Section 16 of 83
15. Thermal Interfaces
Stable section ID: S05-CON-005-SECTION-16 · 19 content blocks
Thermal Interfaces govern heat transfer and temperature-related behavior across component boundaries.
Each Thermal Interface shall identify whether its purpose is to:
promote heat transfer;
resist heat transfer;
control thermal bridging;
permit thermal expansion;
maintain a temperature limit;
prevent condensation;
preserve insulation continuity;
maintain fire-resistance performance;
transfer or reject heat from equipment.
The interface definition shall include applicable temperatures, thermal conductivity or resistance, contact area, continuity requirements, movement allowance, surface-temperature limits, thermal cycling, moisture interaction, and exposure duration.
Where the building envelope crosses an interface, insulation, air control, vapor control, water control, and structural continuity shall be coordinated. A structurally effective connection shall not create an uncontrolled thermal bridge or condensation path without an approved mitigation strategy.
Thermal breaks shall be located and retained so that their compression, creep, damage, moisture absorption, or aging does not compromise structural alignment or environmental performance.
Interfaces between materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion shall provide adequate movement capacity or demonstrate that induced stresses remain acceptable.
Utility and equipment interfaces shall prevent normal or fault-generated heat from damaging adjacent components, seals, wiring, finishes, insulation, or human-access surfaces.
Thermal performance shall be evaluated in the fully assembled condition, including fasteners, plates, penetrations, gaps, sealants, Cartridge shells, and installation tolerances. Evaluation of individual materials alone is insufficient.
Thermal interfaces associated with fire conditions shall be coordinated with Safety and Emergency Interfaces but shall remain distinguishable from ordinary energy-performance requirements.
Required thermal-bridge limits, reference environmental conditions, thermal-break materials, and test assemblies remain TBD and regionally dependent.