N.Y.C. Admin. Code § MC 305: Section MC 305: Piping Support

305.1 General.

Mechanical system piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.

305.2 Materials.

Pipe hangers and supports shall have sufficient strength to withstand all anticipated static and specified dynamic loading conditions associated with the intended use. Pipe hangers and supports that are in direct contact with piping shall be of materials that are compatible with the piping and that will not promote galvanic action.

305.3 Structural attachment.

Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building structure. Post-installed anchors shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with Section 1705.37 of the New York City Building Code.

305.4 Interval of support.

Piping shall be supported at distances not exceeding the spacing specified in Table 305.4, or in accordance with ANSI/MSS SP-58.

Table 305.4 Piping Support Spacing

a, b, c

Piping Material

Maximum Horizontal Spacing (feet)

Maximum Vertical Spacing (feet)

ABS pipe

4

10

c

Aluminum pipe and tubing

10

15

Brass pipe

10

10

Brass tubing, 1 1/4-inch diameter and smaller

6

10

Brass tubing, 1 1/2-inch diameter and larger

10

10

Cast-iron pipe

b

5

15

Copper or copper-alloy pipe

12

10

Copper or copper-alloy tubing, 1 1/4-inch diameter and smaller

6

10

Copper or copper-alloy tubing, 1 1/2-inch diameter and larger

10

10

CPVC pipe or tubing, 1 inch and smaller

3

10

c

CPVC pipe or tubing 1 1/4-inch and larger

4

10

c

Lead pipe

Continuous

4

PB pipe or tubing

2 2/3 (32 inches)

4

PE-RT < 1 inches

2 2/3 (32 inches)

10

c

PE-RT > 1 1/4 inches

4

10

c

PEX tubing

2 2/3 (32 inches)

10

c

Polypropylene (PP) pipe or tubing, 1 inch or smaller

2 2/3 (32 inches)

10

c

Polypropylene (PP) pipe or tubing, 1 1/4 inches or larger

4

10

c

PVC pipe

4

10

c

Steel tubing

8

10

Steel pipe

12

15

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. See Section 301.18.

b. The maximum horizontal spacing of cast-iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10 foot lengths of pipe are installed.

c. Mid-story guide.

305.5 Protection against physical damage.

In concealed locations where piping, other than cast-iron or steel, is installed through holes or notches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 1 1/2 inches (38.1 mm) from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by shield plates. Protective steel shield plates having a minimum thickness of 0.0575 inch (1.463 mm) (No. 16 gage) shall cover the area of the pipe where the member is notched or bored, and shall extend not less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) above sole plates and below top plates.