Writing assignment 7:
What is the criteria for the installation of weep screeds in exterior plaster applications?
Weep screed bottom edge 1” min below joint between foundation and framing. Nose of screed min 4” above earth or 2” above paving. IRC 7.11.5
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #18
“In what locations are arc-fault circuit interrupter protection mandated?”
IRC section E3902.17 states that all branch circuits that supply 120-volt, single-phase, 15-20 ampere outlets located in kitchens, family rooms, dining room, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry area and similar areas shall be protected by Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter over current devices or receptacle outlets.
Writing Assignment #1
Permits are required when any owner or owner agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the IRC, or to cause any such work to be performed.
Permits are NOT required for one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 sq ft(other than storm shelters). Fences not over 7 ft high, retaining walls not over 4 ft from the bottom of the footing, water tanks on grade less than 5000 gallons and with a ratio of height to diameter or width not exceeding 2 to 1. Sidewalks and driveways. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, or similar finish work. Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep. Swings and other playground equipment. Window awnings supported by the exterior wall do not need additional support that does not extend over 54 inches. Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the exit door required in R311.4.
Assignment #1: What is the purpose and scope of the International Residential Code?
The purpose of 2021 IRC code is to establish minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare for construction maintenance and practices. The scope of the code shall apply to the construction of one and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories.
Writing assignment #18
In what manner are counter receptacles to be located? How do the provisions differ for island counter spaces? For peninsular counter spaces?
A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each wall countertop and work surface that is 12 inches or wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches, measured horizontally, from a receptacle outlet in that space.
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island countertop space withe a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater.
Not less than one receptacle outlet shall b installed at each peninsular countertop long dimension space having a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater.
Writing assignment #10
How must a masonry fireplace be supported and reinforced?
Footing for masonry chimneys shall be constructed of concrete or solid masonry not less than 12" and shall extend not less than 12" thick and shall extend not less than 6" beyond the face of the foundation or support wall on all sides. Footing shall be not less than 12" below finished grade or below frost line. Seismic anchorage- Refer R1003.4, Vertical reinforcing ref R1003.3.1 and horizontal reinforcing R1003.3.2
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #12
What special conditions apply to the installation of a solar energy system?
Chapter 23 of the IRC provides guidelines for installation of solar energy system. Considerations for access to the equipment for maintenance, design and installation, labeling, etc. Special instructions are provided for systems installed for heat transfer gas or liquids and heat exchangers. The design and installation of solar thermal energy system shall compy with sections M2301.2.1 through M2301.2.13
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #11
Where must mechanical exhaust air terminate? What locations are strictly prohibited?
Exhaust duct terminations must exhaust outside the building envelope in a manner where contaminants cannot be reintroduced to the indoor environment. Exhaust ducts may not terminate in crawl spaces or attics, nor exhausting to the point of termination at or around other ventilation systems, such as off ridge vents, gable vents, or soffits. Chapter 1501.1
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #13
What materials are acceptable for use as gas piping? When are materials allowed to be used again?
Materials used for piping systems shall comply with the requirements of the chapter or be approved. Metallic pipe, steel, steel tubing, copper, copper alloy tubing, stainless steel, corrugated stainless steel, plastic pipe, and plastic tubing are permitted. G2414
Cast iron pipe shall not be used G2414.3.1, Metallic tubing shall not be used with gases corrosive to the tubing material.G2414.4 PVC, CPVC shall not be used as well.
In reference to the above question. The light source should be should be capable of illuminating the landings and treads to levels of not less than 1 foot-candle. For exterior stairways, the light source should be located at the top landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways to access basements should provide light source at the bottom of the stairway.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #14
What is the temperature limit for water supplied to a shower? A bathtub? A whirlpool bathtub? A bidet?
Shower and tub/shower combination valves shall be equipped with a means to limit the maximum setting of the valve to 120F. IRC P2708.4
A water temperature limiting device shall be provided to limit the hot water supplied to a bathtub or whirlpool bathtub to a maximum of 120F. IRC P2713.3
The discharge water temperature from the bidet fittings shall be limited to not greater then 110F. IRC P2721.2
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #15
When is a water heater required to be installed in a pan? What type of pan is mandated? How big must it be? How shall it be drained?
Pans are required under tank water heaters. Metal pans of specified metals under gas fired heaters are required. Pan must be 1-1/2” deep. Drained by indirect waste pipe not less than 3/4” P2801.6
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #16
What is the purpose of a vent piping system?
Refer IRC code in Section 901. A system of vent piping is utilized to establish the emission or admission of air in order to equalize the pressure differential and provide adequate sealant of waste systems to prevent “blow back” and allow the proper operation of gravity flow systems.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #17
What minimum working clearances are required for energized equipment and panelboards? How is clearance above a panelboard regulated? What is the minimum required headroom?
E3405.2 The minimum working clearance for energized equipment “shall not be less than 36” in depth. The workspace shall be clear and shall extend from the floor or platform to a height of 6’ 6" or the height of the equipment whichever is greater.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #18
Where is ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection mandated?
GFCI protection is required for damp and wet locations namely bathrooms, garage and AU, outdoor receptacles, crawl space, basement, Over kitchen counters, sink receptacles, dishwashers, bath rooms, laundry rooms, unfinished basements, garages, many outdoor locations, swimming pools and SPAs, boathouse, boat hoists, electrically heated floors, outdoor outlets, equipment requiring services. E3902.1-18
For writing assignment #1. When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, which provision shall be applicable?
ICC Section 102.1 States that the specific requirement shall be applicable. Also, where the code specifies different materials, methods, or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
In reference to writing assignment #1
The international residential code is intended to regulate the broad spectrum of construction activities associated with residential buildings and structures. The provisions address building planning and construction, as well as energy efficiency, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical aspects.
Question #3 from writing assignment #2 in the IRC B1 inspector course.
What is a dead load? A live load?
A dead load is the force created by objects in or on the structure that do not change, such as framing materials, covering/sheathing materials, and foundation. A live load is a force created by an object or objects that is subject to change, such as people or furniture.
For the 2021 IRC exam study course, writing assignment #3, question 2.
Where must illumination be located in relationship to interior stairways? Exterior stairways?
According to the IRC sections 303.8 and 303.9
Interior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source to illuminate the landings and treads. The light source shall be capable of illuminating treads and landings to levels of not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) as measured at the center of treads and landings. There shall be a wall switch at each floor level to control the light source where the stairway has six or more risers.
Exception: A switch is not required where remote, central or automatic control of lighting is provided.
Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located at the top landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways providing access to a basement from the outdoor grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source located at the bottom landing of the stairway.