NCC Hitlist

Over the past few years, I’ve been collecting notes and references on how the National Construction Code (NCC) applies to HVAC & R design.

Even after 21 years working as an HVAC engineer, I still find moments where a clause catches me off guard — a forgotten requirement about fire dampers, smoke hazard management or a ventilation provision hidden deep in Section J.

These insights are the reason this resource exists.

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides practical guidance on the key clauses and design obligations most relevant to HVAC & R professionals. It brings together the parts of the NCC that impact everyday design components such as AC air ducts, smoke dampers, ventilation rates, energy efficiency, and system controls — all in one place for easy reference.

Each note links to the official NCC source plus I have highlighted referenced codes to help you connect code requirements to the standards you already know, such as AS 1668.1 (fire and smoke control in buildings), AS 1668.2 (mechanical ventilation) and still getting to know such as AS 1170.4 Structural Design Actions – Part 4: Earthquake Actions in Australia  Whether you’re reviewing pump sizing, duct insulation, or fire damper locations, this guide helps ensure your design aligns with both the code and best engineering practice.

I hope these notes help streamline your design work and reduce that “I’ve never seen this clause before” feeling. If you have experience or insights to add, please share your feedback — there’s no doubt something valuable is missing from my list: we*@*************om.au

And if you find it useful, please share this page with other HVAC engineers, contractors and designers so we can continue improving our collective understanding of how the NCC 2022 shapes everyday mechanical services design.

Kind Regards

Wes Mergard

B.eng Mech ( Hons)