Subsection NF contains rules for the material, design, fabrication, examination, installation, and preparation of certification documents (Certificate of Compliance and NS-1 Certificate of Conformance) for supports for components and piping which are intended to conform to the requirements for Class 1, 2, 3, and MC construction as set forth in Subsections NB, NCD, and NE, respectively, of this Section.

The rules do not cover deterioration that may occur in service as a result of corrosion, erosion, radiation effects, or metallurgical instability of the materials (see NCA-1130).

Nuclear power plant supports (NCA-9200 provides the definitions of "support" and other terms) for which the rules are specified in this Subsection are those metal elements which transmit loads between components (see NCA-1210), including piping systems, and intervening elements and the building structure. However, the term supports does not encompass a structural element the sole function of which is to carry dynamic loads caused by a postulated loss of pressure-retaining integrity.

Careful application of this Section will help users to comply with applicable regulations within their jurisdictions, while achieving the operational, cost and safety benefits to be gained from the many industry best-practices detailed within these volumes.