WSR 13-20-120
PERMANENT RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed October 1, 2013, 3:33 p.m., effective November 1, 2013]
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose: Editorial changes to chapter 51-11C WAC, 2012 Washington State Energy Code—Commercial.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 51-11C-10140, 51-11C-10143, 51-11C-403247, 51-11C-403248, 51-11C-403254, 51-11C-403291, 51-11C-40332, 51-11C-40341, 51-11C-40343, and 51-11C-61031.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27A.025, 19.27A.045.
Other Authority: RCW 19.27.074.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 13-14-126 on July 3, 2013.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 10, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: September 20, 2013.
C. Ray Allshouse
Council Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-10140 Section C101.4—Applicability.
C101.4 Applicability. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern.
C101.4.1 Existing buildings. Except as specified in this chapter, this code shall not be used to require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued use and maintenance of, an existing building or building system lawfully in existence at the time of adoption of this code.
C101.4.2 Historic buildings. The building official may modify the specific requirements of this code for historic buildings and require in lieu of alternate requirements which will result in a reasonable degree of energy efficiency. This modification may be allowed for those buildings or structures that are listed in the state or national register of historic places; designated as a historic property under local or state designation law or survey; certified as a contributing resource with a national register listed or locally designated historic district; or with an opinion or certification that the property is eligible to be listed on the national or state registers of historic places either individually or as a contributing building to a historic district by the state historic preservation officer or the keeper of the national register of historic places.
C101.4.3 Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to an existing building, building system or portion thereof shall conform to the provisions of this code as they relate to new construction without requiring the unaltered portion(s) of the existing building or building system to comply with this code. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs shall not create an unsafe or hazardous condition or overload existing building systems. An addition shall be deemed to comply with this code if the addition alone complies or if the existing building and addition comply with this code as a single building.
EXCEPTION:
The following need not comply provided the energy use of the building is not increased:
 
1. Storm windows installed over existing fenestration.
 
2. Glass only replacements in an existing sash and frame.
 
3. Existing ceiling, wall or floor cavities exposed during construction provided that these cavities are insulated to full depth with insulation having a minimum nominal value of R-3.0 per inch installed per Section C402.
 
4. Construction where the existing roof, wall or floor cavity is not exposed.
 
5. Reroofing for roofs where neither the sheathing nor the insulation is exposed. Roofs without insulation in the cavity and where the sheathing or insulation is exposed during reroofing shall be insulated either above or below the sheathing.
 
6. Replacement of existing doors that separate conditioned space from the exterior shall not require the installation of a vestibule or revolving door, provided, however, that an existing vestibule that separates a conditioned space from the exterior shall not be removed.
 
7. Alterations to lighting systems only that replace less than 60 percent of the luminaires in a space, provided that such alterations do not increase the installed interior lighting power.
 
8. Alterations that replace only the bulb and ballast within the existing luminaires in a space provided that the alteration does not increase the installed interior lighting power.
C101.4.3.1 Lighting and motors. Alterations that replace 60 percent or more of the luminaires in a space enclosed by walls or ceiling-height partitions shall comply with Section((s)) C405.5 ((and C405.6)). Where less than 60 percent of the ((fixtures)) luminaires in a space enclosed by walls or ceiling-height partitions are new, the installed lighting wattage shall be maintained or reduced.
Alterations that replace 60 percent or more of the exterior luminaires shall comply with Section C405.6. Where less than 60 percent of the exterior luminaires are new, the installed lighting wattage shall be maintained or reduced.
Where new wiring is being installed to serve added fixtures and/or fixtures are being relocated to a new circuit, controls shall comply with Sections C405.2.1, C405.2.2.3, C405.2.3, ((C405.3.4)) C405.2.4, and as applicable C408.3. In addition, office areas less than 300 ft2 enclosed by walls or ceiling-height partitions, and all meeting and conference rooms, and all school classrooms, shall be equipped with occupancy sensors that comply with Section C405.2.2 and C408.3. Where a new lighting panel (or a moved lighting panel) with all new raceway and conductor wiring from the panel to the fixtures is being installed, controls shall also comply with the other requirements in Sections C405.2.2 and C408.3.
Where new walls or ceiling-height partitions are added to an existing space and create a new enclosed space, but the lighting fixtures are not being changed, other than being relocated, the new enclosed space shall have controls that comply with Sections C405.2.1, C405.2.2, C405.2.3 and C408.3.
Those motors which are altered or replaced shall comply with Section C403.2.13.
C101.4.3.2 Mechanical systems. Those parts of systems which are altered or replaced shall comply with Section C403. Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing mechanical system that will cause the existing mechanical system to become out of compliance.
All new systems in existing buildings, including packaged unitary equipment and packaged split systems, shall comply with Section C403.
Where mechanical cooling is added to a space that was not previously cooled, the mechanical cooling system shall comply with the economizer requirements in Section C403.3.1 or C403.4.1.
EXCEPTION:
Alternate designs that are not in full compliance with this code may be approved when the building official determines that existing building or occupancy constraints make full compliance impractical or where full compliance would be economically impractical.
Alterations to existing mechanical cooling systems shall not decrease economizer capacity unless the system complies with Section C403.3.1 or C403.4.1. In addition, for existing mechanical cooling systems that do not comply with Sections C403.3.1 or Section 403.4.1, including both the individual unit size limits and the total building capacity limits on units without economizer, other alterations shall comply with Table ((C101.4.3.1)) C101.4.3.2.
When space cooling equipment is replaced, controls shall be installed to provide for integrated operation with economizer in accordance with Section C403.3.
Existing equipment currently in use may be relocated within the same floor or same tenant space if removed and reinstalled within the same permit.
C101.4.4 Change in occupancy or use. Spaces undergoing a change in occupancy from an F, S or U occupancy to an occupancy other than F, S or U shall comply with this code. Any space that is converted to a residential dwelling unit or portion thereof, from another use or occupancy shall comply with this code. Where the use in a space changes from one use in Table C405.5.2 (1) or (2) to another use in Table C405.5.2 (1) or (2), the installed lighting wattage shall comply with Section C405.5.
EXCEPTION:
Where the component performance building envelope option in Section C402.1.3 is used to comply with this section, the Proposed UA is allowed to be up to 110 percent of the Target UA. Where the total building performance option in Section C407 is used to comply with this section, the annual energy consumption of the proposed design is allowed to be 110 percent of the annual energy consumption otherwise allowed by Section C407.3 and Section C401.2 (3).
C101.4.5 Change in space conditioning. Any nonconditioned space that is altered to become conditioned space or semi-heated space shall be required to be brought into full compliance with this code. Any semi-heated space that is altered to become conditioned space shall be required to be brought into full compliance with this code.
EXCEPTION:
Where the component performance building envelope option in Section C402.1.3 is used to comply with this section, the Proposed UA is allowed to be up to 110 percent of the Target UA. Where the total building performance option in Section C407 is used to comply with this section, the annual energy consumption of the proposed design is allowed to be 110 percent of the annual energy consumption otherwise allowed by Section C407.3 and Section C401.2 (3).
C101.4.6 Mixed occupancy. Where a building includes both residential and commercial occupancies, each occupancy shall be separately considered and meet the applicable provisions of IECC—Commercial Provisions or IECC—Residential Provisions.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-10143 Table ((C101.4.3.1)) C101.4.3.2—Economizer compliance options for mechanical alterations.
Table ((C101.4.3.1)) C101.4.3.2
Economizer Compliance Options for Mechanical Alterations
 
Option A
Option B
(alternate to A)
Option C
(alternate to A)
Option D
(alternate to A)
Unit Type
Any alteration with new or replacement equipment
Replacement unit of the same type with the same or smaller output capacity
Replacement unit of the same type with a larger output capacity
New equipment added to existing system or replacement unit of a different type
1. Packaged Units
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer:
C403.4.12, 3
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12, 3
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12, 4
2. Split Systems
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
Efficiency:  + 10/5%5
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capability
Only for new units
< 54,000 Btu/h replacing unit installed prior to 1991 (one of two):
Efficiency: + 10/5%5 Economizer: 50%6
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12, 4
 
 
 
For units ˃ 54,000 Btu/h or any units installed after 1991:
Option A
 
3. Water Source Heat Pump
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
(two of three):
Efficiency:  + 10/5%5
Flow control valve7
Economizer: 50%6
(three of three):
Efficiency:  + 10/5%5
Flow control valve7
Economizer: 50%6 (except for certain pre-1991 systems8)
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer:
C403.4.12, 4 (except for certain pre-1991 systems8)
4. Hydronic Economizer using Air-Cooled Heat Rejection Equipment (Dry Cooler)
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: 14332
Efficiency: + 10/5%5
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Option A
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12, 4
5. Air-Handling Unit (including fan coil units) where the system has an air-cooled chiller
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
 
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Option A (except for certain pre-1991 systems8)
Option A (except for certain pre-1991 systems8)
 
6. Air- Handling Unit (including fan coil units) and Water-cooled Process Equipment, where the system has a water-cooled chiller10
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Option A
(except for certain pre-1991 systems8 and certain 1991-2004 systems9)
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer:
C403.4.12, 4 (except for certain pre-1991 systems8 and certain 1991-2004 systems9)
7. Cooling Tower
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
No requirements
Option A
Option A
8. Air-Cooled Chiller
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
Efficiency:  + 5%11
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Efficiency (two of two): (1) + 10%12 and (2) multistage Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12, 4
9. Water-
Cooled Chiller
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
Efficiency (one of two): (1) + 10%13 or (2) plate frame heat exchanger15
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Efficiency (two of two): (1) + 15%14 and (2) plate frame heat exchanger15
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12, 4
10. Boiler
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12
Efficiency:  + 8%16
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Efficiency: + 8%16
Economizer: Shall not decrease existing economizer capacity
Efficiency: min.1
Economizer: C403.4.12, 4
1
Minimum equipment efficiency shall comply with Section C403.2.3 and Tables C403.2.3(1) through C403.2.3(9).
2
System and building shall comply with Section C403.4.1 (including both the individual unit size limits and the total building capacity limits on units without economizer). It is acceptable to comply using one of the exceptions to Section C403.4.1.
3
All equipment replaced in an existing building shall have air economizer complying with Sections C403.3.1 and C403.4.1 unless both the individual unit size and the total capacity of units without air economizer in the building is less than that allowed in Exception 1 to Section C403.3.1.
4
All separate new equipment added to an existing building shall have air economizer complying with Sections C403.3.1 and C403.4.1 unless both the individual unit size and the total capacity of units without air economizer in the building is less than that allowed in Exception 1 to Section C403.4.1.
5
Equipment shall have a capacity-weighted average cooling system efficiency:
a.
For units with a cooling capacity below 54,000 Btu/h, a minimum of 10% greater than the requirements in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2) (1.10 x values in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2)).
b.
For units with a cooling capacity of 54,000 Btu/h and greater, a minimum of 5% greater than the requirements in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2) (1.05 x values in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2)).
6
Minimum of 50% air economizer that is ducted in a fully enclosed path directly to every heat pump unit in each zone, except that ducts may terminate within 12 inches of the intake to an HVAC unit provided that they are physically fastened so that the outside air duct is directed into the unit intake. If this is an increase in the amount of outside air supplied to this unit, the outside air supply system shall be capable of providing this additional outside air and equipped with economizer control.
7
Have flow control valve to eliminate flow through the heat pumps that are not in operation with variable speed pumping control complying with Section C403.4.3 for that heat pump.
 
 
– When the total capacity of all units with flow control valves exceeds 15% of the total system capacity, a variable frequency drive shall be installed on the main loop pump.
 
 
– As an alternate to this requirement, have a capacity-weighted average cooling system efficiency that is 5% greater than the requirements in note 5 (i.e., a minimum of 15%/10% greater than the requirements in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2) (1.15/1.10 x values in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2)).
8
Systems installed prior to 1991 without fully utilized capacity are allowed to comply with Option B, provided that the individual unit cooling capacity does not exceed 90,000 Btu/h.
9
Economizer not required for systems installed with water economizer plate and frame heat exchanger complying with previous codes between 1991 and June 2013, provided that the total fan coil load does not exceed the existing or added capacity of the heat exchangers.
10
For water-cooled process equipment where the manufacturers' specifications require colder temperatures than available with waterside economizer, that portion of the load is exempt from the economizer requirements.
11
The air-cooled chiller shall have an IPLV efficiency that is a minimum of 5% greater than the IPLV requirements in Table C403.2.3(7) (1.05 x IPLV values in Table C403.2.3(7)).
12
The air-cooled chiller shall:
a.
Have an IPLV efficiency that is a minimum of 10% greater than the IPLV requirements in Table C403.2.3(7) (1.10 x IPLV values in Table C403.2.3(7)); and
b.
Be multistage with a minimum of two compressors.
13
The water-cooled chiller shall have an IPLV efficiency that is a minimum of 10% greater than the IPLV requirements in Table C403.2.3(7) (1.10 x IPLV values in Table C403.2.3(7)).
14
The water-cooled chiller shall have an IPLV efficiency that is a minimum of 15% greater than the IPLV requirements in Table C403.2.3(7), (1.15 x IPLV values in Table C403.2.3(7)).
15
Economizer cooling shall be provided by adding a plate-frame heat exchanger on the waterside with a capacity that is a minimum of 20% of the chiller capacity at standard AHRI rating conditions.
16
The replacement boiler shall have an efficiency that is a minimum of 8% higher than the value in Table C403.2.3(5) (1.08 x value in Table C403.2.3(5)), except for electric boilers.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-403247 Section C403.2.4.7—Hotel/motel controls.
C403.2.4.7 Group R-1 hotel/motel guest rooms. For hotel and motel guest rooms, a minimum of one of the following control technologies shall be required in hotels/motels with over 50 guest rooms such that the space temperature would automatically setback (winter) or set up (summer) by no less than 5°F (3°C) ((or hotel and motel guest rooms, a minimum of)) when the occupant is not in the room:
1. Controls that are activated by the room occupant via the primary room access method - Key, card, deadbolt, etc.
2. Occupancy sensor controls that are activated by the occupant's presence in the room.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-403248 Section C403.2.4.8—Residential occupancy controls.
C403.2.4.8 Group R-2 and R-3 dwelling units. The primary space conditioning system within each dwelling unit shall be provided with at least one programmable thermostat for the regulation of space temperature. The thermostat shall allow for, at a minimum, a 5-2 programmable schedule (weekdays/weekends) and be capable of providing at least two programmable setback periods per day.
Each additional system provided within the dwelling unit shall be provided with at least one adjustable thermostat for the regulation of temperature.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Systems controlled by an occupant sensor that is capable of shutting the system off when no occupant is sensed for a period of up to 30 minutes.
 
2. Systems controlled solely by a manually operated timer capable of operating the system for no more than two hours.
 
3. Ductless heat pumps.
Each thermostat shall be capable of being set by adjustment or selection of sensors as follows: When used to control heating only: 55°F to 75°F; when used to control cooling only: 70°F to 85°F; all other: 55°F to 85°F with an adjustable deadband of not less than 10°F.
C403.2.4.9 Group R-2 sleeping units. The primary space conditioning system within each sleeping unit shall be provided with at least one programmable thermostat for the regulation of space temperature. The thermostat shall allow for, at a minimum, a 5-2 programmable schedule (weekdays/weekends) and be capable of providing at least two programmable setback periods per day.
Each additional system provided within the sleeping unit shall be provided with at least one adjustable thermostat for the regulation of temperature.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Systems controlled by an occupant sensor that is capable of shutting the system off when no occupant is sensed for a period of up to 30 minutes.
 
2. Systems controlled solely by a manually operated timer capable of operating the system for no more than two hours.
 
3. Zones with a full HVAC load demand not exceeding 3,400 Btu/h (1 kW) and having a readily accessible manual shutoff switch.
 
4. Ductless heat pumps.
Each thermostat shall be capable of being set by adjustment or selection of sensors as follows: When used to control heating only: 55°F to 75°F; when used to control cooling only: 70°F to 85°F; all other: 55°F to 85°F with an adjustable deadband of not less than 10°F.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-403254 Section C403.2.5.4—Exhaust systems.
C403.2.5.4 Exhaust systems.
C403.2.5.4.1 Kitchen hoods. Each kitchen area with total exhaust capacity larger than 2,000 cfm shall be provided with make-up air sized so that at least 50% of exhaust air volume be (a) unheated or heated to no more than 60°F and (b) uncooled or cooled without the use of mechanical cooling.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Where hoods are used to exhaust ventilation air which would otherwise exfiltrate or be exhausted by other fan systems. A detailed accounting of exhaust airflows shall be provided on the plans that accounts for the impact of any required demand controlled ventilation.
 
2. Certified grease extractor hoods that require a face velocity no greater than 60 fpm.
C403.2.5.4.2 Laboratory exhaust systems. Buildings with laboratory exhaust systems having a total exhaust rate greater than 5,000 cfm (2,360 L/s) shall include heat recovery systems to ((preconditioned)) precondition makeup air from laboratory exhaust. The heat recovery system shall be capable of increasing the outside air supply temperature at design heating conditions by 25°F (13.9°C) in Climate Zones 4C/5B and 35°F (19.4°C) in Climate Zone 6B. A provision shall be made to bypass or control the heat recovery system to permit air economizer operation as required by Section C403.4.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Variable air volume laboratory exhaust and room supply systems capable of reducing exhaust and make-up air volume to 50% or less of design values; or
 
2. Direct make-up (auxiliary) air supply equal to at least 75% of the exhaust rate, heated no warmer than 2°F (1.1°C) below room set point, cooled to no cooler than 3°F (1.7°C) above room set point, no humidification added, and no simultaneous heating and cooling used for dehumidification control; or
 
3. Combined Energy Reduction Method: VAV exhaust and room supply system capable of reducing exhaust and makeup air volumes and a heat recovery system to precondition makeup air from laboratory exhaust that when combined will produce the same energy reduction as achieved by a heat recovery system with a 50% sensible recovery effectiveness as required above. For calculation purposes, the heat recovery component can be assumed to include the maximum design supply airflow rate at design conditions. The combined energy reduction (QER) shall meet the following:
QER
QMIN
QMIN
=
CFMS • (TR -  TO) • 1.1 • 0.6
QER
=
CFMS • (TR -  TO) • 1.1(A +  B)/100
Where:
 
 
 
QMIN
=
Energy recovery at 60% sensible effectiveness (Btu/h)
 
QER
=
Combined energy reduction (Btu/h)
 
CFMS
=
The maximum design supply airflow rate to conditioned spaces served by the system in cubic feet per minute
 
TR
=
Space return air dry bulb at winter design conditions
 
TO
=
Outdoor air dry bulb at winter design conditions
 
A
=
Percentage that the exhaust and makeup air volumes can be reduced from design conditions
 
B
=
Percentage sensible heat recovery effectiveness
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-403291 Section C403.2.10—Air system design and control.
C403.2.10 Air system design and control. Each HVAC system having a total fan system motor nameplate horsepower (hp) exceeding 5 horsepower (hp) (3.7 kW) shall meet the provisions of Sections C403.2.10.1 through ((C403.2.10.2)) C403.2.10.3.
C403.2.10.1 Allowable fan floor horsepower. Each HVAC system at fan system design conditions shall not exceed the allowable fan system motor nameplate hp (Option 1) or fan system bhp (Option 2) as shown in Table C403.2.10.1(1). This includes supply fans, return/relief fans, and fan-powered terminal units associated with systems providing heating or cooling capability. Single zone variable-air-volume systems shall comply with the constant volume fan power limitation.
EXCEPTION:
The following fan systems are exempt from allowable fan floor horsepower requirement.
 
1. Hospital, vivarium and laboratory systems that utilize flow control devices on exhaust and/or return to maintain space pressure relationships necessary for occupant health and safety or environmental control shall be permitted to use variable volume fan power limitation.
 
2. Individual exhaust fans with motor nameplate horsepower of 1 hp or less.
C403.2.10.2 Motor nameplate horsepower. For each fan, the selected fan motor shall be no larger than the first available motor size greater than the brake horsepower (bhp). The fan brake horsepower (bhp) shall be indicated on the design documents to allow for compliance verification by the code official.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. For fans less than 6 bhp (4413 W), where the first available motor larger than the brake horsepower has a nameplate rating within 50 percent of the bhp, selection of the next larger nameplate motor size is allowed.
 
2. For fans 6 bhp (4413 W) and larger, where the first available motor larger than the bhp has a nameplate rating within 30 percent of the bhp, selection of the next larger nameplate motor size is allowed.
 
3. For fans used only in approved life safety applications such as smoke evacuation.
C403.2.10.3 Fractional hp fan motors. Motors for fans that are 1/12 hp or greater and less than 1 hp shall be electronically commutated motors or shall have a minimum motor efficiency of 70 percent when rated in accordance with DOE 10 C.F.R. 431. These motors shall also have the means to adjust motor speed for either balancing or remote control. Belt-driven fans may use sheave adjustments for airflow balancing in lieu of a varying motor speed.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Motors in the airstream within fan-coils and terminal units that operate only when providing heating to the space served.
 
2. Motors installed in space conditioning equipment certified under Section C403.2.3.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-40332 Section C403.3.2—Hydronic system controls.
C403.3.2 Hydronic system controls. Hydronic systems of at least 300,000 Btu/h (87,930 W) design output capacity supplying heated ((and chilled water)) to comfort conditioning systems shall include controls that meet the requirements of Section C403.4.3.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-40341 Section C403.4.1—Economizers.
C403.4.1 Economizers. Air economizers shall be provided on all new systems including those serving computer server rooms, electronic equipment, radio equipment, and telephone switchgear. Economizers shall comply with Sections C403.4.1.1 through C403.4.1.4.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Water-cooled refrigeration equipment serving chilled beams and chilled ceiling space cooling systems only which are provided with a water economizer meeting the requirements of Section ((C403.4.1)) C403.4.1.1 through C403.4.1.4. Water economizer capacity per building shall not exceed 500 tons. This exception shall not be used for Total Building Performance.
 
2. Systems complying with all of the following criteria:
 
2.1. Consist of multiple water source heat pumps connected to a common water loop;
 
2.2. Have a minimum of 60 percent air economizer;
 
2.3. Have water source heat pumps with an EER at least 15 percent higher for cooling and a COP at least 15 percent higher for heating than that specified in Section C403.2.3;
 
2.4. Where provided, have a central boiler or furnace efficiency of 90 percent minimum for units up to 199,000 Btu/h; and
 
2.5. Provide heat recovery with a minimum 50 percent heat recovery effectiveness as defined in Section C403.2.6 to preheat the outside air supply.
 
3. Chilled water terminal units connected to systems with chilled water generation equipment with IPLV values more than 25 percent higher than minimum part load efficiencies listed in Table C403.2.3(7), in the appropriate size category, using the same test procedures. Equipment shall be listed in the appropriate certification program to qualify for this exception. The total capacity of all systems without economizers shall not exceed 480,000 Btu/h per building, or 20 percent of its air economizer capacity, whichever is greater. That portion of the equipment serving Group R Occupancy is not included in determining the total capacity of all units without economizers in a building. This exception shall not be used for the initial permit (this includes any initial permit for the space including, but not limited to, the shell-and-core permit, built-to-suit permit, and tenant improvement permit) or for Total Building Performance Method.
 
4. For Group R occupancies, cooling units installed outdoors or in a mechanical room adjacent to outdoors with a total cooling capacity less than 20,000 Btu/h and other cooling units with a total cooling capacity less than 54,000 Btu/h provided that these are high-efficiency cooling equipment with SEER and EER values more than 15 percent higher than minimum efficiencies listed in Tables C403.2.3 (1) through (3), in the appropriate size category, using the same test procedures. Equipment shall be listed in the appropriate certification program to qualify for this exception. For split systems, compliance is based on the cooling capacity of individual fan coil units.
 
5. Equipment used to cool any dedicated server room, electronic equipment room or telecom switch room provided that they completely comply with Option a, b, or c in the table below. The total capacity of all systems without economizers shall not exceed 240,000 Btu/h per building or 10 percent of its air economizer capacity, whichever is greater. This exception shall not be used for Total Building Performance.
 
Equipment Type
Higher Equipment
Efficiency
Part-Load Control
Economizer
Option a
Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2)a
+15%b
Required over 85,000 Btu/hc
None Required
Option b
Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2)a
+5%d
Required over 85,000 Btu/hc
Waterside Economizere
Option c
ASHRAE Standard 127f
+0%g
Required over 85,000 Btu/hc
Waterside Economizere
Notes for Exception 5:
a
For a system where all of the cooling equipment is subject to the AHRI standards listed in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2), the system shall comply with all of the following (note that if the system contains any cooling equipment that exceeds the capacity limits in Table C403.2.3(1) or C403.2.3(2), or if the system contains any cooling equipment that is not included in Table C403.2.3(1) or C403.2.3(2), then the system is not allowed to use this option).
b
The cooling equipment shall have an EER value and an IPLV value that is a minimum of 15 percent greater than the value listed in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2) (1.15 x values in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2)).
c
For units with a total cooling capacity over 85,000 Btu/h, the system shall utilize part-load capacity control schemes that are able to modulate to a part-load capacity of 50 percent of the load or less that results in the compressor operating at the same or higher EER at part loads than at full load (e.g., minimum of two-stages of compressor unloading such as cylinder unloading, two-stage scrolls, dual tandem scrolls, but hot gas bypass is not credited as a compressor unloading system).
d
The cooling equipment shall have an EER value and an IPLV value that is a minimum of 5 percent greater than the value listed in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2) (1.05 x values in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2)).
e
The system shall include a water economizer in lieu of air economizer. Water economizers shall meet the requirements of C403.4.1.2 through C403.4.1.4 and be capable of providing the total concurrent cooling load served by the connected terminal equipment lacking airside economizer, at outside air temperatures of 50°F dry-bulb/45°F wet-bulb and below. For this calculation, all factors including solar and internal load shall be the same as those used for peak load calculations, except for the outside temperatures. The equipment shall be served by a dedicated condenser water system unless a nondedicated condenser water system exists that can provide appropriate water temperatures during hours when waterside economizer cooling is available.
f
For a system where all cooling equipment is subject to ASHRAE Standard 127.
g
The cooling equipment subject to the ASHRAE Standard 127 shall have an EER value and an IPLV value that is equal or greater than the value listed in Tables C403.2.3(1) and C403.2.3(2) when determined in accordance with the rating conditions ASHRAE Standard 127 (i.e., not the rating conditions in AHRI Standard 210/240 or 340/360). This information shall be provided by an independent third party.
6.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, multiple-zone split-system heat pumps, consisting of multiple, individually metered indoor units with multi-speed fan motors, served on a single common refrigeration circuit with an exterior reverse-cycle heat pump with variable speed compressor(s) and variable speed condenser fan(s). These systems shall also be capable of providing simultaneous heating and cooling operation, where recovered energy from the indoor units operating in one mode can be transferred to one or more indoor units operating in the other mode, and shall serve at least 20 percent internal (no perimeter wall within 12') and 20 percent perimeter zones (as determined by conditioned floor area) and the outdoor unit shall be at least 65,000 Btu/h in total capacity. Systems utilizing this exception shall have 50 percent heat recovery effectiveness as defined by Section C403.2.6 on the outside air. For the purposes of this exception, dedicated server rooms, electronic equipment rooms or telecom switch rooms are not considered perimeter zones. This exception shall be limited to buildings of 60,000 square feet and less.
C403.4.1.1 Design capacity. Water economizer systems shall be capable of cooling supply air by indirect evaporation and providing up to 100 percent of the expected system cooling load at outdoor air temperatures of 50°F dry-bulb (10°C dry-bulb)/45°F wet-bulb (7.2°C wet-bulb) and below.
EXCEPTION:
Systems in which a water economizer is used and where dehumidification requirements cannot be met using outdoor air temperatures of 50°F dry-bulb (10°C dry-bulb)/45°F wet-bulb (7.2°C wet-bulb) shall satisfy 100 percent of the expected system cooling load at 45°F dry-bulb (7.2°C dry-bulb)/40°F wet-bulb (4.5°C wet-bulb).
C403.4.1.2 Maximum pressure drop. Precooling coils and water-to-water heat exchangers used as part of a water economizer system shall either have a waterside pressure drop of less than 15 feet (4572 mm) of water or a secondary loop shall be created so that the coil or heat exchanger pressure drop is not seen by the circulating pumps when the system is in the normal cooling (noneconomizer) mode.
C403.4.1.3 Integrated economizer control. Economizer systems shall be integrated with the mechanical cooling system and be capable of providing partial cooling even where additional mechanical cooling is required to meet the remainder of the cooling load.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Direct expansion systems that include controls that reduce the quantity of outdoor air required to prevent coil frosting at the lowest step of compressor unloading, provided this lowest step is no greater than 25 percent of the total system capacity.
 
2. Individual direct expansion units that have a rated cooling capacity less than 54,000 Btu/h (15,827 W) and use nonintegrated economizer controls that preclude simultaneous operation of the economizer and mechanical cooling.
C403.4.1.4 Economizer heating system impact. HVAC system design and economizer controls shall be such that economizer operation does not increase the building heating energy use during normal operation.
EXCEPTION:
Economizers on VAV systems that cause zone level heating to increase due to a reduction in supply air temperature.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-40343 Section C403.4.3—Hydronic systems controls.
C403.4.3 Hydronic systems controls. The heating of fluids that have been previously mechanically cooled and the cooling of fluids that have been previously mechanically heated shall be limited in accordance with Sections C403.4.3.1 through C403.4.3.3. Hydronic heating systems comprised of multiple-packaged boilers and designed to deliver conditioned water or steam into a common distribution system shall include automatic controls capable of sequencing operation of the boilers. Hydronic heating systems comprised of a single boiler and greater than 500,000 Btu/h (146,550 W) input design capacity shall include either a multi-staged or modulating burner.
C403.4.3.1 Three-pipe system. Hydronic systems that use a common return system for both hot water and chilled water are prohibited.
C403.4.3.2 Two-pipe changeover system. Systems that use a common distribution system to supply both heated and chilled water shall be designed to allow a dead band between changeover from one mode to the other of at least 15°F (8.3°C) outside air temperatures; be designed to and provided with controls that will allow operation in one mode for at least 4 hours before changing over to the other mode; and be provided with controls that allow heating and cooling supply temperatures at the changeover point to be no more than 30°F (16.7°C) apart.
C403.4.3.3 Hydronic (water loop) heat pump systems. Hydronic heat pump systems shall comply with Sections C403.4.3.3.1 through C403.4.3.3.3.
C403.4.3.3.1 Temperature dead band. Hydronic heat pumps connected to a common heat pump water loop with central devices for heat rejection and heat addition shall have controls that are capable of providing a heat pump water supply temperature dead band of at least 20°F (11.1°C) between initiation of heat rejection and heat addition by the central devices.
EXCEPTION:
Where a system loop temperature optimization controller is installed and can determine the most efficient operating temperature based on real time conditions of demand and capacity, dead bands of less than 20°F (11°C) shall be permitted.
C403.4.3.3.2 Heat rejection. Heat rejection equipment shall comply with Sections C403.4.3.3.2.1 and C403.4.3.3.2.2.
EXCEPTION:
Where it can be demonstrated that a heat pump system will be required to reject heat throughout the year.
C403.4.3.3.2.1 Climate Zones 3 and 4. For Climate Zones 3 and 4:
1. If a closed-circuit cooling tower is used directly in the heat pump loop, either an automatic valve shall be installed to bypass all but a minimal flow of water around the tower, or lower leakage positive closure dampers shall be provided.
2. If an open-circuit tower is used directly in the heat pump loop, an automatic valve shall be installed to bypass all heat pump water flow around the tower.
3. If an open- or closed-circuit cooling tower is used in conjunction with a separate heat exchanger to isolate the cooling tower from the heat pump loop, then heat loss shall be controlled by shutting down the circulation pump on the cooling tower loop.
C403.4.3.3.2.2 Climate Zones 5 through 8. For Climate Zones 5 through 8, if an open- or closed-circuit cooling tower is used, then a separate heat exchanger shall be provided to isolate the cooling tower from the heat pump loop, and heat loss shall be controlled by shutting down the circulation pump on the cooling tower loop and providing an automatic valve to stop the flow of fluid.
C403.4.3.3.3 Isolation valve. Each hydronic heat pump on the hydronic system having a total pump system power exceeding 10 horsepower (hp) (7.5 kW) shall have a two-way (but not three-way) valve. For the purposes of this section, pump system power is the sum of the nominal power demand (i.e., nameplate horsepower at nominal motor efficiency) of motors of all pumps that are required to operate at design conditions to supply fluid from the heating or cooling source to all heat transfer devices (e.g., coils, heat exchanger) and return it to the source. This converts the system into a variable flow system and, as such, the primary circulation pumps shall comply with the variable flow requirements in Section C403.4.3.6.
C403.4.3.4 Part load controls. Hydronic systems greater than or equal to 300,000 Btu/h (87,930 W) in design output capacity supplying heated or chilled water to comfort conditioning systems shall include controls that have the capability to:
1. Automatically reset the supply-water temperatures using zone-return water temperature, building-return water temperature, or outside air temperature as an indicator of building heating or cooling demand. The temperature shall be capable of being reset by at least 25 percent of the design supply-to-return water temperature difference; and
2. Reduce system pump flow by at least 50 percent of design flow rate utilizing adjustable speed drive(s) on pump(s), or multiple-staged pumps where at least one-half of the total pump horsepower is capable of being automatically turned off or control valves designed to modulate or step down, and close, as a function of load, or other approved means.
Hydronic systems serving hydronic heat pumps are exempt from item 1, and only those hydronic systems with a total pump system power greater than 3 hp (2.2 kw) shall have controls meeting the requirements of item 2, above.
C403.4.3.5 Pump isolation. Chilled water plants including more than one chiller shall have the capability to reduce flow automatically through the chiller plant when a chiller is shut down and automatically shut off flow to chillers that are shut down. Chillers piped in series for the purpose of increased temperature differential shall be considered as one chiller.
EXCEPTION:
Chillers that are piped in series for the purpose of increased temperature differential.
Boiler plants including more than one boiler shall have the capability to reduce flow automatically through the boiler plant when a boiler is shut down and automatically shut off flow to ((chillers)) boilers that are shut down.
C403.4.3.6 Variable flow controls. Individual pumps requiring variable speed control per Section C403.4.9 shall be controlled in one of the following manners:
1. For systems having a combined pump motor horsepower less than or equal to 20 hp (15 kW) and without direct digital control of individual coils, pump speed shall be a function of either:
1.1. Required differential pressure; or
1.2. Reset directly based on zone hydronic demand, or other zone load indicators; or
1.3. Reset directly based on pump power and pump differential pressure.
2. For systems having a combined pump motor horsepower that exceeds 20 hp (15 kW) or smaller systems with direct digital control, pump speed shall be a function of either:
2.1. The static pressure set point as reset based on the valve requiring the most pressure; or
2.2. Directly controlled based on zone hydronic demand.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-056, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-11C-61031 Section A103.1—General.
A103.1 General. The tables ((A103.1(1), A103.1(2) and A103.1(3))) in this section list heat loss coefficients for the opaque portion of above-grade wood stud frame walls, metal stud frame walls and concrete masonry walls (Btu/h • ft2 • °F) ((respectively.)) They are derived from procedures listed in the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook. For intermediate floor slabs which penetrate the insulated wall, use the concrete wall U-factors in Table ((A103.1(2))) A103.3.7.1(1).
Insulation is assumed to uniformly fill the entire cavity and to be installed as per manufacturer's directions. All walls are assumed to be finished on the inside with 1/2 inch gypsum wallboard, and on the outside with either beveled wood siding over 1/2 inch plywood sheathing or with 5/8 inch T1-11 siding. Insulated sheathing (either interior or exterior) is assumed to cover the entire opaque wall surface, except where modified in accordance with footnote h to Table C402.1.1.
Metal building walls have a different construction and are addressed in Table A103.3.6.3.