13.1      Overview

13.1.1        What Is Acceptance Testing

From simple thermostats and manual light switches to complex building automation systems, controls are integral to building health, safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Acceptance test requirements specify targeted inspections and functional performance tests that demonstrate that the building components, equipment, systems, and interfaces conform to the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (or Energy Standards, inclusive of Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7), as specified on applicable construction documents (plans).

This helps ensure that the building achieves the energy savings potential specified in its design and protects installing technicians by providing demonstrable proof that the system functioned as required by code when it was installed.

13.1.2        Roles and Responsibilities

13.1.2.1    Field Technician

The field technician is responsible for performing and documenting the results of the acceptance procedures on the certificate of acceptance documents. The field technician must sign the certificate of acceptance to certify that the information provided on the certificate of acceptance is true and correct. The field technician does not require a contractor’s, architect's or engineer's license but may require certification as an acceptance test technician (ATT).

13.1.2.2    Responsible Person

A certificate of acceptance must be signed by a responsible person who is licensed and eligible under Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code to take responsibility for the scope of work documented by the certificate of acceptance. In assuming responsibility for the work as a whole, the responsible person assumes responsibility for the acceptance testing work performed by his or her field technician, agent or employee.

The responsible person may perform the acceptance testing if qualified to do so if this is the case, the responsible person must complete and sign both the field technician's signature block and the responsible person's signature block on the Certificate of acceptance document. (Aside from being licensed, a responsible person that conducts his or her own testing will also need to be a certified ATT if he or she is performing an acceptance test that requires a certified ATT.)

13.1.2.3    Acceptance Test Technician

An acceptance test technician (ATT) is a certification standard for technicians that install lighting controls and mechanical system in newly constructed or existing nonresidential buildings.  The certification is restricted to applicants with a minimum of three years of professional experience and expertise in either lighting or mechanical controls. Qualifying experience for certification is provided by verifiable employment as an electrical contractor, certified general electrician, licensed architect, professional engineer, controls installation and startup contractor, HVAC installer, mechanical contractor, Testing and Balancing certified technician, or certified commissioning professional with verifiable experience in lighting controls or HVAC installations. ATTs are provided classroom and laboratory training to perform acceptance testing.  ATTs must pass classroom and laboratory testing to gain their certification. The ATT is required to work with the Energy Commission approved acceptance test technician certification provider to track and verify quality assurance of his or her acceptance test performance.

13.1.2.4    Third-Party Hers Rater or Third-Party Quality Control Program Installer

Most acceptance tests are specifically required to be conducted by an ATT. However, the acceptance tests in NA2 (for single-zone systems less than 5,000 sq. ft., including those serving high-rise multifamily dwellings) are commonly conducted a certified, third-party HERS Rater, given the system designs (and therefore associated duct leakage and flow rate tests) are highly similar to low-rise residential systems. The local enforcement agency can, at its discretion, allow an ATT to conduct these tests.

13.1.2.5    Commissioning Provider

A commissioning provider (formerly called a commissioning agent) is not defined by the Energy Standards but is an industry term for a person who may be contracted by the owner to verify functional performance testing is conducted to ensure proper performance at building turnover. Commissioning during construction may or may not be required by §120.8; in general, commissioning is required for newly constructed nonresidential buildings with more than 10,000 square feet in floor area, while smaller buildings are required to complete just the design review phase of commissioning. Section120.8 does not apply to healthcare facilities, which have parallel requirements in Chapter 7 of the California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1), and it does not apply to additions or alterations of existing buildings.

Although system commissioning and acceptance testing are related, not all projects that require acceptance testing will also require commissioning. If a commissioning agent is part of the project team, he or she will often be present for functional performance testing of major building systems to verify they were completed and passed on behalf of the building owner. (Commissioning providers may instead perform acceptance testing themselves, and if this is the case, they will also need to be a certified ATT if they are performing an acceptance test that requires a certified ATT.)

13.1.2.6    Enforcement Agency

The certificate of acceptance must be submitted to the enforcement agency, typically at time of inspection, to receive the final certificate of occupancy. Enforcement agencies shall not release a final certificate of occupancy unless the submitted certificate of acceptance demonstrates that the specified systems and equipment have been shown to be perform in accordance with the applicable acceptance requirements.

The enforcement agency has the authority to require the field technician or responsible person to demonstrate competence to its satisfaction. When a certified ATT is required to complete an acceptance test, the enforcement agency must verify the technician certification status through the Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider (ATTCP) before issuing a final certificate of occupancy. For details on how to do this most efficiently, see the “Submit NRCA” step below.

13.1.3        Acceptance Testing Process

DESIGN                                                   CONSTRUCTION

Figure 13-1: Steps in the Acceptance Testing Process

13.1.3.1    Plan Review

The responsible person must review the plans and specifications to ensure that they conform to the acceptance requirements, typically done before signing a nonresidential certificate of compliance (NRCC). Usually the responsible person for design phase review is the designer, commissioning agent, or test technician.

In reviewing the plans, the responsible person notes the appropriate certificate of compliance then lists all the respective acceptance tests that will be performed and the parties responsible for performing the tests. An exhaustive list is required so that when the acceptance tests are discussed during bid or scope negotiations, all parties are aware of the scope of acceptance testing on the project.

13.1.3.2    Construction Inspection

A visual inspection during construction assures that installed products or equipment are present and capable of complying with the Energy Standards. The construction inspection also assures proper installation of equipment and current calibration.

The responsible person (or, in some cases, the field technician) must perform a construction inspection before testing. Sections 13.4-13.7 of this chapter include construction inspection checklists for each acceptance test.

Reviewing the acceptance requirements in the checklist with the contractor before installation may help the process run smoothly. In some cases, performing tests immediately after installation is most economical, though this requires the complete installation of any associated systems and equipment necessary for proper system operation. Awareness of the acceptance test requirements can allow the contractor to identify a design or construction practice that would not comply with the Energy Standards before equipment installation.

13.1.3.3    Functional Testing

A field technician assumes responsibility for performing the required acceptance requirement procedures. In some cases, the same field technician may not perform all the required acceptance tests for a project. However, for each acceptance test performed, the field technician who performs the test is responsible for identifying all performance deficiencies and, if necessary, repeating the test until the specified systems and equipment are performing in accordance with the acceptance requirements.

Sections 13.4-13.7 of this chapter include functional testing checklists for each acceptance test.

13.1.3.4    Sign Nonresidential Certificate of Acceptance (NRCA)

The field technician who performs the testing signs the certificate of acceptance to certify the information recorded on the certificate is true and correct. A responsible person ensures performance of the scope of work specified by the certificate of acceptance and reviews the test results provided by the field technician. The responsible person signs the certificate of acceptance to indicate his or her overall responsibility for the project.

As noted previously, the responsible person may also perform the field technician's responsibilities and, if so, must sign the field technician declaration on the certificate of acceptance. If the acceptance test requires a certified ATT, the responsible person must be a certified ATT to perform the acceptance test.

If the project includes the need for duct leakage testing, then the HERS Rater verification must be performed and submitted, or “registered,” with the HERS Provider using the compliance documentation (NRCV). This verification is performed in addition to the acceptance test performed by the technician. However, it is also allowed for a certified Mechanical-ATT to perform the acceptance test and avoid the need for HERS Rater verification. 

13.1.3.5    Submit NRCA

The completed and signed certificate of acceptance must be submitted to the local enforcement agency in accordance with the local laws, ordinances, regulations, or customs. There is no general requirement for a certificate of acceptance to be submitted to any other regulatory agency or to an ATTCP, though specific contractual agreements may require such submissions. For example, in many cases the ATTCP will require that certified ATTs electronically submit all completed certificates of acceptance as a condition of maintaining their certification status.

Building inspectors will review the NRCA documents during inspection, and can verify certified ATT status by noting whether the NRCA document was completed electronically through an ATTCP. Lighting controls NRCA documents should not be accepted if completed by hand or electronically outside the ATTCP online interface. Moreover, there is a place for ATTs to enter their certification numbers on the signature block for every NRCA document they sign. ATTCPs list their ATTs (names and certification numbers) on their websites. Depending on which ATTCP logo is shown on the submitted lighting controls NRCA document, the inspector could look up an ATT certification number, if necessary.