+---
+title: Compressed Air Systems
+category: Plumbing
+toc_depth: 3
+description: >
+ When to use: General-service compressed air systems serving shop, laboratory,
+ light-industrial, institutional, healthcare-support, and government facilities,
+ covering the complete system from compressor through receiver, air treatment
+ (aftercoolers, dryers, filters, separators), distribution piping, and terminal
+ outlets, up to 200 psig typical facility service, including lubricated and
+ oil-free, single and duplex configurations, and instrument- and shop-quality tiers.
+ Not intended for: medical and dental air piped to patient care areas under NFPA 99
+ Level 1 (use [[sync/medical-gas-systems]]); natural gas, propane, and other fuel
+ gas (use [[sync/natural-gas-piping]] and [[sync/fuel-gas-piping]]); air-driven and
+ non-air specialty outlets (use [[sync/plumbing-specialties]]); HVAC pneumatic
+ controls integrated into building automation (use [[sync/hvac-controls-instrumentation]]);
+ process piping over 200 psig or classified ASME B31.3 process service; and breathing
+ air for SCBA or respiratory protection under OSHA Grade D.
+---
+
+# Scope {toc}
+
+## This standard covers general-service compressed air systems for shop, laboratory, light-industrial, institutional, healthcare-support, and government facility applications. {note}
+
+## General-service compressed air is the utility air that powers pneumatic tools, actuators, laboratory apparatus, blow-off and cleaning stations, and instrument loops throughout a facility. It is generated by one or more compressors, conditioned by a treatment train, accumulated in a receiver, and distributed through fixed piping to terminal outlets. This standard addresses the complete system as a coordinated assembly rather than as isolated pieces of equipment, because the air quality delivered at any outlet is the product of every upstream component working together. {note}
+
+## The system shall be furnished complete from compressor intake through terminal outlets, including air treatment, receiver, distribution piping, condensate management, and controls.
+
+## A compressed air package specified only as a compressor leaves the air quality, storage, and distribution undefined, which is the most common source of underperforming installations. Treating the system as a whole is what lets the engineer hold a purity class at the point of use. {note}
+
+## This standard applies to new construction and to expansions of existing compressed air systems. {note}
+
+## This standard applies to systems operating at pressures up to 200 psig typical facility service. {note}
+
+## General-service headers operate at 90 to 125 psig; specialty high-pressure headers may reach 200 psig. Pressures above 150 psig, or piping located in process-classified areas, shift the governing piping code from ASME B31.1 to ASME B31.3 and are addressed accordingly within this standard. {note}
+
+## Medical air and dental air piped to patient care areas under NFPA 99 Level 1 are excluded and are governed by [[sync/medical-gas-systems]]. {note}
+
+## Level 1 medical air is a life-safety system with its own source equipment, alarms, certification, and dedicated piping. It must never share source equipment or distribution with general-service air. {note}
+
+## Breathing air for respiratory protection (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Grade D) is excluded; it is a distinct safety classification with its own purity, monitoring, and alarm requirements. {note}
+
+## Fuel gas, natural gas, propane, process piping above 200 psig, and air-driven specialty outlets are excluded and are covered by their respective standards. {note}
+
+## See [[sync/natural-gas-piping]], [[sync/fuel-gas-piping]], and [[sync/plumbing-specialties]]. Pneumatic HVAC controls tied into the building automation system are covered by [[sync/hvac-controls-instrumentation]]. {note}
+
+# Referenced Standards {toc}
+
+## Equipment, materials, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.
+
+## Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
+
+| Standard | Title |
+|----------|-------|
+| ANSI/CAGI B19.1 | Safety Standard for Air Compressor Systems |
+| ASME B19.3 | Safety Standard for Compressor Inlets |
+| ASME BPVC Section VIII, Div. 1 | Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels |
+| ASME B31.1 | Power Piping |
+| ASME B31.3 | Process Piping |
+| ISO 8573-1 | Compressed Air, Part 1: Contaminants and Purity Classes |
+| ISO 8573-2 through 8573-9 | Compressed Air, Test Methods for Contaminant Measurement |
+| NFPA 99 | Health Care Facilities Code |
+| NFPA 70 | National Electrical Code (Article 430) |
+| OSHA 29 CFR 1910.169 | Air Receivers |
+| OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 | Respiratory Protection, Grade D Breathing Air |
+| UFC 3-420-02 | Unified Facilities Criteria: Compressed Air |
+| ASHRAE 15 | Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems |
+| ASTM A53/A53M | Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless |
+| ASTM B88 | Seamless Copper Water Tube |
+
+## ANSI/CAGI B19.1 governs compressor system safety (controls, guarding, relief sizing) while ASME BPVC Section VIII governs the pressure vessel; the two are complementary and both apply. {note}
+
+## ISO 8573-1 is referenced for purity classification; the latest adopted edition applies, as the standard has been under revision. {note}
+
+# Submittals {toc}
+
+## The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review before fabrication or ordering:
+- Product data for each compressor, dryer, filter, separator, receiver, and condensate device, including capacity, power, and noise data
+- Shop drawings showing compressor room layout, equipment clearances, piping arrangement, and connection points
+- Receiver tank ASME data report and nameplate information showing MAWP and code stamp
+- Air purity calculation demonstrating the delivered ISO 8573-1 class at each point of use
+- Pipe sizing calculation demonstrating total distribution pressure drop within the specified limit
+- Electrical coordination data: motor full-load amperes, locked-rotor amperes, and starting method
+
+```datasheet
+label: Action submittals required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Product data (compressor, dryer, filter, separator, receiver)
+ - Shop drawings (room layout, clearances, piping)
+ - Receiver ASME data report and nameplate
+ - Air purity calculation per use point
+ - Pipe sizing / pressure-drop calculation
+ - Electrical coordination data (FLA, LRA, starting method)
+```
+
+## The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals before substantial completion:
+- Operation and maintenance manuals for all equipment
+- Manufacturer warranty documentation
+- Record drawings of installed piping and equipment
+- Test and certification reports, including receiver relief valve, leak test, and dew point verification
+- Startup and commissioning report
+
+```datasheet
+label: Closeout submittals required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Operation and maintenance manuals
+ - Warranty documentation
+ - Record drawings
+ - Test and certification reports
+ - Startup and commissioning report
+```
+
+## The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:
+- Manufacturer installation instructions for each major component
+- Welder qualifications and weld procedure specifications where applicable
+- Confirmation of local sewer authority condensate discharge limits
+
+```datasheet
+label: Informational submittals required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Manufacturer installation instructions
+ - Welder qualifications / weld procedures
+ - Sewer authority condensate discharge limits
+```
+
+# Quality Assurance {toc}
+
+## The compressor manufacturer shall be regularly engaged in the production of facility compressed air equipment.
+
+## The compressor manufacturer shall demonstrate a minimum of five years of production of the specified compressor type.
+
+## Air receivers shall be constructed, inspected, and stamped in accordance with ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 1.
+
+## OSHA 29 CFR 1910.169 makes ASME compliance a federal requirement for air receivers, and any receiver of 1.5 cubic feet or larger operating above 15 psig must carry the ASME code stamp. {note}
+
+## Welding of steel distribution piping shall be performed by welders qualified under ASME Section IX to the applicable weld procedure specification.
+
+## The compressor and accessories shall comply with ANSI/CAGI B19.1 for safety, guarding, and relief device sizing.
+
+## Compressor inlets shall be guarded in accordance with ASME B19.3.
+
+# Environmental and Service Conditions {toc}
+
+## The compressor room ambient temperature shall not exceed 100°F (38°C) under any operating condition.
+
+## Rotary screw and reciprocating compressors derate and the discharge air carries more moisture as inlet and ambient temperature rise. Holding the room below 100°F preserves capacity and keeps the downstream dryer load within its rating. {note}
+
+## Compressor room ventilation shall be provided at a minimum of 1 CFM of room ventilation per 1 CFM of compressor rated intake.
+
+## This guidance follows UFC 3-420-02 and removes both the heat of compression rejected to the room and any heat from air-cooled aftercoolers. {note}
+
+## The intended installation environment shall be identified so that dryer dew point and piping material are selected for the worst-case exposure.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor and distribution environment
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Indoor, conditioned compressor room; distribution in heated space
+ - Indoor compressor room; distribution through unheated or intermittently heated space
+ - Outdoor or freeze-exposed compressor and/or distribution
+default: Indoor, conditioned compressor room; distribution in heated space
+```
+
+## Where any portion of the distribution passes through unheated, outdoor, or freeze-exposed space, a desiccant dryer delivering the specified pressure dew point shall be provided.
+
+## A refrigerated dryer holding a 35°F to 39°F pressure dew point is adequate only where every foot of pipe stays above freezing. Routing 35°F-dew-point air through an unheated space condenses and then freezes water in the line, blocking flow and damaging tools, which is one of the most common field failures. {note}
+
+## Equipment and piping shall be anchored to resist seismic loads in accordance with the applicable building code where the project is located in a seismic design category that requires it.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Seismic anchorage required
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Yes, per applicable building code seismic design category"
+ - "No, low seismic design category"
+default: "No, low seismic design category"
+```
+
+# Compressor {toc}
+
+## The compressor type shall be selected to match the facility duty cycle, required air quality, and maximum operating pressure.
+
+## For general facility service (shops, maintenance, light laboratory) the lubricated rotary screw with a refrigerated dryer is the 80% case: it offers continuous-duty capability, good efficiency, and the lowest installed cost for its capacity. Oil-free machines carry a significant cost premium and are justified only where the application genuinely cannot tolerate any oil carryover. Reciprocating machines remain economical for intermittent-duty shops at lower first cost. {note}
+
+## The compressor type and lubrication class shall be as scheduled.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor type
+type: select
+options:
+ - Lubricated rotary screw
+ - Oil-free rotary screw
+ - Lubricated reciprocating
+ - Oil-free reciprocating
+ - Scroll (oil-free)
+ - Centrifugal
+default: Lubricated rotary screw
+```
+
+## Where an oil-free air purity class is required at any point of use, an oil-free compressor shall be provided.
+
+## Filtered oil-lubricated machines cannot reliably reach ISO 8573-1 Class 1 oil because oil aerosol and vapor pass through coalescing filters as their efficiency degrades. Specifying a Class 1 oil requirement while scheduling a lubricated machine generates substitution requests and field disputes. The purity requirement and the compressor selection must agree. {note}
+
+## The compressor arrangement shall provide the redundancy and turndown the facility requires.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor arrangement
+type: select
+options:
+ - Single compressor
+ - Duplex (lead-lag), shared receiver and dryer
+ - Multiple compressors with sequencing controls
+default: Single compressor
+```
+
+## Where continuous facility operation depends on compressed air, a duplex (lead-lag) arrangement shall be provided so that either unit alone can carry the facility base load.
+
+## Lead-lag control alternates the duty unit to equalize wear and brings the lag unit on for peak demand or as standby. A single compressor leaves the facility without air during any failure or routine service of that one machine. {note}
+
+## The compressor staging shall be selected for the required discharge pressure.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor staging
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Single-stage
+ - Two-stage
+default: Single-stage
+```
+
+## Two-stage compression shall be provided where discharge pressure exceeds approximately 125 psig or where the efficiency at sustained high pressure justifies it.
+
+## Single-stage machines are efficient and adequate for general 100 to 125 psig service. Two-stage compression with intercooling is more efficient and reaches higher pressures, which suits high-pressure headers and continuous high-load duty. {note}
+
+## The compressor control mode shall match the facility load profile.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor control mode
+type: select
+options:
+ - Start-stop
+ - Load-unload
+ - Modulation
+ - Variable-speed drive (VSD)
+default: Load-unload
+```
+
+## Variable-speed drive control should be provided where facility demand varies widely through the day, to reduce energy consumed at part load.
+
+## A VSD compressor matches motor speed to demand and avoids the unloaded-running and blow-down losses of fixed-speed control. The energy saving is largest where average demand is well below installed capacity; at near-constant full load a fixed-speed load-unload machine is competitive and simpler. {note}
+
+## Rated capacity and discharge pressure shall be as scheduled.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor rated capacity (per unit)
+type: range
+unit: SCFM
+min: 10
+max: 1000
+step: 5
+drawing_ref: true
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor rated discharge pressure
+type: range
+unit: psig
+min: 90
+max: 200
+step: 5
+setpoints: [100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200]
+```
+
+## The compressor drive motor shall be sized and wired in accordance with NEC Article 430.
+
+## Branch circuit conductors for a continuous-duty motor are sized at not less than 125% of full-load current, and direct-on-line starting draws six to eight times full-load current, which governs disconnect and overcurrent selection. The motor full-load and locked-rotor amperes must be confirmed with the electrical engineer. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor motor voltage
+type: select
+options:
+ - 208 V, 3Φ
+ - 230 V, 3Φ
+ - 460 V, 3Φ
+default: 460 V, 3Φ
+```
+
+# Receiver {toc}
+
+## An air receiver shall be provided to store compressed air, dampen pressure pulsation, and allow condensate to drop out before distribution.
+
+## The receiver decouples short-duration demand peaks (tool starts, actuator strokes) from compressor output, so the compressor cycles on average demand rather than chasing every transient. It also provides residence time for water and oil to separate from the air and settle to the drain. {note}
+
+## Receiver capacity shall be sized for the facility demand profile and compressor output.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Receiver tank capacity
+type: range
+unit: gal
+min: 60
+max: 2000
+step: 20
+drawing_ref: true
+```
+
+## The receiver shall provide a minimum of 10 minutes of storage at average system demand.
+
+## A common first-pass rule for variable-demand systems is roughly 1 gallon of receiver volume per SCFM of compressor output; the larger of the two checks governs. This follows the UFC 3-420-02 guideline. {note}
+
+## The receiver shall be a pressure vessel constructed and stamped in accordance with ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 1, with the MAWP shown on the nameplate.
+
+## A pressure-relief device shall be installed on the receiver, set so that receiver pressure cannot exceed the MAWP by more than 10% under any condition.
+
+## OSHA 29 CFR 1910.169 requires this as a federal mandate. The relief capacity must exceed the compressor's full delivery so the receiver cannot be over-pressured even with the inlet valve fully open. {note}
+
+## A pressure gauge shall be installed on the receiver.
+
+## The pressure gauge shall be readable from the operating position.
+
+## A manual drain valve shall be installed at the lowest point of the receiver.
+
+## OSHA 29 CFR 1910.169 requires a drain at the lowest point so accumulated condensate can be removed. An automatic drain may supplement the manual drain but does not replace it for inspection and service purposes. {note}
+
+# Air Treatment {toc}
+
+## An air treatment train shall be provided to deliver the required purity class at each point of use, addressing particulates, moisture, and oil.
+
+## ISO 8573-1 classifies air independently for solid particles, water (dew point), and oil. A complete train typically comprises an aftercooler and moisture separator at the compressor discharge, a dryer sized for the required dew point, and point-of-use coalescing and particulate filtration. Each contaminant is addressed by the component suited to it; one device does not cover all three. {note}
+
+## The required air purity class shall be specified at each point of use per ISO 8573-1.
+
+## Typical class assignments by application: general shop and maintenance air at Class 3.4.3 (particles.water.oil); instrument air at Class 2.2.1; general laboratory air at Class 2.2.2; food-contact air at Class 1.2.1 or better. The class drives the dryer dew point and the filtration grades and must be set before the train is selected. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Required ISO 8573-1 purity class (particles.water.oil)
+type: select
+options:
+ - 3.4.3 (general shop / maintenance)
+ - 2.2.2 (general laboratory)
+ - 2.2.1 (instrument air)
+ - 1.2.1 (food-contact / critical)
+default: 3.4.3 (general shop / maintenance)
+```
+
+## An aftercooler shall be provided downstream of the compressor to reduce discharge air temperature and condense the bulk of the moisture before it enters the dryer.
+
+## Removing the heat of compression here drops out most of the water as liquid, which the moisture separator captures, so the dryer receives a far smaller moisture load. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Aftercooler type
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Air-cooled
+ - Water-cooled
+default: Air-cooled
+```
+
+## A moisture separator with automatic drain shall be installed downstream of the aftercooler to remove condensed liquid before the dryer.
+
+## A dryer shall be provided to deliver the pressure dew point required by the application and the distribution environment.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Dryer type
+type: select
+options:
+ - Refrigerated
+ - Desiccant (regenerative)
+ - Combination (refrigerated + desiccant polish)
+default: Refrigerated
+```
+
+## A refrigerated dryer shall deliver a pressure dew point of 35°F to 39°F (2°C to 4°C) at operating pressure.
+
+## This dew point is adequate for general-service air distributed entirely within heated indoor space and is the 80% case for shop and maintenance systems. It is not adequate where any piping is exposed to freezing temperatures. {note}
+
+## A desiccant dryer shall be provided where the application requires a pressure dew point of −40°F (−40°C) or lower, such as instrument air or any freeze-exposed distribution.
+
+## Refrigerant-circuit refrigerated dryers shall comply with ASHRAE 15.
+
+## Desiccant dryers reach −40°F pressure dew point routinely and −100°F for extreme cases. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Required outlet pressure dew point
+type: select
+options:
+ - 35°F to 39°F (refrigerated, indoor heated distribution)
+ - −40°F (desiccant, instrument / freeze-exposed)
+ - −100°F (desiccant, extreme dry)
+default: 35°F to 39°F (refrigerated, indoor heated distribution)
+```
+
+## Point-of-use coalescing and particulate filtration shall be provided to achieve the specified oil and particle classes at the use point.
+
+## Coalescing filters remove oil aerosol and fine particulate; a particulate after-filter protects against desiccant fines where a desiccant dryer is used. Filtration grade is selected to meet the ISO class, not over-specified, because each filter stage adds pressure drop. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Point-of-use filtration grade
+type: select
+options:
+ - General-purpose particulate (5 µm)
+ - Coalescing (1 µm, oil aerosol)
+ - High-efficiency coalescing (0.01 µm)
+ - Coalescing + activated carbon (oil vapor)
+default: Coalescing (1 µm, oil aerosol)
+```
+
+# Distribution Piping {toc}
+
+## Distribution piping shall comply with ASME B31.1 for systems at or below 150 psig in non-process buildings, and with ASME B31.3 where system pressure exceeds 150 psig or where piping is in a process-classified area.
+
+## The piping material shall be selected for the service pressure, air quality, and corrosion environment.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Distribution piping material
+type: select
+options:
+ - Carbon steel, Schedule 40 (ASTM A53 black)
+ - Carbon steel, Schedule 80 (ASTM A53 black)
+ - Copper, Type L (ASTM B88)
+ - Aluminum, modular push-fit
+ - Stainless steel
+default: Carbon steel, Schedule 40 (ASTM A53 black)
+```
+
+## Internally galvanized steel pipe shall not be used for compressed air distribution.
+
+## At compressed air velocities the internal zinc coating flakes off and the particles travel downstream to clog filters, regulators, and tool valves. Black steel (Schedule 40 or 80 per ASTM A53), Type L copper, or modular aluminum are the appropriate choices. {note}
+
+## Modular aluminum push-fit piping should be considered where leak reduction and reconfigurability are priorities.
+
+## Aluminum modular systems install quickly, have a smooth bore that minimizes pressure drop, and their sealed joints leak far less than threaded steel, which directly reduces the compressor energy wasted feeding a leaky distribution network. {note}
+
+## Distribution piping shall be sized so that total pressure drop from the receiver to the worst-case outlet does not exceed the specified limit at full design flow.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum total distribution pressure drop
+type: select
+options:
+ - 2 psig (general service)
+ - 1 psig (instrument air header)
+default: 2 psig (general service)
+```
+
+## Pressure at the worst-case outlet shall be verified to remain at or above 90 psig under full design load.
+
+## Sizing on average flow alone undersizes the header so that end-of-line tools starve at peak demand. The sizing calculation must check the farthest, highest-demand outlet under simultaneous full load, not just the steady-state condition. {note}
+
+## A high-pressure header with pressure-reducing stations shall be provided where specialty equipment requires pressure above the general-service level.
+
+## Where part of the facility needs 150 to 200 psig and the rest needs 100 psig, a dedicated high-pressure header fed by a booster, with regulators dropping to general service at the use points, is more efficient than running the whole facility at the higher pressure. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: System pressure architecture
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Single-pressure header (general service)
+ - General-service header plus dedicated high-pressure header
+default: Single-pressure header (general service)
+```
+
+## Distribution mains should be looped and sized with reserve capacity for future expansion.
+
+## A looped main feeds each branch from two directions, halving the effective length and pressure drop, and reserve capacity built in at construction is far cheaper than retrofitting a larger header later. Calling out a design reserve at the outset is a low-cost hedge against facility growth. {note}
+
+## Instrument-quality air shall be distributed in a header separate from general shop air where instrument accuracy or actuator reliability depends on air quality.
+
+## Shop air carries more particulate, moisture, and oil than instrument loops tolerate. Tapping instruments off a shop header contaminates regulators and positioners and degrades control accuracy, so the two services are kept on separate, independently treated headers. {note}
+
+## Each branch takeoff and terminal outlet shall be located as shown.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Terminal outlet type
+type: select
+options:
+ - Quick-connect coupler
+ - Filter-regulator-lubricator (FRL) drop
+ - Filter-regulator (no lubricator) drop
+ - Hose reel station
+default: Filter-regulator (no lubricator) drop
+```
+
+## Outlet and branch routing, drop locations, and header extents shall be as shown on the drawings.
+
+## See [[drawing: compressed air distribution plan]]. {note}
+
+# Condensate Management {toc}
+
+## Condensate shall be removed automatically from the receiver, dryer, filters, and drip legs, and managed to comply with the discharge requirements.
+
+## Compressed air condensate accumulates at every cool point in the system. Left in place it carries downstream as slugs of water and, in lubricated systems, oil. The drain method is selected to remove condensate reliably without wasting compressed air. {note}
+
+## The condensate drain method shall be selected for reliability and air economy.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Condensate drain type
+type: select
+options:
+ - Manual drain valve
+ - Automatic timed solenoid drain
+ - Zero-loss demand (electronic level) drain
+default: Zero-loss demand (electronic level) drain
+```
+
+## Zero-loss demand drains should be specified to avoid the continuous compressed air loss of timed drains.
+
+## A timed solenoid drain opens on a schedule whether or not condensate is present, venting compressed air each cycle. A demand drain opens only when a sensed liquid level requires it, eliminating that loss; the energy saving usually repays the higher device cost. {note}
+
+## An oil-water separator shall be provided to treat condensate from all lubricated compressors before discharge to the sanitary drain.
+
+## Oily condensate discharged to a sanitary drain violates environmental regulations. The separator must reduce oil content below the local sewer authority limit, which is commonly below 15 mg/L; the actual limit must be confirmed with the authority having jurisdiction. {note}
+
+## Condensate from lubricated compressors shall not be discharged to the sanitary drain without passing through an oil-water separator that meets the local sewer authority oil-content limit.
+
+# Cross-Connection Prohibition {toc}
+
+## The general-service compressed air system shall not be cross-connected to any medical air, oxygen, vacuum, or other piped gas system.
+
+## General-service air is not certified to medical purity and is not monitored or alarmed to NFPA 99 Level 1 requirements. Any physical connection between this system and a medical gas, oxygen, or other piped gas system is prohibited; the prohibition must be stated explicitly on any project touching a healthcare facility so it survives field coordination. See [[sync/medical-gas-systems]]. {note}
+
+## No connection shall be made between the general-service compressed air system and any medical air, oxygen, or other piped gas system.
+
+# Noise and Vibration Control {toc}
+
+## The compressor shall be isolated to limit structure-borne noise and vibration transmitted to adjacent occupied spaces.
+
+## Untreated compressors are a chronic source of complaints in occupied buildings because vibration travels through the slab and piping into walls and ceilings. Isolation at the machine and at every pipe connection interrupts that path. {note}
+
+## Spring vibration isolators shall be provided under each compressor rated above 10 hp.
+
+## Flexible pipe connectors not less than 18 in. long shall be installed at all compressor air connections.
+
+## The flexible connector decouples the rigid distribution piping from the vibrating compressor so that pulsation and vibration are not transmitted into the building piping. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Compressor vibration isolation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Spring isolators (over 10 hp)
+ - Neoprene pads (10 hp and under)
+default: Spring isolators (over 10 hp)
+```
+
+# Testing {toc}
+
+## The distribution piping shall be pressure-tested after installation and before concealment or insulation.
+
+## Testing before the piping is buried, insulated, or enclosed allows leaks to be found and corrected while joints are still accessible. {note}
+
+## Steel distribution piping shall be hydrostatically tested at 1.5 times MAWP in accordance with ASME B31.1, or pneumatically leak-tested at 110% of operating pressure with soap-bubble inspection of all joints where a pneumatic test is approved.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Piping test method
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Hydrostatic at 1.5× MAWP (ASME B31.1)
+ - Pneumatic at 110% operating pressure, soap-bubble inspection
+default: Pneumatic at 110% operating pressure, soap-bubble inspection
+```
+
+## The receiver pressure-relief device shall be tested and certified to relieve at its set pressure before the system is placed in service.
+
+## The delivered air dew point shall be verified at the dryer outlet to confirm it meets the specified pressure dew point.
+
+## Dew point is the single most common air-quality shortfall and is easily measured at startup with an inline hygrometer; verifying it confirms the dryer is performing to specification. {note}
+
+## The delivered air purity shall be verified against the specified ISO 8573-1 class using the test methods of ISO 8573-2 through 8573-9 where the application requires documented purity.
+
+# Installation {toc}
+
+## Equipment shall be installed level, anchored, and with the manufacturer's required service clearances.
+
+## Adequate clearance around compressors, dryers, and filters is required for filter changes, oil service, and coil cleaning; crowding the equipment guarantees deferred maintenance. {note}
+
+## Distribution piping shall be installed with a uniform slope toward drip legs so that condensate drains to a collection point and does not pool in the line.
+
+## Mains are pitched in the direction of flow and branch takeoffs are taken from the top of the main, so condensate runs to drip legs rather than being carried into the branch. {note}
+
+## Branch connections shall be taken from the top of the distribution main.
+
+## Drip legs with drain valves shall be installed at the low points of the distribution system and at the base of risers.
+
+## Pipe supports shall be spaced in accordance with the applicable piping code for the pipe material and size.
+
+## Each piece of equipment and each isolation valve shall be labeled to identify its service and the equipment it serves.
+
+# Delivery, Storage, and Handling {toc}
+
+## Equipment and piping shall be delivered in the manufacturer's packaging and protected from weather, dust, and physical damage until installation.
+
+## Pipe ends and equipment connections capped at the factory must stay capped until connected, because debris that enters open piping migrates to filters and valves during startup. {note}
+
+## Pipe and fitting openings shall remain capped or plugged until the piping is connected.
+
+## Compressors and receivers shall be stored upright.
+
+## Compressors and receivers shall not be subjected to loads or impacts that could damage the pressure vessel or rotating assembly.
+
+# Warranty {toc}
+
+## The compressor and air treatment equipment shall be warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the period specified.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Equipment warranty period
+type: select
+unit: years
+options:
+ - "1"
+ - "2"
+ - "5"
+default: "2"
+```
+
+## Extended airend or compression-element warranties offered by the manufacturer should be obtained where available.
+
+## The compression element (airend on a rotary screw, pump on a reciprocating machine) is the highest-value component and many manufacturers offer extended coverage on it; capturing that coverage at purchase protects the largest replacement cost. {note}
+
+# Spare Parts {toc}
+
+## A complete set of consumable spare parts shall be furnished for first-year maintenance.
+
+## Compressors and dryers consume filters, separators, and lubricant on a regular schedule. Delivering a first-year set with the equipment prevents the system from running on degraded consumables while replacements are procured. {note}
+
+## The following spare parts shall be furnished with the equipment:
+- One complete set of intake and oil filters per compressor
+- One complete set of coalescing and particulate filter elements
+- One oil-water separator cartridge where applicable
+- One set of compressor lubricant for the first oil change
+
+```datasheet
+label: Spare parts to be furnished
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Intake and oil filter set (per compressor)
+ - Coalescing and particulate filter elements
+ - Oil-water separator cartridge
+ - Compressor lubricant (first change)
+```