WC³ Academy

This course provides a step-by-step approach to performing a complete plan review of a moderate-sized commercial project. The class covers the following portions of the review: (1) administration, (2) code analysis (i.e. occupancy classification, type of construction, location on the property, allowable areas & heights, etc.), (3) fire & life safety (fire resistance, fire protection, exiting, etc.), (4) accessibility, (5) structural & special inspections, (6) mechanical & plumbing, (7) electrical, and (8) energy. Each attendee will be given a sample set of plans and this example will be referenced throughout the class with sample plan review comments included in the notes.  The class will conclude with a question & answer session.

2-Day

This class focuses on the requirements of Chapter 7 of the International Building Code. It addresses all types of fire-rated construction including; structural members, exterior walls, fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, smoke partitions, and horizontal assemblies. The class discusses the specific requirements for openings, penetrations, and air transfer openings in rated assemblies. Some of the class time will be spent discussing prescriptive and calculated fire resistance as well as performance based approaches.

1 Day

This class provides an in depth look at Chapter 10 of the IBC. The layout of Chapter 10 will be dissected in such a way to help the attendee identify the different portions of the means of egress system, including exit access, exits, and exit discharge. The class covers the general provisions for the means of egress including sizing of egress width, exit signage, ramps, stairs, handrails, guardrails, etc. Time will also be spent determining the occupant load for various building functions and determining the number of required exits. Special requirements for assembly use groups and accessible means of egress are also addressed.

1 Day

This course focuses on the accessibility requirements of the IBC and ICC/ANSI A117.1. It covers requirements for commercial buildings including Use Group R-Occupancies such as hotels and apartment buildings. The course also includes a discussion of accessibility requirements for existing structures undergoing additions, alterations, or change of use. Changes from the 2003 to the 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 standards will be highlighted.

1-Day

This seminar will dissect the requirements of Chapter 17 of the IBC. A detailed discussion will be provided for each designated special inspection, structural testing and structural observation item listed in the building code. Project scenarios will be provided and a roundtable discussion will be had as to what inspection and testing items would be required for each example. A substantial amount of time will be used to discuss what qualifications are necessary for special inspectors, testing agencies, and structural observers. If possible, each attendee will be provided with a copy of the ICC Model Program for Special Inspection.

Half Day

This seminar will follow the requirements of Chapter 18 of the IBC for deep foundations and will be catered to the plan reviewer and building inspector. Topics that will be covered include geotechnical report requirements, submittal requirements, and special inspection requirements. Specific requirements for common non-proprietary and proprietary systems frequently used in the United States will be discussed (i.e. micropiles, helical piers, rammed aggregate piers, etc.).

Half Day

There are many instances where the adopted codes require a mandatory seismic upgrade of an existing building. This class will discuss when such an upgrade is triggered, as well as other items that may require a structural analysis by the code. We will discuss what should be required by the building official at the plan review stage and what building inspectors should look for in the field. An emphasis will be made on what the actual intent of the code is and how a win-win scenario can be created for both the jurisdiction and the building owner. A bound copy of the course notes will be provided to each attendee.

1- Day

This class will focus on the specific IBC requirements for multifamily dwellings such as apartment complexes. There will be some discussions of podium structures and current IBC requirements.  The course will include accessibility requirements of IBC 1107 and Chapter 10 of ICC A117.1-09 for Type A and B units. It will also cover some common problems associated with the design of multifamily buildings including fire rating, exhaust systems, construction types, etc. Requirements for accessory structures such as pools and carports will also be discussed.

1-Day

IZC  (Zoning) Legal Aspects of Code Enforcement
IBC Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, & 34

This class is design to help those planning to obtain an ICC certification as a Permit Technician and as a Zoning Inspector. Code enforcement staff, building inspectors, plans examiners as well as additional jurisdictional staff will gain valuable zoning understanding, legal training, and IBC code updates. Instruction in Legal Aspects of Code Enforcement will also assist those preparing for building official certification. Topics to be covered:

• Zoning Overview (2012 IZC) with 2015 IZC Updates
• Legal Aspects of Code Enforcement
• IBC Chapters Overview with 2015 Updates of Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 & 34

The last hour will have a discussion on electronic plan review and document control solutions. WC³​ will share what local jurisdictions should consider when making plans to move into the electronic age of processing permits.

This seminar will discuss how to perform a residential plan review ensuring compliance with the International Residential Code. The class will focus on the requirements of Chapters 1 through Chapter 10 of the IRC. Topics that will be discussed include administration, design criteria, site considerations, foundations, floor construction, roof construction, wall construction, braced wall provisions, wall coverings, roofing, chimneys, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and energy. The seminar does not teach how to design a single-family residence, but rather explains how to verify the project’s design assumptions and overall compliance with the IRC.

1-Day

This full day class focuses on core residential electrical requirements and is based on current editions of the International Residential Code. The course will cover essential residential electrical requirements including wiring methods, overcurrent protection, services, branch circuits/feeder requirements, grounding, and devices and luminaires. This course will not only be beneficial for existing inspectors, plan reviewers, or installers, but will also be helpful for individuals seeking to become certified as a residential electrical inspector.

1-Day

This detailed 16 hour (2 full days) course is designed to walk the student step by step through the entire electrical portion of current editions of the International Residential Code. Concepts covered include definitions, services, branch circuit and feeders, wiring methods, grounding, devices and lighting, appliances, swimming pools/hot tubs, and hydro massage bathtubs. This course will not only be beneficial for existing inspectors, plan reviewers, or installers, but will also be helpful for individuals seeking to become certified as a residential electrical inspector.

2-Day

This seminar will focus on the conventional construction requirements for detached accessory structures (i.e. garages, sheds, etc.) and residential decks complying with the requirements of the International Residential Code. The intent of this class is to help building officials and plans examiners to know how to quickly perform a review of these projects at the counter to see if they are in compliance with the IRC and will also help building inspectors to know what to look for in the field. The class will also discuss current editions of the IRC requirements that will need to soon be enforced.

Half Day

This seminar will focus on both the conventional and engineered construction requirements of the IRC and IBC for detached and attached carports and patio covers. Specific requirements for wood, steel, and light gage steel will be addressed. Common problems will be discussed and enforcement recommendations provided. The intent of this class is to help building officials and plans examiners to know how to quickly perform a review of these projects at the counter and will also help building inspectors to know what to look for in the field.

Half Day

This seminar will follow the requirements of Chapter 18 of the IBC for deep foundations and will be catered to the plan reviewer and building inspector. Topics that will be covered include geotechnical report requirements, submittal requirements, and special inspection requirements. Specific requirements for common non-proprietary and proprietary systems frequently used in the United States will be discussed (i.e. micropiles, helical piers, rammed aggregate piers, etc.).

Half Day

This course will go through the braced wall provisions of the International Residential Code in detail.  Multiple examples will be given throughout the class to build each attendees knowledge and understanding. In the end, several “free” online programs will be used to help show how to quickly check that the requirements of the IRC have been met. This seminar is ideal for both the building plan reviewer and the building designer. It is also beneficial for the building inspector and contractor to understand the detailing requirements for conventional construction.

Half Day

The requirements for braced walls per the IRC and Section 2308 of the IBC will be discussed, as well as the requirements for engineered shear walls per the IBC and its referenced standards. This seminar is ideal for the building plan reviewer and building inspector alike. The conventional and engineered requirements for floor and roof framing provided in both the IBC and IRC will also be discussed during this seminar. Several examples will be provided as well as methods to quickly ensure that braced wall or engineered shear wall provisions are met.

Half Day

This half-day (4 hour) course is designed to update the students on changes to solar photovoltaic (PV) requirements based on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). This course will cover the major changes to solar PV systems including:  definitions, general requirements, wiring methods, DC voltage allowance, disconnects, overcurrent protection, rapid shutdown of systems, wiring methods, grounding, and point of interconnection requirements.  A brief explanation of new NEC Articles will also be presented. (an update class based on the 2017 NEC is also available) 

Half Day

This half-day (4 hour) course, is based on UL 9540, UL 9540A, the 2018 and 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), the 2018 and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). This course explains some of the key items and requirements of UL 9540 and 9540A. It also explains how the 2018 IFC references the UL 9540 and 9540A standards and explains other important battery requirements per Section 1206 of the 2018 IFC. Important provisions of Article 706 of the 2020 NEC are also covered. The last portion of the class covers a variety of line diagrams and manufacturer specification sheets for some common battery backup systems that the industry is currently seeing installed. This course is beneficial for plan reviewers, inspectors, contractors, designers, and fire officials.

Half Day

This half-day (4 hour) course specifically focuses on inspections for solar PV systems, including residential and commercial systems. The course will explain key concepts on what to look for during inspections. Topics covered include roof-mounted systems, ground-mounted systems, typical PV racking systems, ballasted racking systems, overcurrent protection, disconnects, point of interconnection, wire management, and signage. This course is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available). 

Half Day

 This is a general course that is designed to help provide the essentials for a better understanding of how and where the codes address solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.  This course will cover the fundamental code requirements of both residential and commercial PV systems.  Systems to be covered include micro inverter systems, string inverter systems, central inverter systems (large scale), and bipolar systems. Topics covered also include:  PV module interconnection, inverters, combiners, DC voltages, wire sizing, overcurrent protection sizing, system interconnection requirements, grounding and bonding, roof layouts, disconnects, rapid shutdown, and signage. Battery-backup systems will not be explained in this presentation. This class is also designed to aid inspectors, electricians, and design professionals in the plan review process of PV systems.  This is an 8 hour presentation and is based on the 2020 NEC or 2017 NEC (2014 NEC based class is also available). 

1-Day

This is a general course that will focus on the various types of residential solar PV systems. The class will start with the basics of Photovoltaic systems and lead the attendees step by step into more difficult concepts while simplifying the requirements. Systems to be covered include micro inverter systems, string inverter systems, string inverter with DC to DC converter systems, and some common battery systems.  Topics covered include:  PV module interconnections, inverters, combiners, DC voltages, wire sizing, overcurrent protection sizing, system interconnection requirements, grounding and bonding, roof layouts, disconnects, rapid shutdown, and signage. This is an 8 hour presentation and is based on the 2020 NEC or 2017 NEC (2014 NEC based class is also available).

1-Day

This is a general course that will focus on the various types of commercial solar PV systems. The class will lead the attendees through the many solar PV requirements for commercial PV systems and explaining them in a simplified way. Systems to be covered include micro inverter systems, string inverter systems, central inverter systems, and bipolar systems.  Topics covered include:  PV module interconnections, inverters, combiners, DC voltages, wire sizing, overcurrent protection sizing, system interconnection requirements, grounding and bonding, roof layouts, ground mounted systems, disconnects, rapid shutdown, and signage. This is an 8 hour presentation and is based on the 2020 NEC or 2017 NEC (2014 NEC based class is also available).

1-Day

This is a full day course that will cover the various code changes of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC).   This course will include changes to:  definitions, general requirements, branch circuits, feeder conductors, outside branch circuits and feeders, services and equipment, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, wiring methods and materials, equipment for general use, and special equipment and systems. 

1- Day

 This is a full day course that will cover the various code changes of the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC).   This course will include changes to:  definitions, general requirements, branch circuits, feeder conductors, outside branch circuits and feeders, services and equipment, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, wiring methods and materials, equipment for general use, and special equipment and systems.

1-Day

This course will cover the essential 2017 NEC requirements for single family dwellings.  Requirements that will be covered include:  NEC definitions, general requirements, branch circuits, required outlets, GFCI and AFCI requirements, locations of devices and equipment, service requirements, grounding and bonding, and wiring methods. This course will not only be beneficial for existing inspectors, plan reviewers, or installers, but will also be helpful for individuals seeking to become certified as a residential electrical inspector.

1-Day

This course will cover the essential 2014 NEC requirements for single family dwellings.  Requirements that will be covered include:  NEC definitions, general requirements, branch circuits, required outlets, GFCI and AFCI requirements, locations of devices and equipment, service requirements, grounding and bonding, and wiring methods. This course will not only be beneficial for existing inspectors, plan reviewers, or installers, but will also be helpful for individuals seeking to become certified as a residential electrical inspector.

1-Day

This course will focus on commercial electrical plan review and walk the class step by step through the process. Snap-shots of actual plans will be used to help explain the requirements.  Topics to be covered include:  requirements for site plans, locations of service equipment and service disconnects, maximum number of disconnects, requirements for detached structures, line diagrams, available fault current, ground fault protection of services, ampacity of conductors, overcurrent protection of conductors, rules for transformers, grounding and bonding requirements, working space and egress requirements, review of floor/power plan sheets, and lighting plan sheets. This course is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC and 2014 NEC versions also available).   

2-4 Hours

This half day course will explain in detail the requirements of Article 300 and 310 of the NEC and will also go in depth on wire sizing provisions. Examples and calculations will also be presented in order to walk the class through how to properly size wires, including wire ampacity derations. Topics covered include: general wiring requirements, underground installations, protection of conductors from damage, wet locations, securing and supporting, mechanical continuity, raceway installations, ampacities of conductors, ampacity derations and adjustment factors, terminal ratings, and identification of conductors. This presentation is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available). 

Half-Day

 This course will explain in detail the many general requirements found in Article 110 of the NEC. Topics covered include:  installation and conditions of equipment, terminal temperature ratings, working space clearances, electrical room access and doorways, dedicated equipment space, field-applied hazard markings, explanation of available fault current, guarding of live parts, and protection against damage. This presentation is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available).

2-Hours

This course will simplify and explain the major requirements of Article 210 of the NEC. Topics covered include:  multiwire branch circuits, identification of branch circuits, ground-fault circuit interrupters, arc-fault circuit interrupters, ratings of branch circuits, and receptacle ratings for branch circuits. This course will not focus on residential provisions. This presentation is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available).

2-Hours

 This course explains in detail the requirements of Articles 225 and 230 of the NEC. Topics covered include:  definitions, overhead wiring and supports, overhead clearances, minimum size and rating, points of attachment, service and overhead masts, underground service conductor installations, service equipment, service disconnecting means, rating of service disconnecting means, equipment allowed on the supply-side of the service disconnect(s), overcurrent protection for services and feeders, and ground-fault protection of equipment. This course is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available).

Half-Day

This course will cover the major topics of Article 240 of the NEC. Topics covered include:  protection and minimum ampacity of conductors, ratings of overcurrent protection for conductors, overcurrent and disconnect requirements for ungrounded conductors, feeder tap provisions, transformer secondary conductor provisions, location of overcurrent protection, enclosures for overcurrent protection, circuit breaker provisions, and series rating protection for overcurrent devices. This course is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available).

2-Hour

 This course will cover the major topics noted in NEC Article 250.  Topics covered include:  grounding of AC services, minimum grounded conductor sizing, grounding of separately derived systems, grounding and bonding requirements for detached structures fed by branch circuits or feeders, sizing of grounding electrode conductors, rules for grounding electrodes, sizing of equipment grounding conductors, and proper grounding and bonding connections. This course is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available).

2-4 Hours

This 2-hour course will cover the common requirements of NEC Article 450 for transformers. The requirements of NEC 240.21(C) will also be explained (for transformer secondary conductors). Topics to be covered include:  overcurrent protection, conductor ampacity, location, installation, grounding and bonding, and signage. 

2 Hour

This 2-hour course will cover the common requirements of Articles 310 for sizing conductors, including wire deration calculations and temperature ratings of terminals. The core requirements of Article 314 will also be covered for box fill and pull boxes. This course is based on the 2020 NEC (2017 NEC also available). 

 2 Hour

This half-day course will cover the key requirements for hazardous locations. Topics to be covered include:  types of hazardous locations, types of enclosures, equipment located in hazardous locations, conduit seals, light fixtures, and types of protection techniques. This course includes requirements from NEC Article 500, 501, 502, and 503. Also, key requirements of NEC Article 511 (repair garages) and 514 (fuel dispensing facilities) will also be covered.  

Half-Day

This half-day course will cover the major topics found in NEC Article 517 for health care facilities. Topics to be covered include:  health care-related definitions, wiring of circuits related to patient care areas, ground-fault protection of equipment, isolated ground receptacles, patient bed locations, wet procedure locations, essential electrical system, and isolated power systems. Key requirements from NEC Article 700 will also be explained.  

Half-Day

This seminar provides a step-by-step approach for performing a structural plan review to ensure that projects conform to the structural requirements of the IBC and IRC. The review process provided is strictly for residential to moderately-sized commercial projects, as larger projects may require a more extensive structural review. The seminar does not teach how to perform structural calculations, but rather explains how to verify the project’s design assumptions and overall compliance with the building code. Many examples will be given throughout in addition to sample plan review comments.

1-Day

Many of the structural code provisions will change with the adoption of the 2012 IBC. Most of these changes occur to structural standards that are referenced by the IBC. Many of these are significant changes from what was required by the 2006 and 2009 IBC. The referenced material standards for wood, concrete, steel, and masonry have all changed to some extent. The main changes affecting jurisdictions include new wind and seismic design methods. This class will help each attendee in developing a revised “Design Criteria” for their jurisdiction prior to the adoption of the 2012 IBC and will help them to ask appropriate questions of designers during the plan review and inspection stages to ensure that they are up-to-date with the new structural provisions of the building code.

1-Day

Many structural code provisions were changed as part of the 2012 International Building Code. While not many significant changes have occurred to the structural provisions from the 2012 IBC to the 2015 IBC, this course will dissect those changes that have occurred. The course will discuss not only those changes that have occurred within the IBC itself, but to several of the referenced standards such as ACI 318 and ACI 530 which cover the structural concrete and masonry requirements.

Half Day

Nonstructural damage has historically accounted for 25-50% of the damage observed in recent earthquakes in the United States. This class will clarify what non-structural components are, what the code requires in regards to seismic restraint, and will discuss typical bracing schemes. A major portion of the discussion will revolve around what building departments should require during plan review and what they should be looking for in the field during inspections. Many jurisdictions are beginning to enforce this code requirement more stringently. The class will also discuss the difficulties that these jurisdictions have had, simple approaches to enforcement, and how to create a win-win scenario for the jurisdiction and the building owner.

Half Day

This 8-hour course will focus on the various types of commercial solar PV systems. The class will start with the basics of Photovoltaic systems and lead the attendees step by step into more difficult concepts while simplifying the requirements. Systems to be covered include string inverter systems, central inverter systems (large scale), and bipolar systems. This class is designed to aid inspectors, electricians, and design professionals in the plan review process of PV systems. This full-day presentation is based on the 2014 NEC.

1-Day

The focus of this class will be to discuss several types of unusual structures that a building department may see from time to time. This seminar will discuss projects such as precast concrete sandwich panels, ICF systems, straw-bale construction, high-ropes courses, adobe construction, performance-based design, deep foundations, foundation improvement methods, rack-supported buildings, billboards, as well as other items. The class will focus on the structural requirements that should be reviewed to ensure life-safety provisions are met during the plan review phase as well as items to focus on during the inspection phase.

1-Day

The intent of this class is to assist building departments in planning and preparing for response to natural disasters within their jurisdiction. While the lessons learned in this class can be used for any natural disaster, such as earthquakes, flooding, and high wind, the course will mainly follow the recommendations of ATC-20, “Post-Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings”. Topics to be discussed include: planning considerations, needed equipment, rapid-visual-screening, requirements for placarding, specific items to look for based upon type of construction, geotechnical hazards, and nonstructural hazards. A real-life event will be used as an example of how a building department can respond to a disaster event.

Half Day

This seminar discusses the future of code professional industry. While this is of concern nationally, this seminar uses data specific to the municipality and is meant for not only those currently working in Building Departments, but jurisdictional decision-makers as well as those interested in joining the profession. It will discuss the current and future needs of the profession as well as how to prepare for the future.

1-2 Hours

This seminar discusses the specific cold weather construction limitations for masonry, concrete, ICF, and stucco construction. Much of the time will be spent discussing some of the specific construction requirements that are not noted in the building code, but rather in referenced standards that are not always available to building departments. This is a great course for jurisdictions located in areas that are susceptible to cold weather.

1-2 Hours

The purpose of this class is to help plan reviewers, inspectors, and installers to understand the code requirements for suspended acoustical ceilings. The Uniform Building Code provided specific suspended ceiling requirements yet the IBC now references other codes and standards. This class will present the specific requirements of these referenced standards and will give clear and concise requirements for suspended ceilings. It also will discuss other items such as hard-lid ceiling systems, ceiling clouds, bracing of light fixtures, bracing of non-bearing partition walls, and approved seismic clips.

1-2 Hours

Learning Objectives for this class include:

• Review/identify the IRC code requirements for HVAC load calculations
• Understand why loads are important
• Identify and understand the key elements impacting the building loads
• Develop an ability to calculate CFM requirements based on the room loads

This course is recommended for HVAC contractors, plans examiners, building inspectors and design professionals. Course details include a discussion on indoor and outdoor design conditions, the building envelope components –  windows, doors, skylights, walls, ceilings and floors, infiltration, internal gains, duct locations and ventilation system. Actual load calculations, submitted for permits will be reviewed, identifying energy code requirements and the impact increased building efficiency has on the calculated load. An ACCA developed checklist, Verifying ACCA Manual J® Procedures is included and reviewed in this class. 

7 hours

Learning Objects for this class include:

• Application of previously calculated loads in designing duct systems
• Understanding friction losses in duct systems including fitting design
• Develop a knowledge in flex duct design and installation
• Identify HVAC devices/components creating pressure losses in HVAC system

This course is also recommended for HVAC contractors, general contractors, plans examiners, building inspectors and design professionals. Course details include understanding air handler/furnace blower data/tables and how external static pressure impacts air flow.  Additionally, discussion will provide direction on duct total equivalent length (TEL), trunk and branch duct sizing, low resistant return paths, accessory pressure drops, filters and registers.  An ACCA developed checklist, Verifying ACCA Manual D® is included and reviewed in this class. 

7 hours

Learning Objects for this class include:

• Why is proper equipment selection important?
• Application of information developed in the Manual J and D procedures to the equipment selection process
• What problems come from wrong sizing equipment?
• The impact of improper equipment selection on comfort, efficiency and equipment life

This course is also recommended for HVAC contractors, general contractors, plans examiners, building inspectors and design professionals. Course details bring together data produced in the load calculation and duct design, providing specific direction on selecting equipment performance parameters matching the completed load calculations and duct designs. Additional subjects include latent heat/moisture control, increased airflow in dry climates and required altitude adjustments. An ACCA developed checklist, Verifying ACCA Manual D® is included and reviewed in this class. An ACCA developed checklist, Verifying ACCA Manual S® Procedures is included and reviewed in this class.

7 hours