) - Petroleum refineries and natural gas processing plants - Vehicle-mounted gas systems (CNG, LP-gas, hydrogen) - Temporary LP-gas piping during construction

Conflict Resolution (Section 102.1): When general and specific requirements conflict, specific requirements govern. When different sections specify different requirements, the most restrictive governs.

Key Concepts

Chapter 7 Scope - Gaseous Hydrogen Systems - Section 101.2.1 specifically states that gaseous hydrogen systems shall be regulated by Chapter 7 of the IFGC - This establishes Chapter 7 as the primary authority for hydrogen gas installations within the code's jurisdiction

Code Applicability and Scope (Section 101.2) - IFGC applies to fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, and gaseous hydrogen systems - Operating pressure limits: Natural gas up to 125 psig (862 kPa gauge), LP-gas up to 20 psig (140 kPa gauge) - Coverage extends from point of delivery to outlet of appliance shutoff valves - Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses (≤3 stories) follow International Residential Code instead

Systems Outside Code Scope (Section 101.2.4) Critical exclusions include: - Portable LP-gas appliances not connected to fixed piping - Industrial gas applications (acetylene, ammonia, carbon monoxide, oxygen, nitrogen) - Petroleum refineries and natural gas processing plants - Vehicle-mounted gas systems (hydrogen, LP-gas, CNG) - Temporary LP-gas piping for construction - Gas mixtures within flammable range >10 psig operating pressure