New Jersey Code Requirements for Drip Pans & Furnaces

New Jersey law requires that construction, maintenance and use of all buildings be regulated according to the "State Uniform Construction Code Act." The purpose of the act is to insure uniform, modern construction standards and regulations throughout the state. The act incorporates various model codes that have been adopted throughout the country and manufacturer recommendations for installation of equipment. The New Jersey code requirements for drip pans and furnaces are found in these sources.

State Uniform Building Code Act

The State Uniform Building Code Act is the New Jersey statewide law to which all local building codes must conform. The act itself does not set forth specific code requirements--such as how and under what circumstances a furnace may be installed--but it does state that the model codes of the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc., the National Electrical Code and the National Standard Plumbing Code shall be adopted for use in New Jersey. These model codes provide the specific requirements for construction and equipment maintenance.

Uniform Construction Code

Under authority of the State Uniform Building Code Act, the New Jersey Administrative Code sets forth statewide construction regulations known as the Uniform Construction Code and typically cited as "N.J.A.C. 5:23." Using the model codes as a guide, these regulations specify various "subcodes," such as the mechanical subcode, building subcode and fire protection subcode, that set forth the various requirements for all construction-related activities, including the installation and maintenance of drip pans and furnaces.

Division of Codes and Standards

The New Jersey code requirements adopted from the model codes are most readily found through the Division of Codes and Standards of the Department of Community Affairs. A Web site maintained by the agency provides links to the model codes for specific use in New Jersey. For instance, there is a link to general code requirements for commercial buildings found in the publication titled, "2006 International Building Code -- New Jersey Edition." Similarly, general code requirements for residential building are found in the "2006 International Residential Code -- New Jersey Edition." More specific codes requirements for equipment, such as drip pans and furnaces, can be found in the "2006 International Mechanical Code -- New Jersey Edition." Hard copy editions of these codes can also be obtained from the agency.

Manufacturer's Recommendations

While the model codes adopted by the Uniform Construction Code provide the primary guide to accepted construction and maintenance practices, the code may not provide specific requirements for all circumstance that may be encountered. This is particularly true where new types of equipment may become available for use or new installation and maintenance techniques may develop. In situations where the code might not provide specific guidance, the code states that a manufacturer's recommendations for the installation and maintenance of equipment may be considered to be accepted practice.

Code Requirements of Local Municipalities

Several New Jersey municipalities have their own building codes: Elizabeth, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Trenton and Camden. Although these codes may give more specific guidance regarding construction requirements, local codes cannot amend or otherwise conflict with the state-wide building codes adopted through the Uniform Construction Code.

References

• Division of Codes and Standards
• New Jersey State Uniform Construction Code
• New Jersey Adminstrative Code