Title 24 · California Energy Code

How must HVAC and lighting systems respond to a demand‑response event?

Q: Who must install demand responsive HVAC zonal controls?

Nonresidential buildings whose HVAC systems have DDC to the zone level must be programmed for centralized demand shed as required in § 110.12(b) .

Q: How large must a lighting system be before § 110.12(c) applies?

The rule applies to nonresidential lighting systems with total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that are subject to § 130.1(b) or § 160.5(b)4B.

Q: Exactly how much must lighting be reduced during a DR event for compliance?

Controls must demonstrate a 15‑percent or greater reduction in lighting power for compliance testing per NA7.6.3 as required by § 110.12(c)1 .

Q: Can an operator prevent shed or override it?

Yes. Controls must include a Disabled function and a Manual global control so authorized facility operators can disable or manually adjust setpoints from the EMCS (see § 110.12(b)5 A–B ).

If your nonresidential HVAC has zone‑level DDC, the building’s EMCS must be able to centrally increase cooling setpoints and decrease heating setpoints by at least 4°F (and later restore them). If your building’s lighting totals 4,000 W or more, controls must automatically cut lighting power and prove at least a 15% drop during testing. These are mandatory features under **§ 110.12(b)** and **§ 110.12(c)**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Buildings with the required controls must be able to accept a demand response signal and automatically reduce HVAC and/or lighting loads. For HVAC, systems with DDC to the Zone level must allow a centralized demand shed that can change zone setpoints and restore them (see § 110.12(b)). For lighting, nonresidential installations with total installed lighting power ≥ 4,000 watts that are subject to the lighting rules must have controls that can automatically reduce lighting power and demonstrate a 15‑percent reduction for compliance testing (see § 110.12(c)).

The single most important rule: HVAC zonal DDC must allow centralized setpoint changes of ±4°F or more for noncritical zones, and lighting systems ≥ 4,000 W must be able to automatically cut lighting power by 15% when a demand‑response signal is received.

Requirements in detail

Key defined terms (first use)

Demand Response — short‑term changes to electricity use in response to a signal or price event.
Demand Responsive Control — an automatic control that receives and responds to a demand response signal.
Noncritical zone — a zone that is not designated as critical for process, health, life‑safety or similar reasons (implicit in the zonal shed language).
Energy Management Control System (EMCS) — the centralized control point (hardware or software) that issues the shed/reset commands.

Decision‑relevant values and actions (table)

Decision dimension	Required value / action	Code Reference
Which HVAC systems are covered	Nonresidential HVAC with DDC to the Zone level	§ 110.12(b)
Cooling setpoint change on shed	Increase cooling setpoints by 4°F or more in all noncritical zones (remote from single EMCS point)	§ 110.12(b)1
Heating setpoint change on shed	Decrease heating setpoints by 4°F or more in all noncritical zones (remote from single EMCS point)	§ 110.12(b)2
Reset capability after event	Remote reset of temperatures in noncritical zones to original operating levels from EMCS	§ 110.12(b)3
Rate of change	Controls must provide an adjustable rate of change for increase/decrease/reset	§ 110.12(b)4
Operator controls	Must include Disabled, Manual global control, and Automatic Demand Shed Control features (authorized operators)	§ 110.12(b)5 A–C
How HVAC shed is initiated / tested	Single central hardware or software point within the EMCS initiates shed; functional test procedure in Mechanical Code Appendix verifies correct behavior	§ 110.12(b) and E‑Test (MECH E805.11)
Which lighting systems are covered	Nonresidential lighting with total installed lighting power ≥ 4,000 W and subject to § 130.1(b) or 160.5(b)4B	§ 110.12(c)
Lighting response required	Controls capable of automatically reducing lighting power in response to a demand response signal	§ 110.12(c)
Compliance test reduction	Controls must demonstrate ≥ 15% reduction in lighting power for compliance testing per NA7.6.3	§ 110.12(c)1
Scope of control	Demand responsive controls must control the general lighting in the spaces required by § 130.1(b) or § 160.5(b)4B	§ 110.12(c)2–3
Exception (lighting)	Spaces that cannot reduce general lighting due to health or life safety statute/ordinance/regulation are exempt and do not count toward the 4,000 W threshold	§ 110.12(c) Exception

How the HVAC functions must behave (practical mechanics)

The EMCS must be able to send a single centralized command (hardware contact or software point) that: increases cooling setpoints by ≥ 4°F, decreases heating setpoints by ≥ 4°F, and later restores original setpoints. § 110.12(b) requires all three capabilities plus adjustable ramp rates.
The system must provide an automatic demand shed mode, but also allow authorized operators to disable the shed or take manual global control from the same EMCS point.
Functional verification: the Mechanical Code test (E 805.11) calls for engaging the global shed and verifying the noncritical cooling setpoint increases, critical zone setpoints do not change, and that restoring the shed returns setpoints; acceptance criteria require the central point to change and then restore setpoints.

How the lighting controls must behave (practical mechanics)

The lighting control must automatically reduce the general lighting in the affected spaces upon receipt of the demand response signal; the control strategy must be consistent with the applicable lighting rules in § 130.1(b) or § 160.5(b)4B.
For compliance, demonstrate a 15% or greater reduction in lighting power per NA7.6.3 (the referenced acceptance/test procedure). Controls may provide other DR functions but must meet the 15% test for compliance.

Exceptions & special cases

Spaces where health or life‑safety statutes/regulations prohibit reducing general lighting are exempt from installing demand responsive lighting controls and are excluded from the 4,000 W threshold calculation. § 110.12(c) Exception.
HVAC systems not equipped with DDC to the Zone level are not governed by the zonal shed requirements in § 110.12(b); other thermostat and control rules still apply. § 110.12(b) applies specifically to systems with DDC to zone level.
Systems serving processes or zones that require constant temperatures (materials, processes, animals, plants) are generally excluded from automatic setback/demand‑shed requirements under related exceptions (see § 120.2 exceptions).

Common mistakes

Treating the 4°F number as a recommended range rather than a minimum required magnitude for setpoint shift. The code requires ≥ 4°F changes for both cooling and heating sheds. § 110.12(b)1–2.
Assuming any single local thermostat change satisfies the code: the shed must be centralized (single EMCS hardware or software point) that affects all noncritical zones with DDC to the zone level. § 110.12(b).
For lighting, failing to verify the 15% reduction with the NA7 test procedures. Merely having the ability to dim is not enough unless the reduction is demonstrated per NA7.6.3. § 110.12(c)1.
Overlooking operator controls: the system must allow authorized operators to disable shed or exercise manual global control—these features are mandatory. § 110.12(b)5 A–B.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A 4‑story nonresidential office building with DDC to the zone level and total lighting connected load of 12,000 W receives a demand‑response event.

HVAC:

Before event: cooling setpoint in noncritical zones = 74°F. Upon DR signal, EMCS sends the centralized shed command required by § 110.12(b). The controls must remotely increase cooling setpoints by ≥ 4°F, so noncritical zones change to 78°F (meets ≥4°F). After event ends, EMCS resets zones back to 74°F at an adjustable ramp rate. All of this functionality is required and verified per the EMCS/DCC requirements and functional testing described in the Mechanical Code test procedure.

Lighting:

The building’s general lighting (subject to § 130.1(b)) is 12,000 W total. Controls must automatically reduce lighting power. To comply with § 110.12(c)1, the lighting control must demonstrate at least 15% reduction during the DR test: 12,000 W × 0.15 = 1,800 W reduction (i.e., lighting power must drop to ≤ 10,200 W) during the DR event as shown in NA7.6.3 testing. Spaces that cannot be dimmed for safety would be excluded from the 4,000 W calculation only if a health or safety statute prohibits reduction; otherwise they count toward total.

Related provisions

§ 110.12(a) — General demand responsive control requirements; OpenADR/VEN certification and communication requirements.
§ 110.12(d) — Demand responsive electronic message center controls (≥ 15 kW, 30% reduction requirement).
§ 120.2(b) — Thermostatic control capabilities and exceptions; relates to allowable setpoint ranges and DDC requirements.
§ 130.1(b) / § 160.5(b)4B — Lighting control scopes and requirements referenced by § 110.12(c).
Mechanical Code Appendix test (E 805.11) — Functional test procedure and acceptance criteria for automatic demand shed control (verifies centralized shed and reset behavior).

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.
2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 63

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

ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS

(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.
§ 140.4 High relevance — show source text
DEADBAND is the temperature range within which the HVAC system is neither calling for heating or cooling.

DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE is a gas appliance that is designed or installed for visual effect only, cannot burn solid wood, and simulates a fire in a fireplace.

DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR SYSTEM (DOAS) is a ventilation system that delivers 100 percent outdoor air and delivers ventilation supply air to each space, either directly or in conjunction with local or central space-conditioning systems serving those same spaces such as a DX-DOAS, HRV, ERV or custom ventilation-only unit.

DEGREE DAY, HEATING is a unit, based upon temperature difference and time, used in estimating fuel consumption and specifying nominal annual heating load of a building. For any one day, when the mean temperature is less than 65°F, there exist as many degree days as there are Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65°F. The number of degree days for specific geographical locations are those listed in the Reference Joint Appendix JA2. For those localities not listed in the Reference Joint Appendix JA2, the number of degree days is as determined by the applicable enforcing agency.

DEHUMIDIFIER is a product other than a portable air conditioner, room air conditioner or packaged terminal air conditioner that is a self-contained, electrically operated and mechanically encased assembly consisting of 1) a refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture from the atmosphere, 2) a refrigerating system, including an electric motor, 3) an air-circulating fan and 4) a means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.

DEMAND FLEXIBILITY MEASURE is a measure that reduces long-term system cost (LSC) and/or source energy consumption using communication and control technology to shift electricity use across hours of the day to decrease energy use on-peak or increase energy use off-peak, including but not limited to energy storage, or HVAC or water heating load shifting.

DEMAND RESPONSE is short-term changes in electricity usage by end-use customers from their normal consumption patterns. Demand response may be in response to: a. changes in the price of electricity; or b. participation in programs or services designed to modify electricity use: i. in response to wholesale market prices; or ii. when system reliability is jeopardized.

DEMAND RESPONSE PERIOD is a period of time during which electricity loads are modified in response to a demand response signal.

DEMAND RESPONSE SIGNAL is a signal that indicates a price or a request to modify electricity consumption, for a limited time period.

DEMAND RESPONSIVE CONTROL is an automatic control that is capable of receiving and automatically responding to a demand response signal.

DEMISING PARTITION is a wall, fenestration, floor or ceiling that separates conditioned space from enclosed unconditioned space or a controlled environment horticulture space.

DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM is a mechanical dehumidification technology that uses a solid or liquid desiccant to remove moisture from the air.

DESIGN CONDITIONS are the parameters and conditions used to determine the performance requirements of space-conditioning systems. Design conditions for determining design heating and cooling loads are specified in Section 140.4(b) for nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings, in Section 150.0(h) for single-family residential buildings, and in Sections 160.3(b) and 170.2(c) for multifamily buildings.

DESIGN HEAT GAIN RATE is the total calculated heat gain through the building envelope under design conditions.
§ 110.12 High relevance — show source text
A.|N.A.|N.A.| |Demand
Responsive (DR)
Controls|DR Zonal HVAC Controls|110.12|N.A.|N.A.|N.A.| |Demand
Responsive (DR)
Controls|DR Lighting Controls|110.12|140.6(a)2K;
170.2(e)2Bxi|N.A.|Table 141.0-F;
Table 180.2-E| |Demand
Responsive (DR)
Controls|DR Electronic Message Center Control|110.12, 130.3(a)3|N.A.|N.A.|N.A.| |Demand
Responsive (DR)
Controls|DR Controlled Receptacles|110.12, 130.5(e), 160.6(e)|N.A.|N.A.|N.A.| |Signs|Indoor and Outdoor|110.9, 130.0, 130.3, 160.5(d)|140.8, 170.2(e)7|N.A.|141.0,
141.0(b)2H,
180.2(b)4Bvi| |Single-family|General|150.0|150.1(a), (c)|150.1(a), (b)|150.2(a), (b)| |Single-family|Envelope (conditioned)|110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 150(a),
150.0(b), 150.0(c), 150.0(d),
150.0(e), 150.0(g), 150.0(q)|110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 150(a),
150.0(b), 150.0(c), 150.0(d),
150.0(e), 150.0(g), 150.0(q)|110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 150(a),
150.0(b), 150.0(c), 150.0(d),
150.0(e), 150.0(g), 150.0(q)|110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 150(a),
150.0(b), 150.0(c), 150.0(d),
150.0(e), 150.0(g), 150.0(q)| |Single-family|HVAC (conditioned)|110.2, 110.5, 150.0(h), 150.0(i),
150.0(j), 150.0(m), 150.0(o)|110.2, 110.5, 150.0(h), 150.0(i),
150.0(j), 150.0(m), 150.0(o)|110.2, 110.5, 150.0(h), 150.0(i),
150.0(j), 150.0(m), 150.0(o)|110.2, 110.5, 150.0(h), 150.0(i),
150.0(j), 150.0(m), 150.0(o)| |Single-family|Water Heating|110.3, 150.0(j, n)|110.3, 150.0(j, n)|110.3, 150.0(j, n)|110.3, 150.0(j, n)| |Single-family|Indoor Lighting
(conditioned, unconditioned
and parking garages)|110.9, 130.

§ 130.4 High relevance — show source text

The setting of the limit is verified by the acceptance test required by Section 130.4(a)7; and iv. 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. K. To qualify for the PAF for a demand responsive control in Table 140.6-A, 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: i. The controlled lighting shall be capable of being automatically reduced in response to a demand response signal; and ii. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 130.1(b). L. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats, or light shelves in Table 140.6-A, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 140.3(d). 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 130.1(d) are installed.

TABLE 140.6-A—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 or secondary sidelit daylit zone	0.10
2. Occupant sensing controls in offices larger than 250 square feet	One sensor controlling an area that is no larger than 125 square feet	0.30
3. Occupant sensing controls in offices larger than 250 square feet	One sensor controlling an area that is 126-250 square feet	0.20
4. Institutional tuning	Luminaires in non-daylit areas: Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.	0.10
4. Institutional tuning	Luminaires in daylit areas: Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.	0.05
5. Demand responsive control	General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c). If DR controls are required of Section 110.12(c), this PAF is not available for any lighting in the project. Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand responsive control PAF.	0.05
6. Clerestory fenestration	Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to the clerestory. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.	0.05
7. Horizontal slats	Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with interior or exterior horizontal slats. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.	0.05
8. Light shelves	Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration with interior or exterior light shelves. This PAF may be combined with the PAF for clerestory fenestration. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.	0.10
a.

§ 805.10.2 High relevance — show source text
(3) System operation shall stabilize within 5 minutes after test procedures are initiated.

Step 2: Modulate control valves to reduce water flow to 50 percent of the design flow or less, but not lower than the pump minimum flow. Verify and document the following:

(1) Pump speed decrease.

(2) Current operating setpoint has decreased (for systems with DDC to the zone level).

(3) Current operating setpoint has not increased (for all other systems).

(4) System pressure is within 5 percent of current operating setpoint.

(5) System operation stabilizes within 5 minutes after test procedures are initiated.

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 487

), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

APPENDIX E

E 805.10.2 Acceptance Criteria. The differential pressure sensor is either factory calibrated (with calibration certificates) or field calibrated. The pressure sensor shall be located at or near the most remote HX or control valve. The setpoint system controls shall stabilize.

E 805.11 Automatic Demand Shed Control (Form MECH-11A). The purpose of this test is to ensure that the central demand shed sequences have been properly programmed into the DDC system.

E 805.11.1 Test Procedure. The procedure for performing a functional test for automatic demand shed controls shall be in accordance with Section E 805.11.1.1

and Section E 805.11.1.2.

E 805.11.1.1 Construction Inspection. Prior to functional testing, verify and document that the EMCS interface enables activation of the central

demand shed controls.

E 805.11.1.2 Functional Testing. The functional testing shall comply with the following steps:

Step 1: Engage the global demand shed system. Verify and document the following:

(1) That the cooling setpoint in noncritical spaces increases by the proper amount.

(2) That the cooling setpoint in critical spaces do not change.

Step 2: Disengage the global demand shed system. Verify and document the following:

(1) That the cooling setpoint in noncritical spaces return to their original values.

(2) That the cooling setpoint in critical spaces do not change.

E 805.11.2 Acceptance Criteria. The control system changes the setpoints of noncritical zones on activation of a single central hardware or software point then restores the initial setpoints where the point is released.

E 805.12 Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) for Packaged Direct-Expansion (DX) Units (Form MECH-12A). The purpose of this test is to verify proper fault detection and reporting for automated fault detection and diagnostics systems for packaged units. Automated FDD systems ensure proper equipment operation by identifying and diagnosing common equipment problems such as improper refrigerant charge, low airflow, or faulty economizer operation. Qualifying FDD systems receive a compliance credit where using the performance approach. A system that does not meet the eligibility requirements shall be permitted to be installed, but no compliance credit will be given.

E 805.12.1 Test Procedure. The procedure for performing a functional test for fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) for packaged direct-expansion (DX) units shall be in accordance with Section E 805.12.1.1 and

Section E 805.12.1.2.

§ 100.0 High relevance — show source text

(e) Sections applicable to particular buildings. Table 100.0-A and this subsection list the provisions of Part 6 that are applicable to different types of buildings covered by Section 100.0(a).

All buildings. Sections 100.0 through 110.12 apply to all buildings.

Exception to Section 100.0(e)1: Spaces or requirements not listed in Table 100.0-A.

TABLE 100.0-A—APPLICATION OF STANDARDS	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
OCCUPANCIES	APPLICATION	MANDATORY	PRESCRIPTIVE	PERFORMANCE	ADDITIONS/ ALTERATIONS
All Buildings	General	100.0, 100.1, 100.2, 110.0	100.0, 100.1, 100.2, 110.0	100.0, 100.1, 100.2, 110.0	100.0, 100.1, 100.2, 110.0
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	General	120.0	140.0, 140.2	140.0, 140.1	141.0
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Envelope (conditioned)	110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 120.7	140.3	140.3	140.3
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Envelope (unconditioned, process spaces)	N.A.	140.3(c)	140.3(c)	140.3(c)
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	HVAC (conditioned)	110.2, 110.5, 120.1, 120.2, 120.3, 120.4, 120.5, 120.8, 120.10	140.4	140.4	140.4
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Water Heating	110.3, 120.3, 120.8, 120.9	140.5	140.5	140.5
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Indoor Lighting (conditioned, process spaces)	110.9, 120.8, 130.0, 130.1, 130.4	140.3(c), 140.6	140.3(c), 140.6	140.3(c), 140.6
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Indoor Lighting (unconditioned and parking garages)	110.9, 120.8, 130.0, 130.1, 130.4	140.3(c), 140.6	N.A.	N.A.
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Outdoor Lighting	110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 130.4	140.7	140.7	140.7
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Electrical Power Distribution	110.11, 130.5	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
Nonresidential and Hotels/Motels	Pool and Spa Systems	110.

§ 15-11 High relevance — show source text

COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

FOR REFERENCE ONLY: The following table has been reprinted from the IES TM-15-11 Reference standard, see Section 5.106.8.

IES TM-15-11 TABLE A-1—BACKLIGHT RATINGS (Maximum Zonal Lumens)	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
SECONDARY SOLID ANGLE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE
SECONDARY SOLID ANGLE	LZ 0	LZ 1	LZ 2	LZ 3	LZ 4
Backlight High (BH) 60 to 80 degrees	110	500	1,000	2,500	5,000
Backlight Medium (BM) 30 to < 60 degrees	220	1,000	2,500	5,000	8,500
Backlight Low (BL) 0 to < 30 degrees	110	500	1,000	2,500	5,000

FOR REFERENCE ONLY: The following table has been reprinted from the California Energy Code, Part 6, Title 24, see Section 5.106.8.

TABLE 130.2-A—UPLIGHT RATINGS (Maximum Zonal Lumens)	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
SECONDARY SOLID ANGLE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE	MAXIMUM ZONAL LUMENS PER OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONE
SECONDARY SOLID ANGLE	LZ 0	LZ 1	LZ 2	LZ 3	LZ 4
Uplight High (UH) 100 to 180 degrees	0	10	50	500	1,000
Uplight Low (UL) 90 to < 100 degrees	0	10	50	500	1,000

FOR REFERENCE ONLY: The following table has been reprinted from the California Energy Code, Part 6, Title 24, see Section 5.106.8.

TABLE 130.2-B—GLARE RATINGS (Maximum Zonal Lumens)	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
	GLARE RATING FOR ASYMMETRICAL LUMINAIRE TYPES (Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV)	GLARE RATING FOR ASYMMETRICAL LUMINAIRE TYPES **(Type I, Type II, Type III,

§ 25.4 High relevance — show source text
@ 16″|—|32″
(287)|25″
(356)|36″
(263)|29″
(345)|21″
(428)|29″
(367)|20″
(484)|—|23″
(471)|—|—| |2 × 12 @ 12″|—|42″
(209)|31″
(263)|—|37″
(253)|27″
(317)|36″
(271)|27″
(358)|17″
(447)|31″
(348)|19″
(462)|—| |2 × 12 @ 8″|—|48″
(136)|45″
(169)|—|48″
(164)|38″
(206)|—|40″
(233)|26″
(294)|36″
(230)|29″
(304)|18″
(379)| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Tabulated values are for clear-span roof supported solely by exterior bearing walls.
b. Spans are based on No. 2 Grade lumber of Douglas fir-larch, Southern pine, hem-fir and spruce-pine-fir for repetitive (three or more) members.
c. Ratio of backspan to cantilever span shall be not less than 3:1.
d. Connections capable of resisting the indicated uplift force shall be provided at the backspan support.
e. Uplift force is for a backspan to cantilever span ratio of 3:1. Tabulated uplift values are permitted to be reduced by multiplying by a factor equal to 3 divided by the actual
backspan ratio provided (3/backspan ratio).
f. See Section R301.2.2.6, Item 1, for additional limitations on cantilevered floor joists for detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2 and
townhouses in Seismic Design Category C, D0, D1 or D2.
g. Linear interpolation shall be permitted for building widths and ground snow loads other than shown.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Tabulated values are for clear-span roof supported solely by exterior bearing walls.
b. Spans are based on No. 2 Grade lumber of Douglas fir-larch, Southern pine, hem-fir and spruce-pine-fir for repetitive (three or more) members.
c. Ratio of backspan to cantilever span shall be not less than 3:1.
d. Connections capable of resisting the indicated uplift force shall be provided at the backspan support.
e. Uplift force is for a backspan to cantilever span ratio of 3:1. Tabulated uplift values are permitted to be reduced by multiplying by a factor equal to 3 divided by the actual
backspan ratio provided (3/backspan ratio).
f.

§ 170.2 High relevance — show source text

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. 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: From 126 to 250 square feet	0.20
3. Institutional Tuning	Luminaires in nondaylit areas. Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.	0.10
3. Institutional Tuning	Luminaires in daylit areas. Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.	0.05
4. Demand Responsive Control	General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c). Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand responsive control PAF.	0.05
5. Clerestory Fenestration	Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to the clerestory. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.	0.05
6. Horizontal Slats	Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with interior or exterior horizontal slats. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.	0.05
7. Light Shelves	Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration with interior or exterior light shelves. This PAF may be combined with the PAF for clerestory fenestration. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF.	0.10
a. To qualify for any of the power adjustment factors in this table, the installation shall comply with the applicable requirements in Section 170.2(e)1Aii. b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined. c.

§ 110.5 High relevance — show source text

4, 110.5, 150.0(p)|110.4, 110.5, 150.0(p)|110.4, 110.5, 150.0(p)|110.4, 110.5, 150.0(p)| |Nonresidential
and
Hotels/Motels|Solar Ready Buildings|110.10|110.10|110.10|141.0(a)| |Nonresidential
and
Hotels/Motels|Solar PV and Battery Energy
Storage Systems|N.A.|141.10|140.0, 140.1|N.A.|

2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 1

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

ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS

TABLE 100.0-A—APPLICATION OF STANDARDS—continued	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
OCCUPANCIES	APPLICATION	MANDATORY	PRESCRIPTIVE	PERFORMANCE	ADDITIONS/ ALTERATIONS
Covered Processes1	Envelope, Ventilation, Process Loads	110.2, 120.3, 120.6	140.9	140.1	110.2, 120.3, 120.6, 140.9, 141.1
Demand Responsive (DR) Controls	DR Control Thermostats	JA5; Exception 5 to Section 110.10(b)1A; Exception 4 to Section 110.10(b)1B	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
Demand Responsive (DR) Controls	DR Zonal HVAC Controls	110.12	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
Demand Responsive (DR) Controls	DR Lighting Controls	110.12	140.6(a)2K; 170.2(e)2Bxi	N.A.	Table 141.0-F; Table 180.2-E
Demand Responsive (DR) Controls	DR Electronic Message Center Control	110.12, 130.3(a)3	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
Demand Responsive (DR) Controls	DR Controlled Receptacles	110.12, 130.5(e), 160.6(e)	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.
Signs	Indoor and Outdoor	110.9, 130.0, 130.3, 160.5(d)	140.8, 170.2(e)7	N.A.	141.0, 141.0(b)2H, 180.2(b)4Bvi
Single-family	General	150.0	150.1(a), (c)	150.1(a), (b)	150.2(a), (b)
Single-family	Envelope (conditioned)	110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 150(a), 150.0(b), 150.0(c), 150.0(d), 150.0(e), 150.0(g), 150.0(q)	110.6, 110.7, 110.8, 150(a), 150.0(b),

§ 120.2 High relevance — show source text
Exception to Section 120.2(g): Zones designed to be conditioned continuously.

(h) Automatic demand shed controls. See Section 110.12 for requirements for automatic demand shed controls.

(i) Economizer fault detection and diagnostics (FDD). All newly installed air handlers with a mechanical cooling capacity over 33,000 Btu/hr and an installed air economizer shall include a stand-alone or integrated Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) system in accordance with Subsections 120.2(i)1 through 120.2(i)8.
1. The following temperature sensors shall be permanently installed to monitor system operation: outside air, supply air, and when required for differential economizer operation a return air sensor, and
2. Temperature sensors shall have an accuracy of ±2°F over the range of 40°F to 80°F; and
3. The controller shall have the capability of displaying the value of each sensor; and
4. The controller shall provide system status by indicating the following conditions: A. Free cooling available; B. Economizer enabled;
C. Compressor enabled; D. Heating enabled, if the system is capable of heating; and E. Mixed-air low limit cycle active. 5. The unit controller shall allow manual initiation of each operating mode so that the operation of cooling systems, economizers, fans and heating system can be independently tested and verified; and 6. Faults shall be reported in one of the following ways: A. Reported to an Energy Management Control System regularly monitored by facility personnel. B. Annunciated locally on one or more zone thermostats, or a device within five (5) feet of zone thermostat(s), clearly visible, at eye level, and meeting the following requirements: i. On the thermostat, device, or an adjacent written sign, display instructions to contact appropriate building personnel or an HVAC technician; and ii. In buildings with multiple tenants, the annunciation shall either be within property management offices or in a common space accessible by the property or building manager. C. Reported to a fault management application which automatically provides notification of the fault to a remote HVAC service provider. 7. The FDD system shall detect the following faults: A. Air temperature sensor failure/fault; B. Not economizing when it should; C. Economizing when it should not; D. Damper not modulating; and

E. Excess outdoor air.
1. The FDD System shall be certified to the Energy Commission as meeting requirements of Subsections 120.2(i)1 through 120.2(i)7 in accordance with Section 110.0 and JA6.3. Exception to Section 120.2(i)8: FDD algorithms based in direct digital control systems are not required to be certified to the Energy Commission.
74 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

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

NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

(j) Direct Digital Controls (DDC) . Direct Digital Controls to the zone shall be provided as specified by Table 120.2-A. The provided DDC system shall meet the control logic requirements of Sections 120.1(d), 110.12(a) and 110.12(b), and be capable of the following:

The provided DDC system shall meet the control logic requirements of Sections 110.12(a), 110.12(b) and 120.1(d) and be capable of the following:
1. Monitoring zone and system demand for fan pressure, pump pressure, heating and cooling;

Frequently asked questions

Who must install demand responsive HVAC zonal controls?

Nonresidential buildings whose HVAC systems have DDC to the zone level must be programmed for centralized demand shed as required in § 110.12(b).

How large must a lighting system be before § 110.12(c) applies?

The rule applies to nonresidential lighting systems with total installed lighting power of 4,000 watts or greater that are subject to § 130.1(b) or § 160.5(b)4B.

Exactly how much must lighting be reduced during a DR event for compliance?

Controls must demonstrate a 15‑percent or greater reduction in lighting power for compliance testing per NA7.6.3 as required by § 110.12(c)1.

Can an operator prevent shed or override it?

Yes. Controls must include a Disabled function and a Manual global control so authorized facility operators can disable or manually adjust setpoints from the EMCS (see § 110.12(b)5 A–B).

How is proper HVAC shed operation verified?

Functional testing (Mechanical Code Appendix E 805.11) requires engaging the global shed and verifying setpoint changes in noncritical zones, no change in critical zones, and restoration afterward. Acceptance criteria require that a single central point change and restore setpoints.

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