2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) – ICC Paperback

The 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) is the International Code Council’s 2018-cycle code for heating, ventilation, exhaust, duct, and refrigeration systems, in the ICC paperback edition for jurisdictions and exams that still specify 2018.

Code adoption moves slowly, and a meaningful number of states and municipalities still enforce the 2018 I-Codes. Contractors working there need the 2018 IMC, not a newer one, because section numbers and some requirements changed in 2021 and again in 2024. The 2018 edition keeps the IMC’s performance-based approach, which allows new materials and methods on demonstrated equivalence.

What's included

• 2018 International Mechanical Code, complete text, paperback
• Publisher: International Code Council (ICC)
• ISBN-13: 9781609837433
• Covers ventilation, exhaust systems, duct systems, combustion air, chimneys and vents, specific appliances, boilers, refrigeration, and hydronic and solar systems

Who it's for

Mechanical and HVAC contractors permitting work in 2018-cycle jurisdictions, mechanical inspectors and plan examiners enforcing that edition, and candidates for state mechanical contractor exams that list the 2018 IMC as the reference. Facility managers reviewing older permits and engineers documenting existing installations also keep the 2018 book for the edition the work was approved under.

Why this edition

The 2018 cycle added coverage of pollution control units, a new exception for listed Type I kitchen hoods with clearances to combustibles under 18 inches, provisions for phenolic non-metallic duct, new coverage for high-volume large-diameter (HVLS) fans, and relaxed sealing requirements for snap-lock and button-lock duct joints located within the thermal envelope. Those are the items inspectors in 2018 jurisdictions check. When a job or exam names 2018, match it; do not substitute a newer edition.

Frequently asked questions

Which jurisdictions still use the 2018 IMC?

Adoption is set by each state and locality. Several states remain on the 2018 I-Codes; confirm with the building department that will inspect your work.

What is new in the 2018 IMC compared with 2015?

Pollution control units, a Type I hood clearance exception, phenolic duct, HVLS fans, and relaxed duct-joint sealing inside the thermal envelope are the headline changes.

Is this the official ICC printing?

Yes. This is the paperback published by the International Code Council.

Details