N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 309: Section EBC 309: Mechanical

309.1 General.

In addition to the general requirements of Section 302.9, the installation of and work on existing mechanical systems including appliances, equipment, and components shall comply with the New York City Mechanical Code, this section, and the applicable provisions of Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 of this code.

309.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings.

In addition to the requirements of Section 302.9, the provisions of Sections 309.2.1 through 309.2.4 shall apply to prior code buildings.

309.2.1 Air duct and transfer openings.

In cases where the building’s passive fire-resistance protection design, including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with prior codes, the air duct and transfer openings shall be protected based on the fire resistive rating of the assembly being penetrated, as required by prior code. Where a prior code building has been fully sprinkler protected, air duct and transfer opening protectives shall be provided in accordance with required fire-resistance ratings for assemblies as reduced in accordance with Section 303.2 of this code. Damper hour ratings and installation requirements shall comply with Section 607 of the New York City Mechanical Code.

309.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures.

The provisions of Sections 304.11 and 306.5 of the New York City Mechanical Code relating to guards and to permanent means of access, respectively, shall not apply where new equipment or appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location.

309.2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers.

Where an existing cooling tower is replaced and physical limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7 of the New York City Mechanical Code, such isolators may be omitted. Such physical limitations must be verified by the registered design professional and included in construction documents, supported with field conditions, calculations and manufacturer specifications. The installations shall comply with all other requirements of the New York City Noise Control Code.

309.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers.

Where an existing exterior cooling tower with combustible fill, located within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2 of the New York City Mechanical Code.

309.3 Boiler identification.

Where an existing boiler or burner is replaced, the appliance shall be identified with a nameplate permanently affixed to the appliance. Such nameplate(s) shall be securely attached to the front of the boiler or placed in a conspicuous location on the boiler. In no case shall these numbers or identification be removed until the boiler is permanently discontinued. No person, except a boiler inspector authorized by the department, or department inspector, shall be authorized to deface or remove any boiler identification number on a boiler.