Which code applies when the specification and the authority disagree?

Authority rules are mandatory, so a design must meet them. Where the specification is stricter, the specification also applies because it is part of the contract. In practice you meet the stricter of the two, and raise an RFI where they truly conflict.

What is the difference between a code and a standard?

A code is usually adopted into law or by an authority and says what must be achieved. A standard gives methods, tests or values, and becomes mandatory when a code, an authority or a contract calls it up.

Who approves electrical designs in Dubai?

DEWA approves electrical connections, load and installations against its regulations, while Dubai Civil Defence approves fire and life safety systems and Dubai Municipality (or the relevant master developer or free zone authority) issues the building permit.

Where do I find minimum outdoor air rates?

ASHRAE 62.1 is widely used in the GCC and internationally. The UK uses Building Regulations Approved Document F and CIBSE guidance, and Australia uses AS 1668.2 through the NCC. Local codes can set their own values.

MEP Codes & Authority Rules Navigator

Codes & Authority Rules Navigator

Every design calculation starts with a question: which rule applies here? This lab maps the authorities and codes MEP designers use in the GCC, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, shows how they stack, and trains you to pick the right document and settle conflicts between them.

The code hierarchy

Design documents stack in layers. Higher layers are mandatory; lower layers fill in the detail. Click a layer to see what lives there and how it is used.

Code or standard? A is adopted by law or an authority and says what must be achieved. A gives methods and values, and becomes mandatory when a code, authority or contract calls it up.

Authority navigator

Pick a region and a discipline. The card shows who approves the design, the main documents they enforce and what you normally submit. Names are current to the best of our knowledge; editions change, so check before you rely on one.

Region

Discipline

Which code answers it?

Real design questions. Pick the document you would open first.

Order of precedence

Documents disagree more often than you would think. Decide which requirement governs in each case.

A typical contract order of precedence

Your contract's conditions define the actual order. Authority regulations sit above all of it because they are law.

Design compliance checker

Enter a few values from your design. Each check shows the reference value, where it comes from, and lets you override it with the local authority or specification value.

3D code map and 4D approval route

Tap any system in the building to see the codes that govern it for the selected region. Play the 4D timeline to follow a typical approval route from design to completion certificate.

Drag to rotate · scroll or pinch to zoom · tap a system

Engineer's notes

Lessons from real design reviews.

Quiz

Score 0

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