11.8   Electrical Power Distribution

This section describes the Title 24, Part 6, Building Energy Efficiency Standards (California Energy Code or the Energy Code) requirements in §160.6 for energy efficiency features used for electrical power distribution systems in multifamily buildings. The requirements are mandatory and, therefore, are not included in the energy budget for the performance approach. The requirements of §160.6 apply to all newly constructed buildings and additions.

11.8.1      What’s New for the 2022 Energy Code

There have been no significant changes for electrical power distribution systems in the 2022 update to the Energy Code.

11.8.2      Service Electrical Metering Requirements

All service electrical metering requirements are analogous to the corresponding code section for nonresidential buildings as applied to multifamily buildings. Please refer to Section 8.2 for a detailed discussion of the code language that applies to this section.

11.8.3      Separation of Electrical Circuits for Electrical Energy Monitoring

All separation of electrical circuits requirements are analogous to the corresponding code section for nonresidential buildings as applied to multifamily buildings. Please refer to Section 8.3 for a detailed discussion of the code language that applies to this section.

The separation of load is not required for the electrical distribution system that provides power to the dwelling units and has a separate meter for each unit.

11.8.4      Voltage Drop Requirements

All voltage drop requirements are analogous to the corresponding code section for nonresidential buildings as applied to multifamily buildings. Please refer to Section 8.4 for a detailed discussion of the code language that applies to this section.

11.8.5      Circuit Controls and Controlled Receptacles for 120-Volt Receptacles

All circuit controls and controlled receptacle requirements are analogous to the corresponding code section for nonresidential buildings as applied to multifamily buildings with the added clarification that this section applies to common use areas.

Receptacles in common use areas providing shared provisions for living, eating, cooking, or sanitation to dwelling units that would otherwise lack these provisions are exempt from the controlled receptacle requirements.

Dwelling units are exempt from these requirements. Please refer to Section 8.5 for a detailed discussion of the code language that applies to this section.

11.8.5.1    Demand Response

All demand response requirements are analogous to the corresponding code section for nonresidential buildings as applied to multifamily buildings. Please refer to Appendix D for guidance on demand response for multifamily buildings.

11.8.6      Equipment Requirements – Electrical Power Distribution Systems

All electrical power distribution system requirements are analogous to the corresponding code section for nonresidential buildings as applied to multifamily buildings. Please refer to Section 8.7 for a detailed discussion of the code language that applies to the selection of transformers for the building.

11.8.7      Additions and Alterations

All additions and alterations requirements are analogous to the corresponding code section for nonresidential buildings as applied to multifamily buildings. Please refer to Section 8.6 for a detailed discussion of the code language that applies to this section.