The following provides a summary of the acceptance testing requirements and testing procedures in the Energy Code for mechanical systems, lighting controls, building envelope, and covered processes.
Separate files providing detailed instructions on how to conduct acceptance tests are located at the CEC website: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-building-energy-efficiency/.
Envelope acceptance testing may be performed by any field technician however the installing contractor typically performs this testing.
Envelope acceptance testing is required for all buildings except single-family buildings per §110.6(a). These requirements apply to newly constructed buildings and to alterations.
The building envelope acceptance testing procedures are specified in Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.4.
The building envelope features that require acceptance testing include:
•NA7.4.1 Fenestration
•NA7.4.4 Clerestories for Power Adjustment Factor
•NA7.4.5 Interior and Exterior Horizonal Slats for Power Adjustment Factor
•NA7.4.6 Interior and Exterior Light Shelves for Power Adjustment Factor
These tests are required for newly installed fenestration, window film, and dynamic glazing in new construction, additions, and alterations for all buildings except single-family residential per §110.6(a)5.
These fenestration products must be tested according to NA7.4 to verify that the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Label Certificate or California CEC Fenestration Certificate is provided for each fenestration product being installed. These certificates identify the thermal performance of the fenestration product (e.g. U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and visible transmittance).
This test also verifies that the thermal performance of installed fenestration products match the label certificate, energy compliance documentation, and plan specifications.
These tests are required to qualify for power adjustment factors for clearstory fenestration, interior and exterior horizontal slats, and interior and exterior light shelves in nonresidential, hotel/motel, multifamily common use areas per §140.3(d), §140.6(a)2L, §170.2(e)2xii, and §110.6(a)6.
These daylighting design features must be tested according to NA7.4 to verify that clerestory windows, interior and exterior horizontal slats, and interior and exterior light shelves meet the daylighting design requirements in the Energy Code when claiming a power adjustment factor (PAF) for lighting systems in nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings and multifamily building common use areas.
Spaces that have clerestory windows, horizontal slats, or light shelves, and compliant automatic daylighting controls may receive a power adjustment factor if the daylighting feature meets the design criteria in Energy Code.
This test (NA7.5.1) ensures the constant volume air handling unit provides adequate outdoor air ventilation to the spaces served under all operating conditions. Systems requiring demand ventilation controls per §120.1(c)3 must conform to §120.1(c)4E regarding the minimum ventilation rate when the system is in occupied mode. Related acceptance tests for these systems include the following:
•NA7.5.2 Constant-Volume, Single-Zone, Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pump Systems Acceptance
•NA7.5.4 Air Economizer Controls Acceptance (if applicable)
•NA7.5.5 Demand-Controlled Ventilation Systems Acceptance (if applicable)Text
This test is restricted to certified Mechanical ATTs only, using Certificate of Acceptance NRCA-MCH-02-A.
This acceptance test (NA7.5.2) is meant for constant volume, single zone, unitary (packaged and split) air conditioner and heat pump systems. This test verifies the components of a constant volume, single-zone, unitary air conditioner and heat pump system function correctly, including: thermostat installation and programming, supply fan, heating, cooling, and damper operation. Testing of the economizer, outdoor air ventilation, and demand-controlled ventilation are located in the following sections of the Reference Appendices:
•NA7.5.1.2|topic=NA7.5.1.2 Constant Volume System Outdoor Air Acceptance Constant Volume System Outdoor Air Acceptance
•NA7.5.4 Air Economizer Controls (if applicable)
•NA7.5.5 Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) Systems (if applicable)
This test is restricted to certified Mechanical ATTs only, using Certificate of Acceptance NRCA-MCH-03-A.
This test (NA7.5.3) verifies all duct work associated with all nonexempt constant volume, single-zone HVAC units (in other words, air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces) meet the material, installation, and insulation R-values per §120.4(a) and leakage requirements outlined either in §120.4(g)1 for new duct systems or §141.0(b)2D and §141.0(b)2Eii) for existing duct systems.
This test may either be verified by a HERS Rater (sampling permitted) with the technician testing each installation and using NRCA-MCH-04a-H to record the results or performed by a certified mechanical ATT (no sampling permitted) using NRCA-MCH-04b-A and recording it with an ATTCP.
This test (NA7.5.4) is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs and is intended to verify Energy Code compliance for nonresidential and hotel/motel (see NRCA-MCH-23-A for multi-family) buildings with newly installed economizers, dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems, and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system. Economizers must be certified to the California CEC in compliance with JA6.3
Submit one Certificate of Acceptance (NRCA-MCH-05-A) for each economizer, DOAS, HRV, or ERV system that must demonstrate compliance with the Energy Code. For direct Energy Code reference see JA6.3, NA7.5.4, §140.4(e)|topic=(e) Economizers, §120.5(a)4, and §160.3(d)1D.
Functionally testing an air economizer cycle verifies that an HVAC system uses outdoor air to satisfy space-cooling loads. There are two types of economizer controls: stand-alone packages and DDC controls. The stand-alone packages are commonly associated with small unitary rooftop HVAC equipment. DDC controls are typically associated with built-up or large packaged air handling systems.
Cooling fan systems greater than 33,000 Btu/hr may use an economizer to comply with prescriptive requirements in §140.4(e)|topic=(e) Economizers.. Air economizers must be able to provide 100 percent of the design supply air with outside air; water economizers must be able to provide 100 percent of the design n cooling load at 50°F dry-bulb and 45°F wet-bulb.
The purpose of the test (NA7.5.5) is to verify that systems required to employ demand controlled ventilation (refer to §120.1(c)3) can vary outside ventilation flow rates based on maintaining interior carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration setpoints. Demand Ventilation Control (DVC) refers to an HVAC system’s ability to reduce outdoor air ventilation flow below design values when the space served is at less than design occupancy.CO2 is a good indicator of occupancy load and is the basis used for modulating ventilation flow rates.
DVC complying with §120.1(d)4|topic=(d) Operation and Control Requirements for Minimum Quantities of Outdoor Air. are required for a space with a design occupant density, or a maximum occupant load factor for egress purposes in the CBC, greater than or equal to 25 people per 1000 square feet (40 square feet or less per person) if the ventilation system serving the space has one or more of the following:
•an air economizer, modulating outside air control, or
•design outdoor airflow rate > 3,000 cfm (§120.1(d)3|topic=(d) Operation and Control Requirements for Minimum Quantities of Outdoor Air.).
This acceptance test is limited to certified mechanical ATTs using NRCA-MCH-06-A to verify that a system required to employ a DVC can vary outside air ventilation flow rates based on maintaining interior carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration setpoints in compliance with §120.1(d)4|topic=(d) Operation and Control Requirements for Minimum Quantities of Outdoor Air.. NRCA-MCH-02-A must be completed either prior to or concurrently with this acceptance test for the space in which the CO2 monitor is located. One NRCA-MCH-06-A must be completed for each CO2 sensor in the system that must demonstrate compliance. For direct Energy Code reference see §120.1(d)3|topic=(d) Operation and Control Requirements for Minimum Quantities of Outdoor Air., §120.1(d)4, NA7.5.1, and NA7.5.5.
The purpose of the test (NA7.5.6) is to ensure that the supply fan in a variable air volume application modulates to meet system airflow demand. In most applications, the individual variable air valve (VAV) boxes serving each space will modulate the amount of air delivered to the space based on heating and cooling requirements. As a result, the total supply airflow provided by the central air handling unit must also vary to maintain sufficient airflow through each VAV box. Airflow is typically controlled using a variable frequency drive (VFD) to modulate supply fan speed and vary system airflow. The most common strategy for controlling the VFD is to measure and maintain static pressure within the duct.
This test is restricted to a certified mechanical ATT using NRCA-MCH-07-A to verify that the supply fan speed in a variable air volume system modulates to meet system airflow demand. NRCA-MCH-07-A can be performed in conjunction with NRCA-MCH-02-A Outdoor Air Acceptance since testing activities overlap.
This test (NA7.5.7) ensures that control valves serving variable flow systems are designed to withstand the pump pressure over the full range of operation. Valves with insufficient actuators will lift under certain conditions causing water to leak and loss of flow control. This test applies to the variable flow systems covered by §140.4(k)1 chilled and hot-water variable flow systems, §140.4(k)2 chiller isolation valves, §140.4(k)3 boiler isolation valves, and §140.4(k)5 water-cooled air conditioner and hydronic heat pump systems.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs using NRCA-MCH-08-A to ensure that control valves serving variable flow systems can withstand the pump pressure over the full range of operation. Related acceptance tests for these systems include NA7.5.9 Hydronic System Variable Flow Controls Acceptance Testing time will be greatly reduced if these acceptance tests are done simultaneously.
This test (NA7.5.8) ensures that both the chilled water and hot water supply temperatures are automatically reset based on either building loads or outdoor air temperature, as indicated in the control sequences. Many HVAC systems are served by central chilled and heating hot water plants. The supply water operating temperatures must meet peak loads when the system is operating at design conditions. As the loads vary, the supply water temperatures can be adjusted to satisfy the new operating conditions. Typically the chilled water supply temperature can be raised as the cooling load decreases, and heating hot water supply temperature can be lowered as the heating load decreases.
This requirement only applies to chilled and hot water systems that are not designed for variable flow and that have a design capacity greater than or equal to 500 kBtuh (thousand BTU’s per hour), according to §140.4(k)4 .
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs using NRCA-MCH-09-A to ensure that both the chilled water and hot water supply temperatures are automatically reset based on either building loads or outdoor air temperature, as indicated in the control sequences. (§140.4(k)4 ).
Note the following exception: Hydronic systems that use variable flow to reduce pumping energy. (§140.4(k)1 )
This test (NA7.5.9) is for all hydronic variable flow chilled water and water-loop heat pump systems with total circulating pump power larger than 5 hp shall vary system flow rate by modulating pump speed using either a variable frequency drive (VFD) or equivalent according to §140.4(k)6 . Pump speed and flow must be controlled as a function of differential pressure, and pump motor demand must be no more than 30 percent design wattage at 50 percent design flow.
As the loads within the building fluctuate, control valves should modulate the amount of water passing through each coil and add or remove the desired amount of energy from the air stream to satisfy the load. In the case of water-loop heat pumps, each two-way control valve associated with a heat pump closes when not operating. The purpose of the test is to ensure that, as each control valve modulates, the pump variable frequency drive (VFD) responds accordingly to meet system water flow requirements.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs using NRCA-MCH-10-A to ensure that hydronic pump speed varies with building heating and cooling loads. The related acceptance tests for this system is NA7.5.7 Valve Leakage Test – NRCA-MCH-08-A (if applicable)
This test (NA7.5.10) is used if the building has DDC to the zone level, the HVAC control system must be capable receiving a Demand Response Signal and automatically initiating a control strategy once the signal is received. This acceptance test confirms that the HVAC control system is programmed so that it is capable of initiating the control strategy specified in §110.12(b). That is, modify the temperature setpoints in non-critical zones up by 4oF if the system is cooling the space or down by 4oF if the system is heating the space. The building owner or occupant has the option of selecting another control strategy than the one tested here if they choose to enroll in a demand response program.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs using NRCA-MCH-11-A to ensure that the central demand shed sequences have been properly programmed into the DDC system.
The purpose of this test (NA7.5.11) is to verify proper fault detection and diagnostic (FDD) reporting for automated fault detection and diagnostics systems for packaged DX units. Automated FDD systems ensure proper equipment operation by identifying and diagnosing common equipment problems such as temperature sensor faults, low airflow or faulty economizer operation. FDD systems help to maintain equipment efficiency closer to rated conditions over the life of the equipment.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-12-A and is recommended to be performed simultaneity with NRCA-MCH-02-A (Outside Air) and NRCA-MCH-05-A (Air Economizer Controls).
The purpose of this test (NA7.5.12) is to verify proper FDD reporting for air handling unit (AHU) and zone terminal unit (ZTU) systems. Fault detection and diagnostics can also be used to detect common faults with air handling units and zone terminal units. Many FDD tools are standalone software products that process trend data offline. Maintenance problems with built-up air handlers and variable air volume boxes are often not detected by energy management systems because the required data and analytical tools are not available. Performing the FDD analysis within the distributed unit controllers is more practical because of the large volume of data.
The acceptance tests are designed to verify that the system detects common faults in air handling units and terminal units. FDD systems for air handling units and zone terminal units require DDC controls to the zone level. Successful completion of this test provides a compliance credit when using the performance approach. An FDD system that does not pass this test may still be installed, but no compliance credit will be given.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-13-A to verify that the system detects common faults in air handling units and zone terminal units.
This test (NA7.5.13) verifies proper operation of distributed energy storage DX systems. Distributed energy systems reduce peak demand by operating during off peak hours and storing cooling, usually in the form of ice. During peak cooling hours the ice is melted to avoid compressor operation.
This acceptance test applies to direct expansion (DX) system with distributed energy storage (DES/DXAC). These acceptance requirements are in addition to those for those other systems or equipment such as economizers or packaged equipment. This acceptance test was developed by AEC for Distributed Energy Storage for Direct-Expansion Air Conditioners, January 27, 2005, and is directly referenced by the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-14-A to verify that the system conforms with the Energy Code requirements.
This test (NA7.5.14) verifies proper operation of thermal energy storage (TES) systems. TES systems reduce energy consumption during peak demand periods by shifting energy consumption to nighttime. Operation of the thermal energy storage compressor during the night produces cooling energy, which is stored in the form of cooled fluid or ice in tanks. During peak cooling hours the thermal storage is used for cooling to prevent the need for chiller operation.
The test will ensure that the TES system is able to charge the storage tank during off-peak hours and conversely discharge the storage tank during on peak hours. Since the chiller may operate more efficiently at night when ambient temperatures are lower, the system may save cooling energy in some climate zones. This acceptance test is intended for Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Systems that are used in conjunction with chilled water air conditioning systems.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-15-A to verify that the system conforms with the Energy Code requirements.
The purpose of the test (NA7.5.15) is to ensure that the supply air temperature in a constant or variable air volume application serving multiple zones, according to Section 140.4(f), modulates to meet system heating and cooling loads. Space conditioning systems must have zone level controls to avoid reheat, re-cool, and simultaneous cooling and heating [§140.4(d)]; or must have controls to reset supply air temperature (SAT) by at least 25 percent of the difference between the design supply-air temperature and the design room air temperature [§140.4(f)2 ]. Air distribution systems serving zones with constant loads must be designed for the air flows resulting from the fully reset (e.g. lowest/highest) supply air temperature. The requirements for SAT reset apply to both CAV and VAV systems. Exceptions include:
•Systems with specific humidity needs for exempt process loads (computer rooms or spaces serving only IT equipment are not exempt).
•Zones served by space conditioning systems in which at least 75 percent of the energy for reheating, or providing warm air in mixing systems, is provided from a site-recovered or site-solar energy source.
•Systems in which supply air temperature reset would increase overall building energy use.
•Systems with controls to prevent reheat, re-cool, and/or simultaneous cooling and heating.
Supply air temperature may be reset in response to building loads, zone temperature, outside air temperature, or any other appropriate variable.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-16-A to verify that the supply air temperature modulates to meet system temperature setpoint(s).
The intent of the test (NA7.5.16) is to verify that the condenser water supply (entering condenser water) temperature is automatically reset as indicated in the control sequences; based upon building loads, outdoor air wet-bulb temperature, or another appropriate control variable. All cooling tower system components (e.g. fans, spray pumps) should operate per the control sequences to maintain the proper condenser water temperature and pressure set points.
Chilled water plants serve many buildings, responding to the varying cooling loads throughout the year. As the loads vary, the chilled water supply temperatures adjust to satisfy the new operating conditions. Often, water-cooled chilled water plants can decrease the condenser water temperature in times of low cooling load. This occurrence can be demonstrated by running the cooling tower fans at a higher speed, staging on additional fans, or varying water distribution across the tower fill by closing and opening bypass valves. As a result, the cooling tower produces an energy penalty, however the chiller efficiency and the overall plant efficiency improves.
The purpose of this test is not to evaluate whether a particular control sequence is the most appropriate for the facility, but whether the system follows the intended control sequence. This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-17-A to ensure that the condenser water supply temperature is automatically reset as indicated in the control sequence(s).
The purpose of this acceptance test (§120.5[a]17 and §160.3[d]1P) is to ensure that when an energy management control system (EMCS) is installed for the purpose of compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Standards), it is properly installed, operational, and is in compliance with each relevant requirement in the Standards.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-18-A to ensure that when an energy management control system (EMCS) is installed for the purpose of compliance with the Energy Code, it is properly installed, operational, and is in compliance with each relevant requirement in the Standards.
This test (NA7.5.17) verifies that an installed occupancy sensor is functional and in compliance with the approved project designs and Energy Code. The technician must submit one Certificate of Acceptance for each occupancy sensor installed.
This test is restricted to certified mechanical ATTs use NRCA-MCH-19-A to ensure that the occupancy sensor is functional and in compliance with the design and with the Energy Code.
This test (NA7.18.1) can be performed by a certified mechanical ATT or uncertified technician and HERS Rater to verify that the continuous ventilation airflow (supply, exhaust, or balanced) system, the kitchen exhaust fan, and/or the heat recovery ventilations (HRV) or energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system conforms to the requirements of the Energy Code and ANSI/ASHRAE Standards 62.2-2016. If using supply-only or exhaust-only ventilation, Certificate of Acceptance NRCA-MCH-21-H must be completed prior to beginning this acceptance test.
This test is not restricted to certified mechanical ATTs if a HERS Rater is used as a verification for an uncertified technician to perform the same test and the verification is registered with a HERS Provider. Alternatively, these same forms can be used by a mechanical ATT without need of a HERS Rater.
NRCA-MCH-20a-H must be completed (once) for all of the subsequent forms for dwelling ventilation requirements. NRCA-MCH-20b-H is used to verify the kitchen range hood complies with the Energy Code requirements. NRCA-MCH-20c-H is used to verify the indoor air quality ventilation systems complies with the Energy Code requirements. NRCA-MCH-20d-H is used to verify HRV or ERV (if installed) systems comply with the Energy Code requirements.
This acceptance test is intended for multifamily dwelling units where CONTINUOUS ventilation is used. The Executive Director may approve INTERMITTENT mechanical ventilation systems, devices, or controls for use for compliance with field verification and diagnostic testing requirements for mechanical ventilation airflow, subject to a manufacturer providing sufficient evidence to the Executive Director that the installed mechanical ventilation systems, devices, or controls will provide at least the minimum ventilation airflow required by the Standards, and subject to consideration of the manufacturer's proposed field verification and diagnostic test protocol for the ventilation system(s). Ventilation airflow of systems with multiple operating modes shall be tested in all modes designed to comply with the required ventilation airflows. Approved systems, devices, or controls, and field verification and diagnostic test protocols for intermittent mechanical ventilation systems will be listed in directories published by the CEC (NA2.2.4.1.3).
This acceptance test (NA7.18.2) is used to verify that the envelope leakage rate for multifamily dwelling units conforms to the requirements of the Energy Code.
This test is not restricted to certified mechanical ATTs if a HERS Rater is used as a verification for an uncertified technician to perform the same test and the verification is registered with a HERS Provider. Alternatively, this same form can be used by a mechanical ATT without need of a HERS Rater.
NRCA-MCH-21-H must be completed for each dwelling unit using a supply-only or exhaust-only ventilation system to verify that the envelope leakage conforms to the requirements of the Energy Code §120.1(b)2Aivb2 and Nonresidential Reference Appendices NA7.18.2, NA2.3, ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380-2016, and ASTM E779-10 (2010). The certified mechanical ATT or technician and HERS Rater is required to complete this compliance certificate prior to completing NRCA-MCH-20-H.
See section 14.3.2.19 regarding intermittent ventilation systems.
The objective of this procedure (NA7.18.3) is to verify the leakage of a new central ventilation duct system(s) 160.2(b)2Ci) that serve multiple dwelling units and provides continuous airflows or are part of a balanced ventilation system to meet the requirements specified in Sections 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av. This compliance document (NRCA-MCH-22-A) is used to record the results of one system duct leakage test performed. These test procedures are based on ATSM 1554 Method D – Total duct leakage test. This test may only be performed by a certified mechanical ATT.
The objective of this acceptance test is to verify the HRV or ERV requirement in multifamily buildings for compliance with Section 170.2(c)3Bvb, a central ERV/HRV serving multiple dwelling units. This test may only be performed by a certified mechanical ATT.
Lighting controls acceptance testing must be performed by a certified lighting controls ATT to certify the indoor and outdoor lighting controls serving the building, area, or site meet the acceptance requirements.
Lighting controls acceptance testing is required for all installed lighting controls in nonresidential buildings and hotel/motel buildings per §130.4(a)|topic=SECTION 130.4 –LIGHTING CONTROL ACCEPTANCE AND INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS., and for multifamily building common use areas per §160.5(e) . These requirements apply to newly constructed buildings and to alterations. For alterations where lighting controls are added to control 20 or fewer luminaires, acceptance testing is not required.
The lighting controls acceptance testing procedures are specified in Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6|topic=NA7.6 Indoor Lighting Controls Acceptance Tests.
The lighting controls that require acceptance testing include:
•NA7.6.1|topic=NA7.6.1 Automatic Daylighting Controls Acceptance Tests Automatic daylighting controls
•NA7.6.2 Shutoff controls
•NA7.6.3 Demand responsive lighting controls
•NA7.6.4 Lighting systems receiving institutional tuning power adjustment factor
•NA7.6.5 Demand responsive controls for controlled receptacles
•NA7.8 Outdoor lighting controls
This test is required when automatic daylighting controls are installed in nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings or in multifamily building common use areas. General lighting within a daylit zone must be controlled by automatic daylighting controls per the requirements of §130.1(d)|topic=(d) Automatic Daylighting Controls. and §160.5(b)4D.
Automatic daylighting controls must be tested according to NA7.6.1|topic=NA7.6.1 Automatic Daylighting Controls Acceptance Tests to verify that the automatic daylighting controls are installed and that they automatically adjust electric lighting power in response to available daylighting in the space.
All installed indoor lighting must be controlled by shutoff controls per §130.1(c) and §160.5(b)4C. Shutoff controls acceptance testing ensure that occupant sensing controls and automatic time switch controls that are installed are functioning according to these requirements.
Automatic shutoff controls must be tested according to NA7.6.2 to verify that occupant sensing controls and automatic time switch controls are functioning properly to achieve the desired lighting controls.
Occupant sensing control acceptance testing verifies that the controls are installed per manufacturer’s instructions and that the occupant sensing control dims or turns lighting on or off according to occupancy in the space.
The automatic time switch controls acceptance testing verifies that indoor lighting controlled by an automatic time switch control turns lighting on and off according to a programmed schedule and that manual override controls turn lighting on during scheduled off periods.
This test is required when demand responsive lighting controls are installed in nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, and in multifamily building common areas per the requirements of §130.1(e), §160.5(b)4E, and §110.12. Demand responsive lighting controls are required for:
•Newly constructed buildings with general lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater
•Lighting alterations and additions with general lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater
Demand responsive lighting controls must be tested according to NA7.6.2 to verify that demand responsive controls can reduce lighting power of the building to at least 85 percent of full power. The test also confirms that the lighting system produces a uniform level of illumination during a demand response event.
This test is required when institutional tuning controls are installed to qualify for a power adjustment factor in nonresidential and multifamily common use area lighting systems per §140.6(a)2J or §170.2(e)2Bx. Institutional tuning is the process of adjusting the maximum light output of lighting systems to support visual needs or save energy. Institutional tuning differs from personal tuning in that the control strategy is implemented at the institutional rather than the individual user level, and maximum light level adjustments are available only to authorized personnel.
Institutional tuning must be tested according to NA7.6.4 to verify that the institutional tuning controls limit the maximum light output or power draw of the controlled lighting to 85 percent or less of full light output or full power draw.
Completion of this acceptance test certifies that lighting systems receiving the institutional tuning power adjustment factor (PAF) comply with §140.6(a)2J or §170.2(e)2Bx, and NA7.6.4.
This test is required when demand responsive controls for controlled receptacles are installed in nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, and in multifamily building common use areas per the requirements in §130.5(d)|tag=d_Circuit_Controls_for_120_Volt_Receptacles_and_Controlled_Receptacles_, §160.6(e), and §110.12(e)|topic=(e) Demand Responsive Controlled Receptacles.. Demand responsive controls for controlled receptacles are required in when the following conditions are met:
1. Controlled receptacles are required per §130.5(d)|tag=d_Circuit_Controls_for_120_Volt_Receptacles_and_Controlled_Receptacles_ or §160.6(e)
2. The building is required to have demand responsive lighting controls per §110.12(c)|topic=(c) Demand Responsive Lighting Controls
Demand responsive controls for controlled receptacles must be tested according to NA7.6.5 to verify that demand responsive controls can turn off all loads connected to controlled receptacles when a demand response signal is received.
This test applies to outdoor lighting controls which include photocontrols, motion sensors, astronomical time-switch controls, and scheduling controls for outdoor lighting systems per the requirements of §130.2 and §160.5(c). These controls are required for nonresidential, hotel/motel, and multifamily buildings.
Outdoor lighting controls must be tested according to NA7.8 to verify that all outdoor lighting regulated by §130.2(c) and §160.5(c) is controlled by a motion sensor, photocontrol, astronomical time-switch control, and automatic scheduling control, as required.
Covered process acceptance testing may be performed by any field technician however the startup technician typically performs this testing.
Covered process acceptance testing is required for all covered process specified in §120.6 and §140.9. These requirements apply to newly constructed buildings and to alterations.
The covered process acceptance testing procedures are specified in Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.10 through NA7.20.
The covered processes that require acceptance testing include:
•NA7.10 Refrigerated warehouse refrigeration systems
•NA7.11 Commercial kitchen exhaust systems
•NA7.12|topic=NA1.2 Documentation and Communication Requirements for HERS Verification Compliance Parking garage ventilation systems
•NA7.13|topic=NA7.13 Compressed Air System Acceptance Tests Compressed air systems
•NA7.14 Elevator lighting and ventilation controls
•NA7.15 Escalator and moving walkway controls
•NA7.16 Lab exhaust ventilation systems
•NA7.17|topic=NA7.17 Fume Hood Automatic Sash Closure System Acceptance Test Fume hood automatic sash closure
•NA7.19 Steam trap fault detection
•NA7.20 Transcritical CO2 systems
New refrigerated warehouses, or new refrigeration system serving a refrigerated warehouse require acceptance testing per §120.6(a). The following equipment and systems must be tested to verify that the system operates according to Energy Code requirements.
•Electric resistance underslab heating systems must be tested according to NA7.10.1 to verify that any heated slab that uses an electric resistance heating system is thermostatically controlled to prevent excess heat from entering the refrigerated space and that its load is shed during the summer on-peak period defined by the electric utility provider, as required per Energy Code. The test verifies that the electric resistance heater is controlled according to the underfloor temperature and is forced off during the summer on-peak period.
•Evaporators and evaporative fan motor controls must be tested according to NA7.10.2 to verify that evaporator fans modulate speed in response to space temperature or humidity. Evaporator fan motor controls are required for new, or altered refrigerated warehouses that are 3,000 square feet or more and refrigerated spaces with a sum total of 3,000 square feet that are served by the same refrigeration system
•Evaporative, air-cooled, and adiabatic condensers must be tested according to NA7.10.3 to verify that the condensing temperature setpoint of the condenser is reset in response to ambient dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature, condenser fan speed is continuously variable, condenser fans are controlled in unison, and that the minimum condensing temperature control setpoint meets specifications. Condenser fan motor controls are required on any new evaporative, air-cooled, or adiabatic condensers installed on new refrigeration systems.
•Variable speed compressors must be tested according to NA7.10.4 to verify that variable speed compressor controls modulate compressor speed in response to the refrigeration load. Compressor variable speed controls are required on any new refrigeration systems.
New commercial kitchens, or new commercial kitchen exhaust systems with Type I and Type II kitchen hood exhausts with a total exhaust airflow rate greater than 5,000 cfm require acceptance testing per §140.9(b).
All Type I exhaust hoods must be tested according to NA7.11 to verify that the exhaust airflow rate meets Energy Code requirements, and that demand control ventilation, and make up air systems are functional.
All newly installed parking garage ventilation systems with carbon monoxide control must be tested per §120.6(c).
Airside economizers must be tested according to NA7.12|topic=NA1.2 Documentation and Communication Requirements for HERS Verification Compliance to verify that the airside economizers function properly and carbon monoxide levels are maintained in a healthy range.
All new compressed air systems, and all additions or alterations of compressed air systems, where the total combined online horsepower of the compressor(s) is 25 horsepower or more, must be tested per §120.6(e)|topic=(e) Mandatory Requirements for Compressed Air Systems..
Compressed air system controls must be tested according to NA7.13|topic=NA7.13 Compressed Air System Acceptance Tests to verify that compressed air system controls and monitoring systems are set up in a compliant manner. A compliant system will use the most efficient combination of compressors, given the current air demand as measured by a sensor. This test ensures that short-cycling or blow-off does not occur. For new compressed air systems, the trim compressors are the only compressors that can be partially loaded. All base compressors must be either fully loaded or off by the end of the test.
This test is required for newly installed elevators in nonresidential, multifamily, and hotel/motel buildings per §120.6(f).
Elevator lighting and ventilation controls must be tested according to NA7.14 to verify that shut off controls installed in an elevator cab turn lighting and ventilation fans off when the elevator is not occupied for more than 15 minutes, and on when elevator cab operation resumes.
The control system must also be able to detect occupancy, and keep the lighting and ventilation fan on, in the event that someone is occupying the elevator cabin and the elevator conveyance or doors malfunction.
This test is required for newly installed escalators and moving walkways located in airports, hotels, and transportation function areas per §120.6(g)|topic=(g) Mandatory Requirements for Escalators and Moving Walkways.
Escalator and moving walkway controls must be tested according to NA7.15 to verify that the speed of the escalator or moving walkway slows when unoccupied and speeds up when passengers approach. The control system must be able to detect occupancy and approaching pedestrians in either direction.
This test is required for newly installed laboratory and factory exhaust systems with airflow greater than 10,000 cfm per §140.9(c).
Lab exhaust and ventilation controls must be tested according to NA7.16 to verify that the design and installation of the laboratory exhaust system, including wind speed and contaminant controls, are installed and in operation to limit excessive energy use, without sacrificing operator safety.
This test is required for newly constructed laboratory fume hoods with vertical only sashes, located in fume hood intensive laboratories per §140.9(c)4.
Fume hood automatic sash closure controls must be tested according to NA7.17|topic=NA7.17 Fume Hood Automatic Sash Closure System Acceptance Test to verify that the manual and automated controls of the fume hood and sash operate in compliance with the Energy Code and the enforcement agency approved design.
This test is required for steam traps in new industrial facilities and new steam traps added to support new, non-replacement, process equipment in existing industrial facilities where the following conditions are met:
1. The installed steam trap operating pressures is greater than 15 psig
2. The total combined connected boiler input rating is greater than 5 million Btu per hour
Requirements for steam trap fault detection are included in §120.6(i)|topic=(i) Mandatory Requirements for Steam Traps..
Steam trap fault detection must be tested according to NA7.19 to verify that the fault detection system is installed, programmed, and operating in compliance with the Energy Code.
This test is required for all new refrigerated warehouses and retail food or beverage stores with transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems, or for newly installed transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems serving refrigerated warehouses and retail food or beverage stores per §120.6(a) and §120.6(b)|topic=(b) Mandatory Requirements for Commercial Refrigeration.
Transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems must be tested according to NA7.20 to verify proper operation of gas cooler control, including variable speed fan operation and variable setpoint control logic, which are both important elements of floating head pressure control, with the intent to operate with the lowest total system energy (considering both compressors and gas cooler fan power) through the course of the year.