§ 18.12.080. Section 928, Evaporative cooling, amended.  


Latest version.
  • International Mechanical Code, 2015 Edition, Section 928 Evaporative Cooling, is hereby amended to read as follows:

    928.1 General. Every evaporative cooler installed system shall comply with these provisions.

    928.2.1. No evaporative cooler shall be installed so as to obstruct any required means of egress nor reduce passage of required light and air.

    928.2.2. Evaporative cooler installations which extend beyond the exterior line of a structure shall comply with Building Code and Zoning Regulations as to allowable projection and overhead clearance. Evaporative cooler structures which project more than eighteen inches (18") from a building shall maintain a minimum clearance of fourteen feet (14') above areas subject to vehicle traffic.

    928.3 Materials of Construction.

    928.3.1. All evaporative cooler blowers and cabinets, including pan, corner posts, top and pad frames, shall be constructed of non-combustible materials or approved plastics as defined below. Evaporative pads and interior water circulatory systems need not be of non-combustible materials.

    928.3.2 Approved Plastics. Approved plastic or reinforced plastic materials shall be those which are classified as 94-5V in accordance with Underwriters Laboratory Test 94-5V "Vertical Burning Test for Classifying Materials".

    928.3.3 Evidence of Compliance. Evidence of compliance with the requirements of Section 926.3.1 to 311.3.2 shall accompany all equipment installed within the City of El Paso.

    928.4 Electrical Connections. Electrical components and installations shall conform to the El Paso Electrical Code. The blower motor and water recirculation pump shall be internally protected to shut-off automatically in the event of an electrical overload or excessive temperature. The maximum shut-off temperature shall be: (1) blower motor, 105°C; and (2) pump, 135°C.

    928.5 Plumbing Connections. Water connections and materials shall conform to the El Paso Plumbing Code.

    928.6 Structural Supports. Evaporative cooler fastenings, including mounts, platforms and frames, shall be of non-combustible material and shall be of sufficient size and strength to meet the requirements of the International Building Code.

    928.7 Water Supply.

    928.7.1 Bleeder Lines Prohibited. New and replacement evaporative coolers shall not be provided or installed with bleeder lines.

    928.7.2 Automatic water draining System Required. An automatic water draining system shall be provided for all evaporative coolers for which the cooler manufacturer requires the use of a bleeder line. The automatic water draining system shall operate on a periodic basis of not less than a 4-hour interval between operation times and shall be capable of fully draining the water from the cooler pan. The automatic draining system shall either discharge into the building drainage system through an indirect waste piping system complying with Section 802 of the International Plumbing Code, as amended, or shall be conducted to the exterior of the building or structure, and shall be discharged so that the effluent is used for watering landscaping or other outdoor vegetation. In no event shall drainage from coolers be wasted into or upon the public right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 18511 , § 1, 5-31-2016)