• (909) 472-4100
UNIFORM SOLAR, HYDRONICS AND GEOTHERMAL CODE The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code is a stand-alone code which provides all necessary requirements for the installation, inspection and maintenance of swimming pool, spa, and hot tub systems and their component products.

A global leader in water conservation and plumbing quality for nearly a century

The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code is the product of that expertise.

IAPMO, founded in 1926, protects the public health and safety by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world.

Innovation

Our codes integrate the latest science and technology to strengthen public protection and water conservation and efficiency. Each of these technologies can contribute to a zero emissions strategy.

The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code is a stand-alone code which provides all necessary requirements for the installation, inspection and maintenance of swimming pool, spa, and hot tub systems and their component products.

Read Online Edition (free)
SOLAR, HYDRONICS, AND GEOTHERMAL

KEY TOPICS AND SYSTEMS

Icon

Solar

 

  • Addresses the Following Key Topics
    • Auxiliary heating (Section 501.9)
    • Freeze protection (Section 501.13)
    • Solar collectors (Section 502.0)
    • Insulation and system efficiency (Section 503.0)

  • Covers the following types of solar thermal systems
    • Thermosiphon systems (Section 501.6)
    • Drainback systems (Section 501.7)
    • Water heating systems (Section 501.8)
Icon

Hydronics

 

  • Addresses the Following Key Topics
    • Methods of air removal and separation (Section 412.6, Section 412.7)
    • Prevention of oxygen ingress (Section 409.4)
    • Insulation (Section 401.2)
    • System controls (Section 411.0, Section 412.0)

  • Covers the following types of hydronics systems
    • Steam systems (Section 414.0)
    • Radiant heating and cooling systems (Section 415.0)
    • Snow and ice melt systems (Section 417.0)
Icon

Geothermal

 

  • Addresses the Following Key Topics
    • System design and material specifications (Section 703.0, Section 706.0)
    • Site surveys (Section 707.4)
    • Subsurface investigations (Section 707.5)
    • Setbacks (Section 707.6, Section 712.4)
    • Horizontal piping (Section 707.16, Section 707.17)
    • Vertical bores (Section 710.6)
    • System start-up (Section 708.0, Section 715.7)

  • Covers the following types of geothermal energy systems
    • Closed-loop systems (Chapter 7, Part II)
    • Open-loop systems (Chapter 7, Part III)
    • Direct exchange (DX) systems (Chapter 7, Part IV)

INTEGRITY

Icon

Our codes are designated as “American National Standards” by the American National Standards Institute and are compatible with all other building codes.

Icon

The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code is a consensus document written by representatives from industry, inspectors, plumbers and engineers.

Icon

Our codes are developed through a rigorous process that meet the industry’s “gold standard” for openness, balance, consensus and due process.

Icon

IAPMO provides resources for water safety and efficiency.

Icon

IAPMO provides technical expertise for disinfection methods to remove pathogenic microorganisms that are identified health hazards in any water system.

Involvement

IAPMO is actively involved in every aspect of the plumbing industry – a relationship that continually improves our products and services.

Changes to the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code are made with a consensus of two-thirds majority by a diverse group of stakeholders.

The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code is used seamlessly by jurisdictions in conjunction with various building codes.

IAPMO’s products and services are used in every state, in one form or another.

The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code is written, revised, and updated on a regular basis by code specialists and experts in fields representing a variety of specialties – swimming pools, plumbing, engineering, electrical safety, construction, risk management, water quality, operations and maintenance

IAPMO’s products and services are preferred by the plumbing industry.

Download USHGC Brochure

Why The Uniform Solar, Hydronic and Geothermal Code (USHGC) Over the International Solar Energy Provisions (ISEP)?

The ISEP was not developed via the ANSI consensus procedure.

It is only an information dump. It is not organized and useful for enforcement. The document is set up to promote the other ICC documents.

The ISEP is not a stand-alone code:

  • Separated into commercial and residential; with their own chapters-very confusing. The USHGC applies to both, unless stated otherwise.
  • Heavily influenced by SRCC. SRCC is a solar certification body that is owned by ICC. The USHGC is developed by a balanced consensus body.
  • It includes two ISEP documents, NEC, ICC 900/SRCC 300, and ICC 901/SRCC 100. The USHGC is organized and is not influenced by one sector of the industry; the SRCC. It leaves out other documents that can be used for the certification of solar thermal systems as SRCC 300 and SRCC 900 are not the only documents that can be used.
  • Evaluation Service which should not be part of a code intended to provide health and safety provisions.
  • The solar thermal is a copy of IMC; which is not robust or comprehensive. For the residential provision, it uses the IMC which only applies to commercial applications; which creates confusion.
  • The solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (Chapter 5) does not reflect NFPA 70. This is a copy of IBC and IFC. Further in the document, the ISEP also includes NEC (NFPA 70) as separate documents which creates further confusion.
  • Chapter 6 is just a copy from the IECC which is going through heavy changes and copies of the swimming pool code.
  • Requires compliance with the IMC, IPC, International Wildland and Urban Code, IECC, and IFC. The USHGC is a stand-alone code.
  • Requires compliance with IFGC which does not correlate with NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code which is an ANSI Standard.

LEARN MORE

Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code® is a Registered Trademark of IAPMO

Scroll to top