Section 160.2 – Mandatory Requirements for Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

(a)      General Requirements.

1.    Attached dwelling units in multifamily buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of subsection 160.2(b) below. Occupiable spaces in multifamily buildings other than attached dwelling units shall comply with the applicable requirements of section 160.2(c). When HERS field verification and diagnostic testing of attached dwelling units is required by Section 160.2, buildings with three habitable stories or fewer shall use the applicable procedures in the Residential Appendices, and buildings with four or more habitable stories shall use the applicable procedures in Nonresidential Appendices NA1 and NA2.

NOTE: Section 160.2 is not applicable to townhouses or dwellings that contain two dwelling units.

2.    The required outdoor air-ventilation rate and the air-distribution system design shall be clearly identified on the building design plans submitted to the enforcement agency in accordance with Section 10-103 of Title 24, Part 1.

(b)      Attached Dwelling Units.

Attached dwelling units shall comply with the requirements of subsections 1 and 2 below.

1.   Air Filtration.

A. System types specified in Subsections i, ii, and iii shall be provided with air filters in accordance with Sections 160.2(b)1B, 160.2(b)1C, and 160.2(b)1D. System types specified in subsection i shall also comply with Section 160.2(b)1E.

i.   Mechanical space conditioning systems that supply air to an occupiable space through ductwork exceeding 10 ft (3 m) in length.

ii.  Mechanical supply-only ventilation systems and makeup air systems that provide outside air to an occupiable space.

iii. The supply side of mechanical balanced ventilation systems, including heat recovery ventilation systems, and energy recovery ventilation systems that provide outside air to an occupiable space.

B.    System Design and Installation.

i.      The system shall be designed to ensure that all recirculated air and all outdoor air supplied to the occupiable space are filtered before passing through any system's thermal conditioning components.

EXCEPTION to 160.2(b)1Bi: For heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators the location of the filters required by Section 160.2(b)1 may be downstream of a system thermal conditioning component, provided the system is equipped with ancillary filtration upstream of the system’s thermal conditioning component.

ii.     All systems shall be designed to accommodate the clean-filter pressure drop imposed by the system air filter(s). The design airflow rate, and maximum allowable clean-filter pressure drop at the design airflow rate applicable to each air filter shall be determined and reported on labels according to subsection iv below.

Systems specified in Section 160.2(b)1Ai shall be equipped with air filters that meet either subsection a or b below:

a.    Nominal two-inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be sized by the system designer, or

b.    Nominal one-inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be allowed if the filter(s) are sized according to Equation 160.2-A, based on a maximum face velocity of 150 ft per minute, and according to the maximum allowable clean-filter pressure drop specified in Section 160.2(b)1Dii.

Equation 160.2-A

Aface = Qfilter / Vface

Where:

Aface = air filter face area, the product of air filter nominal length x nominal width, ft2

Qfilter = design airflow rate for the air filter, ft3/min

Vface = air filter face velocity ≤ 150, ft/min

iii. All system air filters shall be located and installed in such a manner as to be accessible for regular service by the system owner.

iv. All system air filter installation locations shall be labeled to disclose the applicable design airflow rate and the maximum allowable clean-filter pressure drop. The labels shall be permanently affixed to the air filter installation location, readily legible, and visible to a person replacing the air filter.

v.  Filter racks or grilles shall use gaskets, sealing or other means to close gaps around inserted filters and prevent air from bypassing the filter.

C. Air Filter Efficiency. The system shall be provided with air filters having a designated efficiency equal to or greater than MERV 13 when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or a particle size efficiency rating equal to or greater than 50 percent in the 0.30-1.0 μm range, and equal to or greater than 85 percent in the 1.0-3.0 μm range when tested in accordance with AHRI Standard 680.

D. Air Filter Pressure Drop. All systems shall be provided with air filters that conform to the applicable maximum allowable clean-filter pressure drop specified in subsections i, ii, iii, or iv below, when tested using ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or as rated using AHRI Standard 680, for the applicable design airflow rates for the system air filters.

i.    The maximum allowable clean-filter pressure drop shall be determined by the system design for the nominal two-inch minimum depth air filter required by Section 160.2(b)1Biia, or

ii.   A maximum of 25 PA (0.1 inches water) clean-filter pressure drop shall be allowed for a nominal one-inch depth air filter sized according to Section 160.2(b)1Biib, or

iii.  For systems specified in sections 160.2(b)1Aii, and 160.2(b)1Aiii, the maximum allowable clean filter pressure drop shall be determined by the system design.

iv. If EXCEPTION 1 to Section 160.3(b)5Lii or iv is utilized for compliance with cooling system airflow rate and fan efficacy requirements, the clean-filter pressure drop for the system air filter shall conform to the requirements given in TABLE 160.3-A or 160.3-B.

E.  Air Filter Product Labeling. Systems described in Section 160.2(b)1Ai shall be equipped with air filters that have been labeled by the manufacturer to disclose the efficiency and pressure drop ratings that demonstrate conformance with Sections 160.2(b)1C and 160.2(b)1D.

EXCEPTION to 160.2(b)1: Evaporative coolers are exempt from the air filtration requirements in Section 160.2(b)1.

2.   Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality…

…for Attached Dwelling Units. All attached dwelling units shall meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings subject to the amendments specified in Section 160.2(b)2A below. All dwelling units shall comply with Section 160.2(b)2B below.

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(b)2 The following sections of ASHRAE 62.2 shall not be required for compliance: Section 4.1.1, Section 4.1.2; Section 4.1.4; Section 4.3; Section 4.6, Section 5, Section 6.1.1, Section 6.5.2, and Normative Appendix A.

A.    Amendments to ASHRAE 62.2 Requirements.

i.             Window Operation.

Window operation is not a permissible method of providing the dwelling unit ventilation airflow specified in subsections iv or v below.

ii.            Central Fan Integrated (CFI) Ventilation Systems.

a.  Continuous Operation Prohibition. Continuous operation of a dwelling unit's central forced air system air handlers used in CFI ventilation systems is not a permissible method of providing the whole-dwelling unit ventilation airflow required by Section 160.2(b)2Aiv.

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(b)2Aiia: The Energy Commission may approve continuous operation of central fan integrated ventilation systems pursuant to Section 10-109(h).

b.  Outdoor Air Damper(s). A motorized damper(s) shall be installed on the connected ventilation duct(s) of CFI systems that prevents all airflow into or out of the space conditioning duct system when the damper(s) is closed.

c.   Damper Control. The required motorized damper(s) shall be controlled to be in an opened position when outdoor air ventilation is required for compliance, and shall be in the closed position when ventilation air is not required. The damper(s) shall be closed whenever the space conditioning system air handling unit is not operating. If the outdoor airflow for the CFI ventilation system is fan-powered, then the outdoor air fan shall not operate when the required motorized damper(s) on the outdoor air ventilation duct(s) is closed.

d.  Variable Ventilation. CFI ventilation systems shall incorporate controls that track outdoor air ventilation run time, and either open or close the required motorized damper(s) depending on whether or not outdoor air ventilation is required for compliance with section 160.2(b)2Aiv. During periods when comfort conditioning is not called for by the space conditioning thermostat, the CFI ventilation system controls shall operate the space conditioning system central fan and outdoor air damper(s) when necessary to ensure compliance with the minimum outdoor air ventilation required by section 160.2(b)2Aiv in accordance with applicable variable mechanical ventilation methods specified in ASHRAE 62.2 section 4.5.

iii.           Air Filtration

Air filtration shall conform to the specifications in Section 160.2(b)1. Compliance with ASHRAE 62.2 Sections 6.7 (Minimum Filtration) and 6.7.1 (Filter Pressure Drop) shall not be required.

iv.       Whole-Dwelling Unit Mechanical Ventilation

Multifamily attached dwelling units shall comply with subsections a and b below.

a.    Mechanical ventilation airflow shall be provided at rates greater than or equal to the value determined in accordance with Equation 160.2-B.

Total Required Ventilation Rate [ASHRAE 62.2:4.1.1].

Equation 160.2-B

Qtot = 0.03Afloor + 7.5(Nbr + 1)

WHERE:

Qtot = total required ventilation rate, cfm

Afloor = dwelling-unit floor area, ft2

Nbr = number of bedrooms (not to be less than 1)

b.    All dwelling units in a multifamily building shall use the same whole-dwelling unit ventilation system type. The system type installed throughout the building shall be only one of the following three types: supply, exhaust, or balanced. The dwelling unit shall comply with one of the following subsections 1 or 2 below.

1.  Balanced Ventilation. A balanced ventilation system shall provide the required whole-dwelling-unit ventilation airflow. Systems with heat recovery or energy recovery that serve a single dwelling unit shall have a fan efficacy of ≤1.0 W/cfm; or

2.  Supply or Exhaust Ventilation with Compartmentalization Testing. Continuously operating supply ventilation systems, or continuously operating exhaust ventilation systems shall be allowed to be used to provide the required whole-dwelling unit ventilation airflow only if the dwelling unit envelope leakage is less than or equal to 0.3 cubic feet per minute at 50 Pa (0.2 inch water) per ft2 of dwelling unit envelope surface area as confirmed by HERS field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Appendix RA3.8 or NA2.3 as applicable.

v.  Multifamily Bu1ilding Central Ventilation System Airflow Rate Tolerance.

Multifamily building central ventilation systems that serve multiple dwelling units shall have airflow rates in each dwelling unit served that meet or exceed a design ventilation airflow rate specification.

a.    Designers shall specify a design ventilation airflow rate for each dwelling unit that is equal to or greater than the rate specified by Equation 160.2-B.

b.    The design ventilation airflow rate for each dwelling unit shall be stated on the building design plans approved by the enforcement agency.

c.     Airflow in each dwelling unit shall be no more than twenty percent greater than the specified design ventilation airflow rate. Ventilation systems shall utilize mechanical or software airflow control means to ensure each of the dwelling-unit airflows can be maintained at the design ventilation airflow within this tolerance at all times. System airflow control-means may include but are not limited to constant air regulation devices, orifice plates, and variable speed central fans.

vi.           Local Mechanical Exhaust.

A local mechanical exhaust system shall be installed in each kitchen and bathroom. Systems shall be rated for airflow in accordance with ASHRAE 62.2 section 7.1.

a.    Nonenclosed kitchens shall have a demand-controlled mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements of Section 160.2(b)2Avic.

b     Enclosed kitchens and all bathrooms shall have either one of the following alternatives 1 or 2:

1.    A demand-controlled mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements of Section 160.2(b)2Avic; or

2.    A continuous mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements of Section 160.2(b)2Avid.

c      Demand-Controlled Mechanical Exhaust. A local mechanical exhaust system shall be designed to be operated as needed.

1.    Control and Operation. Demand-controlled mechanical exhaust systems shall be provided with at least one of the following controls:

A. A readily accessible occupant-controlled ON-OFF control.

B. An automatic control that does not impede occupant ON control.

2.    Ventilation Rate and Capture Efficiency. The system shall meet or exceed either the minimum airflow in accordance with Table 160.2-E or the minimum capture efficiency in accordance with Table 160.2-E, and Table 160.2-G. Capture efficiency ratings shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E3087, and listed in a product directory approved by the Energy Commission.

d.   Continuous Mechanical Exhaust. A mechanical exhaust system shall be installed to operate continuously. The system may be part of a balanced mechanical ventilation system.

1.    Control and Operation. A manual ON-OFF control shall be provided for each continuous mechanical exhaust system. The system shall be designed to operate during all occupiable hours. For multifamily dwelling units, the manual ON-OFF control may be accessible to the dwelling unit occupant, however the manual ON-OFF control shall not be required to be accessible to the dwelling unit occupant.

2.    Ventilation Rate. The minimum delivered ventilation shall be at least the amount indicated in Table 160.2-F during each hour of operation.

e.    Airflow Measurement of Local Mechanical Exhaust by the System Installer. The airflow required by section 160.2(b)2Avi is the quantity of indoor air exhausted by the ventilation system as installed in the dwelling unit. When a vented range hood utilizes a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate compliance with Section 160.2(b)2Avic2, the airflow listed in the approved directory corresponding to the compliant capture efficiency rating point shall be met by the installed system. The as-installed airflow shall be verified by the system installer to ensure compliance by use of either subsection 1 or 2 below:

1.    The system installer shall measure the airflow by using a flow hood, flow grid, or other airflow measuring device at the mechanical ventilation fan’s inlet terminals/grilles or outlet terminals/grilles in accordance with the procedures in Reference Appendix RA3.7 or NA2.2 as applicable.

2.    As an alternative to performing an airflow measurement of the system as installed in the dwelling unit, compliance may be demonstrated by installing an exhaust fan and duct system that conforms to the specifications of Table 160.2-H. Visual inspection shall verify the installed system conforms to the requirements of Table 160.2-H.

When using Table 160.2-H for demonstrating compliance, the airflow rating shall be greater than or equal to the value required by Section 160.2(b)2Avi at a static pressure greater than or equal to 0.25 in. of water (62.5 Pa). When a vented range hood utilizes a capture efficiency rating to demonstrate compliance with Section 160.2(b)2Avic2, a static pressure greater than or equal to 0.25 in. of water at the rating point shall not be required, and the airflow listed in the approved directory corresponding to the compliant capture efficiency rating point shall be applied to Table 160.2-H for determining compliance.

Use of Table 160.2-H is limited to ventilation systems that conform to all of the following three specifications:

A. total duct length is less than or equal to 25 ft (8 m),

B. duct system has no more than three (3) elbows, and

C. duct system has exterior termination fitting with a hydraulic diameter greater than or equal to the minimum duct diameter and not less than the hydraulic diameter of the fan outlet.

f.    Sound Ratings for Local Mechanical Exhaust. Local mechanical exhaust systems shall be rated for sound in accordance with Section 7.2 of ASHRAE 62.2 at no less than the minimum airflow rate required by Section 160.2(b)2Avi.

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(b)2Avif: Kitchen range hoods may be rated for sound at a static pressure determined at working speed as specified in HVI 916 Section 7.2.

vii.  Airflow Measurement of Whole-Dwelling Unit Ventilation.

The airflow required by Sections 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av is the quantity of outdoor ventilation air supplied or indoor air exhausted by the mechanical ventilation system as installed and shall be measured by using a flow hood, flow grid, or other airflow measuring device at the mechanical ventilation fan’s inlet terminals/grilles or outlet terminals/grilles in accordance with the procedures in Reference Appendix Section RA3.7.4.1.1 or NA2.2.4.1.1 as applicable for supply and exhaust systems or RA3.7.4.1.2 or NA2.2.4.1.2 as applicable for balanced systems. Balanced mechanical ventilation system airflow shall be the average of the supply fan and exhaust fan flows.

viii. Sound Ratings for Whole-Dwelling Unit Ventilation Systems.

Whole-Dwelling unit ventilation systems shall be rated for sound in accordance with Section 7.2 of ASHRAE 62.2 at no less than the minimum airflow rate required by 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av as applicable.

ix.   Label for Whole-Dwelling Unit Ventilation System On-Off Control

Compliance with ASHRAE 62.2 Section 4.4 (Control and Operation) shall require manual ON-OFF control switches associated with whole-dwelling unit ventilation systems to have a label clearly displaying the following text, or equivalent text: “This switch controls the indoor air quality ventilation for the home. Leave switch in the "on" position at all times unless the outdoor air quality is very poor.”

x.        Combustion Air and Compensating Outdoor Air or Makeup Air

a.  All dwelling units shall conform to the applicable requirements specified in California Mechanical Code Chapter 7, Combustion Air.

b. All dwelling units shall conform to the requirements in ASHRAE 62.2 Section 6.4, Combustion and Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances.

B.    Dwelling Unit HERS Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing.

i.      The whole-dwelling unit ventilation airflow required by Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av shall be confirmed through HERS field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.1.1 or NA2.2.4.1.1 as applicable for supply and exhaust systems or RA3.7.4.1.2 or NA2.2.4.1.2 as applicable for balanced systems. Balanced mechanical ventilation system airflow shall be the average of the supply fan and exhaust fan flows. Ventilation airflow of systems with multiple operating modes shall be tested in all modes designed to comply with the required ventilation airflows.

ii.     Kitchen Local Mechanical Exhaust - Vented Range Hoods. Vented range hoods installed to comply with local mechanical exhaust requirements specified in section 160.2(b)2Avi shall be HERS field verified in accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.3 or NA2.2.4.1.4 as applicable to confirm the model is rated by HVI or AHAM to comply with the following requirements:

a.  The minimum ventilation airflow rate as specified by Section 160.2(b)2Avi, or alternatively the minimum capture efficiency as specified by Section 160.2(b)2Avi; and

b. The maximum sound rating as specified in Section 160.2(b)2Avif.

iii.    Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) System Fan Efficacy. At a minimum, systems with heat or energy recovery serving a single dwelling unit shall have a fan efficacy of ≤1.0 W/cfm as confirmed by HERS field verification in accordance with Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.4 or NA2.2.4.1.5 as applicable.  If Section 170.2(c)Biva requirements are applicable to the dwelling unit, then HERS field verification shall instead confirm compliance with the maximum fan efficacy and minimum sensible recovery efficiency specified in Section 170.2(c)Biva in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Appendix RA3.7.4.4 or NA2.2.4.1.5 as applicable.

C.    Multifamily Building Central Ventilation System Field Verification

i.      Central Ventilation System Duct Sealing. Ventilation ducts that conform to subsections a and b below shall meet the duct sealing requirements in the California Mechanical Code Section 603.10 and have leakage that is no greater than six percent of the rooftop fan or central fan design airflow rate as confirmed by field verification in accordance with the procedures in Reference Appendix NA7.18.3. The leakage test shall be conducted using a test pressure of 25 Pa (0.1 inches) for ducts serving six or fewer dwelling units and 50 Pa (0.2 inches) for ducts serving more than six dwelling units, and shall measure the leakage of all ductwork between the central fan and the connection point to the in-unit grille or fan.

a.    The ventilation ducts serve multiple dwelling units.

b.    The ventilation ducts provide continuous airflows or airflows to provide balanced ventilation to meet the requirements specified in Section 160.2(b)2Aiv or 160.2(b)2Av as applicable.

(c)       Common Use Areas.

All occupiable spaces shall comply with the requirements of subsection 1 and shall also comply with either subsection 2 or subsection 3:

1.   Air Filtration

A.    Mechanical system types specified in subsections i, ii, and iii below shall be designed to ensure that all recirculated air and all outdoor air supplied to the occupiable space is filtered before passing through any system’s thermal conditioning components. Air Filters shall conform to the requirements of Sections 160.2(c)1B, 160.2(c)1C and 160.2(c)1D.

i.      Mechanical space conditioning systems that supply air to an occupiable space through ductwork exceeding 10 ft (3 m) in length.

ii.     Mechanical supply-only ventilation systems and makeup air systems that provide outside air to an occupiable space.

iii.    The supply side of mechanical balanced ventilation systems, including heat recovery ventilation systems and energy recovery ventilation systems that provide outside air to an occupiable space.

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(c)1A: For heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators the location of the filters required by Section 160.2(c)1A may be downstream of a system’s thermal conditioning component, provided the system is equipped with ancillary filtration upstream of the system’s thermal conditioning component.

B.    Air Filter Efficiency. The filters shall have a designated efficiency equal to or greater than MERV 13 when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2, or a particle size efficiency rating equal to or greater than 50 percent in the 0.30-1.0 μm range, and equal to or greater than 85 percent in the 1.0-3.0 μm range when tested in accordance with AHRI Standard 680; and

C.    Systems shall be equipped with air filters that meet either subsection i or ii below.

i.   Nominal two inch minimum depth filter(s); or

ii.  Nominal one inch minimum depth filter(s) shall be allowed if the filter(s) are sized according to Equation 160.2-A, based on a maximum face velocity of 150 ft per minute.

D.    Filter racks or grilles shall be gasketed or sealed to eliminate any gaps around the filter to prevent air from bypassing the filter.

2.   Natural Ventilation.

Naturally ventilated spaces shall be designed in accordance with Section Sections 160.2(c)2A through 160.2(c)2C and include a mechanical ventilation system designed in accordance with Section 160.2(c)3:

EXCEPTION 1 to 160.2(c)2: The mechanical ventilation system shall not be required where natural ventilation openings complying with Section 160.2(c)2 are either permanently open or have controls that prevent the openings from being closed during periods of expected occupancy.

EXCEPTION 2 to Section 160.2(c)2: The mechanical ventilation system shall not be required where the zone is not served by a space conditioning system.

A.    Floor area to be ventilated. Spaces or portions of spaces to be naturally ventilated shall be located within a distance based on the ceiling height, as specified in i, ii and iii. The ceiling height (H) to be used in i, ii or iii shall be the minimum ceiling height in the space, or for ceilings that are increasing in height as distance from the operable openings is increased, the ceiling height shall be determined as the average height of the ceiling within 20 ft from the operable opening. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1]

i.   Single Side Opening. For spaces with operable opening on one side of the space, the maximum distance from the operable opening shall be not more than 2H. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.1]

ii.  Double Side Opening. For spaces with operable openings on two opposite sides of the space, the maximum distance from the operable opening shall be not more than 5H. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.2]

iii. Corner Opening. For spaces with operable openings on two adjacent sides of a space, the maximum distance from the operable openings shall be not more than 5H along a line drawn between the two openings that are the farthest apart. Floor area outside that line shall comply with i or ii. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.3]

iv. Ceiling Height. The ceiling height (h) to be used in Sections 160.2(c)2Ai through 160.2 (c)2Aiii shall be the minimum ceiling height in the space.

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(c)2Aiv: For ceilings that are increasing in height as distance from the opening is increased, the ceiling height shall be determined as the average height of the ceiling within 20 feet from the operable openings. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.1.4]

B.    Location and Size of Openings. Spaces or portions of spaces to be naturally ventilated shall be permanently open to operable wall openings directly to the outdoors. The openable area shall be not less than 4 percent of the net occupiable floor area. Where openings are covered with louvers or otherwise obstructed, the openable area shall be based on the net free unobstructed area through the opening. Where interior rooms, or portions of rooms, without direct openings to the outdoors are ventilated through adjoining rooms, the opening between rooms shall be permanently unobstructed and have a free area of not less than 8 percent of the area of the interior room or less than 25 square feet. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.2]

C.    Control and Accessibility. The means to open the required operable opening shall be readily accessible to building occupants whenever the space is occupied. Controls shall be designed to coordinate operation of the natural and mechanical ventilation systems. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.4.3]

3.   Mechanical Ventilation.

Occupiable spaces shall be ventilated with a mechanical ventilation system capable of providing an outdoor airflow rate (Vz) to the zone no less than the larger of A or B as described below:

A. The outdoor airflow rate to the zone (Vz) shall be determined in accordance with Equation 160.2-G; or

Equation 160.2-G

Vz = Ra x Az

Where:

Ra = Outdoor airflow rate required per unit area as determined from Table 160.2-B.

Az = Zone floor area is the net occupiable floor area of the ventilation zone in square feet.

B. For spaces designed for an expected number of occupants, the outdoor airflow rate to the zone (Vz) shall be determined in accordance with Equation 160.2-H

Equation 160.2-H

Vz = Rp x Pz

Where:

Rp = 15 cubic feet per minute of outdoor airflow per person

Pz = The expected number of occupants. The expected number of occupants shall be the expected number specified by the building designer. For spaces with fixed seating, the expected number of occupants shall be determined in accordance with the California Building Code.

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(c)3: Transfer air. The rate of outdoor air required by Section 160.2(c)3 may be provided with air transferred from other ventilated space if:

i.   Use of transfer air is in accordance with Section 160.2(c)8; and

ii.  The outdoor air that is supplied to all spaces combined, is sufficient to meet the requirements of Section 160.2(c)3 for each space individually.

4.   Exhaust Ventilation.

The design exhaust airflow shall be determined in accordance with the requirements in Table 160.2-C. Exhaust makeup air shall be permitted to be any combination of outdoor air, recirculated air, or transfer air. [ASHRAE 62.1:6.5.1]

5.   Operation and Control Requirements for Minimum Quantities of Outdoor Air.

A.    Times of occupancy. The minimum rate of outdoor air required by Section 160.2(c) shall be supplied to each space at all times when the space is usually occupied.

EXCEPTION 1 to Section 160.2(c)5A: Demand control ventilation. In intermittently occupied spaces that do not have processes or operations that generate dusts, fumes, mists, vapors or gases and are not provided with local exhaust ventilation (such as indoor operation of internal combustion engines or areas designated for unvented food service preparation), the rate of outdoor air may be reduced if the ventilation system serving the space is controlled by a demand control ventilation device complying with Section 160.2(c)5D or by an occupant sensor ventilation control device complying with Section 160.2(c)5E.

EXCEPTION 2 to Section 160.2(c)5A: Temporary reduction. The rate of outdoor air provided to a space may be reduced below the level required by Section 160.2(c) for up to 30 minutes at a time if the average rate for each hour is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate.

B.    Preoccupancy. The lesser of the minimum rate of outdoor air required by Section 160.2(c) or three complete air changes shall be supplied to the entire building during the 1-hour period immediately before the building is normally occupied.

C.    Required Demand Control Ventilation. Demand ventilation controls complying with Section 160.2(c)5D 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 system serving the space has one or more of the following:

i.   an air economizer; or

ii.  modulating outside air control; or

iii. design outdoor airflow rate > 3,000 cfm.

EXCEPTION 1 to Section 160.2(c)5C: Where space exhaust is greater than the design ventilation rate specified in Section 160.2(c)3 minus 0.2 cfm per ft² of conditioned area.

EXCEPTION 2 to Section 160.2(c)5C: Spaces that have processes or operations that generate dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases and are not provided with local exhaust ventilation, such as indoor operation of internal combustion engines or areas designated for unvented food service preparation, daycare sickrooms, science labs, barber shops or beauty and nail salons shall not install demand control ventilation.

EXCEPTION 3 to Section 160.2(c)5C: Spaces with an area of less than 150 square feet, or a design occupancy of less than 10 people as specified by Section 160.2(c)3.

D. Demand Control Ventilation Devices.

i.   For each system with demand control ventilation (DCV), CO2 sensors shall be installed in each room that meets the criteria of Section 160.2(c)5C with no less than one sensor per 10,000 ft² of floor space. When a zone or a space is served by more than one sensor, a signal from any sensor indicating that CO2 is near or at the setpoint within the zone or space shall trigger an increase in ventilation.

ii.  CO2 sensors shall be located in the room between 3 ft and 6 ft above the floor or at the anticipated height of the occupants’ heads.

iii. Demand ventilation controls shall maintain CO2 concentrations less than or equal to 600 ppm plus the outdoor air CO2 concentration in all rooms with CO2 sensors.

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(c)5Diii: The outdoor air ventilation rate is not required to be larger than the design outdoor air ventilation rate required by Section 160.2(c)3 regardless of CO2 concentration.

iv. Outdoor air CO2 concentration shall be determined by one of the following

a.  CO2 concentration shall be assumed to be 400 ppm without any direct measurement; or

b. CO2 concentration shall be dynamically measured using a CO2 sensor located within 4 ft of the outdoor air intake.

v.  When the system is operating during hours of expected occupancy, the controls shall maintain system outdoor air ventilation rates no less than the rate listed in Table 160.2-B for DCV, times the conditioned floor area for spaces with CO2 sensors, plus the rate required by Section 160.2(c)3 for other spaces served by the system, or the exhaust air rate whichever is greater.

vi. CO2 sensors shall be certified by the manufacturer to be accurate within plus or minus 75 ppm at a 600 and 1000 ppm concentration when measured at sea level and 25°C, factory calibrated, and certified by the manufacturer to require calibration no more frequently than once every 5 years. Upon detection of sensor failure, the system shall provide a signal which resets to supply the minimum quantity of outside air to levels required by Section 160.2(c)3 to the zone serviced by the sensor at all times that the zone is occupied.

vii.          The CO2 sensor(s) reading for each zone shall be displayed continuously, and shall be recorded on systems with digital direct controls (DDC) to the zone level.

E.  Occupant sensing ventilation control devices. Occupant sensing ventilation controls are required for space conditioning zones that are both permitted to have their ventilation air reduced to zero while in occupied standby mode per Table 160.2-B and required to install occupant sensors to comply with Section 160.5(b)4Cv, vi and vii. Occupant sensing ventilation control devices used to reduce the rate of outdoor air flow when occupants are not present shall comply with the following:

i.      Occupant sensors shall meet the requirements in Section 110.9(b)1 and shall have suitable coverage and placement to detect occupants in the entire space ventilated.

ii.     When occupant sensors controlling lighting are also used for ventilation, the ventilation signal shall be independent of daylighting, manual lighting overrides or manual control of lighting.

iii.    When a single zone damper or a single zone system serves multiple rooms, there shall be an occupant sensor in each room and the zone shall not be considered vacant until all rooms in the zone are vacant.

iv.   One hour prior to normal scheduled occupancy, the occupant sensor ventilation control shall allow preoccupancy purge as described in Section 160.2(c)5B.

v.    When the zone is scheduled to be occupied and occupant sensing controls in all rooms and areas served by the zone indicate the spaces are unoccupied, the zone shall be placed in occupied standby mode.

vi.   In 5 minutes or less after entering occupied-standby mode, mechanical ventilation to the zone shall be shut off until the space becomes occupied or until ventilation is needed to provide space heating or conditioning. When mechanical ventilation is shut off to the zone, the ventilation system serving the zone shall reduce the system outside air rate by the amount of outside air required for the zone.

vii.  Where the system providing space conditioning also provides ventilation to the zone, in 5 minutes or less after entering occupied-standby mode, space conditioning zone setpoints shall be reset in accordance with Section 120.2(e)3.

6.   Ducting for Zonal Heating and Cooling Units.

Where a return plenum is used to distribute outdoor air to a zonal heating or cooling unit that then supplies the air to a space in order to meet the requirements of Section 160.2(c)3, the outdoor air shall be ducted to discharge either:

A.    Within 5 feet of the unit; or

B.    Within 15 feet of the unit, substantially toward the unit, and at a velocity not less than 500 feet per minute.

7.   Design and Control Requirements for Quantities of Outdoor Air.

A.    All mechanical ventilation and space-conditioning systems shall be designed with and have installed ductwork, dampers, and controls to allow outside air rates to be operated at the minimum levels specified in Section 160.2(c)3 or the rate required for make-up of exhaust systems that are required for an exempt or covered process, for control of odors, or for the removal of contaminants within the space.

B.    All variable air volume mechanical ventilation and space-conditioning systems shall include dynamic controls that maintain measured outside air ventilation rates within 10 percent of the required outside air ventilation rate at both full and reduced supply airflow conditions. Fixed minimum damper position is not considered to be dynamic and is not an allowed control strategy.

C.    Measured outdoor air rates of constant volume mechanical ventilation and space-conditioning systems shall be within 10 percent of the required outside air rate.

8.   Air Classification and Recirculation Limitations…

…Air classification and recirculation limitations of air shall be based on the air classification as listed in Table 160.2-B or Table 160.2-D, in accordance with the following:

A.    Class 1 Air is air with significant contaminant concentration, significant sensory-irritation intensity, or offensive odor. Recirculation or transfer of Class 1 air to any space shall be permitted; [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.1]

B.    Class 2 Air is air with moderate contaminant concentration, mild sensory-irritation intensity, or mildly offensive odors (Class 2 air also includes air that is not necessarily harmful or objectionable but that is inappropriate for transfer or recirculation to spaces used for different purposes). Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 air shall be permitted in accordance with Sections 160.2(c)8Bi through 160.2(c)8Bv:

i.   Recirculation of Class 2 air within the space of origin shall be permitted [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.2.1]:

ii.  Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 to other Class 2 or Class 3 spaces shall be permitted, provided that the other spaces are used for the same or similar purpose or task and involve the same or similar pollutant sources as the Class 2 space [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.2.2]; or

iii. Transfer of Class 2 air to toilet rooms [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.2.3]; or

iv. Recirculation or transfer of Class 2 air to Class 4 spaces [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.2.4]; or

v.  Class 2 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to Class 1 spaces. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.2.5]

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(c)8Bv: When using any energy recovery device, recirculation from leakage, carryover, or transfer from the exhaust side of the energy recovery device is permitted. Recirculated Class 2 air shall not exceed 10% of the outdoor air intake flow.

C.    Class 3 Air is air with significant contaminant concentration, significant sensory-irritation intensity, or offensive odor. Recirculation or transfer of Class 3 air shall be permitted in accordance with 160.2(c)8Ci and 160.2(c)8Cii:

i.   Recirculation of Class 3 air within the space of origin shall be permitted. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.3.1]

ii.  Class 3 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to any other space. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.3.2].

EXCEPTION to Section 160.2(c)8Cii: When using any energy recovery device, recirculation from leakage, carryover, or transfer from the exhaust side of the energy recovery device is permitted. Recirculated Class 3 air shall not exceed 5% of the outdoor air intake flow.

D.    Class 4 Air is air with highly objectionable fumes or gases or with potentially dangerous particles, bioaerosols, or gases at concentrations high enough to be considered as harmful. Class 4 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to any space or recirculated within the space of origin. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.3.4]

E.    Ancillary spaces. Redesignation of Class 1 air to Class 2 air shall be permitted for Class 1 spaces that are ancillary to Class 2 spaces. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.2.3]

F.    Transfer. A mixture of air that has been transferred through or returned from spaces or locations with different air classes shall be redesignated with the highest classification among the air classes mixed. [ASHRAE 62.1:5.16.2.2]

G.   Classification. Air leaving each space or location shall be designated at an expected air-quality classification not less than that shown in Tables 160.2-B, 160.2-C or 160.2-D. Air leaving spaces or locations that are not listed in Tables 160.2-B, 160.2-C or 160.2-D shall be designated with the same classification as air from the most similar space or location listed in terms of occupant activities and building construction.

(d)      Parking Garages.

Mechanical ventilation systems for enclosed parking garages in multifamily buildings shall comply with Section 120.6(c).

TABLE 160.2-A: Infiltration Effectiveness Weather and Shielding Factors [ASHRAE 62.2: Table B1

TABLE 160.2-B – Minimum Ventilation Rates for Multifamily Common Use Areas

TABLE 160.2-C – Minimum Exhaust Rates
[ASHRAE 62.1: TABLE 6.5]

TABLE 160.2-D – Airstreams or Sources [ASHRAE 62.1:Table 5.16.1]

Table 160.2-E: Demand-Controlled Local Ventilation Exhaust Airflow Rates and Capture Efficiency

Table 160.2-F: Continuous Local Ventilation Exhaust Airflow Rates

Table 160.2-G: Kitchen Range Hood Airflow Rates (cfm) and ASTM E3087 Capture Efficiency (CE)
Ratings According to Dwelling Unit Floor Area and Kitchen Range Fuel Type

Table 160.2-H: Prescriptive Ventilation System Duct Sizing [ASHRAE 62.2:Table 5-3]

NOTE: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.