1. Presented by: name title date
2008 Title 24 Nonresidential HVAC Acceptance Testing for Building Officials & Contractors
Presented by:
name
title
date
California Commissioning Collaborative

2. What this talk will cover
Description of acceptance testing requirements in 2008 Title 24
The motivation behind the requirements
How acceptance testing affects design and specification practices
How it impacts compliance documentation
New responsibilities of the designer and the contractor
Impacts on plan review and inspection

3. Overview Building Efficiency a product of: Traditional standards
Materials and equipment
Installation and set-up
Occupant patterns and control
Traditional standards
Specify materials, equipment, controls
Law of diminishing returns for more efficient equipment
2008 Title 24 standards – Acceptance Tests
Ensure equipment works as intended

4. What is acceptance testing?
Two components of acceptance testing
Construction inspection
Is the specified equipment installed and calibrated?
Functional performance testing
Does the equipment work as intended?
Tests designed to uncover specification, installation or set-up problems
Not replacing commissioning
Commissioning = broader scope

5. Is acceptance testing needed?
PIER Small Commercial HVAC survey*
Small commercial buildings < 4 yrs old
64% of economizers failed
Cooling energy increased by 37%
38% of supply fans cycling during occupancy
Violation of Title 24
30% unoccupied fan operation
Increase of fan and heating energy
8% no outside air
8% simultaneous heating and cooling *

6. Who benefits from acceptance tests?
The designer
System installed and controlled according to code design intent
Reputation based on correct equipment operation
The contractor
Technician’s work is reviewed
Fewer call-backs
The owner
Equipment works right the first time
Energy cost savings
Society
Less pollution associated with reduced energy consumption

7. Acceptance Tests
Required self-certification that equipment and systems were tested and work as intended
Requires someone with a license to sign off on the testing (architect, engineer or contractor)
Only one test (air distribution efficiency) requires 3d party verification
Home Energy Rating Service (HERS)

8. Resources 2008 Standards (Title 24)
2008 Standards Nonresidential Appendices NA 7
Reference – not needed for design or testing
2008 Nonresidential Energy Standards Compliance Manual
Chapter 4 – Mechanical Systems
Chapter 10 – Acceptance Requirements
End of Manual – Compliance and Acceptance Forms
CEC Resources
CEC Bldg Standards Hotline

9. Acceptance Chapter in Nonresidential Manual
Overview of compliance process
At-A-Glance – 2 page overview of test
Purpose  Estimated Time
Benefits  Warnings or Cautions
Instrumentation  Test conditions
Acceptance Criteria
Detailed test description

10. Acceptance and Compliance Forms
Filled out by designer
MECH-1-C (C for compliance)
Reviewed by plans checker
Acceptance Forms
Filled out by person conducting test
Reviewed by person with a license
Usually contractor, TAB or commissioning agent
MECH-1-A to MECH (A for acceptance)
Collected by Inspector prior to CO (Certificate of Occupancy)
Forms in Appendix A of the Nonresidential Compliance Manual

11. Code Enforcement Process: Plans and Specifications
Compliance documentation with equipment specification and forms
MECH-1C lists all tests and which equipment must be tested
MECH-3C lists design minimum outside air
Criteria for outside air tests (NJ.3.1 & 3.2)
Plan checker reviews and approves or asks for modifications
All AC systems should be listed with appropraite tests

12. Code Enforcement Process: Testing and Inspection
Installing contractor or other “eligible professional” conducts tests and fills out MECH-#A acceptance forms
Equipment fixed until it passes all tests
Completed forms handed to inspector along with other documentation
Inspector makes sure documentation is filled out correctly
Incomplete documentation is returned to contractor
Certificate of Occupancy granted when building is in full compliance

13. Designer has a big impact on ease and cost of acceptance tests
Designer clearly identifies tests
Problem if covered equipment not specified on MECH-1C form and later needs testing
Designer specifies equipment
Pre-calibrated equipment is cheaper
Designer builds in test capabilities
Test ports and pre-installed gauges
Valves for isolating equipment

14. Key Statements in MECH-1C
The plans meet code
I am qualified to sign these forms
List of all mechanical acceptance tests with blanks for:
Equipment to be tested
Checkboxes to indicate which tests apply to the equipment listed

15. Defined in Standards’ Mandatory Section 125
HVAC Acceptance Tests
Defined in Standards’ Mandatory Section 125
Detailed in the Appendix NA7
Nonresidential Compliance Manual
Test Descriptions in Chapter 10
Forms in Appendix A 15

16. Acceptance Requirements (1 of 2)
ACM Section and Test
Standard Section
Additional Standard Section
Certificate of Acceptance
NA Variable Air Volume Systems Outdoor Air
125(a)1
121
MECH-2A
NA Constant Volume Systems Outdoor Air
NA Constant Volume Packaged HVAC Systems
125(a)2
122
MECH-3A
NA Air Distribution
125(a)3
124, 144(k) or 149(b)1D
MECH-4A
NA (Air-Side) Economizer
125(a)4
144(e)
MECH-5A
NA Demand Control Ventilation
125(a)5
121(c)3&4
MECH-6A
NA Supply Fan Variable Flow Controls
125(a)6
144(c)2
MECH-7A
NA Valve Leakage Test
125(a)7 & 8
144(j)2 or 3
MECH-8A
NA Supply Water Temperature Reset Controls
125(a)9
144(j)4
MECH-9A
NA Hydronic System Variable Flow Controls
125(a)7
144(j)6
MECH-10A
NA Automatic Demand Shed Controls
125(a)10
122(h)
MECH-11A
Updated for 2008 16

17. New Acceptance Requirements (2 of 2) for Compliance Credit Measures
ACM Section and Test
Standard Section
Additional Standard Section
Certificate of Acceptance
NA FDD for Packaged DX Systems
125(a)11
MECH-12A
NA FDD for AHUS and Zone Terminal Units
125(a)12
MECH-13A
NA Distributed Energy Storage DX AC Systems
125(a)13
MECH-14A
NA Thermal Energy Storage Systems
125(a)14
MECH-15A 17

18. Acceptance Tests Always Applied to Single Zone Rooftop Units
MECH-2A - Outdoor Air for CAV
Measured outside air within 10% of the values listed on MECH-3C
MECH-3A - Constant Volume & Single-Zone Unitary
Verifies that sequence of operation is correct
Setup and setback works
Fan turns off – unoccupied period
When fan off – O/A damper closed
No simultaneous heating and cooling

19. Acceptance Tests - Single Zone Rooftop Units – sometimes in order of likelihood
MECH-5A - Economizer Controls
Only if the unit has an economizer
MECH-6A - Demand Control Ventilation
Required for high density applications
Retail (first floor)
Auditoriums
Schools are specifically exempt
MECH-4A - Air Distribution Ducts
Duct leakage test
Only if > 25% of duct surface area outdoors or in ventilated attic (not plenum)
Change-outs ducts not inc conditioned space

20. Acceptance Tests Always Applied to Variable Air Volume Systems
MECH-2A - Outdoor Air for VAV
Measured outside air within 10% of the values listed on MECH-3C at high and low flowrate
MECH-7A Supply Fan VAV
Fan slows down at lower loads
For DDC to zone, duct pressure drops
MECH-5A - Economizer Controls
Systems over > 75,000 Btu/h required to have an economizer

21. Direct Digital Control to the Zone
System has a central automated control that receives feedback from all zones
Allows pressure reset of variable flow fans or pumps
Pressure dropped until most open damper or coil valve is almost full open. Thus all zones have enough pressure.
Allows resetting of zone temperature in response to a utility signal (demand response)
Allows adjusting outside air in response to CO2 level in zones

22. Acceptance Tests Frequently Applied to VAV Systems with DDC to the Zone
MECH-11A Automatic Demand Shed Control
Setup in response to utility signal
MECH-6A Demand Control Ventilation
Required for high density applications
Retail (first floor)
Auditoriums
Exempted: Schools, healthcare, social service

23. Acceptance Tests Usually Applied to Hydronic Systems
MECH-8A - Valve Leakage Test
Check isolation valves on boilers and chillers
Test all valves on rest of system
MECH-10A - Hydronic System Variable Flow Control
Under low coil load, fan speed drops
Under low coil load, system that is DDC to zone, pressure drops
MECH-9A - Supply Water Temp. Reset
Reset required only for systems > 500,000 Btu/h.
If system has controls, test required

24. Compliance forms end in “–C”24

25.           5 CV RTU 1 to 5 VAV AHU 1 & 2 2 1 CHW System
Checks in red indicate tests that would always be done for these system types 25

26. What is an acceptable package of acceptance tests
All Acceptance Tests listed on MECH-1C are completed
All signature blocks legible and signed
All values filled in & specific to equipment
Identical values for all tests indicate tests not being conducted
All tests should be “Passed”

27. T HVAC Forms
Changes in 2008
Revisions to MECH-1C Certificate of Compliance
New Field Inspection Checklist
New Installation Certificate (10-103(a)3A)
Reorganized Acceptance Test Forms (Certificates of Acceptance) 27

28. The not so fine print
Systems Acceptance. Before occupancy permit is granted …
… all control devices shall be certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirements
Systems Acceptance. Before occupancy permit is granted. All newly installed HVAC equipment must be tested using the Acceptance Requirements.
The MECH-1C form is not completed and is not to be accepted by the building department unless the correct boxes are checked.
The building inspector must receive the properly filled out and signed forms before the building can receive final occupancy.
Do you see a pattern??

29. New Field Inspection Checklist
Filled out by designer or Title 24 documentation author (or automatically by compliance software)
Used by field inspector to help identify critical components
Title

30. Installation Certificate
Completed by licensed person responsible for building construction or installation of the mechanical system
Certifies that installed system meets code requirements
There is no longer a MECH 1A Form!
Title

31. Project information (typical) Acceptance forms end in “-#A”
Technician block (typical)
Reviewer block (typical) 31

32. People Qualified to Certify Tests “Responsible Person”
California licensed engineer, or architect
Eligible under Division 3 of the Business & Professions Code ... to take responsibility for the scope of work
Mechanical and civil engineers
California licensed contractor

33. California Contractors typically eligible to take responsibility for acceptance tests
A General Engineering Contractor
B General Building Contractor
C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating System Fitting Contractor
C-20 Warm-air Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Contractor
C-36 Plumbing Contractor
C-38 Refrigeration Contractor
C-43 Sheet Metal Contractor
D-62 Air and Water Balancing
C-10 Electrical Contractor (controls)
C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor (controls)
Other contractors with related classifications

34. Construction inspection (typical)
Functional Testing block (typical) 34

35. Test summary (Typical)35

36. Completed acceptance tests are a condition of the Certificate of Occupancy
Late installation of a given piece of equipment is no excuse
All other equipment can be tested and a conditional permit granted for the late piece of equipment

37. Simple Spot Tests – Summer Economizer
Have contractor place all AC in cooling mode in early morning
All economizers should be open
Have contractor place in heating mode
All economizers should be closed
Have contractor place systems back in cooling mode
All economizers should close when it is hot out

38. Simple spot tests VAV system – summer
Have contractor set cooling setpoint low
Fan speed should increase – listen or look at VFD output
Have contractor set cooling setpoint high
Fan speed should decrease

39. Minimum Outdoor Ventilation Air Acceptance MECH-2A Appendix NA 7.5.139

40. Why is minimum outside air important
Too little O/A – sick building syndrome
Often too little O/A at low flow for VAV systems
Too much O/A – huge energy penalty
Hot summer day - 3 tons extra cooling for each 1,000 cfm excess outside air.
Without adjusted O/A – easily 100% excess outside air

41. Outside air dampers
When in heating mode or in cooling mode where bringing outside air would increase load on building…
….outside air dampers are set or controlled to allow the minimum outside air needed to protect health and dispel normal odors.

42. Purpose of Outdoor Air Acc. Test
Verification of minimum OutSide Air (OSA) as scheduled on plans
Verification that minimum OSA is provided throughout the range of operation in a VAV system and at design for CV systems
Measured CFM of minimum outside air at min flow and full flow must be within 10% of design CFM on MECH-3C 42

43. Design Minimum Outside Air MECH-3C VAV-O = office space, VAV-A = assembly space, Min O/A in Column I
VAV-O 1, N/A
VAV-A 1, , , N/A
Totals
Min O/A for MECH-2A
67 x 0.5 = 34

44. Signal from SAT Controller
Fixed Minimum OA Damper Position only allowed for constant volume systems
For VAV systems does NOT WORK since mixed air plenum pressure varies!! Outdoor air flow will vary proportional to supply air flow
Outdoor Air Intake
Minimum Signal Pot.
Return Air
Signal from SAT Controller 44

45. Test Procedure CV System
Disable economizer (if applicable)
Disable DCV (if applicable)
Measure and record OSA
Restore boxes, economizer and DCV controls
Setup
Test
Clean up 45

46. How to Disable an Economizer
Drop high-limit control setpoint below current OA temperature or enthalpy (all controls), or
Raise OA temperature or enthalpy reading above high limit control setpoint (DDC controls), or
Disable economizer control block (DDC controls) 46

47. How to Disable and Engage DCV Controls
Disable DCV
Raise CO2 setpoint significantly above current CO2 reading (all controls)
Engage DCV
Lower CO2 setpoint to lowest possible setpoint (all controls) 47

48. How to Measure OSA AFMS (air flow monitoring station)
If part of the system
Calibrated damper (if part of the system)
Traverse of OSA louver/duct
Traverse of SA and RA ducts (differential)
For each test OSA must be +/-10% of design
Note: on small packaged units you might have to provide a temporary sheet metal hood on the OSA intake to get a good reading 48

49. Construction Inspection
Calibration of AFMS or calibrated damper (if part of the system)
Verify that there is a provision for dynamic control of OSA (if VAV)
Verify that there is a provision for minimum OSA (if CV) 49

50. VAV Acceptable O/A Control Dual Minimum
Minimum damper position is set proportionally based on fan speed between setpoints determined when the fan is at full speed and minimum speed
Low cost
Affected by wind, stack effect, filter loading 50

51. Example Method of Dynamic OSA Control: Injection Fan
Outdoor Air Intake
Return Air
Injection Fan w/ Discharge Damper
Signal from SAT Controller 51

52. Example Method of Dynamic OSA Control: Fixed Damper with DP control
∆P correlated to flow for fixed orifice
Can be 1 section or entire OA damper
Outdoor Air Intake
Return Air
Signal from SAT Controller 52

53. Test Procedure VAV System
Disable economizer (if applicable)
Disable DCV (if applicable)
Drive all boxes to minimum airflow
Measure and record OSA
Drive all boxes to design airflow
Restore boxes, economizer and DCV controls
System passes if measured OSA in steps 4 & 6 are within 10% of design OSA
Combine tests to save time and $$
MECH-2A full airflow test with DCV disabled
MECH-6A. full airflow test with DCV enabled
Setup
Test 1
Test 2
Clean up 53

54. How to Drive VAV Boxes Open
Set zone cooling temperature setpoint below the current zone temperature (all controls)
Override the VAV box airflow setpoint (DDC controls)
With DDC controls you might want to specify preset functions to drive all boxes to design airflow and minimum airflow to speed up the tests
Note: if you override the VAV box damper you may provide more than the design maximum airflow 54

55. How to Drive System to Minimum Airflow
Set zone cooling temperature setpoint above the current zone temperature (all controls)
Override the VAV box control airflow setpoint (DDC controls, could be preset)
Manually slow down fan until airflow is ~30% of design airflow (all controls, requires AFMS or duct traverse) 55

56. Project information (typical)
Technician block (typical)
Reviewer block (typical)

57. Construction inspection (typical)      Testing block (typical) 
Project XYC, Somewhere, California
AH 1
2nd Floor Offices
Construction inspection (typical)    
1,850
2,000
3 mins 
Testing block (typical)
1,910
2,000
3.2 mins 
92.5
95.5
Title

58. Project XYC, Somewhere, California
AH 1
2nd Floor Offices
Test summary (Typical) 

59. Reasons to Reject the MECH-2A
Signatures or names are missing for technician or reviewer
Ratio of measured flowrate to design outside air flow rate (Percent OSA)
>110%
<90%
Suspicious if all tests:
Measured airflow equal to design airflow rate

60. Packaged HVAC Controls MECH-3A60

61. Check thermostat, setpoints and scheduling controls
Purpose
Check thermostat, setpoints and scheduling controls
Verify that heating, economizer and cooling are properly sequenced
Verify operation in occupied and unoccupied modes 61

62. 62

63. MECH-3A Functional Tests
Simulate various operating modes
Heating load occupied, no-load occupied, heating load unoccupied, no load unoccupied, etc.
Each condition is a column on the table
Check for various HVAC unit responses
Different responses represented by each row
Areas grayed out are incorrect responses
Areas with check boxes are correct responses
Test and fix until under each operating mode only responses are those indicated by check box

64. 64

65. Occupied Mode Test Procedure
Heating
Supply fan operates continuously
OSA is provided
No cooling occurs
Verify that all heating stages work
Dead Band
No heating or cooling occurs
Cooling
No heating occurs
Verify that all cooling stages work
Note the cooling test is repeated under economizer acceptance 65

66. How to drive the unit into heating, cooling or deadband
Move thermostat cooling setpoint below the current room temperature
Dead Band
Move the thermostat cooling setpoint above the current room temperature, and
Move the thermostat heating setpoint below the current room temperature
Heating
Move the thermostat heating setpoint above the current room temperature 66

67. Unoccupied Mode Test Procedure
Heating
Supply fan cycles on with call for heating (and off when satisfied)
OSA is closed or cycles with supply fan
No cooling occurs
Dead Band
Supply fan is off
OSA damper is closed
No heating or cooling occurs
Cooling
No heating occurs
Again, the cooling test is repeated under economizer acceptance 67

68. How to move the unit into “unoccupied” mode
Adjust the schedule so that the unit is scheduled off at the current time, or
Reset the current time so that it is outside of the scheduled occupied period 68

69. Override Mode Test Procedure
Enable after hours override
System goes to “occupied” mode
System returns to “unoccupied” mode after timed delay
Return system to normal operation
Reset all setpoints
Remove any jumpers 69

70. How to activate the after-hours override
Put the unit into “unoccupied” mode (see previous slide)
Push the after-hours button on the thermostat 70

71. Air-Side Economizer MECH-5A71

72. Check economizer installation and provision for exhaust or relief
Purpose
Check economizer installation and provision for exhaust or relief
Test economizer operation
When a call for cooling and it is cool outside the economizer brings in outside air
Other times min O/A 72

73. Overview References Scope Standard Sections §144(e) and §125(a)4
Form MECH-5A
Non-Residential Appendix NA 7.5.4
Nonresidential Compliance Manual
Scope
All new systems with air-side economizers
No functional testing required if economizer is factory installed and certified operational
None certified currently 73

74. 74

75. High Limit Switch 75

76. Economizer Functional Testing
Step 1: Disable demand control ventilation (DCV) systems (if applicable)
Step 2: Enable the economizer and simulate a cooling demand
Economizer damper is 100 percent open and return air damper is 100 percent closed.
For systems > 75,000 Btu/h economizer is integrated
100 % open when the cooling demand can no longer be met by the economizer alone.
All applicable fans and dampers operate as intended to maintain building pressure.
The unit heating is disabled.
Step 3: Disable the economizer and simulate a cooling demand.
Economizer damper closes to its minimum position.
The unit heating is disabled
Step 4: Simulate a heating demand and set the economizer so that it is capable of operating (i.e. actual outdoor air conditions are below lockout setpoint).
The economizer is at minimum position
Step 5: Restore DCV systems and remove all system overrides

77. How to Disable an Economizer
Drop high-limit control setpoint below current OA temperature or enthalpy (all controls), or
Raise OA temperature or enthalpy reading above high limit control setpoint (DDC controls), or
Disable economizer control block (DDC controls)
Do the opposite to enable economizer 77 77

78. 78

79. VAV Supply Air Acceptance Test MECH-7A
Drawing courtesy of Steven Taylor 79 79

80. Check calibration and setpoint of pressure sensor for VAV systems
Purpose
Check calibration and setpoint of pressure sensor for VAV systems
Check stability of control on VAV systems at full and part load
Make sure fan speed slows with reduced load, supply air pressure does not rise
For DDC to zone system, system air pressure drops at reduced load 80 80

81. Overview References Scope
Standard Sections §144(c)2B, C & D and §125(a)6
Non-Residential Appendix 7.5.6
Nonresidential Compliance Manual
Scope
New VAV fans greater than or equal to 10 hp
Both prescriptive and performance approach 81 81

82. Construction Inspection - Verify
Discharge static pressure sensors are either factory calibrated or field-calibrated.
The static pressure location, setpoint, and reset control meets the requirements of §144(c)2C and §144(c)2D.
Sensor Location so set point < 1/3 the total design static P (i.e. near the end of the duct)
except for DDC to zone systems w/ pressure reset
If located below major duct splits, sensors in each major branch, take lowest value for control
DDC to Zone, Set Point Reset.
pressure set point based on the zone w/ most need
zone damper needing most pressure is nearly wide open. 82 82

83. Construction Inspection83 83

84. Test Procedure
You may have to disable SA temperature reset during this test to prevent unwanted flow fluctuations
Drive boxes to achieve design airflow (refer to min OSA test for how to do this)
Record measured SP (must be +/- 10% of setpoint)
Note if fan speed stabilizes within 5 minutes 84 84

85. Test Procedure
Drive boxes to achieve minimum airflow (refer to min OSA test for how to do this)
Record measured duct static pressure (must be +/- 10% of setpoint)
For DDC to zone systems, pressure setpoint must be reduced
Note if fan speed stabilizes within 5 minutes 85 85

86. Functional Performance Testing86 86

87. Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) MECH-6A87 87

88. Demand Control Ventilation Requirements (§121(c)4)
Where DCV is applied, it must meet the following:
One sensor for each space that meets the criteria of 121(c)3B
Sensor must be CO2
Sensor must be located in the breathing zone between 3’ and 6’ AFF or at the anticipated level of the occupant’s heads
Maintain setpoint of 600ppm + OSA ppm
400 PPM default or
dynamically measured
No greater than design 15 cfm/person
No less than ventilation from Table 121-A (cfm/ft2)
Design ventilation for spaces without DCV 88 88

89. Do Return CO2 Sensors Work?
Return is diluted by other
Zones and does not track the critical zone
No. Separate sensors are needed in each high density space 89 89

90. Check DCV calibration and installation Test DCV at:
Purpose
Check DCV calibration and installation
Test DCV at:
High CO2 levels
Low CO2 levels 90 90

91. NA 7.5.1 Outdoor Air Acceptance
Related Tests
NA Outdoor Air Acceptance
NA (Air-Side) Economizer Acceptance
This test should be combined with minimum OSA and economizer acceptance tests to reduce time and costs 91 91

92. 92 92

93. DCV Test Procedure Disable economizer controls
Measure CO2 concentration
If dynamic control < 600 ppm above ambient concentration
Default ambient concentration 400 ppm, indoor air < 1,000 ppm
Step 1:Simulate a signal at or slightly above the CO2 concentration setpoint required by §121(c)4C. Verify and document the following:
For single zone units, outdoor air damper modulates open to satisfy the total ventilation air called for in the Certificate of Compliance.
For multiple zone units, either outdoor air damper or zone damper modulate open to satisfy the zone ventilation requirements.
Not required to have cfm greater than MECH-3C column I (design ventilation air cfm)
Step 2: Simulate signal well below the CO2 setpoint. Verify :
For single zone units, outdoor air damper modulates to the design minimum value.
For multiple zone units, either outdoor air damper or zone damper modulate less open to satisfy the reduced zone ventilation requirements.
CFM must be at least as much as MECH-3C Column D (Min CFM by Area) for DCV controlled zone + MECH-3C column I (design ventilation air cfm) for uncontrolled zones
Step 3: Restore economizer controls and remove all system overrides initiated during the test. 93 93

94. Overriding CO2 Controls
To simulate high demand you need to decrease the sensor setpoint
To simulate low demand you need to increase the sensor setpoint
Best accuracy results from using calibrated gas 94 94

95. Default is 400 ppm 95 95

96. Duct Sealing Air Distribution Systems MECH-4A96

97. MECH-4-A Air Distribution §144(k)
Small (<5,000 sf) CV systems only
When > 25% of duct surface is outdoors or in unconditioned space
Place greater than 75% of ducts under insulated roof – test not needed
Ducts must be tested for duct leakage …. and verified as sealed by a HERS rater

98. MECH-4-A Construction Inspection
Drawbands
Stainless steel worm drive or
UV resistant nylon duct ties
Duct leakage tests performed before access is blocked
Duct tape not used unless with drawbands and mastic
R-8 insulation
Outdoor insulation protected from damage

99. 99

100. MECH-4A Calculated supply fan flow
Rated flow from capacity
400 cfm/ton
21.7 cfm/kBtuh heating only systems
100

101. MECH4-A Leakage Test New Construction
Seal all diffusers
Pressurize system to 25 Pa (0.1 in WC) with fan with calibrated orifice (duct blaster)
Measured leakage no greater than 6% of rated flow
Likely conducted by HVAC contractor
Verified by HERS rater

102. MECH-4-A Duct testing

103. MECH-4A Duct Testing Results New Construction or Alterations
103
103

104. MECH-4-A Duct Sealing on Retrofits §144(k), 149(b)1D&E
Applies to small CV system with ducts outside or in unconditioned spaces when:
Ducts replaced
HVAC system is replaced or major repair (new compressor, new coil etc.)
Existing duct leakage
≤15% of rated supply flow
>60% reduction of leakage prior to sealing ducts with all visible leaks sealed
Can’t get at the ducts and all visible leaks are sealed as certified by a HERS rater
Exceptions
Asbestos
Existing ducts that were previously certified
104

105. HERS Rater Sampling Test Validation
All systems must best tested by person conducting acceptance tests
Independent HERS rater verifies results through sampled re-testing of systems:
Verify the first system tested
Verify one out of the each group of 7 tested
If that unit fails the test,
test a second unit in the group of 7
if that fails test the other 5 in the group of 7
Certify ALL of the tests made by the contractor
Enter all tests into the HERS database
New groups of 7 applies to each new construction project (but not for retrofit)
105
105

106. Automatic Demand Shed Controls
106

107. Automatic Demand Shed Controls (122(h))
All New!
For systems with DDC to the zone:
Ability to reset thermostat setpoint up to 4°F on all “non-critical” zones through real or virtual DI.
System needs an adjustable rate of change for reset
Shown by LBNL and Purdue to reduce on-peak demand by over 30%.
Supported by ASHRAE Standard 55 (Table ).
107

108. Overview References Scope
Standard Sections §122(b)4, §122(h) and §125(a)10
Non-Residential Appendix NA
Nonresidential Compliance Manual
Scope
New DDC Zone Controls
108

109. Purpose
To make sure that the demand shed controls are programmed and work when engaged
Demand shed controls gives the owner the opportunity to temporarily turn up t-stats in all non-critical areas 4F a few hours per year.
Utility financial incentives
Less likely to have a black-out
109

110. Automatic demand shed controls
NA Construction Inspection
Prior to Acceptance Testing, verify and document the following:
That the EMCS interface enables activation of the central demand shed controls.
NA Functional Testing
Step 1: Engage the global demand shed system. Verify :
Cooling setpoint in non-critical spaces increases by the proper amount.
Cooling setpoints in critical spaces do not change.
Step 2: Disengage the global demand shed system. Verify :
Cooling setpoint in non-critical spaces return to their original values.
Cooling setpoint in critical spaces do not change.
110

111. 111

112. 112

113. Beyond Scope for Today
ACM Section and Test
Standard Section
NA FDD for Packaged DX Systems
125(a)11
NA FDD for AHUS and Zone Terminal Units
125(a)12
NA Distributed Energy Storage DX AC Systems
125(a)13
NA Thermal Energy Storage Systems
125(a)14
These tests are documented in the Non-Residential Appendices and Non-Residential Compliance Manual. They are only required when you seek a compliance credit.
113

114. Summary
Acceptance tests assure that design intent for energy savings is executed
All heating and cooling systems have at least one associated acceptance test
The designer identifies which tests get applied to which equipment on the MECH-1-C form
Plans examiner reviews MECH-1C form to assure all equipment has applicable tests specified
Compliance forms are rejected and returned to applicant if all applicable HVAC systems and tests are not called out
Fully COMPLETED acceptance test forms with all systems PASSING must be given to inspector before building receives Certificate of Occupancy.
Schedule a challenge test if results are suspicious

115. Sample Questions
Which compliance form lists all acceptance tests that must be conducted?
Who can be a “responsible person” for the acceptance tests?
Are acceptance tests a requirement for a certificate of occupancy?
Which acceptance test requires a third party HERS verification?
Are any tests valid without 3d party verification?
What is done if a system does not pass an acceptance test?

116. More questions
What tests are always required on constant air volume systems?
What tests are always required of VAV?
What tests are usually required of VAV systems with DDC to the zone?

117. Outdoor Air Acceptance Test Questions
Which compliance form contains the design ventilation air information?
Measured ventilation air cfm must be within what percentage of design ventilation air cfm?
5%, b) 10%, c) 30%, d)50%
For VAV, variable air volume, systems outside air must be measured at design (full) flow and at what other supply air flowrate?

118. Packaged A/C Acceptance Test Questions
Select all true answers below
When is supply fan on during occupied hrs:
a) Heating call, b) Cooling call, c) No call for either heating or cooling
When is supply fan on during unoccupied hrs:
Heating call, b) Cooling call, c) No call for either heating or cooling
When is the outside air damper completely closed?

119. Air-side Economizer Test Questions
True or False
Economizer open when call for cooling and outside air temp is below high limit setpoint
Economizer is open when call for heating and outside air temp is below high limit setpoint
Economizer closed when call for cooling and outside air temp is above high limit setpoint
Construction inspection not required for factory installed economizer w/ CEC certification.

120. Energy Efficiency Hotline
Resources – 2008 Standard
Energy Efficiency Hotline
Phone: or
Phone: (toll free in Calif.)

121. California Commissioning Collaborative Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Acknowledgements
California Commissioning Collaborative
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Codes & Standards Program
California Energy Commission
Tav Commins, Project Manager
Mark Hydeman, Taylor Engineering
Jon McHugh, McHugh Energy Consultants