C408.2 Mechanical and refrigeration systems commissioning. Mechanical and refrigeration equipment and controls subject to Sections C403 and C410 shall be included in the commissioning process required by Section C408.1. The commissioning process shall minimally include all energy code requirements for which the code states that equipment or controls shall "be capable of" or "configured to" perform specific functions.

EXCEPTION:

Mechanical systems are exempt from the commissioning process where the building's total mechanical equipment capacity is less than 240,000 Btu/h cooling capacity and less than 300,000 Btu/h heating capacity.

C408.2.1 Reserved.

C408.2.2 Systems adjusting and balancing. HVAC systems shall be balanced in accordance with generally accepted engineering standards. Air and water flow rates shall be measured and adjusted to deliver final flow rates within the tolerances provided in the project specifications. Test and balance activities shall include air system and hydronic system balancing.

C408.2.2.1 Air systems balancing. Each supply air outlet and zone terminal device shall be equipped with means for air balancing in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 6 of the International Mechanical Code. Discharge dampers used for air system balancing are prohibited on constant volume fans and variable volume fans with motors 10 hp (18.6 kW) and larger. Air systems shall be balanced in a manner to first minimize throttling losses then, for fans with system power of greater than 1 hp (0.74 kW), fan speed shall be adjusted to meet design flow conditions.

EXCEPTION:

Fans with fan motors of 1 hp (0.74 kW) or less.

C408.2.2.2 Hydronic systems balancing. Individual hydronic heating and cooling coils shall be equipped with means for balancing and measuring flow. Hydronic systems shall be proportionately balanced in a manner to first minimize throttling losses, then the pump impeller shall be trimmed or pump speed shall be adjusted to meet design flow conditions. Each hydronic system shall have either the capability to measure pressure across the pump, or test ports at each side of each pump.

EXCEPTION:	The following equipment is not required to be equipped with means for balancing or measuring flow:
	1. Pumps with pump motors of 5 hp (3.7 kW) or less.
	2. Where throttling results in no greater than five percent of the nameplate horsepower draw above that required if the impeller were trimmed.

C408.2.3 Functional performance testing. Functional performance testing specified in Sections C408.2.3.1 through C408.2.3.3 shall be conducted. Written procedures which clearly describe the individual systematic test procedures, the expected systems' response or acceptance criteria for each procedure, the actual response or findings, and any pertinent discussion shall be followed. Testing shall affirm operation during actual or simulated winter and summer design conditions and during full outside air conditions.

C408.2.3.1 Equipment. Equipment functional performance testing shall demonstrate the installation and operation of components, systems, and system-to-system interfacing relationships in accordance with approved plans and specifications such that operation, function, and maintenance serviceability for each of the commissioned systems is confirmed. Testing shall include all modes and sequence of operation, including under full-load, part-load and the following emergency conditions:

1. All modes as described in the sequence of operation;

2. Redundant or automatic back-up mode;

3. Performance of alarms; and

4. Mode of operation upon a loss of power and restoration of power.

C408.2.3.2 Controls. HVAC control systems shall be tested to document that control devices, components, equipment, and systems are calibrated and adjusted and operate in accordance with approved plans and specifications. Sequences of operation shall be functionally tested to document they operate in accordance with approved plans and specifications.

C408.2.3.3 Economizers. Air economizers shall undergo a functional test to determine that they operate in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

EXCEPTION:

Mechanical systems are exempt from the commissioning process where the installed total mechanical equipment capacity is less than 240,000 Btu/h cooling capacity and less than 300,000 Btu/h heating capacity.

C408.2.1 Reserved.

EXCEPTION:

Fans with fan motors of 1 hp (0.74 kW) or less.

EXCEPTION:	The following equipment is not required to be equipped with means for balancing or measuring flow:
	1. Pumps with pump motors of 5 hp (3.7 kW) or less.
	2. Where throttling results in no greater than five percent of the nameplate horsepower draw above that required if the impeller were trimmed.

C408.2.3 System testing. Functional performance testing shall demonstrate the components, systems, and system-to-system interfacing relationships are installed and operate in accordance with approved construction documents. Testing shall include the sequence of operation, and be conducted under full-load, part-load and the following conditions:

1. All modes as described in the sequence of operation;

2. Redundant or automatic back-up mode;

3. Performance of alarms; and

4. Mode of operation upon a loss of power and restoration of power.

PDFWAC 51-11C-40802

Section C408.2—Mechanical systems commissioning.

PDFWAC 51-11C-40802

Section C408.2—Mechanical systems commissioning.