Title 24 · California Energy Code
Which appliances must be certified under the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20)?
If an appliance is listed in Title 20 (Section 1601 et seq.), California requires it to be certified to the Energy Commission under Title 20 §1606 before installation; verify model status in the Energy Commission’s certified‑appliances database or an approved equivalent per § 110.1.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Any appliance that is within the scope of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20, Section 1601 et seq.) may be installed in California only if it meets the Appliance Efficiency Regulations and (when required) is certified to the Energy Commission pursuant to § 1606. The California Energy Code makes that obligation explicit: appliances covered by Title 20 must comply with the Appliance Efficiency Regulations and their certification status must be confirmed by reference to the Energy Commission’s listings or an approved equivalent source per § 110.1.
The single-rule restatement: If an appliance is listed in Title 20 (Section 1601 et seq.), it generally must be certified to the California Energy Commission before installation.
Requirements in detail
What "must be certified" means
- CERTIFIED TO THE ENERGY COMMISSION: when used for appliances, this phrase means the appliance is certified under Title 20 § 1606 to the Energy Commission; other Part 6 items use manufacturer declarations as described in Part 6 definitions.
- Section § 110.1(a) requires appliances regulated by Title 20 (Section 1601 et seq.) to comply with the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (including any applicable certification rules). Verification of compliance is done by use of the Energy Commission’s certified-appliances database or an approved equivalent, except in limited circumstances listed in § 110.1(c).
Decision table — do I need Title 20 certification?
| Decision question | Required action | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Is the device an appliance that falls within Title 20, § 1601 et seq.? | If yes, the appliance must be certified to the Energy Commission under § 1606 before installation. | § 110.1(a) and § 1606 |
| Is the device a manufactured system/equipment/appliance required by Part 6 but NOT within Title 20 §1601 scope? | Manufacturer must supply a signed certification declaration under Part 6 (permitting installation). Confirmation methods are in Part 6. | § 110.0(b) and § 110.2(b) |
| How to verify a device’s certified-status? | Confirm via Energy Commission database, an equivalent federal directory, or an Energy Commission–approved trade association directory, or other methods listed in Part 6 (application + acceptance letter, publisher confirmation, or Commission-approved label). | § 110.1(b) and § 110.2(b)3 (A–D) |
| What if the database or approved test method is not available? | Follow the alternate procedures in § 110.1(c): default to Part 6 mandatory levels or use Commission‑approved procedures (e.g., field-test protocol or other approved verification). | § 110.1(c) |
Where to look up certified appliances
- The Energy Commission maintains the certified-appliances database at www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ — Part 6 requires using that database (or an approved equivalent) to verify compliance.
Exceptions & special cases
- Alternate verification routes: when the Energy Commission database data is unavailable, when no applicable field test protocol exists, when an appliance has been site‑modified affecting performance, or when a DOE waiver lacks an efficiency-determination method — the Code allows alternative demonstration routes described in § 110.1(c).
- Some Part 6 items that are not Title 20 “appliances” may be installed using a manufacturer’s sworn declaration rather than Title 20 certification (see § 110.2(b)2). Confirm whether a product is in Title 20 scope before relying on a manufacturer declaration.
- Specific equipment sections call out Title 20 certification explicitly (example: low‑voltage dry‑type distribution transformers must be certified as required by Title 20; limited transformer types are excepted in § 110.11).
- Some refrigerated equipment: refrigerated spaces under 3,000 square feet are governed by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (walk‑in coolers/freezers) per the Part 6 refrigerated-space rules; those appliances must meet Title 20 requirements. 3,000 square feet is a key threshold.
Common mistakes
- Assuming ENERGY STAR = Title 20 certification. ENERGY STAR is a separate program; Title 20 requires certification to the Energy Commission under § 1606 for appliances within §1601 scope. Always confirm Title 20 certification status in the Commission database.
- Installing an appliance because the manufacturer supplied a declaration without checking whether the device is actually within Title 20 §1601 scope. If it is within §1601, Title 20 certification (not a simple Part 6 declaration) is required. See § 110.2(b).
- Relying on a non‑approved directory or manufacturer label that is not listed/approved by the Commission. Part 6 restricts acceptable confirmation methods; use the Energy Commission database, an approved federal directory, or an approved trade-association directory unless one of the specific alternate confirmations in § 110.2(b)3 (A–D) applies.
- Forgetting to handle site‑modifications: an appliance that has been modified on site in a way that changes performance may require field testing or other Commission-approved demonstration instead of relying on database entries (see § 110.1(c)).
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: You are specifying a new walk‑in cooler, 800 ft², for a small grocery store.
- Is the cooler addressed by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations? Part 6 says refrigerated spaces less than 3,000 square feet must meet the Appliance Efficiency Regulations for walk‑in coolers/freezers, so yes — this cooler falls within that scope. 3,000 square feet is the threshold.
- Certification requirement: Because the cooler is within Title 20’s scope, it may be installed only if certified to the Energy Commission under § 1606 and complies with the Appliance Efficiency Regulations per § 110.1(a).
- How to verify: Check the Energy Commission certified‑appliances database at www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ to confirm the model and its acceptance, as required by § 110.1(b). If the model is not listed, you must follow the alternate routes in § 110.1(c) (for example, approved field verification or default to mandatory efficiency levels).
- Documentation: Keep a copy of the database entry or other accepted confirmation (label, accepted application, or publisher confirmation) with the construction documents per Part 6 certification-confirmation rules.
Related provisions
- § 110.1 — Mandatory requirements for appliances; verification methods and exceptions.
- § 110.2 — Certification requirements for manufactured systems, equipment, appliances and building components; and allowable manufacturer declarations for non‑Title 20 items.
- § 110.11 — Electrical power distribution equipment (low‑voltage dry‑type distribution transformers) certification requirements and exceptions.
- § 120.6 — Refrigerated warehouses and refrigerated-space rules (3,000 ft² threshold referencing Title 20 for walk‑ins).
- Title 20, § 1606 — Certification procedures to the Energy Commission (appliance certification rule referenced throughout Part 6).
- Definitions and “certified” meaning in Part 6 (see Definitions / CERTIFIED TO THE ENERGY COMMISSION).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 110.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 110.1—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES
(a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with Section 1608(a) of those regulations.
(b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be verified utilizing data from either:
- The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ ; or
- An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or
- An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606(h).
(c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:
- Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to subdivision (b); or
- Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol that is applicable to the appliance; or
- The appliance meets the requirements of Section 110.1(a) but has been site-modified in a way that affects its performance; or
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
- The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a waiver from federal test procedures, pursuant to 10 CFR Section 430.27 or Section 431.401 and that waiver fails to specify how the efficiency of the system shall be determined.
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 110.2—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT
Certification by manufacturers. Any space-conditioning equipment listed in this section may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified to the Commission that the equipment complies with all the applicable requirements of this section.
(a) Efficiency. Equipment shall meet the applicable efficiency requirements in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, subject to the following:
- If more than one efficiency standard is listed for any equipment in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall meet all the applicable standards that are listed; and
- If more than one test method is listed in Tables 110.2-A through 110.2-L, the equipment shall comply with the applicable efficiency standard when tested with each listed test method; and
§ 25218.5 High relevance — show source text
(b) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Systems, Equipment, Appliances and Building Components.
- Appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations shall only be installed if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer, pursuant to the provisions of Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1606; or
- Systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are required by Part 6 or the Reference Appendices to be certified to the Energy Commission, which are not appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, shall only be installed if they are certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that: A. All the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Part 6; and B. The equipment, product, or device was tested using the test procedure specified in Part 6 if applicable
- The certification status of any system, equipment, appliance or building component shall be confirmed only by reference to: A. A directory published or approved by the Commission; or B. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of acceptance from the Commission staff; or C. Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission-approved directory that a device has been certified; or D. A Commission-approved label on the device.
Note: Part 6 does not require a builder, designer, owner, operator, or enforcing agency to test any certified device to determine its compliance with minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted by the Commission.
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 110.1—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLIANCES
(a) Any appliance regulated by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1601 et seq., may be installed only if the appliance fully complies with Section 1608(a) of those regulations.
(b) Except for those circumstances described in Section 110.1(c), conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be verified utilizing data from either:
- The Energy Commission’s database of certified appliances maintained pursuant to Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606, and which is available at: www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/ ; or
- An equivalent directory published by a federal agency; or
- An approved trade association directory as defined in Title 20 California Code of Regulations Section 1606(h).
(c) Conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards shall be demonstrated either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels specified in Part 6 or by following procedures approved by the Commission pursuant to Section 10-109 of Title 24, Part 1, when:
- Data to verify conformance with efficiency levels required to comply with Part 6 mandatory, prescriptive and performance standards is not available pursuant to subdivision (b); or
- Field verification and diagnostic testing is required for compliance with Part 6 and the Energy Commission has not approved a field verification and diagnostic test protocol that is applicable to the appliance; or
§ 100.1 High relevance — show source text
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS
FIGURE 100.1-A CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ZONES
Climate Zones for Residential and Nonresidential Occupancies
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2 ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
SECTION 110.0—SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT—GENERAL
Sections 110.1 through 110.12 specify requirements for manufacturing, construction and installation of certain systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are installed in buildings within the scope of Section 100.0(a).
Note: The requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.12 apply to newly constructed buildings. Sections 141.0 and 150.2 specify which requirements of Sections 110.1 through 110.12 also apply to additions and alterations to existing buildings.
(a) General Requirements. Systems, equipment, appliances and building components shall only be installed in a building within the scope of Section 100.0(a) regulated by Part 6 only if:
- The manufacturer has certified that the system, equipment, appliances or building component complies with the applicable manufacturing provisions of Sections 110.1 through 110.12; and
- The system, equipment, appliance or building component complies with all applicable installation provisions of Sections 110.1 through 110.12.
(b) Certification Requirements for Manufactured Systems, Equipment, Appliances and Building Components.
- Appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations shall only be installed if they have been certified to the Energy Commission by the manufacturer, pursuant to the provisions of Title 20 California Code of Regulations, Section 1606; or
- Systems, equipment, appliances and building components that are required by Part 6 or the Reference Appendices to be certified to the Energy Commission, which are not appliances that are within the scope of Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, shall only be installed if they are certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that: A. All the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate and in compliance with all applicable requirements of Part 6; and B. The equipment, product, or device was tested using the test procedure specified in Part 6 if applicable
- The certification status of any system, equipment, appliance or building component shall be confirmed only by reference to: A. A directory published or approved by the Commission; or B. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of acceptance from the Commission staff; or C. Written confirmation from the publisher of a Commission-approved directory that a device has been certified; or D. A Commission-approved label on the device.
Note: Part 6 does not require a builder, designer, owner, operator, or enforcing agency to test any certified device to determine its compliance with minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted by the Commission.
§ 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.
§ 13.3 High relevance — show source text
CERTIFIED TO THE ENERGY COMMISSION means, when used in association with appliances, certified under Section 1606 of Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations; and otherwise means certified by the manufacturer in a declaration, executed under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that all the information provided pursuant to the certification is true, complete, accurate and in compliance with all applicable provisions of Part 6; and if applicable that the equipment, product or device was tested under the applicable test method specified in Part 6.
CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION is an independent organization recognized by the Commission to certify manufactured devices for performance values in accordance with procedures adopted by the Commission.
CIE 13.3 is the International Commission on Illumination (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) document titled “Method of Measuring and Specifying Colour Rendering Properties of Light Sources,” 1995 (CIE 13.3-1995).
CIE 15 is the International Commission on Illumination (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) document titled “Technical Report: Colorimetry,” 2018 (CIE 15:2018).
CIRCULATING FAN means a fan that is not a ceiling fan, but that is used to move air within a space that has no provision for connection to ducting or separation of the fan inlet from its outlet, and designed to be used for the general circulation of air.
CLIMATE ZONES are the 16 geographic areas of California for which the commission has established typical weather data, prescriptive packages and energy budgets. Climate zones are defined by ZIP code and listed in Reference Joint Appendix JA2. FIGURE 100.1-A is an approximate map of the 16 climate zones.
CLOSED-CIRCUIT COOLING TOWER is a cooling tower that utilizes indirect contact between a heated fluid, typically water or glycol, and the cooling atmosphere to transfer the source heat load through sensible heat, latent heat and mass transfer indirectly to the air, essentially combining a heat exchanger and cooling tower into an integrated and relatively compact device.
CODES, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE is the California Historical Building Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 8 and Part 2 (Chapter 34).
CODES, CBC is the 2025 California Building Code.
CODES, CEC is the 2025 California Electrical Code.
CODES, CFC is the 2025 California Fire Code.
CODES, CMC is the 2025 California Mechanical Code.
CODES, CPC is the 2025 California Plumbing Code.
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP), COOLING is the ratio of the rate of net heat removal to the rate of total energy input, calculated under designated operating conditions and expressed in consistent units, as determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations or Section 110.2.
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP), HEATING is the ratio of the rate of net heat output to the rate of total energy input, calculated under designated operating conditions and expressed in consistent units, as determined using the applicable test method in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations or Section 110.2.
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP), HEAT PUMP is the ratio of the rate of useful heat output delivered by the complete heat pump unit (exclusive of supplementary heating) to the corresponding rate of energy input, in consistent units and as determined using the applicable test method in Appliance Efficiency Regulations or Section 110.2.
§ 170.2 High relevance — show source text
ii. Reserved.
iii. Neon or cold cathode lamps with transformer or power supply efficiency greater than or equal to the following: a. A minimum efficiency of 75 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is less than 50 mA; or
b. A minimum efficiency of 68 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is 50 mA or greater. The ratio of the output wattage to the input wattage is at 100 percent tubing load.
iv. Reserved.
v. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a power supply having an efficiency of 80 percent or greater; or Exception to Section 170.2(e)7Bv: Single voltage external power supplies that are designed to convert 120 volt AC input into lower voltage DC or AC output, and have a nameplate output power less than or equal to 250 watts, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20). Exception 1 to Section 170.2(e)7: Unfiltered incandescent lamps that are not part of an electronic message center (EMC), an internally illuminated sign or an externally illuminated sign. Exception 2 to Section 170.2(e)7: Exit signs. Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations. Exception 3 to Section 170.2(e)7: Traffic signs that meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Sections 1601(m), 1602, 1602.1, 1603, 1604(m), 1605, 1605.1(m), 1605.2(m), 1605.3(m), 1606, 1607, 1608, and 1609.
(f) Photovoltaic requirements—three habitable stories or fewer . All multifamily buildings up to three habitable stories shall have a newly installed photovoltaic (PV) system or newly installed PV modules meeting the minimum qualification requirements specified in Joint Appendix JA11. The annual electrical output of the PV system shall be no less than the smaller of a PV system size determined using Equation 170.2-C, or the total solar access roof area (SARA) multiplied by 18 for steep-sloped roofs or SARA multiplied by 14 for low-sloped roofs. A. SARA includes the area of the building’s roof space capable of structurally supporting a PV system, and the area of all roof space on covered parking areas, carports, and all other newly constructed structures on the site that are compatible with supporting a PV system per Title 24, Part 2, Section 1511.10.
B. SARA does NOT include:
i. Any roof area that has less than 70 percent annual solar access. Annual solar access is determined by dividing the total annual solar insolation, accounting for shading obstructions, by the total annual solar insolation if the same areas were unshaded by obstructions. For steep-sloped roofs, only shading from existing permanent natural or manmade obstructions that are external to the dwelling, including but not limited to trees, hills and adjacent structures, shall be considered for annual solar access calculations. For low slope roofs, all obstructions including those that are external to the dwelling unit, and obstructions that are part of the building design and elevation features, shall be considered for the annual solar access calculations.
ii. Occupied roof areas as specified by CBC Section 503.1.4. iii. Roof area that is otherwise not available due to compliance with: a. Other state building code requirements, or b. Local building code requirements if local building code requirements are confirmed by the Executive Director.
§ 207.3.2 High relevance — show source text
A6.207.3.2 Efficiency. Equipment shall meet the applicable requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations as required by Section A6.210.1, subject to the following:
- If more than one standard is listed in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, the equipment shall meet all the standards listed; and
- If more than one test method is listed in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, the equipment shall comply with the applicable standard when tested with each test method; and
- Where equipment can serve more than one function, such as both heating and cooling or both space heating and water heating, it shall comply with all the requirements applicable to each function; and
- Where a requirement is for equipment rated at its “maximum rated capacity” or “minimum rated capacity,” the capacity shall be as provided for and allowed by the controls, during steady-state operation.
A6.207.3.3 Installation. Any service water-heating system or equipment may be installed only if the system or equipment complies with all of the applicable requirements of this subsection for the system or equipment.
A6.207.3.3.1 Outlet temperature controls. On systems that have a total capacity greater than 167,000 Btu/hr, outlets that require higher than service water temperatures as listed in the ASHRAE Handbook, Applications Volume, shall have separate remote heaters, heat exchangers or boosters to supply the outlet with the higher temperature.
A6.207.3.3.2 Temperature controls for public lavatories. The controls shall limit the outlet temperature to 110°F.
A6.207.3.3.3 Insulation. Unfired service water heater storage tanks and backup tanks for solar water-heating systems shall have:
External insulation with an installed R -value of at least R-12; or
Internal and external insulation with a combined R -value of at least R-16; or
The heat loss of the tank surface based on an 80°F water-air temperature difference shall be less than 6.5 Btu per hour per square foot.
A6.207.3.3.4 Service water heaters in state buildings. Any newly constructed building constructed by the State shall derive its service water heating from a system that provides at least 60 percent of the energy needed for service water heating from site solar energy or recovered energy.
Exception: Buildings for which the state architect determines that service water heating from site solar energy or recovered energy is economically or physically infeasible.
A6.207.4 Natural gas central furnaces, cooking equipment and pool and spa heaters: Pilot lights prohibited.
Any natural gas system or equipment listed below may be installed only if it does not have a continuously burning pilot light:
Fan-type central furnaces.
Household cooking appliances. Exception: Household cooking appliances without an electrical supply voltage connection and in which each pilot consumes less than 150 Btu/hr.
Pool heaters.
Spa heaters.
A6.207.5 Controls for space-conditioning systems. Space- conditioning systems shall be installed with controls that comply with the applicable requirements of Subsections A6.207.5.1 through A6.207.5.5.
A6.207.5.1 Thermostatic controls for each zone. The supply of heating and cooling energy to each space-conditioning zone or dwelling unit shall be controlled by an individual thermostatic control that responds to temperature within the zone and that meets the applicable requirements of Section A6.207.5.2.
§ 110.2 High relevance — show source text
Units that only have capabilities for partial heat recovery shall meet the requirements of Table 110.2-D, Water
Chilling Packages—Minimum Efficiency Requirements.
g. For heat recovery heating chilling package applications where there is simultaneous cooling and heating, compliance with the heating performance heat recover COPHR is
only required at one of the four heating AHRI 550/590 (I-P) standard ratings conditions of Low, Medium, Hot-Water 1 or Hot-Water 2. Compliance with the cooling-only perfor-
mance is required as defined in Notes b and c of Table 110.2-I.
h. Water-to-water heat pumps with a capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h are included in Table 110.2-B, Heat Pumps—Minimum Efficiency Requirements.
i. Source leaving liquid temperature.
1. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate used for the heating rating for a reverse cycle air-to-water heat pump shall be the flow rate determined during the full-load cool-
ing rating.
2. The cooling evaporator liquid flow rate for the simultaneous cooling and heating and heat recovery liquid cooled chilling packages rating shall be the liquid flow rates
from the cooling operation full-load rating.
3. For heating-only fluid-to-fluid chiller packages, the evaporator flow rate obtained with an entering liquid temperature of 54°F and a leaving liquid temperature of 44°F
shall be used.
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
SECTION 110.3—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER-HEATING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
(a) Certification by manufacturers. Any service water- heating system or equipment may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified that the system or equipment complies with all of the requirements of this subsection for that system or equipment.
- Temperature controls for service water-heating systems. Service water-heating systems shall be equipped with automatic temperature controls capable of adjustment from the lowest to the highest acceptable temperature settings for the intended use as listed in Table 3, Chapter 50 of the ASHRAE Handbook, HVAC Applications Volume or Table 613.1 of the Cali- fornia Plumbing Code for healthcare facilities. Exception to Section 110.3(a)1: Residential occupancies.
(b) Efficiency. Equipment shall meet the applicable requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations as required by Section 110.1, subject to the following:
If more than one standard is listed in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, the equipment shall meet all the standards listed; and
If more than one test method is listed in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, the equipment shall comply with the applicable standard when tested with each test method; and
Where equipment can serve more than one function, such as both heating and cooling, or both space heating and water heating, it shall comply with all the requirements applicable to each function; and
Where a requirement is for equipment rated at its “maximum rated capacity” or “minimum rated capacity,” the capacity shall be as provided for and allowed by the controls, during steady-state operation.
(c) Installation. Any service water-heating system or equipment may be installed only if the system or equipment complies with all of the applicable requirements of this subsection for the system or equipment. 1.
§ 120.6 High relevance — show source text
Refrigerated spaces that are less than 3,000 square feet shall meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations for walk-in coolers or freezers contained in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 through 1608).
- Insulation requirements. Exterior surfaces of refrigerated warehouses shall be insulated at least to the R -values in Table 120.6-A-1.
TABLE 120.6-A-1—REFRIGERATED WAREHOUSE INSULATION Col2 Col3 SPACE SURFACE MNIMUMR-VALUE (ºF·hr·sf/Btu) Freezers Roof/ceiling R-40 Freezers Wall R-36 Freezers Floor R-35 Freezers Floor with all heating from productive refrigeration capacity1 R-20 Coolers Roof/ceiling R-28 Coolers Wall R-28 1. All underslab heating is provided by a heat exchanger that provides refrigerant subcooling or other means that result in productive refrigeration capacity on the associated
refrigerated system.1. All underslab heating is provided by a heat exchanger that provides refrigerant subcooling or other means that result in productive refrigeration capacity on the associated
refrigerated system.1. All underslab heating is provided by a heat exchanger that provides refrigerant subcooling or other means that result in productive refrigeration capacity on the associated
refrigerated system.- Underslab heating. Electric resistance heat shall not be used for the purposes of underslab heating. Exception to Section 120.6(a)2: Underslab heating systems controlled such that the electric resistance heat is thermostatically controlled and disabled during the summer on-peak period defined by the local electric utility.
- Evaporators. New fan-powered evaporators used in coolers and freezers shall conform to the following: A. Single phase fan motors less than 1 hp and less than 460 Volts in newly installed evaporators shall be electronicallycommutated motors or shall have a minimum motor efficiency of 70 percent when rated in accordance with NEMA Standard MG 1-2006 at full load rating conditions. B. Evaporator fans served either by a suction group with multiple compressors or by a single compressor with variable capacity capability shall be variable speed and the speed shall be controlled in response to space temperature or humidity. Exception 1 to Section 120.6(a)3B: Addition, alteration or replacement of less than all of the evaporators in an existing refrigerated space that does not have speed-controlled evaporators. Exception 2 to Section 120.6(a)3B: Coolers within refrigerated warehouses that maintain a controlled atmosphere for which a licensed engineer has certified that the types of products stored will require constant operation at 100 percent of the design airflow. Exception 3 to Section 120.6(a)3B: Areas within refrigerated warehouses that are designed solely for the purpose of quick chilling/freezing of products, including but not limited to spaces with design cooling capacities of greater than 240 Btu/hr-ft [2] (2 tons per 100 square feet). C. Evaporator fans served by a single compressor that does not have variable capacity shall utilize controls to reduce airflow by at least 40 percent for at least 75 percent of the time when the compressor is not running.
§ 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.
- The main electrical service panel shall have a minimum busbar rating of 200 amps.
- 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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ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
(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
§ 140.8 High relevance — show source text
Reserved.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a power supply having an efficiency of 80 percent or greater; or Exception to Section 140.8(b)5: Single voltage external power supplies that are designed to convert 120 volt AC input into lower voltage DC or AC output, and have a nameplate output power less than or equal to 250 watts, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the appliance efficiency regulations (Title 20).
Exception 1 to Section 140.8: Unfiltered incandescent lamps that are not part of an electronic message center (EMC), an internally illuminated sign or an externally illuminated sign.
Exception 2 to Section 140.8: Exit signs. Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the appliance efficiency regulations.
Exception 3 to Section 140.8: Traffic Signs. Traffic signs shall meet the requirements of the appliance efficiency regulations.
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 140.9—PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES (a) Prescriptive requirements for computer rooms. Computer rooms with a power density greater than 20 W/ft [2] shall comply with this section.
- Economizers. Each individual cooling system primarily serving computer room shall include either: A. An integrated air economizer capable of providing partial cooling even when additional mechanical cooling is required and capable of providing 100 percent of the expected system cooling load at 65°F to 80.6°F supply air temperature at outside air temperatures of 65°F dry-bulb and below or 50°F wet-bulb and below, and be equipped with a fault detection and diagnostic system as specified by Section 120.2(i); or B. An integrated water economizer capable of providing partial cooling even when additional mechanical cooling is required and capable of providing 100 percent of the expected system cooling load at 65°F to 80.6°F supply air temperature at outside air temperatures of 50°F dry-bulb and below or 45°F wet-bulb and below. Exception 1 to Section 140.9(a)1: Individual computer rooms with an ITE design load under 5 tons (18 kW) in a building that does not have any economizers. Exception 2 to Section 140.9(a)1: A computer room with an ITE design load less than 20 tons (70 kW) may be served by a second fan system without an economizer if it is also served by a fan system with an economizer that also serves other spaces within the building, provided that all of the following are met: i. The economizer system is sized to meet the design cooling load of the computer room when the other spaces within the building are at 50 percent of their design load at outside air temperatures of 65°F dry-bulb and below or 50°F wet-bulb and below; and
§ 110.4 High relevance — show source text
A heat pump pool heater as the primary heating system that meets the sizing requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA16.3. The control for the heat pump pool heater shall meet the requirements specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 110.4(d). The supplementary heater can be of any energy source; or 3. A heating system that derives at least 60 percent of the annual heating energy from on-site renewable energy or on-site recovered energy; or 4. A combination of a solar pool heating system and heat pump pool heater without any additional supplementary heater; or 5. A pool heating system determined by the Energy Commission Executive Director to use no more energy than the systems specified in Item 1, 2, 3, or 4 above.
Exception 1 to A4.204.1.2: Portable electric spas compliant with 20 CCR, Section 1605.3(g)(7) of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.
Exception 2 to A4.204.1.2: A pool or spa that is heated solely by a solar pool heating system without any supplementary heater.
Exception 3 to A4.204.1.2: An existing building with inadequate Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) as specified in Title 24, Part 6, Section 170.2(f) for a solar pool heating system to be installed.
Exception 4 to A4.204.1.2: Heating systems which are used exclusively for permanent spa applications in existing buildings with gas availability.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4 and 25402.8, Public Resources Code.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A4-11
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APPENDIX A4-12 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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A4 RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
DIVISION A4.3 – WATER EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
SECTION A4.301—GENERAL (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.302—DEFINITIONS (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.303—INDOOR WATER USE
A4.303.1 Kitchen faucets. The maximum flow rate of kitchen faucets shall not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi. Kitchen faucets may temporarily increase the flow above the maximum rate, but not to exceed 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi, and must default to a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi.
Note: Where complying faucets are unavailable, aerators or other means may be used to achieve reduction.
A4.303.2 Alternate water sources for nonpotable applications. Alternate nonpotable water sources are used for indoor potable water reduction. Alternate nonpotable water sources shall be installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.
A4.303.3 Appliances. Install at least one qualified ENERGY STAR dishwasher or clothes washer.
Note: See Section A5.303.3 for nonresidential dishwashers and clothes washers.
Frequently asked questions
Which specific product types are “appliances” under Title 20 §1601?
Title 20 §1601 et seq. lists the appliances covered (for example, common categories include refrigerators, water heaters, pool heaters, transformers, lighting devices, etc.). This article describes the certification requirement — consult Title 20 §1601–§1608 for the exact product lists and the Energy Commission database for model-level certification.
How do I confirm a model is certified?
Confirm in the Energy Commission certified‑appliances database (www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/database/) or an approved federal or Commission‑approved trade association directory. The Energy Code requires using these sources unless an exception in § 110.1(c) applies.
Can a manufacturer declaration substitute for Title 20 certification?
Only for products that are not within the Title 20 §1601 “appliance” scope but are required to be certified by Part 6 — in those cases a signed manufacturer declaration under penalty of perjury may be used per § 110.2(b)2. If the item is within Title 20 scope, Title 20 certification via § 1606 is required.
What if the database doesn't list my model?
If the database or other approved verification data aren’t available, follow the alternate procedures in § 110.1(c) (default to Part 6 mandatory levels, use Commission‑approved field verification, or other Commission procedures).
Are there size or capacity thresholds I should watch for?
Yes — e.g., refrigerated spaces under 3,000 square feet are treated under the Appliance Efficiency Regulations for walk‑ins; other equipment sections contain their own capacity thresholds and exceptions (see the specific Part 6 sections referenced above).
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- Envelope construction, insulation, fenestration and thermal performance
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- Scope, applicability, definitions and administrative requirements
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