Building codes are an essential component of construction and remodeling projects, ensuring that all structures are safe and up to code. They can also be a significant expense, especially for small builders, engineers and students. Fortunately, there are several places you can access building codes for free. The list below includes links to some of the most important codes and standards. There are links to buy the codes too in case you’re old school and would like a physical copy.

1. International Code Council (ICC) – The ICC offers free access to the International Building Codes (IBC) on its website. The IBC is widely used in the United States and provides comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of buildings.
   • International Plumbing Code
     • Purchase the plumbing code here
   • International Mechanical Code
     • Purchase the Mechanical Code here
   • International Fuel Gas Code
     • Purchase the Fuel Gas Code here
   • International Fire Code
     • Purchase the Fuel Gas Code Here
2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – The NFPA offers free access to its codes and standards, including the NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code. This code covers fire protection, electrical systems, and other safety-related issues.
   • NFPA Code Access
3. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) – ASHRAE provides free access to there most popular Standard and Guidelines. These are invaluable resources for an Engineer working in the built environment.
   • Guideline 1.4-2019 — Preparing Systems Manuals for Facilities
   • Guideline 11-2021 -Field Testing of HVAC Control Components
   • Guideline 12-2020 — Managing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems
   • Guideline 28-2021 — Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft
   • Guideline 29-2019 — Guideline for the Risk Management of Public Health and Safety in Buildings
   • Guideline 36-2021 — High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems
     • Purchase ASHRAE 36
   • Standard 15-2022, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems
   • Standard 34-2022, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants
   • Standard 52.2-2017, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size
   • Standard 55-2020, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy (ANSI Approved)
   • Standard 62.1-2022, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
     • Purchase ASHRAE 62.1
   • Standard 62.2-2022, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings
   • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 84-2020 — Method of Testing Air-to-Air Heat/Energy Exchangers (ANSI Approved)
   • Standard 90.1-2022, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
     • Purchase ASHRAE 90.1
   • Standard 90.2-2018, Energy Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings
   • Standard 100-2018, Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings
   • Standard 111-2008 (RA 2017)– Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing of Building HVAC Systems
   • Standard 154-2022, Ventilation for Commercial Cooking Operations
   • Standard 161-2018 — Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft
   • Standard 170-2021, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities
   • Standard 180-2018 — Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems (ACCA Co-sponsored)
   • Standard 183-2007 (RA 2020) — Peak Cooling and Heating Load Calculations in Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ACCA Co-sponsored)
   • Standard 185.2-2020 — Method of Testing Ultraviolet Lamps for Use in HVAC&R Units or Air Ducts to Inactivate Microorganisms on Irradiated Surfaces
   • Standard 188-2021, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems
   • Standard 189.1-2020, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings
   • Standard 211-2018, Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits

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