Title 24 · California Energy Code

What certification and communications must demand‑response controls meet?

If your building will use demand‑response controls, the California Energy Code requires devices be a certified OpenADR VEN (2.0a/2.0b or OpenADR 3.0 Baseline Profile) or be certified to the Energy Commission as able to respond to a certified VEN, and the controls must use a wired or wireless bidirectional protocol; smart thermostats must meet JA5. See **§ 110.12(a)** for the controlling requirements.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Buildings (other than healthcare facilities) that install demand‑response controls must use controls that are either a certified OpenADR Virtual End Node (VEN) or are certified to the Energy Commission as able to respond to a certified VEN, and those controls must communicate with the VEN using a wired or wireless bidirectional communication protocol. The rules and the thermostat reference to Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5) are contained in § 110.12 and § 110.12(a) of the California Energy Code.

The single most important rule: demand‑response devices must be certified to interoperate with OpenADR VENs and must speak a bidirectional wired or wireless protocol so they can receive events and report status (see § 110.12(a)).

Requirements in detail

Certification pathways (what counts as “certified”)

  • Option A — Device is a certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN) as defined by the OpenADR 2.0 conformance clause. § 110.12(a)1A.
  • Option B — Device is certified to the California Energy Commission as capable of responding to a demand‑response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b or certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 VEN, and automatically implements the control functions requested by the VEN for the equipment it controls. § 110.12(a)1B.

Communications requirements (how they must talk)

  • All demand‑responsive controls must be capable of communicating with the VEN using a wired or wireless bidirectional communication protocol. § 110.12(a)2.
  • Controls must continue to perform their other control functions if the demand response signal is disabled or unavailable. § 110.12(a)4.

Thermostats and reference standards

  • Demand responsive control thermostats are required to comply with Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5), Technical Specifications for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats. § 110.12(a)5. The text points to JA5 for the thermostat technical specs; the JA5 content itself is in the referenced appendix.

Decision‑relevant summary table

Decision dimension Required value / threshold Code Reference
Acceptable certification (path A) Certified OpenADR 2.0a or 2.0b VEN § 110.12(a)1A
Acceptable certification (path B) Certified to the Energy Commission as able to respond to a certified OpenADR 2.0b or Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 VEN and implement requested controls § 110.12(a)1B
Communication capability Wired or wireless bidirectional protocol between control and VEN § 110.12(a)2
Fail‑safe behavior Maintain all other control functions if DR signal disabled/unavailable § 110.12(a)4
Smart thermostat spec Comply with JA5 (Reference Joint Appendix 5) § 110.12(a)5

Exceptions & special cases

  • The Section applies to buildings “other than healthcare facilities” — healthcare facilities are outside the § 110.12 mandate. § 110.12 (intro).
  • Some demand‑response functions for lighting, HVAC zoning, or electronic message centers carry additional, distinct requirements or exceptions (for example, lighting power thresholds and health/life‑safety exceptions). See § 110.12(b) and § 110.12(c) for zonal HVAC and lighting specifics and their exceptions.

If you need the technical details inside JA5 (thermostat test methods, communications stacks, or required telemetry points), JA5 is a separate referenced appendix; those specific technical requirements are not reproduced in § 110.12(a) itself and must be consulted directly in Joint Appendix 5.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming one‑way signals are acceptable. The code requires bidirectional communication (not just receive-only). § 110.12(a)2.
  • Installing a device that claims “OpenADR compatible” but is not a certified VEN or not certified to the Commission under the Option B path. The code requires the certified VEN or Energy Commission certification paths in § 110.12(a)1.
  • Forgetting the thermostat standard: specifying smart thermostats without verifying JA5 compliance for demand‑response thermostats. § 110.12(a)5.
  • Failing to ensure controls continue normal operations when DR signals are lost (the equipment must not cease other control functions when the DR signal is disabled/unavailable). § 110.12(a)4.
  • Neglecting acceptance/testing paperwork: demand‑responsive lighting controls and other DR functions have acceptance test requirements (see § 130.4 for demand responsive lighting testing requirements).

Worked example — concrete scenario

An owner of a 50,000 ft² office building will install room thermostats and lighting controls to participate in utility demand response.

  1. Certification choice: The owner specifies thermostats that are a certified OpenADR 2.0b VEN. This satisfies § 110.12(a)1A.
  2. Communications: The thermostats connect over the building Ethernet backbone (wired) and use an OpenADR VEN profile that sends/receives DR events and status — meeting the wired bidirectional requirement in § 110.12(a)2.
  3. Thermostat spec: The thermostats are claimed “smart” — the project verifies the vendor documents JA5 compliance and includes that on the equipment schedule, fulfilling § 110.12(a)5.
  4. Fail‑safe: The contractor configures the controls so that if the VEN server is unreachable, local temperature control and occupancy control continue to operate normally, per § 110.12(a)4.
  5. Zonal demand shed: During a DR event, the EMCS issues a centralized signal to increase cooling setpoints by 4°F in noncritical zones and later resets the temperatures — meeting the capability described in § 110.12(b) for zonal HVAC demand sheds. (This illustrates how certified communications + device capabilities are used to implement the § 110.12 requirements.)

Related provisions

  • § 110.12(b) — Demand Responsive Zonal HVAC Controls (4° setpoint shift, reset, rate of change).
  • § 110.12(c) — Demand Responsive Lighting Controls (lighting thresholds, 15% test reduction requirement).
  • § 130.4 — Lighting control acceptance and required testing for demand‑responsive lighting.
  • § 110.12(a) — Certification and communications requirements (primary controlling subsection).

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • § 2.0 High relevance — show source text

    B. Certified to the Energy Commission as being capable of responding to a demand response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node by automatically implementing the control functions requested by the Virtual End Node for the equipment it controls. 2. All demand responsive controls shall be capable of communicating with the VEN using a wired or wireless bidirectional communication protocol.

    1. Reserved.

    2. When the demand response signal is disabled or unavailable, all demand responsive controls shall continue to perform all other control functions provided by the control.

    3. Demand responsive control thermostats shall comply with Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5), Technical Specifications for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats. (b) Demand Responsive Zonal HVAC Controls. Nonresidential HVAC systems with DDC to the Zone level shall be programmed to allow centralized demand shed for noncritical zones as follows:

    4. The controls shall have a capability to remotely increase the operating cooling temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an Energy Management Control System (EMCS).

    5. The controls shall have a capability to remotely decrease the operating heating temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.

    6. The controls shall have capabilities to remotely reset the temperatures in all noncritical zones to original operating levels on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.

    7. The controls shall be programmed to provide an adjustable rate of change for the temperature increase, decrease, and reset.

    8. The controls shall have the following features: A. Disabled. Disabled by authorized facility operators; and B. Manual control. Manual control by authorized facility operators to allow adjustment of heating and cooling set points globally from a single point in the EMCS; and C. Automatic Demand Shed Control. Upon receipt of a demand response signal, the space-conditioning systems shall conduct a centralized demand shed, as specified in Sections 110.12(b)1 and 110.12(b)2, for noncritical zones during the demand response period.

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    (c) Demand Responsive Lighting Controls. Buildings with nonresidential lighting systems having a total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that are subject to the requirements of Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B shall install controls that are capable of automatically reducing lighting power in response to a demand response signal.

    1. For compliance testing, the lighting controls shall demonstrate a 15-percent or greater reduction in lighting power as described in NA7.6.3. The controls may provide additional demand responsive functions or abilities.
    2. For buildings where demand response controls are required, demand responsive controls shall control the general lighting in the spaces required to meet Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B.
    3. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B. Exception to Section 110.12(c): Spaces where a health or life safety statute, ordinance, or regulation does not permit the general lighting to be reduced are not required to install demand responsive controls and do not count toward the 4,000-watt threshold.
  • § 110.11 High relevance — show source text

    (a) Low-voltage dry-type distribution transformer shall be certified by the Manufacturer as required by the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations.

    EXCEPTION to Section 110.11(a):

    1. autotransformer;

    2. drive (isolation) transformer;

    3. grounding transformer;

    4. machine-tool (control) transformer;

    5. nonventilated transformer;

    6. rectifier transformer;

    7. regulating transformer;

    8. sealed transformer;

    9. special-impedance transformer;

    10. testing transformer;

    11. transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more;

    12. uninterruptible power supply transformer; or

    13. welding transformer.

    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, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    SECTION 110.12 — MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT

    Buildings, other than healthcare facilities, that install or are required to install demand responsive controls shall comply with the applicable demand responsive control requirements of Sections 110.12(a) through 110.12(e). (a) Demand responsive controls.

    1. All demand responsive controls shall be either: A. A certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN), as specified under Clause 11, Conformance, in the applicable OpenADR 2.0 Specification; or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node; or

    B. Certified to the Energy Commission as being capable of responding to a demand response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node by automatically implementing the control functions requested by the Virtual End Node for the equipment it controls. 2. All demand responsive controls shall be capable of communicating with the VEN using a wired or wireless bidirectional communication protocol.

    1. Reserved.

    2. When the demand response signal is disabled or unavailable, all demand responsive controls shall continue to perform all other control functions provided by the control.

    3. Demand responsive control thermostats shall comply with Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5), Technical Specifications for Occupant Controlled Smart Thermostats. (b) Demand Responsive Zonal HVAC Controls. Nonresidential HVAC systems with DDC to the Zone level shall be programmed to allow centralized demand shed for noncritical zones as follows:

    4. The controls shall have a capability to remotely increase the operating cooling temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an Energy Management Control System (EMCS).

    5. The controls shall have a capability to remotely decrease the operating heating temperature set points by 4 degrees or more in all noncritical zones on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.

    6. The controls shall have capabilities to remotely reset the temperatures in all noncritical zones to original operating levels on signal from a centralized contact or software point within an EMCS.

    7. The controls shall be programmed to provide an adjustable rate of change for the temperature increase, decrease, and reset.

  • § 110.10 High relevance — show source text

    (d) Documentation. A copy of the construction documents or a comparable document indicating the information from Sections 110.10(b) through 110.10(c) shall be provided to the occupant.

    (e) Main electrical service panel.

    1. The main electrical service panel shall have a minimum busbar rating of 200 amps.
    2. The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double pole circuit breaker for a future solar electric installation. The reserved space shall be permanently marked as “For Future Solar Electric”.

    Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402, 25402.1, and 25605, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.8, 25605, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    SECTION 110.11—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

    Certification by Manufacturers. Any electrical power distribution system equipment listed in this section may be installed only if the manufacture has certified to the Commission that the equipment complies with all the applicable requirements of this section.

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    (a) Low-voltage dry-type distribution transformer shall be certified by the Manufacturer as required by the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations.

    EXCEPTION to Section 110.11(a):

    1. autotransformer;

    2. drive (isolation) transformer;

    3. grounding transformer;

    4. machine-tool (control) transformer;

    5. nonventilated transformer;

    6. rectifier transformer;

    7. regulating transformer;

    8. sealed transformer;

    9. special-impedance transformer;

    10. testing transformer;

    11. transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more;

    12. uninterruptible power supply transformer; or

    13. welding transformer.

    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, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.

    SECTION 110.12 — MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT

    Buildings, other than healthcare facilities, that install or are required to install demand responsive controls shall comply with the applicable demand responsive control requirements of Sections 110.12(a) through 110.12(e). (a) Demand responsive controls.

    1. All demand responsive controls shall be either: A. A certified OpenADR 2.0a or OpenADR 2.0b Virtual End Node (VEN), as specified under Clause 11, Conformance, in the applicable OpenADR 2.0 Specification; or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 Virtual End Node; or
  • § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

    or furniture mounted luminaires that comply with Section 170.2(e)1Aii and provide general lighting directly above the controlled area; and d. Qualifying luminaires shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that meet all of the following requirements, as applicable: I. Infrared sensors shall be equipped by the manufacturer, or fitted in the field by the installer, with lenses or shrouds to prevent them from being triggered by movement outside of the controlled

    area.

    II. Ultrasonic sensors shall be tuned to reduce their sensitivity to prevent them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area. III. All other sensors shall be installed and adjusted as necessary to prevent them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area. e. Occupant sensing control zones, in offices greater than 250 square feet, shall be shown on the plans.

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    x. To qualify for the PAF for an Institutional Tuning in Table 170.2-L, the tuned lighting system shall comply with all of the following requirements: a. The lighting controls shall limit the maximum output or maximum power draw of the controlled lighting to 85 percent or less of full light output or full power draw; and b. The means of setting the limit is accessible only to authorized personnel; and c. The setting of the limit is verified by the acceptance test required by Section 160.5(e)1G; and d. The construction documents specify which lighting systems shall have their maximum light output or maximum power draw set to no greater than 85 percent of full light output or full power draw. xi. To qualify for the PAF for a demand responsive control in Table 170.2-L, the general lighting wattage receiving the PAF shall not be within the scope of Section 110.12(c) and a demand responsive control shall meet all of the following requirements: a. The controlled lighting shall be capable of being automatically reduced in response to a demand response signal; and b. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the illuminance uniformity requirements of Section 160.5(b)4B. xii. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats or light shelves in Table 170.2-L, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 170.2(b). The PAFs shall only apply to lighting in a primary or secondary sidelit daylit zone where continuous dimming daylighting controls meeting the requirements of Section 160.5(b)4D are installed.

    TABLE 170.2-L—LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF) Col2 Col3
    TYPE OF CONTROL TYPE OF AREA FACTOR
    1. Daylight Continuous
    Dimming Plus OFF Control    		 Luminaires in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone 0.10
    2. Occupant Sensing Controls
    in Office Spaces Larger Than
    250 Square Feet    		 In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an area that is:
    No larger than 125 square feet    		 0.30
    2.
  • § 130.3 High relevance — show source text

    Exception to Section 130.3(a)2B: Outdoor signs in tunnels and large covered areas that are intended to be illuminated both day and night. 3. Demand responsive Electronic Message Center (EMC) control. See Section 110.12 for requirements for demand responsive EMC controls .

    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.

    SECTION 130.4—LIGHTING CONTROL ACCEPTANCE AND INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

    Nonresidential buildings other than healthcare facilities and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 130.4(a) through 130.4(c). Healthcare facilities shall comply with the applicable acceptance and installation documentation requirements of OSHPD.

    (a) Lighting and receptacle control acceptance requirements. Before an occupancy permit is granted, indoor and outdoor lighting and receptacle controls serving the building, area or site and installed to comply with Section 110.12, 120.6(h)5B, 130.1, 130.2, 130.5 or 140.6 shall be certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance as specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6 and NA7.8. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency under Section 10-103(a) of Part 1, that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements:

    1. Reserved.

    2. Reserved.

    3. Daylight responsive controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.1;

    4. Lighting shut-OFF controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.2;

    5. Demand responsive lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.3; and

    6. Outdoor lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.8; and

    7. Lighting systems receiving the Institutional Tuning Power Adjustment Factor shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.4.

    8. Demand responsive controls required to control controlled receptacles shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.5.

    (b) Lighting control installation certificate requirements. To be recognized for compliance with Part 6 an installation certificate shall be submitted in accordance with Section 10-103(a) for any lighting control system, energy management control system, interlocked lighting system, lighting power adjustment factor, or additional wattage available for a videoconference studio, in accordance with the following requirements, as applicable:

    1. Certification that when a lighting control system is installed to comply with lighting control requirements in Part 6 it complies with the applicable requirements of Section 110.9; and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.1.

    2. Certification that when an energy management control system is installed to function as a lighting control required by Part 6 it functionally meets all applicable requirements for each application for which it is installed, in accordance with Sections 110.9, 130.0 through 130.5, 140.6 through 150.0, and 150.2; and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.2.

    3. Reserved.

    4. Reserved.

  • § 5.6. High relevance — show source text

    1. Supply fan variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.6.

    2. Hydronic system variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 and NA7.5.9.

    3. Boiler or chillers that require isolation controls as specified by Section 140.4(k)2 or 140.4(k)3 shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7.

    4. Hydronic systems with supply water temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.8.

    5. Automatic demand shed controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.10.

    6. Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) for Packaged Direct-Expansion Units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.11.

    7. Automatic fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for air handling units and zone terminal units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.12.

    8. Distributed Energy Storage DX AC Systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.13.

    9. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.14.

    10. Supply air temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.15.

    11. Water-cooled chillers served by cooling towers with condenser water reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.16.

    12. When an energy management control system is installed, it shall functionally meet all of the applicable requirements of Part 6.

    13. Occupant sensing zone controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.17.

    14. Conductivity controls and overflow alarms for open and closed-circuit cooling towers shall be tested according to NA7.5.18.

    (b) When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-103.2, the acceptance testing specified by Section 120.5(a) shall be performed by a certified mechanical acceptance test technician (CMATT). If the CMATT is operating as an employee, the CMATT shall

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    be employed by a certified mechanical acceptance test employer. The CMATT shall disclose on the certificate of acceptance a valid CMATT certification identification number issued by an approved acceptance test technician certification provider. The CMATT shall complete all certificate of acceptance documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10-103(a)4.

    Note: Authority cited: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402(a)-(b), 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8 and 25943, Public Resources Code .

    SECTION 120.6—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES

    Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 120.6(a) through 120.6(k), and the applicable requirements of Sections 110.2(a) and 120.3.

    (a) Mandatory requirements for refrigerated warehouses.

  • § 130.1 High relevance — show source text

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    (c) Demand Responsive Lighting Controls. Buildings with nonresidential lighting systems having a total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that are subject to the requirements of Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B shall install controls that are capable of automatically reducing lighting power in response to a demand response signal.

    1. For compliance testing, the lighting controls shall demonstrate a 15-percent or greater reduction in lighting power as described in NA7.6.3. The controls may provide additional demand responsive functions or abilities.
    2. For buildings where demand response controls are required, demand responsive controls shall control the general lighting in the spaces required to meet Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B.
    3. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B. Exception to Section 110.12(c): Spaces where a health or life safety statute, ordinance, or regulation does not permit the general lighting to be reduced are not required to install demand responsive controls and do not count toward the 4,000-watt threshold. (d) Demand Responsive Electronic Message Center Control. Controls for electronic message centers greater than 15 kW shall be capable of reducing the lighting power by a minimum of 30 percent when receiving a demand response signal. Exception to Section 110.12(d): Electronic message centers that are not permitted by a health or life safety statute, ordinance, or regulation to be reduced. (e) Demand Responsive Controlled Receptacles. In spaces required to have controlled receptacles per Section 130.5(d) or 160.6(d) and where demand responsive lighting controls are installed, the controlled receptacles shall be capable of automatically turning off all connected loads in response to a demand response signal. Exception to Section 110.12(e): Spaces where a health or life safety statute, ordinance or regulation does not permit the receptacles to be automatically controlled.

    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.

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    3 NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES,

    AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

    SECTION 120.0—GENERAL

    Sections 120.1 through 120.10 establish requirements for the design and installation of building envelopes, ventilation, space-conditioning and service water-heating systems and equipment in nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings as well as covered processes that are within the scope of Section 100.0(a).

    Note: The requirements of Sections 120.1 through 120.10 apply to newly constructed buildings. Section 141.0 specifies which requirements of Sections 120.1 through 120.10 also apply to additions or alterations to existing buildings.

  • § 160.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    (e) Lighting control acceptance and installation certificate requirement. Multifamily common use areas shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 160.5(e)1 through 160.5(e)3.

    1. Lighting control acceptance requirements. Before an occupancy permit is granted, indoor and outdoor lighting controls serving the building, area or site and installed to comply with Section 160.5(b)4D, 160.5(b)4C, 160.5(b)4E, 160.5(c)2 or 170.2(e)1Aiij shall be certified as meeting the Acceptance Requirements for Code Compliance as specified by Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6 and NA7.8. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency under Section 10-103(a) of Part 1 that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements:

    A. Reserved;

    B. Reserved; C. Daylight responsive controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.1; D. Lighting shut-OFF controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.2; E. Demand responsive lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.3; and

    F. Outdoor lighting controls shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.8; and G. Lighting systems receiving the Institutional Tuning Power Adjustment Factor shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.4. H. Demand responsive controls required to control controlled receptacles shall be tested in accordance with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.6.5. 2. Lighting control installation certificate requirements. To be recognized for compliance with Part 6, an Installation Certificate shall be submitted in accordance with Section 10-103(a) for any lighting control system, energy management control system, interlocked lighting system, lighting power adjustment factor, or additional wattage available for a videoconference studio, in accordance with the following requirements, as applicable: A. Certification that when a lighting control system is installed to comply with lighting control requirements in Part 6, it complies with the applicable requirements of Section 110.9 and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.1.

    B. Certification that when an energy management control system is installed to function as a lighting control required by Part 6, it functionally meets all applicable requirements for each application for which it is installed, in accordance with Sections 110.9, 160, 170 and 180, and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.2. C. Certification that interlocked lighting systems used to serve an approved area comply with Section 170.2(e)2A and comply with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.4. D. Certification that lighting controls installed to earn a lighting power adjustment factor (PAF) comply with Section 170.2(e)2B and comply with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.5.

    E. Reserved.

  • § 503.7.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    ** Heat pumps equipped with internal electric resistance heaters shall have controls that prevent supplemental heater operation where the heating load is capable of being met by the heat pump alone during both steady-state operation and setback recovery. Supplemental heater operation shall be permitted during outdoor coil defrost cycles. Exception: Heat pumps whose minimum efficiency is regulated by U.S. National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) and whose ratings are in accordance with the requirements shown in Table E 503.7.1(2) and includes the use of an internal electric resistance heating. [ASHRAE 90.1:6.4.3.5] E 503.4.6.7 Humidification and Dehumidifica- tion Control. Humidification and dehumidification

    control shall be in accordance with Section E 503.4.6.7.1 through Section E 503.4.6.7.3. E 503.4.6.7.1 Dehumidification. Humidistatic controls shall not use mechanical cooling to reduce the humidity below the lower of a dew point of 55°F (12.8°C) or relative humidity of 60 percent in the coldest zone served by the system. Exceptions: (1) Lower humidity shall be permitted when operating mechanical cooling for temperature control.

    (2) Systems serving zones where specific humidity levels are required, such as museums and hospitals, and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or required by accreditation standards, and where humidistatic controls are capable of and configured to maintain a dead band of at least 10 percent relative humidity where no active humidification or dehumidification takes place.

    (3) Systems serving zones where humidity levels are required to be maintained with precision of not more than ±5 percent relative humidity to comply with applicable codes or accreditation standards or as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

    [ASHRAE 90.1:6.4.3.6.1]

    E 503.4.6.7.2 Humidification. Humidistatic controls shall not use fossil fuel or electricity to produce relative humidity above 30 percent in the warmest zone served by the system.

    Exceptions:

    (1) Systems serving zones where specific humidity levels are required, such as museums and hospitals, and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or required by accreditation standards, and where humidistatic controls are capable of and configured to maintain a dead band of at least 10 percent relative humidity where no active humidification or dehumidification takes place.

    TABLE E 503.4.6.4.2 MAXIMUM DAMPER LEAKAGE [1, 2]

    (cubic foot per minute per square foot) at 1.0 inch water gauge

    [ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.4.3.4.3]

  • § 510.4.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    510.4.2 System design. The in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system shall be designed in accordance with Sections 510.4.2.1 through 510.4.2.8 and NFPA 1225.

    510.4.2.1 Amplification systems and components. Buildings and structures that cannot support the required level of inbuilding emergency responder communications enhancement system shall be equipped with systems and components to enhance the radio signals and achieve the required level of in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system specified in Sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.1.3. In-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems utilizing radio-frequency-emitting devices and cabling shall be approved by the fire code official. Prior to installation, all RF-emitting devices shall have the certification of the radio licensing authority and be suitable for public safety use.

    510.4.2.2 Technical criteria. The fire code official shall maintain a document providing the specific technical information and requirements for the in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system. This document shall contain, but not be limited to, the various frequencies required, the location of radio sites, the effective radiated power of radio sites, the maximum propagation delay in microseconds, the applications being used and other supporting technical information necessary for system design.

    510.4.2.3 Standby power. In-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems shall be provided with dedicated standby batteries or provided with 2-hour standby batteries and connected to the facility generator power system in accordance with Section 1203. The standby power supply shall be capable of operating the in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system at 100-percent system capacity for a duration of not less than 12 hours.

    510.4.2.4 Signal booster requirements. If used, signal boosters shall meet the following requirements:

    1. All signal booster components shall be contained in a NEMA Type 4 cabinet.

    2. Battery systems used for the emergency power source shall be contained in a NEMA 3R or higher-rated cabinet.

    3. Equipment shall have FCC or other radio licensing authority certification and be suitable for public safety use prior to installation.

    4. Where a donor antenna exists, isolation shall be maintained between the donor antenna and all inside antennas to not less than 20dB greater than the system gain under all operating conditions.

    5. Active RF-emitting devices used for in-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems shall have built-in oscillation detection and control circuitry to reduce gain and maintain operation. When a signal booster detects oscillation, a supervisory signal shall be transmitted. In the event of uncorrectable oscillation, the system shall be permitted to shut down.

    6. The installation of amplification systems or systems that operate on or provide the means to cause interference on any in-building emergency responder communications enhancement network shall be coordinated and approved by the fire code official and the frequency license holder(s).

    510.4.2.5 System monitoring. The in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system shall be monitored by a listed fire alarm control unit, or where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended on-site location. Automatic supervisory signals shall include the following:

    1. Loss of normal AC power supply.
    2. System battery charger(s) failure.
    3. Signal source malfunction.
    4. Failure of active RF-emitting device(s).
    5. Low-battery capacity at 70 percent of the 12-hour operating capacity has been depleted.
    6. Failure of critical system components.
    7. The communications link between the fire alarm system and the in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system.
    8. Oscillation of active RF-emitting d
  • § 140.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 101

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

    1. Certification that additional lighting wattage installed for a videoconference studio complies with Section 140.6(c)2Gvii; and complies with Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7.7.6.

    (c) When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-103.1, the acceptance testing specified by Section 130.4 shall be performed by a certified lighting controls acceptance test technician (CLCATT). If the CLCATT is operating as an employee, the CLCATT shall be employed by a certified lighting controls acceptance test employer. The CLCATT shall disclose on the Certificate of Acceptance a valid CLCATT certification identification number issued by an approved acceptance test technician certification provider. The CLCATT shall complete all certificate of acceptance documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10-103(a)4.

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

    SECTION 130.5—ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

    Nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 130.5(a) through 130.5(e).

    (a) Service electrical metering. Each electrical service or feeder shall have a permanently installed metering system which measures electrical energy use in accordance with Table 130.5-A.

    Exception 1 to Section 130.5(a): Service or feeder for which the utility company provides a metering system that indicates instantaneous kW demand and kWh for a utility-defined period.

    Exception 2 to Section 130.5(a): Electrical power distribution systems subject to California Electrical Code Article 517.

    TABLE 130.5-A—MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR METERING OF ELECTRICAL LOAD Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5
    METERING FUNCTIONALITY ELECTRICAL
    SERVICES RATED
    50 kVA OR LESS    		 ELECTRICAL SERVICES
    RATED MORE THAN 50 kVA
    AND LESS THAN OR EQUAL
    TO 250 kVA    		 ELECTRICAL SERVICES
    RATED MORE THAN 250 kVA
    AND LESS THAN OR EQUAL
    TO 1000 kVA    		 ELECTRICAL
    SERVICES RATED
    MORE THAN 1000
    kVA
    Instantaneous (at the time) kW
    demand    		 Required Required Required Required
    Historical peak demand (kW) Not required Not required Required Required
    Tracking kWh for a user-definable
    period    		 Required Required Required Required
    kWh per rate period Not required Not required Not required Required
  • § 160.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    E. Demand control ventilation systems required by Section 160.2(c)3 shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.5. F. Supply fan variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.6. G. Hydronic system variable flow controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7 and NA7.5.9. H. Boilers or chillers that require isolation controls as specified by Section 170.2(c)4Iii or 170.2(c)4Iiii shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.7.

    I. Hydronic systems with supply water temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.8.

    J. Automatic demand shed controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.10.

    K. Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for packaged direct expansion units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.11. L. Automatic fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for air handling units and zone terminal units shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.12.

    M. Distributed energy storage DX AC systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.13. N. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.14. O. Supply air temperature reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.15. P. Water-cooled chillers served by cooling towers with condenser water reset controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.16.

    Q. When an energy management control system is installed, it shall functionally meet all of the applicable requirements of Part 6.

    R. Occupant sensing zone controls shall be tested in accordance with NA7.5.17. 2. Multifamily dwelling units. Before an occupancy permit is granted, the following systems and equipment serving multifamily dwelling units shall be certified as meeting the acceptance requirements for code compliance, as specified by the Reference Nonresidential Appendix NA7. These systems and equipment shall also comply with the applicable requirements of Section 160.3(d)3. A Certificate of Acceptance shall be submitted to the enforcement agency that certifies that the equipment and systems meet the acceptance requirements: A. Multifamily building central ventilation ducts subject to Section 160.2(b)2C shall be leak tested in accordance with NA7.18.3.

    B. Multifamily building central ventilation system heat recovery or energy recovery systems in multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories shall be tested in accordance with NA7.18.4.

    1. When certification is required by Title 24, Part 1, Section 10-103.2, the acceptance testing specified by Section 160.3(d)1 and 2 shall be performed by a Certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Technician (CMATT). If the CMATT is operating as an employee, the CMATT shall be employed by a Certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Employer. The CMATT shall disclose on the Certificate of Acceptance a valid CMATT certification identification number issued by an approved Acceptance Test Technician Certification Provider. The CMATT shall complete all Certificate of Acceptance documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 10-103(a)4.
    TABLE 160.3-A—RETURN DUCT SIZING FOR SINGLE RETURN DUCT SYSTEMS Col2 Col3
    Return duct length shall not exceed 30 feet and shall contain no more than 180 degrees of bend.

Frequently asked questions

What does “certified OpenADR VEN” mean in the Code?

It means the control device is certified under the OpenADR conformance process as a Virtual End Node (VEN) — the code lists certified OpenADR 2.0a/2.0b VEN or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 VEN as an acceptable option. See § 110.12(a)1A.

Can I use a proprietary one‑way broadcast signal for DR events?

No. The code requires bidirectional wired or wireless communication between the control and the VEN (not one‑way). § 110.12(a)2.

If a device is not an OpenADR VEN, how can it comply?

It must be certified to the Energy Commission as capable of responding to a demand response signal from a certified OpenADR 2.0b or Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 VEN and automatically implement the requested control functions. § 110.12(a)1B.

Are healthcare facilities subject to § 110.12?

No. The section applies to buildings “other than healthcare facilities.” § 110.12 (intro).

Where are thermostat technical specs located?

Thermostat technical specs for demand‑responsive control thermostats are in Reference Joint Appendix 5 (JA5); § 110.12(a)5 points to JA5 for the detailed requirements. § 110.12(a)5.

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