Building Code

Building Codes

NCC 2022 Insulation Requirements – Ductwork, Pipework and Vessels

The National Construction Code (NCC), previously known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA), contains Energy Efficiency provisions for Ductwork, Pipework and Vessels to minimise the emission of greenhouse gases.

The tables within the NCC are complex so, to make it easier, the Baron team have summarised the tables for your convenience.

Ductwork Minimum Insulation R Value	Within Conditioned Space	Exposed to Direct Sunlight	All other Locations
All heating and cooling including duct and fittings. – Flexible ductwork minimum R1.0. – Cushion boxes to be minimum of connected Flex ducting. All climate Zones except alpine areas	R1.2	R3.0	R2.0

We’ve provided the table as a simplified summary. See NCC 2019 Volume 1 Section J Part J5.8 for full details.

PIPEWORK Minimum Insulation R-Value Fluid Temperature and Nominal Pipe Diameter (mm)	<=40	>40 and <=80	>80 and <=150	>150
Low Temperature Chilled – less than or equal to 2^oC	R1.3	R1.7	R2.0	R2.7
Chilled – Greater than 2^oC but not more than 20^oC	R1.0	R1.5	R2.0	R2.0
Heated – Greater than 30^oC but not more than 85^oC	R1.7	R1.7	R1.7	R1.7
High Temperature Heated – Greater than 85^oC	R2.7	R2.7	R2.7	R2.7

We’ve provided the table as a simplified summary. See NCC 2019 Volume 1 Section J Part J5.8 for full details.

VESSELS, HEAT EXCHANGERS and TANKS Minimum Insulation R-Value Fluid Temperature and Material R-Value	Material R-Value
Low Temperature Chilled – less than or equal to 2^oC	R2.7
Chilled – Greater than 2^oC but not more than 20^oC	R1.8
Heated – Greater than 30^oC but not more than 85^oC	R3.0
High Temperature Heated – Greater than 85^oC	R3.0