The changes for electrical power distribution systems in the 2016 update to the Energy Standards include:
•New definitions for Electrical Metering, Service, Service Equipment, Equipment, Plug Load, and Low Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformer are added to §100.1.
•New mandatory requirement for low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers as specified in new §110.11.
•Clarifications for the Service Metering requirement of §130.5(a).
•Clarifications for the Separation of Electrical Circuits requirement of §130.5(b) to allow flexible approaches for providing the ability to measure the separate loads of the building.
•Clarifications for the Voltage Drop requirement of §130.5(c) to allow a 5% overall voltage drop rather than split requirements for feeders and branch circuits.
•Clarifications for the Circuit and Receptacle Control for 120-Volt Receptacles requirement of §130.5(d).
•Relocation of the Energy Management of Control System (EMCS) requirement to §130.0.
•Clarification for alteration requirements for electrical power distribution systems in §141.0(b)2P
The following requirements for electrical power distribution systems apply to all non-residential, high-rise residential, and hotel/motel buildings. All the requirements in §130.5 of Electrical Power Distribution Systems are mandatory, and therefore are not included in the energy budget for the performance compliance approach.
A. New Construction and Additions
The requirements of §130.5 apply to all newly constructed buildings and additions.
B. Alterations
The requirements for alterations to electrical power distribution systems are covered in §141.0(b)2P of the Energy Standards.
For alterations with entirely new or complete replacements of electrical power distribution systems, the requirements of §130.5(a)) through (d) must be met; §130.5(e), relating to demand response controls, is not required for alterations.
For alterations of feeders and branch circuits, which includes adding, modifying, or replacing either feeders or branch circuits, the voltage drop requirements of §130.5(c) must be met. See Section 8.6 of this manual and §141.0(b)2P of the Energy Standards for details of the requirements for alterations to electrical power distribution systems.
C. Acceptance Testing, Commissioning, and Installation Certificates
The requirements of §130.5 and §141.0(b)2P are not subject to acceptance testing or commissioning requirements under the Energy Standards.
See Section 8.8 for more information on compliance and installation documentation.