Replacement of the Defined Term "Fixture" with "Plumbing Fixture"
Description:
This proposed change revises the defined term “fixture” in the NPC to “plumbing fixture.”
Related Proposed Change(s):
PCF 1690, PCF 1692, PCF 2014
Problem
In the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) and the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC), “fixture” is a non-defined term that is variously used to refer to lighting fixtures, furnishings or equipment, ceiling fixtures, etc. In the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC), however, “fixture” is a defined term that refers to “a receptacle, appliance, apparatus or other device that discharges sewage or clear-water waste, and includes a floor drain.”
The varied use of the term “fixture” across the Codes may create confusion for Code users. Clarification of the defined term in the NPC is needed to reduce the risk of interpretation errors, which could lead to improper application of Code requirements.
Justification
The proposed change would clarify the existing defined term “fixture” in the NPC with the addition of a qualifier, “plumbing,” to ensure that there is no doubt as to when the term is being used to refer to plumbing fixtures as defined in the Code. This clarification would limit the probability of confusion for Code users and the risk of related compliance issues.
The change would also
replace the defined term “fixture” with “plumbing fixture” everywhere else that it is referenced in Division A of the NPC for consistency, and
expand the definition of the term by adding “neutralized condensate” to the list of waste types discharged by the receptacle or device.
The addition of “neutralized condensate” to the definition was proposed in response to the growth in high-efficiency appliances whose combustion byproducts include water and other chemicals typically defined as condensate. These condensates are generally considered to be compatible with most plumbing systems but may have an elevated acidity. The industry has developed processes to neutralize the acidity of condensate waste and discharge it into plumbing systems for disposal with the rest of the plumbing waste stream. The reference to this highly specialized activity was proposed to minimize the risk of condensate from high-efficiency appliances being confused with condensation from other water collection technologies or processes in other mechanical systems.
Note: A proposed change to a defined term does not need to identify every accompanying revision that would be made to the Code, only those that require the attention of Code users. The revised term would automatically apply wherever the current defined term is used.
PROPOSED CHANGE
[1.2.2.2.] 1.2.2.2.Used Materials and Equipment
[1] 1)Used materials and equipment, including plumbing fixtures, shall not be reused unless they meet the requirements of this Code for new materials and equipment and are otherwise satisfactory for their intended use.
[1.4.1.2.] 1.4.1.2.Defined Terms
[1] 1)The words and terms in italics in this Code shall have the following meanings (an asterisk (*) following a defined word or term indicates that the definition for that word or term is taken from the NBC):
Air breakmeans the unobstructed vertical distance between the lowest point of an indirectly connectedsanitary drainage pipe and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture into which it discharges. (See Note A-2.3.3.11.(2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-2.3.3.11.(2) of Division B.)
Air gapmeans the unobstructed vertical distance through air between the lowest point of a water supply outlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture or device into which the outlet discharges. (See Note A-2.6.2.9.(2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-2.6.2.9.(2) of Division B.)
Bathroom groupmeans a group of plumbingplumbing fixtures installed in the same room, consisting of one domestic-type lavatory, one water closet and either one bathtub (with or without a shower) or one one-head shower.
Circuit ventmeans a vent pipe that serves a number of plumbing fixtures and connects to the fixture drain of the most upstream plumbing fixture.
Drainage systemmeans an assembly of pipes, fittings, plumbing fixtures, traps and appurtenances that is used to convey sewage, clear-water waste or storm water to a public sewer or a private sewage disposal system, but does not include subsoil drainage pipes. (See Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1)-F in Note A-1.4.1.2.(1)PROPOSED CHANGE A-1.4.1.2.(1).)
Emergency floor drainmeans a plumbing fixture for the purposes of overflow protection that does not receive regular discharge from other plumbing fixtures, other than from a trap primer. (See Appendix A.)
PlumbingFfixturemeans a receptacle, appliance, apparatus or other device that discharges sewage,orclear-water waste,or neutralized condensate and includes a floor drain.
Fixture drainmeans the pipe that connects a trap serving a plumbing fixture to another part of a drainage system.
Fixture outlet pipemeans a pipe that connects the waste opening of a fixture to the trap serving the plumbing fixture. (See Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1)-H in Note A-1.4.1.2.(1)PROPOSED CHANGE A-1.4.1.2.(1).)
Fixture unit(as applying to water distribution systems) means the unit of measure based on the rate of supply, time of operation and frequency of use of a plumbing fixture or outlet that expresses the hydraulic load that is imposed by that plumbing fixture or outlet on the supply system.
Individual ventmeans a vent pipe that serves one plumbing fixture.
Private use(as applying to the classification of plumbingplumbing fixtures) means plumbing fixtures in residences and apartments, in private bathrooms of hotels, and in similar installations in other buildings for one family or an individual.
Public use(as applying to the classification of plumbingplumbing fixtures) means plumbing fixtures in general washrooms of schools, gymnasiums, hotels, bars, public comfort stations and other installations where plumbing fixtures are installed so that their use is unrestricted.
Storeyfor the purposes of this Code, means the interval between 2 successive floor levels, including mezzanine floors that contain plumbingplumbing fixtures, or between a floor level and roof.
Trap standardmeans the trap for a plumbing fixture that is integral with the support for the plumbing fixture.
Water distribution systemmeans an assembly of pipes, fittings, valves and appurtenances that conveys water from the water service pipe or private water supply system to water supply outlets, plumbing fixtures, appliances and devices.
Wet ventmeans a sanitary drainage pipe that also serves as a vent pipe and extends from the most downstream wet-vented plumbing fixture connection to the most upstream plumbing fixture connection. (See Note A-2.5.8.1.(2)PROPOSED CHANGE A-2.5.8.1.(2) of Division B.)
Note A-1.4.1.2.(1)Defined Terms.
Emergency Floor Drains
There are two types of floor drains. One is an emergency floor drain installed to avoid flooding in a building from any pipe or plumbing fixture failure. The other encompasses floor drains installed to receive discharge from specific pieces of equipment; this type is defined as a plumbing fixture.
[3.2.1.1.] 3.2.1.1.Functional Statements
[1] 1)The objectives of this Code are achieved by measures, such as those described in the acceptable solutions in Division B, that are intended to allow the plumbing system to perform the following functions (see Note A-3.2.1.1.(1)PROPOSED CHANGE A-3.2.1.1.(1)):
F01To minimize the risk of accidental ignition.
F02To limit the severity and effects of fire or explosions.
F20To support and withstand expected loads and forces.
F21To limit or accommodate dimensional change.
F30To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of tripping, slipping, falling, contact, drowning or collision.
F31To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of contact with hot surfaces or substances.
F40To limit the level of contaminants.
F41To minimize the risk of generation of contaminants.
F43To minimize the risk of release of hazardous substances.
F45To minimize the risk of the spread of disease through communal shower facilities.
F46To minimize the risk of contamination of potable water.
F62To facilitate the dissipation of water and moisture from the building.
F70To provide potable water.
F71To provide facilities for personal hygiene.
F72To provide facilities for the sanitary disposal of human and domestic wastes.
F80To resist deterioration resulting from expected service conditions.
F81To minimize the risk of malfunction, interference, damage, tampering, lack of use or misuse.
F82To minimize the risk of inadequate performance due to improper maintenance or lack of maintenance.
F130To limit the unnecessary demand and/or consumption of water for plumbing fixtures.
F131To limit the unnecessary demand and/or consumption of water for fittings.
Impact analysis
There are no cost implications to the proposed change, as the clarification of the defined term does not impact the application of the provisions in which it is used.
The proposed change would provide clarification and consistency. No additional enforcement measures or materials would be needed.
Enforcement implications
This proposed change would assist building designers and regulators, as the definition would be clearer.
