Hydronic and Steam Pipe Insulation (Energy Code Table 120.3-A-1)
"Hydronic and Steam Pipe Insulation (Energy Code Table 120.3-A-1)" is lesson 5 of 7 in the Boiler and Steam Fitting (C-4) Learning Hub. It opens with "What the Energy Code Makes You Insulate" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.
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Steps in this lesson
What the Energy Code Makes You Insulate
Read Table 120.3-A-1 by Temperature Row and Pipe Size Column
Insulation That Is Not in the Conductivity Range
Protect the Insulation
Related Limits: Supply Temperature and Touch Surfaces
The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 4 steps.
What you'll be able to do
Explain the main idea of "Hydronic and Steam Pipe Insulation (Energy Code Table 120.3-A-1)" in plain language you can use on the exam.
Apply this step with confidence: "Insulation That Is Not in the Conductivity Range".
Apply this step with confidence: "Protect the Insulation".
Apply this step with confidence: "Related Limits: Supply Temperature and Touch Surfaces".
Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.
The first steps of this lesson
Step 1: What the Energy Code Makes You Insulate
2025 Energy Code §120.3 applies to nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings. Under §120.3(a)2, space-heating piping (steam, steam condensate and hot water fluid distribution systems) must be insulated, and the fluid distribution system includes the elements in series with the flow: pipes, fittings, pumps, valves, strainers, coil u-bends and air separators, but not expansion tanks, fill lines, chemical feeders and drains. Exceptions include factory-installed piping within certified equipment, piping with a design operating temperature between 60 F and 105 F, framing penetrations, and fluid pumps, steam traps and blow-off valves (Exceptions 1 to 6).
Step 2: Read Table 120.3-A-1 by Temperature Row and Pipe Size Column
Find the fluid operating temperature range, then the nominal pipe diameter column. Minimum thickness in inches (columns: under 1 in / 1 to under 1.5 / 1.5 to under 4 / 4 to under 8 / 8 and larger): above 350 F: 4.5 / 5.0 / 5.0 / 5.0 / 5.0; 251-350 F: 3.0 / 4.0 / 4.5 / 4.5 / 4.5; 201-250 F: 2.5 / 2.5 / 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.0; 141-200 F: 1.5 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 2.0 / 2.0; 105-140 F: 1.0 / 1.5 / 1.5 / 1.5 / 1.5. The thicknesses assume insulation conductivity in the range printed for that row (for example 0.25 to 0.29 Btu-in/h-sq ft-F for 141-200 F, at a 125 F mean rating temperature).
The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.
Independent exam preparation. Contractors Classroom is not affiliated with the Contractors State License Board, and no course can guarantee a passing result.
