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Board clarifies flexible‑connector language; local duct‑length amendment unaffected
Summary
Staff and members agreed that the section on flexible air connectors addresses connectors that can eliminate the need for fire dampers in certain occupancies and does not change the local amendment to flex‑duct length; members favored keeping local limits to preserve performance.
Board members reviewed proposed language clarifying that the code section governs flexible air connectors (connections that can in some cases eliminate a fire damper), not flexible duct runs. Staff reported they had discussed the issue with technical staff and that the proposed change would not alter the local amendment that limits duct length to protect system performance.
One committee member summarized the rationale for retaining local limits: "I would be in favor of keeping that amendment because ... you end up 25 feet of flex duct, which ... cuts down on the performance of it," noting long flexible connections reduce airflow and system efficiency. The board agreed staff should refine the drafting language and confirm there is no unintended interaction with other local mechanical amendments.
