Title 24 · California Energy Code
When do Title 20 appliance regulations and other test-procedure references apply?
If an appliance is covered by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20, § 1601 et seq.), you may only install it if it is certified and meets the Title 20 performance rule (see § 110.1); verification normally comes from the Energy Commission’s certified‑appliances database, and if no listing exists you must use Part 6 default efficiency values or Commission‑approved procedures per § 110.1(c).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Any appliance that falls within the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20, § 1601 et seq.) may be installed in a building only if it meets the certification and performance requirements specified by those regulations — in particular, it must comply with § 1608(a) and be certified to the Energy Commission as required by § 1606. The California Energy Code’s mandatory appliance rule is codified at § 110.1 and requires verifiable proof of efficiency (usually via the Energy Commission’s certified‑appliances database) unless a limited set of exceptions applies.
If an appliance is in the scope of Title 20 (§ 1601 et seq.), you must be able to show it is certified to the Energy Commission and compliant with § 1608(a); verification normally comes from the Energy Commission’s certified‑appliance database.
Requirements in detail
Key defined terms (first use)
- Appliance within the scope of Title 20 (§ 1601) — any appliance covered by the Appliance Efficiency Regulations.
- Certified to the Energy Commission — appliances certified under § 1606 or, where Title 20 does not apply, manufacturer declaration under penalty of perjury as specified in Part 6.
- Energy Commission’s database — the Commission’s directory of certified appliances maintained under § 1606, used to verify compliance.
Decision table — when different rules apply
| Decision question | Condition / trigger | What must you do | Code reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the appliance regulated by Title 20 (Appliance Efficiency Regulations)? | Yes (falls within scope of § 1601) | Appliance may be installed only if it complies with § 1608(a) (and is certified as required). | § 110.1(a) referencing § 1601 and § 1608(a) |
| How to verify efficiency for Part 6 compliance | Data available in Energy Commission database | Use the Energy Commission’s certified‑appliance database (or equivalent federal or approved trade association directory). | § 110.1(b) and Title 20 § 1606 (database) |
| No directory data available or field testing needed | Data not available, or field verification/testing required, or site modification changed performance, or DOE waiver lacks a test procedure | Demonstrate conformance either by default to the mandatory efficiency levels in Part 6 or follow Commission‑approved procedures under Title 24, Part 1 (Section 10‑109). | § 110.1(c) |
| Manufacturer certification requirement | Appliance is within scope of § 1601 | Manufacturer must certify to the Energy Commission per § 1606; non‑Title‑20 devices require a signed manufacturer declaration that testing used the Part 6 test method (if applicable). | § 110.2(b) and § 110.0(h) referencing § 1606 and Title 20 § 1601–1609 |
How the verification hierarchy works (steps)
- First look up the model in the Energy Commission’s certified‑appliances database (maintained under § 1606) — if present, use that listing to verify compliance.
- If not listed, an equivalent federal directory or an Energy Commission‑approved trade association directory may be used (see § 110.1(b)).
- If none of those sources provide data, use the Part 6 default mandatory efficiency levels or follow Commission‑approved procedures to demonstrate compliance (see § 110.1(c)).
Exceptions & special cases
- If the Energy Commission database (or approved federal/trade directory) does not contain verification data, you may default to the Part 6 mandatory efficiency level or follow Commission‑approved verification procedures under Section 10‑109 of Title 24, Part 1. § 110.1(c) explains these fallbacks.
- If an appliance is site‑modified in a way that affects performance, conformance must be demonstrated as provided in § 110.1(c) (i.e., not by relying on the factory listing alone).
- Where the U.S. Department of Energy has issued a waiver from federal test procedures and the waiver does not specify how to determine efficiency, § 110.1(c) covers how conformance must be shown.
- Part 6 requires manufacturers to certify appliances in the Title 20 scope to the Energy Commission; other devices required to be certified by Part 6 but not within Title 20 must be certified by a manufacturer declaration under oath (see § 110.2(b)).
If you need the verbatim regulatory language or the internal technical test procedures in Title 20 §§ 1601–1609, those Title 20 texts were referenced in the Energy Code excerpts, but the full Title 20 sections themselves are not included in the retrieved file excerpts. I cannot quote provisions that were not returned in the search results.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a listing on the manufacturer’s label is sufficient verification — Part 6 requires confirmation by reference to the Energy Commission’s database or an approved directory unless one of the narrow exceptions applies (§ 110.1(b)).
- Installing a Title 20‑regulated appliance without checking that it’s certified to the Energy Commission (manufacturer certification under § 1606) — appliances in Title 20 scope may only be installed if certified. § 110.1(a) and § 110.2(b) make this mandatory.
- Relying on an uncertified field test without first confirming whether an approved field verification protocol exists (if none exists, § 110.1(c) requires alternative Commission‑approved procedures).
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A commercial walk‑in refrigerator (Model A123) will be installed in a grocery store.
- Is Model A123 within the scope of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20, § 1601)? — assume yes for this example. (If unknown, check Title 20 scope.)
- Is Model A123 listed in the Energy Commission certified‑appliances database (per § 1606)? — check the database first. If listed, the listing is the verification of compliance for Part 6 purposes per § 110.1(b).
- If Model A123 is NOT listed in the database and no equivalent approved directory lists it, then per § 110.1(c) you must either:
- Use the Part 6 default mandatory efficiency level as the compliance demonstration (install a model that meets that default), or
- Follow a Commission‑approved procedure under Section 10‑109, Title 24, Part 1, to demonstrate the appliance’s efficiency.
Numerical illustration (hypothetical numbers): Part 6 sets a mandatory efficiency minimum of X units (this example number is illustrative — the specific mandatory value for the product must be taken from the relevant Part 6 table). If Model A123’s certified rating (from the database) ≥ X, it’s allowed. If no certified rating exists, either choose a certified model meeting ≥ X or follow Commission‑approved verification to show Model A123 meets ≥ X per § 110.1(c).
Related provisions
- § 110.1 — Mandatory requirements for appliances; verification pathways and exceptions.
- § 110.2(b) — Certification requirements for manufactured systems, equipment, appliances and building components (manufacturer certification and declarations).
- Title 20, § 1606 — Energy Commission database and certification procedures (referenced by Part 6 as the primary verification source).
- Title 20, § 1608(a) — Performance/compliance criteria for appliances within Title 20 scope (referenced by § 110.1(a)).
- Title 24, Part 1, § 10‑109 — Commission approval process for alternative demonstration procedures (referenced by § 110.1(c)).
- Title 20, §§ 1601–1609 — General Appliance Efficiency Regulations referenced throughout Part 6; Part 6 defers to these Title 20 sections when Title 6 does not specify requirements.
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
§ 13.3 Medium 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.
§ 1.10.4.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1.10.4.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.4, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 4], unless the entire chapter is applicable.
1.10.4.4 Reference to other chapters. Where reference is made within this code to sections in Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, the respective sections in Chapters 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A and 22A shall apply instead.
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015 and 129790.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.5 OSHPD 5. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application— Acute psychiatric hospital buildings.
Enforcing agency— Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). The office shall also enforce the California Energy Commission—Energy Regulations, the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance regulations and the regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the above-stated facility type.
1.10.5.1 Applicable administrative standards. 1. Title 24, Part 1, California Code of Regulations: Chapter 7. 2. Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations: Sections 1.1 and 1.10, Chapter 1, Division I, and as adopted in Chapter I, Division II.
1.10.5.2 Applicable building standards. California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
The provision of Title 24, Part 2, as adopted and amended by OSHPD, shall apply to the applications listed in Section 1.10.5.
OSHPD 5 adopts the following building standards in Title 24, Part 2:
Chapters 2 through 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 35.
1.10.5.3 Identification of amendments. For applications listed in Section 1.10.5, amendments appear in this code preceded with the acronym [OSHPD 5].
Authority— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 1275 and 129850.
References— Health and Safety Code Sections 127010, 127015, 129680, 1275 and 129675 through 130070.
1.10.6 OSHPD 6. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Application —Chemical dependency recovery hospital not within an acute care hospital building or an acute psychiatric facility.
Enforcing agency —Local building department.
§ 17062.5 Medium relevance — show source text
References – Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17062.5, 17910 through 17995.5, 18200 through 18700, 18860 through 18874, 18938.6, 18941, 19890, 19891, 19892 and 19960 through 19997; Civil Code Sections 1101.4, 1101.5 and 1954.201; and Government Code Sections 12955.1 and 12955.1.1. California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1605.1, 1605.3 and 1607; and Title 25, Sections 1042 and 2042.
1.8.3 Local Enforcing Agency.
1.8.3.1 Duties and Powers. The building department of every city, county, or city and county shall enforce all the provisions of law, this code, and the other rules and reg- ulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Community Development pertaining to the installation, erection, construction, reconstruction, movement, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, or arrangement of apartments, condomini- ums, hotels, motels, lodging houses, and dwellings, including accessory buildings, facilities, and uses thereto.
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DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
The provisions regulating the erection and con- struction of dwellings and appurtenant structures shall not apply to existing structures as to which construction is commenced or approved prior to the effective date of these regulations. Requirements relating to use, mainte- nance, and occupancy shall apply to all dwellings and appurtenant structures approved for construction or con- structed before or after the effective date of this code.
For additional information regarding the use and occupancy of existing buildings and appurtenant struc- tures, see California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Divi- sion 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 1.
1.8.3.2 Laws, Rules, and Regulations. Other than the building standards contained in this code, and notwith- standing other provisions of law, the statutory authority and location of the laws, rules, and regulations to be enforced by local enforcing agencies are listed by statute in Sections 1.8.3.2.1 through 1.8.3.2.5 below:
1.8.3.2.1 State Housing Law. Refer to the State Housing Law, California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 1.5, commencing with Section 17910, and California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, commencing with Section 1, for the erection, construction, recon- struction, movement, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, or arrange- ment of apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses, and dwellings, including accessory buildings, facilities, and uses thereto.
§ 17920.9 Medium relevance — show source text
Authority Cited – Health and Safety Code Sections 17040, 17920.9, 17921, 17921.5, 17921.6, 17921.10, 17922, 17922.6, 17922.12, 17922.14, 17926, 17927, 17928, 17958.12, 18938.3, 18944.11, and 19990; and Government Code Section 12955.1 and 12955.1.1.
References – Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17062.5, 17910 through 17995.5, 18200 through 18700, 18860 through 18874, 18938.6, 18941 and 19960 through 19997; Civil Code Sections 1101.4, 1101.5, 1954.201, 1954.202; and Government Code Sections 12955.1 and 12955.1.1. California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1605.1, 1605.3 and 1607.
1.8.2.1.3 Permanent Buildings in Mobilehome Parks and Special Occupancy Parks.
Application – Permanent buildings, and permanent accessory buildings or structures, constructed within mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks that are under the control and ownership of the park operator. Sections of this code which pertain to applications listed in this section are iden- tified using the abbreviation “HCD 2.”
Enforcing Agency – The Department of Housing and Community Development, local building depart- ment or other local agency that has assumed respon- sibility for the enforcement of Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.1, commencing with Section 18200 for mobilehome parks and Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.3, commencing with Section 18860 for special occupancy parks.
Authority Cited – Health and Safety Code Sections 17040, 17920.9, 17921, 17921.5, 17921.6, 17921.10, 17922, 17922.6, 17922.12, 17922.14, 17922.15, 17926, 17927, 17928, 17958.12, 18552, 18554, 18620, 18630, 18640, 18670, 18690, 18691, 18865, 18871.3, 18871.4, 18873, 18873.1 through 18873.5, 18938.3, 18944.11, and 19990; and Government Code Section 12955.1.
§ 100.1 Medium 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.
§ 150.2 Medium relevance — show source text
For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 150.2 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. C. Multifamily buildings. Section 180.0 applies to new construction in existing multifamily buildings. New construction in existing buildings includes additions, alterations and repairs. Section 180.0 specifies requirements that uniquely apply to additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings, and specifies which requirements in other sections also apply. For alterations that change the occupancy classification of the building, the requirements specified in Section 180.0 apply to the occupancy after the alterations. 4. Installation of insulation in existing buildings. Section 110.8(d) applies to buildings in which insulation is being installed in existing attics, or on existing water heaters or existing space conditioning ducts. 5. Outdoor lighting. Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.2, 130.4, 140.7, and 150.0 apply to newly constructed outdoor lighting systems, and Section 141.0 applies to outdoor lighting that is either added or altered. 6. Signs. Sections 130.0, 130.3 and 140.8 apply to newly constructed signs located either indoors or outdoors, and Section 141.0 applies to sign alterations located either indoors or outdoors.
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS
(f) Mixed occupancy. When a building is designed and constructed for more than one type of occupancy (residential and nonresidential), the space for each occupancy shall meet the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.
Exception 1 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 80 percent of the conditioned floor area of the building, the entire building envelope, HVAC and water heating may be designed to comply with the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy, provided that the applicable lighting requirements in Sections 140.6 through 140.8, 150.0(k), or 160.5 and 170.2(e) are met for each occupancy and space, and mandatory measures in Sections 110.0 through 130.5, 150.0, and 160.0 through 160.9 are met for each occupancy and space.
Exception 2 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 90 percent of the combined conditioned plus unconditioned floor area of the building, the entire building indoor lighting may be designed to comply with only the lighting provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.
(g) Administrative requirements. Administrative requirements relating to permit requirements, enforcement by the Commission, locally adopted energy standards, interpretations, claims of exemption, approved calculation methods, rights of appeal, and certification and labeling requirements of fenestration products and roofing products are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1, Sections 10-101 to 10-114.
(h) Certification requirements for manufactured equipment, products and devices. Part 6 limits the installation of manufactured equipment, products and devices to those that have been certified as specified by Sections 110.0 and 110.1. Requirements for manufactured equipment, products, and devices, when not specified in Title 24 Part 6, are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601–1609.
§ 100.0 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception 1 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 80 percent of the conditioned floor area of the building, the entire building envelope, HVAC and water heating may be designed to comply with the provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy, provided that the applicable lighting requirements in Sections 140.6 through 140.8, 150.0(k), or 160.5 and 170.2(e) are met for each occupancy and space, and mandatory measures in Sections 110.0 through 130.5, 150.0, and 160.0 through 160.9 are met for each occupancy and space.
Exception 2 to Section 100.0(f): If one occupancy constitutes at least 90 percent of the combined conditioned plus unconditioned floor area of the building, the entire building indoor lighting may be designed to comply with only the lighting provisions of Part 6 applicable to that occupancy.
(g) Administrative requirements. Administrative requirements relating to permit requirements, enforcement by the Commission, locally adopted energy standards, interpretations, claims of exemption, approved calculation methods, rights of appeal, and certification and labeling requirements of fenestration products and roofing products are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1, Sections 10-101 to 10-114.
(h) Certification requirements for manufactured equipment, products and devices. Part 6 limits the installation of manufactured equipment, products and devices to those that have been certified as specified by Sections 110.0 and 110.1. Requirements for manufactured equipment, products, and devices, when not specified in Title 24 Part 6, are specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601–1609.
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 100.1 — DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
(a) Rules of Construction.
- Where the context requires, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.
- The use of “and” in a conjunctive provision means that all elements in the provision must be complied with or must exist to make the provision applicable. Where compliance with one or more elements suffices, or where existence of one or more elements makes the provision applicable, “or” (rather than “and/or”) is used.
- “Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive.
(b) Definitions. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives in Part 6 shall be defined as specified in Section 100.1. Terms, phrases, words and their derivatives not found in Section 100.1 shall be defined as specified in the “Definitions” chapters of Title 24, Parts 1 through 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Where terms, phrases, words and their derivatives are not defined in any of the references above, they shall be defined as specified in Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged (1961 edition, through the 2002 addenda), unless the context requires otherwise.
§ 5-2012 Medium relevance — show source text
ANSI/ASABE S640 is the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers document titled “Quantities and Units of Electromagnetic Radiation for Plants (Photosynthetic Organisms),” 2017 (ANSI/ASABE S640 JUL2017).
ANSI/ASSPE Z9.5 is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Laboratory Ventilation,” 2012 (ANSI/AIHA/ASSPE Z9.5-2012).
ANSI C82.6 is the American National Standards Institute document titled “AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD FOR LAMP BALLASTS— Ballasts for High-Intensity Discharge Lamps—Methods of Measurement,” 2020 (ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020)).
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ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS
ANSI/CTA-2045-B is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Modular Communications Interface for Energy Management,” 2021 (ANSI/CTA-2045-B-2021).
ANSI/NEMA WD 6 is the National Electrical Manufacturers Association Document titled “American National Standard for Wiring Devices—Dimensional Specification,” 2016 (ANSI/NEMA WD 6-2016).
ANSI Z21.40.4a is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Performance Testing and Rating of Gas-Fired, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Appliances,” 2017 (ANSI Z21.40.4a-1996 (R2017)/CGA 2.94a-M96 (R2017)).
ANSI Z21.47 is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Gas-Fired Central Furnaces,” 2021 (ANSI Z21.472021/CSA 2.3-2021).
ANSI Z83.8 is the American National Standards Institute document titled “Gas Unit Heaters, Gas Packaged Heaters, Gas Utility Heaters and Gas-Fired Duct Furnaces,” 2016 (ANSI Z83.8-2016/CSA 2.6-2016 (R2021)).
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY REGULATIONS are the regulations in Title 20, Sections 1601 et seq. of the California Code of Regulations.
APPROVED CALCULATION METHOD (See “alternative calculation methods.”)
ASCE 7-16 is the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard 7-16.
ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
ASHRAE CLIMATIC DATA FOR REGION X is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers document titled “ASHRAE Climatic Data for Region X, Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada,” Publication SPCDX, 1982 and “Supplement,” 1994.
ASHRAE HANDBOOK, APPLICATIONS VOLUME is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers document titled “ASHRAE Handbook: Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Applications” (I-P) (2019).
ASHRAE HANDBOOK, FUNDAMENTALS VOLUME is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning Engineers document titled “ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals” (I-P) (2017).
§ 170.2 Medium 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.
§ 120.6 Medium relevance — show source text
water static pressure|45|AHRI 420| |Direct Expansion, Halocarbon
Refrigerant, Cooler/Dock|Dry Coil
+25°F saturated evaporating dew point temperature
+35°F entering drybulb temperature
0 in. water static pressure|45|AHRI 1250| |Direct Expansion, Halocarbon
Refrigerant, Freezer|Dry Coil
-20°F saturated evaporating dew point temperature
-10°F entering drybulb temperature
0 in. water static pressure|40|AHRI 1250| |1. Direct expansion: Evaporator in which leaving refrigerant vapor is superheated.
2. Liquid overfeed: Evaporator in which refrigerant liquid is supplied at a recirculation rate greater than 1.
3. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|1. Direct expansion: Evaporator in which leaving refrigerant vapor is superheated.
2. Liquid overfeed: Evaporator in which refrigerant liquid is supplied at a recirculation rate greater than 1.
3. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|1. Direct expansion: Evaporator in which leaving refrigerant vapor is superheated.
2. Liquid overfeed: Evaporator in which refrigerant liquid is supplied at a recirculation rate greater than 1.
3. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|1. Direct expansion: Evaporator in which leaving refrigerant vapor is superheated.
2. Liquid overfeed: Evaporator in which refrigerant liquid is supplied at a recirculation rate greater than 1.
3. Applicable test procedure and reference year are provided under the definitions.|- Condensers. New fan-powered condensers on new refrigeration systems shall conform to the following: A. Design saturated condensing temperatures for evaporative-cooled condensers and water-cooled condensers served by fluid coolers or cooling towers shall be less than or equal to: i. The design wetbulb temperature plus 20°F in locations where the design wetbulb temperature is less than or equal to 76°F; or ii. The design wetbulb temperature plus 19°F in locations where the design wetbulb temperature is between 76°F and 78°F; or
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NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
iii. The design wetbulb temperature plus 18°F in locations were the design wetbulb temperature is greater than or equal to 78°F. Exception 1 to Section 120.6(a)4A: Compressors and condensers on a refrigeration system for which more than 20 percent of the total design refrigeration cooling load is for quick chilling/freezing of products (space with design cooling capacities of greater than 240 Btu/hr-ft [2] ), or process refrigeration cooling for other than a refrigerated space. Exception 2 to Section 120.6(a)4A: Condensing units that are components of walk-in coolers or walk-in freezers within the scope of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations. B. Design saturated condensing temperatures for air-cooled condensers shall be less than or equal to: i. The design drybulb temperature plus 10°F for systems serving freezers; ii.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a certificate or listing before I install an appliance?
Yes — if the appliance is within the scope of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (§ 1601), it may be installed only if it complies with § 1608(a) and is certified to the Energy Commission (verify via the Energy Commission database or an approved directory) unless one of the narrow exceptions in § 110.1(c) applies.
What if the Energy Commission database doesn’t list my model?
If the database (or an approved federal/trade directory) lacks data, § 110.1(c) requires you to demonstrate conformance either by default to the Part 6 mandatory efficiency level or by following Commission‑approved procedures under Title 24, Part 1, § 10‑109.
Can a manufacturer’s own test results be used?
Manufacturer certification to the Energy Commission is required for Title 20 appliances (usually via the Energy Commission’s certification process under § 1606). For devices not in Title 20 scope but required by Part 6, a signed manufacturer declaration is allowed if it states testing followed the Part 6 test method. See § 110.2(b).
Does a DOE test‑procedure waiver change what I do?
If DOE issued a waiver and it does not specify how to determine efficiency, § 110.1(c) instructs how to demonstrate compliance — either the Part 6 default or Commission‑approved procedures.
Where can I find the Energy Commission’s certified‑appliances database?
The Energy Commission maintains the database pursuant to § 1606; § 110.1(b) directs use of that database as the primary verification source.
More in California Energy Code
- Compliance paths, energy budgets, performance modeling and forms/software requirements
- Controls, commissioning, demand-response, sensors, and field verification/diagnostic testing
- Domestic hot water systems, efficiency, controls and installation requirements
- Electrical infrastructure, EV charging readiness, load management and demand controls
- Envelope construction, insulation, fenestration and thermal performance
- HVAC systems, ventilation rates, ducting, controls and testing
- Interior and exterior lighting power, controls and daylighting requirements
- Mandatory measures, appliance efficiency and certification requirements
- Photovoltaic requirements, BESS (battery energy storage) sizing and SARA procedures
- Reference appendices, test procedures, product certification and labeling requirements
- Scope, applicability, definitions and administrative requirements
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