mechanical Archives

Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications

Summary of Building Code & Research Intent The intent & provisions of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) & 2020 Florida Building/Residential Codes are to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare of occupants of new and existing buildings & structures. From 2020 FBC, 7th …

Performance Limitations for Mechanical Equipment & TER Certifications Read More »

About Impact Requirements & Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & Essential Facilities

Mechanical Equipment – Impact or Not Impact? Questions frequently arise as to what the rule is in Florida, Miami, and the HVHZ zone (Dade and Broward Counties, FL) under the Florida Building Code (FBC) for impact rating on mechanical equipment. The answer also has similar references in the International Building Code (IBC) for impact areas …

About Impact Requirements & Mechanical Equipment in the Florida Building Code & Essential Facilities Read More »

Search our AC model Database

Click Here to access our model database tool. You can filter by your AC brand, model, and number to find the TER report you need to purchase for permit.

AC Model TER Search Database

Use this tool to search and find the applicable Technical Evaluation Report for your installation.

Learn About Rooftop & Ground Wind Forces for Mechanical Units

Want to learn how to design AC units on stands or curbs for wind design? Are you looking for tools to help in in design? Visit our FORCES page to learn more.

Instructions for proper use of rooftop equipment wind pressure calculator

HELP PAGE For the Engineering Express® Rooftop Equipment Wind Pressure Calculator Note: See Limitations & Conditions of Use at the end of this article. Quick Links Access The Calculator View The Glossary Learn Even More Calculator Inputs 1) Ultimate Wind Velocity (Vult): This is the peak 3-second Ultimate gust wind speed. Consult your building …

Instructions for proper use of rooftop equipment wind pressure calculator Read More »

What wind information is required for construction documents?

From the 5th, 6th &7th Edition of the Florida Building Code (2014, 2017, 2020) section 1603.1.4 as well as from section 1603.1.4. of the 2012, 2015, & 2018 International Building Code, construction documents shall show the following: Ultimate design wind speed, Vult (3-second gust), miles per hour and nominal design wind speed (Vasd) as …

What wind information is required for construction documents? Read More »

Roof Mounted Equipment Height Requirements

In accordance with FBC 2020 (7th Edition), the following clearance below raised roof mounted mechanical units applies inside & outside the HVHZ*: WIDTH** OF MECHANICAL UNIT MINIMUM CLEARANCE ABOVE SURFACES FBC 1510.10 FBC 1522.3 Outside HVHZ Inside HVHZ Height < 24″ < 24″ 14″ 24″ < 36″ 25″ < 36″ 18″ 36″ < 48″ 37″ …

Roof Mounted Equipment Height Requirements Read More »

Metal Fasteners UNC vs Spaced Thread

Overview Metal fastening is designed per the requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC): Specification for Structural Steel Buildings in conjunction with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA): TIR-A9-14 Design Guide for Metal Cladding Fasteners. Types The two most common types of fastener threads used in construction are Unified Coarse Thread (UNC) more …

Metal Fasteners UNC vs Spaced Thread Read More »

FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVAL AND MIAMI DADE NOA REQUIREMENTS

WHEN IS A FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVAL OR MIAMI DADE NOA REQUIRED & HOW TER’S AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FIT IN FIRST, A WORD ABOUT FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVALS & THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) Before we jump into Florida Product Approvals, let’s talk about the differences between the Florida Building Code and the IBC. Florida is one …

FLORIDA PRODUCT APPROVAL AND MIAMI DADE NOA REQUIREMENTS Read More »

How do I get a Certified TER or Master Plan Sheet?

FIRST, WHAT’S A CERTIFIED TER & Master Plan Sheet? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports and Master Plan Sheets must bear the original signature and raised seal or a digital seal of the evaluating engineer to be valid for use by code. This is a code requirement and necessary to maintain quality control, liability, and integrity …

How do I get a Certified TER or Master Plan Sheet? Read More »

What doesn’t a TER or Master Plan Sheet do?

FIRST, WHAT IS A TER? TER’s or Technical Evaluation Reports are evaluations of a product’s performance. They are not intended to approve products for a specific application, but rather provide limiting values based on installation options for a design professional to use in their site-specific application. SO WHAT DOESN’T A TER DO? TER’s don’t provide …

What doesn’t a TER or Master Plan Sheet do? Read More »

Did the wind loading requirements change for rooftop structures for ASCE 7-10 – 7-16 & The Florida Building Code?

Regarding ASCE 7-16 & the 2020 Florida Building Code (FBC) YES. Section 1609.1.1 and Chapter 35 of the 2020 FBC refer to ASCE 7-16 as the governing code for loading requirements on most rooftop structures*. *Section 1609.5 of the 2020 FBC lays out additional requirements for roof decks, shingles, and roof tiles ASCE 7-16 …

Did the wind loading requirements change for rooftop structures for ASCE 7-10 – 7-16 & The Florida Building Code? Read More »

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.