C408.2 Mechanical systems commissioning. Mechanical equipment and controls subject to Section C403 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 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.
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 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.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.025,
19.27A.045 and chapter
19.27 RCW. WSR 20-21-080, § 51-11C-40802, filed 10/19/20, effective 2/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.020,
19.27A.025,
19.27A.160 and chapter
19.27 RCW. WSR 19-24-040, § 51-11C-40802, filed 11/26/19, effective 7/1/20. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.025,
19.27A.045,
19.27A.160, and
19.27.074. WSR 16-24-070, § 51-11C-40802, filed 12/6/16, effective 5/1/17. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.025,
19.27A.160, and
19.27.074. WSR 16-03-072, § 51-11C-40802, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.020,
19.27A.025 and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-056, § 51-11C-40802, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13.]