The significant changes for electrical power distribution systems in the 2019 update to the Energy Standards include:
A. Healthcare facilities overseen by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) having to comply with the applicable requirements of §130.5 for electrical power distribution systems. There are exemptions added for healthcare facilities to avoid potentially conflicting requirements for healthcare facilities. The exceptions may be revisited for changes in future code cycles.
B. Relocated requirements related to demand responsive controls from §130.5 to a new Section 110.12.
The following requirements for electrical power distribution systems apply to all nonresidential, 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 Section 141.0(b)2P of the Energy Standards.
For alterations with new or replacement electrical service equipment, the requirements of §130.5(a) must be met. For alterations with entirely new or complete replacements of electrical power distribution systems, the requirements of §130.5(b) and (d) must be met. An electrical power distribution system can encompass service equipment, disconnecting means, overcurrent protection devices, feeders, circuit feeders, luminaires, receptacles, and electrical equipment such as switchboards, step-down transformers, and panelboards. For example, a building rehabilitation project where the entire electrical power distribution system is demolished and replaced with new is required to meet the requirements of §130.5(b) and (d).
For alterations of feeders and branch circuits, which include adding, modifying, or replacing feeders and branch circuits, the voltage drop requirements of §130.5(c) must be met. See Section 8.6 of this manual and Section 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 Section 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.