(1)
Except as provided in Sentence (3), connectors in contact with preservative-treated wood shall be made of
(a)
hot-dipped, zinc-coated galvanized steel with a coating weight not less than Z550 conforming to ASTM A653 / A653M, “Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process,”
(b)
a material that provides an equivalent level of corrosion protection to that provided by the material described in Clause (a), or
(c)
stainless steel.
(2)
Fasteners used to attach the connectors referred to in Sentence (1) shall be made of
(a)
galvanized steel coated with zinc in accordance with ASTM A153 / A153M, “Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware,” or
(b)
a material that provides an equivalent level of performance and is compatible with the connector.
(3)
Connectors and fasteners that are in contact with wood that has been treated with a disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (SBX (DOT)) or zinc borate preservative and is installed in a dry interior environment are permitted to be made of uncoated carbon steel. (See Note A-9.23.2.4.(3))