CSA B214:21

This is the fifth edition of CSA B214, Installation code for hydronic heating systems. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2016, 2012, 2007, and 2001.

The main changes from the previous edition are as follows:

a) added requirements for use of potable water as a hydronic fluid (Clause 4.2.5.1);

b) clarified recycling requirements for prevention of stagnation (Clause 4.2.5.2);

c) added requirement for pipe insulation in unconditioned spaces (Clause 8.2);

d) removed allowance for PVC pipes and tubing, and PVC fittings;

e) clarified that metal/plastic pipes refer to PEX-AL-PEX and PERT-AL-PERT composite pipes (Clauses 9.2.3 and 9.2.4);

f) clarified that polypropylene random copolymer refers to PP-R & PP-RCT pipes and tubing (Clauses 9.2.5);

g) added requirements for flexible pre-insulated plastic piping and installation of non-metallic piping in return air plenums (Clauses 9.2.7 and 9.2.8);

h) added requirements for support of larger sizes PEX and PERT tubing as per ASTM F876 (Clause 9.4.1);

i) added requirements for support of non-metallic pipe and tubing in support channels, and vertical run support for non-metallic pipe and tubing in support channels (Clauses 9.4.2 and 9.4.7);

j) added requirements for pipe insulation, pipe sleeves, thermal expansion and contraction, and contact with building materials (Clauses 9.5 to 9.8);

k) added requirements for PERT-AL-PERT composite pipe fittings, and plastic-to-metal connections (Clauses 10.4 and 10.10);

l) removed restriction on use for compression valves for isolation purposes;

m) added requirements for manifolds (Clause 11.3);

n) changed high-temperature requirement limit for radiant floor heating panels (Clause 12.2.2);

o) clarified requirements for makeup supply connection (Clause 12.5.4);

p) added exception for differential pressure regulation (Clause 12.5.5.1);

q) clarified requirements for air space above insulation (Clause 14.5.3.2);

r) added space limits for air space behind insulation (Clause 14.6.2);

s) added requirements for types of tube fasteners (Clause 17.4.2); and

t) added requirements for heat exchanger and piping and materials (Clause 18.4.1).

This Code has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope:

1.1 General

This Code sets out the minimum provisions for the installation, extension, alteration, and renewal of hydronic heating systems.

1.2 Inclusions

This Code applies to open and closed hydronic heating systems. These systems include

a) hydronic space heating;

b) radiant heating (wall, floor, and ceiling);

c) convectors;

d) fan coils;

e) combination potable-water-heating and space-heating (combo) systems;

f) integrated mechanical systems;

g) indirect-fired domestic-water heating;

h) pool and spa heating;

i) snow and ice melt systems; and

j) other auxiliary systems.

1.3 Interchangeable terms

The terms “pipe” and “piping”, as well as “tube” and tubing”, are used interchangeably in this Code, unless otherwise stated.

1.4 Terminology

In this Code, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Code; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Code. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.5 Units of measure

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Code. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.