Title 24 · California Energy Code
Load management, ALMS and demand controls
This hub summarizes where Title 24 sets requirements for automated load management (ALMS), demand‑responsive HVAC/lighting/receptacles, and demand‑control ventilation, and points to the key sections and testing requirements.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This area of Title 24, Part 6 covers mandatory demand‑management and load‑control requirements: demand‑responsive controls for HVAC, lighting and receptacles, demand‑control ventilation and exhaust, and the rules that allow Automated Load Management Systems (ALMS) to reduce EV‑charging capacity requirements. The Energy Code’s demand‑management requirements are collected in Section §110.12 and set protocol and performance expectations for demand‑responsive controls.
ALMS and EV charging rules appear in the Green Building Standards and EVCS provisions (for example §5.106.5.3.3 and related EVCS power‑allocation clauses), which permit reduced installed electrical capacity when EVSE is controlled by an ALMS while retaining minimum per‑vehicle delivery requirements. Demand‑control ventilation and mechanical acceptance/testing requirements (including functional tests for demand‑controlled ventilation) are addressed in the ventilation and mechanical sections (for example §160.2(c) and related acceptance procedures).
In practice, Title 24 ties these pieces together by (1) requiring certified demand‑response/communications capability (OpenADR or equivalent) and centralized shed features for HVAC and lighting, (2) specifying minimum performance and fallback behavior, and (3) requiring functional testing and certificates of acceptance for systems that implement demand control. See §110.12 for demand‑response controls, §130.5 for controlled receptacles and related equipment, and the EVCS/ALMS language in the Green Code.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 5.106.5.3.3 High relevance — show source text
5.106.5.3.3 Use of automatic load management systems (ALMS). ALMS shall be permitted for EVCS. When ALMS is installed, the required electrical load capacity specified in Section 5.106.5.3.1 for each EVCS may be reduced when serviced by an EVSE controlled by an ALMS. Each EVSE controlled by an ALMS shall deliver a minimum 30 amperes to an EV when charging one vehicle and shall deliver a minimum 3.3 kW while simultaneously charging multiple EVs.
5.106.5.3.4 Accessible electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) . When EVSE is installed, accessible EVCS shall be provided in accordance with the California Building Code, Chapter 11B, Section 11B-228.3.
5.106.5.3.5 Electric vehicle charging station signage. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be identified by signage or pavement markings in compliance with Caltrans Traffic Operations Policy Directive 13-01 (Zero Emission Vehicle Signs and Pavement Markings) or its successor(s).
5.106.5.3.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method. The power allocation method may be used as an alternative to the requirements in Section 5.106.5.3.1, Section 5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1. Use Table 5.106.5.3.6 to determine the total power in kVA required based on the total number of actual parking spaces.
Power allocation method shall include the following:
- Use any kVA combination of EV capable spaces, low power Level 2, Level 2 or DCFC EVSEs.
- At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.
TABLE 5.106.5.3.6-EVCS—POWER ALLOCATION METHOD Col2 Col3 Col4 TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTUAL
PARKING SPACESMINIMUM TOTAL kVA
@ 6.6 kVAOTHER THAN OFFICE AND RETAIL
TOTAL kVA REQUIRED IN ANY
**COMBINATION OF EV CAPABLE3,4, **
LOW POWER LEVEL 2, LEVEL 21, 2,
OR DCFCOFFICE AND RETAIL
TOTAL kVA REQUIRED IN ANY
COMBINATION OF EV CAPABLE4, 5,
LOW POWER LEVEL 2, LEVEL 21, 2,
OR DCFC1–9 0 0 0 10–25 26.4 26.4 26.4 26–50 52.8 52.8 52.8 51–75 85.8 85.8 85.8 76–100 112.2 112.2 112.2 101–150 165 165 165 151–200 231 231 231 201 and over 20 percent of actual parking
spaces × 6.6Total required kVA = P × .20 × 6.6
Where P = Parking spaces in facilityTotal required kVA = P × .20 × 6.6
Where P = Parking spaces in facility1. Level 2 EVSE @ 6.6 kVA minimum.
2.§ 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.
Reserved.
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
The controls shall be programmed to provide an adjustable rate of change for the temperature increase, decrease, and reset.
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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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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):
autotransformer;
drive (isolation) transformer;
grounding transformer;
machine-tool (control) transformer;
nonventilated transformer;
rectifier transformer;
regulating transformer;
sealed transformer;
special-impedance transformer;
testing transformer;
transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more;
uninterruptible power supply transformer; or
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.
- 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.
Reserved.
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
The controls shall be programmed to provide an adjustable rate of change for the temperature increase, decrease, and reset.
§ 110.12 Medium relevance — show source text
** See Section 110.12 for requirements for automatic demand shed controls. H. 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 160.3(a)2Hi through 160.3(a)2Hviii. i. 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 ii. Temperature sensors shall have an accuracy of ±2°F over the range of 40°F to 80°F; and iii. The controller shall have the capability of displaying the value of each sensor; and iv. 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. v. The unit controller shall allow manual initiation of each operating mode so that the operation of cooling systems, economizers, fans and heating systems can be independently tested and verified; and vi. 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 5 feet of zone thermostat(s), clearly visible, at eye level and meeting the following requirements:
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I. On the thermostat, the 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 that automatically provides notification of the fault to remote HVAC service provider. vii. 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.
viii. The FDD system shall be certified to the Energy Commission as meeting the requirements of Sections 160.3(a)2Hi through 160.3(a)2Hvii in accordance with Section 110.0 and JA6.3. Exception to Section 160.3(a)2Hviii: FDD algorithms based in direct digital control systems are not required to be certified to the Energy Commission. I. Direct digital controls (DDC). Direct digital controls to the zone shall be provided as specified by Table 160.3-C. i. The provided DDC system shall meet the control logic requirements of Sections 160.3(a)2E and 160.3(a)2G, and be capable of the following: ii. Monitoring zone and system demand for fan pressure, pump pressure, heating and cooling; iii. Transferring zone and system demand information from zones to air distribution system controllers and from air distribution systems to heating and cooling plant controllers; iv. Automatically detecting the zones and systems that may be excessively driving the reset logic and generate an alarm or other indication to the system operator; v. Readily allow operator removal of zone(s) from the reset algorithm; vi.
§ 5.106.5.6.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.|5.106.5.6.2 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). EV capable spaces shall be provided with EVSE to create EVCS in the number indicated in Table 5.106.5.6.1 and shall comply with Section 5.106.5.6.2. EVCS shall be serviced by Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) EVSE, or with EVSE in any combination of Level 2 and DCFC. Accessible EVCS shall be provided in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 11B .
5.106.5.6.2.1 Reduced number of EV capable spaces. The installation of each DCFC EVSE shall be permitted to reduce the minimum number of required EV capable spaces indicated in Table 5.106.5.6.1 by five and reduce proportionally the required electrical load capacity to the service panel or subpanel.
5.106.5.6.2.2 Multiple connectors. EVSE with multiple vehicle connectors capable of charging multiple EVs simultaneously shall be permitted if the electrical load capacity required by Section 5.106.5.6.1 for each EV capable space is accumulatively supplied to the EVSE.
5.106.5.6.2.3 Use of automatic load management systems (ALMS). ALMS shall be permitted for EVCS installed in accordance with Section 5.106.5.6.2. When ALMS is installed, the required electrical load capacity specified in Section 5.106.5.6.1 for each EVCS may be reduced when serviced by an EVSE controlled by an ALMS. Each EVSE controlled by an ALMS shall deliver a minimum 30 amperes to an EV when charging one vehicle and shall deliver a minimum 3.3 kW while simultaneously charging multiple EVs.
5.106.5.6.3 EVCS alternative compliance. In lieu of compliance with Section 5.106.5.6.2, EVCS shall be provided with Level 1, low power Level 2, or Level 2, or any combination of Level 1, low power Level 2 or Level 2 EVSE such that the total power supplied by the combination of EVSE meets the minimum power indicated in Table 5.106.5.6.3, based on the total number of actual parking spaces in each parking facility.
TABLE 5.106.5.6.3 Col2 NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES IN A PARKING FACILITY MINIMUM TOTAL POWER (KVA) REQUIRED FOR EVCS 0–9 0 10–25 7 26–50 14 51–75 20 76–100 27 101–150 40 151–200 60 201 and over Total required KVA = P × .05 × 6.6
Where P = Parking spaces in facility2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-9
§ 160.2 Medium relevance — show source text
- 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]
- 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
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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.
§ 5.106.5.3.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
5.106.5.3.2.1 Receptacle configurations. 208/240V EV charging receptacles shall comply with one of the following configurations:
- For 20-ampere receptacles, NEMA 6-20R
- For 30-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-30R
- For 50-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-50R
5.106.5.3.2.2 EV charger connectors. EV chargers shall be equipped with SAE J1772 with a maximum output 240 Volts AC or SAE J3400 connectors.
When using level 2 SAE J3400 SAE connectors, supplied by a 480 V 3-phase service, at least 20 percent of the EV charger connectors shall be SAE J1772 with a maximum output 240 Volts AC.
5.106.5.3.2.3 The installation of each DCFC EVSE shall be permitted to reduce the minimum number of required EV capable spaces without EVSE or EVCS with Level 2 EVSE by five, and reduce proportionally the required electrical load capacity to the service panel or subpanel.
5.106.5.3.2.4 The installation of two low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles shall be permitted to reduce the minimum number of required EV capable spaces without EVSE in Table 5.106.5.3.1 by one.
5.106.5.3.2.4.1 Raceway capacity requirements. To allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving low power Level 2 charging receptacles, the listed raceway serving such receptacles shall be sized to allow the installation of a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit. Where no raceway is used, the conductors shall be sized to accommodate a 208/240-volt 40-ampere receptacle.
5.106.5.3.3 Use of automatic load management systems (ALMS). ALMS shall be permitted for EVCS. When ALMS is installed, the required electrical load capacity specified in Section 5.106.5.3.1 for each EVCS may be reduced when serviced by an EVSE controlled by an ALMS. Each EVSE controlled by an ALMS shall deliver a minimum 30 amperes to an EV when charging one vehicle and shall deliver a minimum 3.3 kW while simultaneously charging multiple EVs.
5.106.5.3.4 Accessible electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) . When EVSE is installed, accessible EVCS shall be provided in accordance with the California Building Code, Chapter 11B, Section 11B-228.3.
5.106.5.3.5 Electric vehicle charging station signage. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be identified by signage or pavement markings in compliance with Caltrans Traffic Operations Policy Directive 13-01 (Zero Emission Vehicle Signs and Pavement Markings) or its successor(s).
5.106.5.3.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method. The power allocation method may be used as an alternative to the requirements in Section 5.106.5.3.1, Section 5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1. Use Table 5.106.5.3.6 to determine the total power in kVA required based on the total number of actual parking spaces.
§ 120.2 Medium 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.
- 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
- Temperature sensors shall have an accuracy of ±2°F over the range of 40°F to 80°F; and
- The controller shall have the capability of displaying the value of each sensor; and
- 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.
- 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.
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(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:
- Monitoring zone and system demand for fan pressure, pump pressure, heating and cooling;
§ 805.15.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Verify that the TES system starts charging (storing energy). This shall be checked by verifying flow and inlet and outlet temperatures of the storage tank, or directly by reading an inventory meter where the system has one.
Step 3: Force the time to be between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and simulate a partial charge on the tank. Simulate a cooling load by setting the indoor temperature setpoint lower than the ambient temperature. Verify that the TES system starts discharging. This shall be checked by observing tank inlet and outlet temperatures and system flow, or directly by reading an inventory meter where the system has one. Where the system has no charge, verify that the system will still attempt to meet the load through storage.
Step 4: Force the time to be between noon and 6:00 p.m., and simulate a cooling load by lowering the indoor air temperature setpoint below the ambient temperature. Verify that the tank starts discharging and the compressor is off.
Step 5: Force the time to be between 9:00 a.m. to noon, and simulate a cooling load by lowering the indoor air temperature setpoint below the ambient temperature. Verify that the tank does not discharge and the cooling load is met by the compressor.
Step 6: Force the time to be between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and simulate a full tank charge. This can be done in a couple of ways:
(1) By changing the inventory sensor limit that indicates tank capacity to the energy management system so that it indicates a full tank.
(2) By resetting the coolant temperature that indicates a full charge to a higher temperature than the current tank leaving temperature. Verify that the tank charging is stopped.
Step 7: Force the time to be between noon and 6:00 p.m. and simulate no cooling load by setting the indoor temperature setpoint above the ambient temperature. Verify that the tank does not discharge and the compressor is off.
E 805.15.2 Acceptance Criteria. Thermal energy storage (TES) system acceptance criteria shall be as follows:
(1) Verify that the system is able to charge the storage tank during off-peak periods where there is no cooling load.
(2) Verify that tank discharges during on-peak cooling periods.
(3) Verify that the compressor does not run and the tank does not discharge where there is no cooling demand during on-peak periods.
(4) Verify that the system does not operate during a morning shoulder period where there is no cooling demand.
(5) Verify that the system operates in direct mode (with compressor running) during the morning shoulder time period.
E 806.0 Certificate of Acceptance Forms.
E 806.1 General. This section includes the certificate of acceptance forms referenced in Section E 804.0.
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APPENDIX E
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE MECH-2A Col2 Outdoor Air Acceptance
(Page 1 of 3)Outdoor Air Acceptance
(Page 1 of 3)Project Name/Address: Project Name/Address: System Name or Identification/Tag: System Location or Area Served: § 805.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Step 3: Disable the economizer and simulate a cooling demand. Verify and document the following:
(1) Economizer damper shall close to its minimum position.
(2) Applicable fans and dampers shall operate as intended to maintain building pressure.
(3) The unit heating is disabled.
Step 4: Simulate a heating demand, and set the economizer so that it is capable of operating (e.g., actual outdoor air conditions are below lockout setpoint). Verify the economizer is at minimum position.
Step 5: Restore demand control ventilation systems (where applicable) and remove system overrides initiated during the test.
E 805.5.2 Acceptance Criteria. Air economizer controls acceptance criteria shall be as follows:
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APPENDIX E
(1) Where the economizer is factory installed and certified, a valid factory certificate is required for acceptance. No additional equipment tests are necessary.
(2) Air economizer lockout setpoint is in accordance with this appendix. Outside sensor location accurately reads true outdoor air temperature and is not affected by exhaust air or other heat sources.
(3) Sensors are located to achieve the desired control.
(4) During economizer mode, the outdoor air damper shall modulate open to a maximum position and return air damper to 100 percent closed.
(5) The outdoor air damper is 100 percent open before mechanical cooling is enabled and for units 75 000 Btu/h (22 kw) and larger remains at 100 percent open while mechanical cooling is enabled (economizer integration where used for compliance).
(6) Where the economizer is disabled, the outdoor air damper closes to a minimum position; the return damper modulates 100 percent open, and mechanical cooling remains enabled. E 805.6 Demand-Controlled Ventilation Systems Acceptance (Form MECH-6A). The purpose of this test is to verify that systems required to employ demand-controlled ventilation shall be permitted to vary outside ventilation flow rates based on maintaining interior carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration setpoints. Demand-controlled ventilation refers to an HVAC system’s ability to reduce outdoor air ventilation flow below design values where the space served is at less than design occupancy. Carbon dioxide is a good indicator of occupancy load and is the basis used for modulating ventilation flow rates.
E 805.6.1 Test Procedure. The procedure for performing a functional test for demand-control ventilation (DVC) systems shall be in accordance with Section E 805.6.1.1 and Section E 805.6.1.2.
E 805.6.1.1 Construction Inspection. Prior to functional testing, verify and document the following:
(1) Carbon dioxide control sensor is factory calibrated or field-calibrated in accordance with this appendix.
(2) The sensor is located in the high-density space between 3 feet (914 mm) and 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor or at the anticipated level of the occupants’ heads.
(3) DCV control setpoint is at or below the carbon dioxide concentration permitted by this appendix.
E 805.6.1.2 Functional Testing. The functional testing shall be in accordance with the following steps:
Step 1: Disable economizer controls.
§ 805.6 Medium relevance — show source text
(6) Where the economizer is disabled, the outdoor air damper closes to a minimum position; the return damper modulates 100 percent open, and mechanical cooling remains enabled. E 805.6 Demand-Controlled Ventilation Systems Acceptance (Form MECH-6A). The purpose of this test is to verify that systems required to employ demand-controlled ventilation shall be permitted to vary outside ventilation flow rates based on maintaining interior carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration setpoints. Demand-controlled ventilation refers to an HVAC system’s ability to reduce outdoor air ventilation flow below design values where the space served is at less than design occupancy. Carbon dioxide is a good indicator of occupancy load and is the basis used for modulating ventilation flow rates.
E 805.6.1 Test Procedure. The procedure for performing a functional test for demand-control ventilation (DVC) systems shall be in accordance with Section E 805.6.1.1 and Section E 805.6.1.2.
E 805.6.1.1 Construction Inspection. Prior to functional testing, verify and document the following:
(1) Carbon dioxide control sensor is factory calibrated or field-calibrated in accordance with this appendix.
(2) The sensor is located in the high-density space between 3 feet (914 mm) and 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor or at the anticipated level of the occupants’ heads.
(3) DCV control setpoint is at or below the carbon dioxide concentration permitted by this appendix.
E 805.6.1.2 Functional Testing. The functional testing shall be in accordance with the following steps:
Step 1: Disable economizer controls.
Step 2: Simulate a signal at or slightly above the carbon dioxide concentration setpoint required by this appendix. Verify and document the following:
(1) For single zone units, outdoor air damper modulates open to satisfy the total ventilation air called for in the certificate of compliance.
(2) For multiple zone units, either outdoor air damper or zone damper modulate open to satisfy the zone ventilation requirements.
Step 3: Simulate signal well below the carbon dioxide setpoint. Verify and document the following:
(1) For single zone units, outdoor air damper modulates to the design minimum value.
(2) For multiple zone units, either outdoor air damper or zone damper modulate to satisfy the reduced zone ventilation requirements.
Step 4: Restore economizer controls and remove system overrides initiated during the test.
Step 5: With controls restored, apply carbon dioxide calibration gas at a concentration slightly above the setpoint to the sensor. Verify that the outdoor air damper modulates open to satisfy the total ventilation air called for in the certificate of compliance.
E 805.6.2 Acceptance Criteria. Demand-controlled ventilation systems acceptance criteria shall be as follows:
(1) Each carbon dioxide sensor is factory calibrated (with calibration certificate) or field calibrated.
(2) Each carbon dioxide sensor is wired correctly to the controls to ensure proper control of the outdoor air damper.
(3) Each carbon dioxide sensor is located correctly within the space 1 foot (305 mm) to 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor.
(4) Interior carbon dioxide concentration setpoint is not more than 600 parts per million (ppm) plus outdoor air carbon dioxide value where dynamically measured or not more than 1000 ppm where no OSA sensor is provided.
§ 1.0 Medium relevance — show source text
where:
Q tot = total required ventilation rate, cfm. A floor = dwelling-unit floor area, ft [2] . N br = 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 dwelling unit shall comply with Subsections 1 and 2 below.
- Balanced or supply ventilation . A balanced or supply ventilation system shall provide the required whole-dwelling-unit ventilation airflow. Balanced systems with heat recovery or energy recovery that serve a single dwelling unit shall have a fan efficacy of ≤1.0 W/cfm; and
- Compartmentalization testing. The air leakage rate shall not exceed 0.3 cubic feet per minute at 50 Pa (0.2 inch water) per ft [2] of dwelling unit envelope surface area as confirmed by ECC-Rater field verification and diagnostic testing in accordance with the procedures specified in Reference Appendix RA3.8 or NA2.3 as applicable. In multifamily buildings with four or more habitable stories,
202 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
the field verification and diagnostic testing which requires an ECC-Rater may alternatively be performed by a certified Mechanical Acceptance Test Technician according to the requirements specified in Reference Appendix NA1.9. v. Multifamily building 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 20 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 options 1 or 2:
- A demand-controlled mechanical exhaust system meeting the requirements of Section 160.2(b)2Avic; or
- 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.
- 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.
- **Ventilation rate and capture efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Code allow an ALMS to do for EV charging infrastructure?
An ALMS may be used to reduce the required electrical capacity allocated per EV charging space when EVSE is served by the ALMS; however, each EVSE controlled by an ALMS must still deliver a minimum service (for example, a minimum 30 A to an EV when charging one vehicle and minimum simultaneous energy delivery when multiple vehicles are charging) as specified in the EVCS provisions.
What are the protocol or certification requirements for demand‑responsive controls?
Demand‑responsive controls must either be a certified OpenADR 2.0a/2.0b Virtual End Node or a certified Baseline Profile OpenADR 3.0 VEN, or be certified to the Commission as capable of automatically responding to those signals; controls must support bidirectional communications and continue other control functions if signal is unavailable. See §110.12.
When is demand‑control ventilation required and how is it tested?
Demand‑control ventilation is required for spaces meeting the occupancy, system, or airflow thresholds in §160.2(c); systems that use demand‑control ventilation must be functionally tested and certified per the Code’s mechanical acceptance procedures.
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