CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code
HVAC, Air Filters & Protective Signaling Standards
This hub summarizes CRSC Chapter 12 provisions on air filters (Standard 12‑71‑1) and protective signaling (Standard 12‑72‑1), and points to Mechanical Code MERV and testing requirements.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This part of the California Referenced Standards Code (CRSC) brings together the State Fire Marshal and building‑code referenced standards that govern air filtration in HVAC systems and the construction, testing and performance of protective signaling (fire‑alarm) devices. It covers the test methods and classifications for air filters (see Standard 12‑71‑1, Sec. §12‑71‑100) and the minimum construction/performance and test procedures for protective signaling systems (see Standard 12‑72‑1, Sec. §12‑72‑100) as adopted into Part 12 of the CRSC .
These standards matter for health, indoor‑air quality and life‑safety: the CRSC procedures classify filters (including flame/smoke behavior and test apparatus) and set endurance and relay tests for signaling equipment, while the California Mechanical Code cross‑references these requirements and establishes minimum filtration performance (for example, MERV 13 minimum filtration for mechanically ventilated buildings and labeling requirements) and related ventilation safeguards .
Key CRSC references to note on this hub include Standard 12‑71‑1 (Air Filters, Sec. §12‑71‑100) and Standard 12‑72‑1 (Protective Signaling Systems, Sec. §12‑72‑100 and related test provisions such as §12‑72‑105 on relays and endurance tests) as well as corresponding California Mechanical Code provisions on filtration and ventilation .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Referenced Standards Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRSC § 1.5 High relevance — show source text
- Smoke density is measured as the drop in light intensity on a microammeter by means of photoelectric cell mounted a few inches below and about 12 inches (305 mm) inside the discharge end of the duct. The light source, stabilized for light intensity, is mounted 1 inch (25 mm) above the duct directly above the photoelectric cell. The microammeter readings are recorded every 5 seconds for the first minute and every 10 seconds for the next 2 minutes.
- The differences between these readings and the readings taken before the test are plotted against time (the scale being 40 μA and 40 seconds to the inch) with the resulting area under the curve being measured by use of a planimeter or calculated mathematically. This area is a measure of the smoke density produced during the test.
(c) Classification. As a result of the tests, air filter units are classified as Class 1 or 2 as indicated below:
- Class 1 air filter units are those which, when clean, do not produce flames or sparks when attacked by flame and which develop areas under the smoke density curves that are less than 1.5 square inches (967 mm [2] ).
- Class 2 air filter units are those which, when clean, burn moderately when attacked by flame or emit moderate amounts of smoke or both. These units, although they may be consumed to some extent, do not project flames or extensive sparks that would ignite adjacent combustible materials beyond the discharge end of the duct during the test and do not develop areas under the smoke density curves that are more than 6.0 square inches (3871 mm [2] ).
(d) Adhesive coatings. Liquid-adhesive coatings used on filters shall have a flash point of 325°F (163°C) Cleveland open cup tester, or higher.
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12-72-1 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS
STANDARD TEST PROCEDURES
STANDARD 12-72-1
STATE FIRE MARSHAL
SCOPE
Sec. 12-72-100.
(a) Basic. This standard represents the minimum basic requirements for the construction and performance of the protective signaling systems to be listed under this classification. The minimum design, construction and performance standards set forth herein are those deemed as minimum necessary to establish conformance to the regulations of the State Fire Marshal as set forth in the California Electrical Code, and when applicable shall be reported on in their entirety by the approved testing laboratory.
(b) Systems. This standard covers electrically operated devices and control units designed to transmit and sound alarms, supervisory and trouble signals to be employed in ordinary indoor locations in accordance with the Standards of the National Fire Protection Association for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Proprietary, Auxiliary and Local Protective Signaling Systems, Remote Station, Nos. 72A, 72B, 72C and 72D, and the California Electrical Code. This includes combination protective signaling systems employing nonsupervised sounding circuits; combination fire alarm-communication, -program and -clock systems (hereinafter referred to as combination signaling systems); and audible devices used for both alarm and program or communication
purposes.
CRSC § 12-10 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 12-10-1 EXITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
CHAPTER 12-10-2 EXITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
CHAPTER 12-10-3 EXITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
CHAPTERS 12-11A AND 12-11B
BUILDING AND FACILITY ACCESS
SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
CHAPTER 12-12 RESERVED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
CHAPTER 12-13 STANDARDS FOR INSULATING
MATERIAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
CHAPTER 12-16-1 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY
AND DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
CHAPTER 12-16-2 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY
AND DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
CHAPTER 12-31C RADIATION SHIELDING STANDARDS . . 105
CHAPTER 12-71 AIR FILTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
CHAPTER 12-72-1 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS . . . 109
CHAPTER 12-72-2 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS . . . 123
CHAPTER 12-72-3 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS . . . 133
HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
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PART 12 CROSS REFERENCE TABLE
(Cross reference table is nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.)
CRSC § 12-16 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 12-16-1 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY
AND DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
CHAPTER 12-16-2 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY
AND DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
CHAPTER 12-31C RADIATION SHIELDING STANDARDS . . 105
CHAPTER 12-71 AIR FILTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
CHAPTER 12-72-1 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS . . . 109
CHAPTER 12-72-2 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS . . . 123
CHAPTER 12-72-3 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS . . . 133
HISTORY NOTE APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
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PART 12 CROSS REFERENCE TABLE
(Cross reference table is nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.)
PART 12
STANDARDSUBJECT ADOPTING
AGENCYASSOCIATED TITLE 24
BUILDING STANDARDChapter 12-3 Releasing systems for security bars in
dwellingsSFM Part 2, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7
Part 2.5, Sections R319.1.1 and R319.4.4
Part 9, Sections 1031.2.1, 1031.6, 1032.7
Appendix 4 Section 452.1.5 and Title 19 provisions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
4.4, 4.5, 4.6 reprinted in Part 9
Part 10, Section 505.4Chapter 12-4A Laboratory animal quarters standards DPH Part 2, Section 1236 Chapter 12-4-1 Stage and Platforms SFM Part 2, Sections 410.2.7, 410.2.7.1, 410.2.7.2
Part 9, Sections 105.6.51, 4809Chapter 12-7-1 Fire-resistive standards. CRSC § 1009.12 High relevance — show source text
Emergency exit and panic hardware.
|SFM|Part 9, Section 1009.12| |Chapter 12-11A,
12-11B|Detectable warning products and directional
surfaces|DSA|Part 2, Sections 1112A.9, 1116A.5, 11B-247,
11B-406.5.12, 11B-705, 11B-810.5.2| |Chapter 12-12|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-13|Standards for insulating material|CA/SFM|Part 2.5, Section R302.10.1
Part 6, Section 110.8
Part 9, Section 720, Table 721.1(1)
Part 11, Section A5.504.4.8| |Chapter 12-16-1|California standard for earthquake-actuated
automatic gas shutoff systems|DSA|Part 2, Chapters 16 and 16A
Part 5, Section 1211.8| |Chapter 12-16-2|California standard for residential excess flow
actuated automatic gas shutoff valves|DSA|Part 5, Section 1209.1| |Chapter 12-31C|Radiation shielding|DPH|Part 2, Section 3102C| |Chapter 12-71|Air filters|SFM|Part 4, Sections 401.2, 509.2.3, 509.2.3.4
Part 6, Section 120.1| |Chapter 12-72-1|Protective signaling systems.
Standard test procedures.|SFM|| |Chapter 12-72-2|Protective signaling systems. Single-and
multiple-station fire alarm devices
mechanically operated type.|SFM|| |Chapter 12-72-3|Protective signaling systems. Smoke detectors,
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12-1 ADMINISTRATION
RESERVED
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12-3 RELEASING SYSTEMS FOR SECURITY BARS IN DWELLINGS
(This standard includes provisions of Underwriters Laboratories Subject 2326, Appendix B, dated December 17, 1999, reprinted with their permission.)
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 12-3-1—SCOPE
12-3-1.1 These requirements cover releasing systems for bars, grilles, mesh, glazing or other items intended to provide security at doors and windows required for emergency escape from dwelling units. When actuated by the occupant, the system allows the obstructions over the door or window to be moved so occupants can escape in the event of an emergency.
CRSC § 429-2013 Medium relevance — show source text
2015)|Fuel Gas| |UL 429-2013|Electrically Operated Valves (with revisions through March 19, 2021)|Valves| |UL 443-2006|Steel Auxiliary Tanks for Oil-Burner Fuel (with revisions through May 31,
2018)|Fuel Gas| |UL 521-1999|Heat Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems (with revisions through
November 18, 2020)|Heat Detectors| |UL 525-2008|Flame Arresters (with revisions through October 13, 2017)|Flame Arrestors| |UL 565-2013|Liquid-Level Gauges for Anhydrous Ammonia and LP-Gas (with revisions
through February 23, 2018)|Fuel Gas| |UL 569-2013|Pigtails and Flexible Hose Connectors for LP-Gas (with revisions through July
28, 2017)|Fuel Gas| |UL 732-2018|Oil-Fired Storage Tank Water Heaters (with revisions through August 9, 2018)|Fuel Gas, Appliances| |UL 733-2019|Oil-Fired Air Heaters and Direct-Fired Heaters|Water Heaters, Direct
Fired, Oil Fired| |UL 842-2020|Valves for Flammable Fluids and Combustible Liquids (with revisions through
October 27, 2017)|Valves| |UL 1389-2019|Plant Oil Extraction Equipment for Installation and Use in Ordinary (Unclas-
sified) Locations and Hazardous (Classified) Locations (with revisions
through October 13, 2020)|Plant Oil Extraction| |UL 1453-2016|Electric Booster and Commercial Storage Tank Water Heaters (with revisions
through May 18, 2018)|Appliances| |UL 1746-2007|External Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Storage Tanks
(with revisions through December 19, 2014)|Tanks| |UL 2017-2008|General-Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems (with revisions through
December 14, 2018)|Signaling Devices| |UL 2075-2013|Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors (with revisions through December 21,
2017)|Gas Detectors| |UL 8800-2019|Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems|Electrical|2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 383
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REFERENCED STANDARDS
ABBREVIATIONS IN TABLE 1801.1 AND TABLE 1801.2
AABC Associated Air Balance Council, 1220 19th Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036.
ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association, Inc., 2800 S Shirlington Road, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22206.
AHAM Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036.
AHRI Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, 2311 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201.
AMCA Air Movement and Control Association, 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1806.
ANSI American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 W. 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
CRSC § 83.5 Medium relevance — show source text
T = oven temperature in °C.
R = temperature in °C for which the printed material is to be recognized (75°, 90°, 105° or 125°C). The remaining three samples are to be placed first in the air oven for 168 hours and then in a moist air chamber having a relative humidity of 83.5–86.5 percent at a temperature of 30.5°–33.5°C, for 168 hours, and the cycle repeated for a total of 1,344 hours (four 168-hour periods in the air oven alternating with four 168-hour periods in the moist air). 7. After 1,344 hours under the conditions described in the preceding paragraph, the six samples are to be allowed to cool to room temperature and then subjected to the test described in Item 5 and the average strength of the bond determined for each sample. 8. The use of coatings over printed wiring will be given special consideration with respect to their effect on the strength of the bond between the printed wiring and the insulating material.
(d) Dielectric strength.
- The average dielectric breakdown potential for six samples of printed wiring boards that have been conditioned in an air oven for 1,344 hours at the temperature determined by the formula in Section 12-72-104 (c), Item 6, shall be not less than 80 percent of the average dielectric breakdown potential for six samples of printed wiring boards that have not been subjected to such conditioning.
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PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS
- The 12 samples may be provided without components (capacitors, sockets, resistors, etc.) but are to be samples that have been subjected to the complete production soldering process. The test potential is to be obtained from a suitable transformer, the output voltage of which can be regulated. The potential is to be increased gradually from zero, at the rate, of approximate 75 volts per second, until dielectric breakdown occurs. Three different locations on each sample, with different spacings between conductors, if possible, are to be tested. The locations selected are to be the same for all samples. The average dielectric breakdown potentials for each group of six samples for each location is to be determined. The average value for each location for the samples that have been conditioned is to be not less than 80 percent of the average value for the corresponding location for the samples that have not been conditioned.
RELAYS FOR PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SERVICE
Sec. 12-72-105.
(a) Test conditions. Relays which have not been qualified as approved for use with protective signaling systems by investigation and report from an approved listing agency shall have its suitability for use in a protective signaling system evidenced by an investigation and report by an approved testing laboratory which shall include certification that the relay conforms to the minimum requirements of the California Electrical Code. The test report shall include, but is not limited to:
- Over- and under-voltage operation per the California Electrical Code.
- The insulation of coil windings of relays shall be such as to resist the absorption of moisture.
- Temperature readings on the coil and insulation under normal operation at a constant temperature (temperature may be considered constant when three succeeding readings at not less than 5 minute intervals indicate no change in temperature).
- Overload test consisting of 50 operations at 115 percent of rated voltage with a test load being that which the relay is to handle.
CRSC § 12-7 Medium relevance — show source text
Fire tests of building
construction and materials.|SFM|Part 2, Section 703| |Chapter 12-7-2|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-7-3|Fire-resistive standards.
Fire testing furnaces.|SFM|Part 9, Section 3001| |Chapter 12-7-4|Fire-resistive standards.
Fire door assembly tests.|SFM|Part 2, Section 716| |Chapter 12-7-5|Fire-resistive standards. Interior
finish of decorative material.|SFM|Part 2, Chapter 8
Part 9, Chapter 8| |Chapter 12-7A|Materials and construction methods for
exterior wildfire exposure|SFM|Part 7, Chapter 5| |Chapter 12-8-1|Fire-resistive standards for fire protection|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2| |Appendix 12-8-1A|Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon
monoxide or carbon dioxide production|SFM|| |Appendix 12-8-1B|Guide to mounting techniques for wall and
ceiling interior finish material|SFM|| |Chapter 12-10-1|Exits. Power-operated exit doors.|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1| |Chapter 12-10-2|Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices.|SFM|Part 2, Section 1010.2.2
Part 9, Section 1010.2.2| |Chapter 12-10-3|Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware.
|SFM|Part 9, Section 1009.12| |Chapter 12-11A,
12-11B|Detectable warning products and directional
surfaces|DSA|Part 2, Sections 1112A.9, 1116A.5, 11B-247,
11B-406.5.12, 11B-705, 11B-810.5.2| |Chapter 12-12|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-13|Standards for insulating material|CA/SFM|Part 2.5, Section R302.10.1
Part 6, Section 110.8
Part 9, Section 720, Table 721.1(1)
Part 11, Section A5.504.4.8| |Chapter 12-16-1|California standard for earthquake-actuated
automatic gas shutoff systems|DSA|Part 2, Chapters 16 and 16A
Part 5, Section 1211.8| |Chapter 12-16-2|California standard for residential excess flow
actuated automatic gas shutoff valves|DSA|Part 5, Section 1209.1| |Chapter 12-31C|Radiation shielding|DPH|Part 2, Section 3102C| |Chapter 12-71|Air filters|SFM|Part 4, Sections 401.2, 509.2.3, 509.2.3.4
Part 6, Section 120.1| |Chapter 12-72-1|Protective signaling systems.
Standard test procedures.|SFM|| |Chapter 12-72-2|Protective signaling systems.CRSC § 7.3 Medium relevance — show source text
3|7.3|9.9|14.6| |26|NP|NP|NP|NP|13.2|22.4|NP|NP|5.0|8.5|11.4|16.9| |28|NP|NP|NP|NP|15.1|25.7|NP|NP|5.7|9.7|13.1|19.4| |30|NP|NP|NP|NP|17.2|NP|NP|NP|6.5|11.0|14.9|22.0| |32|NP|NP|NP|NP|19.4|NP|NP|NP|7.3|12.4|16.8|24.8| |34|NP|NP|NP|NP|21.7|NP|NP|NP|8.2|13.9|18.8|NP| |36|NP|NP|NP|NP|24.1|NP|NP|NP|9.1|15.4|20.9|NP| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits.
a. Values are applicable for underground piping materials listed in_ the California Plumbing Code_ and are based on an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of 150.
b. Values include the following length allowances for fittings: 25-percent length increase for actual lengths up to 100 feet and 15-percent length increase for actual lengths over
100 feet.
c. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2. Add 5 gpm to the flow rate required by Section_R309.3.4.2_ where the water service pipe supplies more than one dwelling.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits.
a. Values are applicable for underground piping materials listed in_ the California Plumbing Code_ and are based on an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of 150.
b. Values include the following length allowances for fittings: 25-percent length increase for actual lengths up to 100 feet and 15-percent length increase for actual lengths over
100 feet.
c. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2. Add 5 gpm to the flow rate required by Section_R309.3.4.2_ where the water service pipe supplies more than one dwelling.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits.
a. Values are applicable for underground piping materials listed in_ the California Plumbing Code_ and are based on an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of 150.
b. Values include the following length allowances for fittings: 25-percent length increase for actual lengths up to 100 feet and 15-percent length increase for actual lengths over
100 feet.
c. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.CRSC § 311.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
(2) Air filters used in listed appliances and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
311.2.1 Minimum Filtration. In mechanically ventilated buildings, occupied areas of the building shall be provided with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides not less than a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 or as required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Installed filters shall be clearly labeled by the manufacturer indicating the MERV rating.
311.3 Prohibited Sources. Outside or return air for a heating or cooling air system shall not be taken from the following locations:
(1) Less than the separation distances to vents required by Section 802.6.1 and Section 802.8.
(2) Less than the separation distances required by Section 402.4.
(3) A hazardous or insanitary location, or a refrigeration machinery room as defined in this code.
(4) An area, the volume of which is less than 25 percent of the entire volume served by such system, unless there is a permanent opening to an area the volume of which is equal to 25 percent of the entire volume served.
Exception: Such openings where used for a heating or cooling air system in a dwelling unit shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 50 percent of the required area, provided the balance of the required return air is taken from a room or hall having not less than three doors leading to other rooms served by the furnace.
(5) A closet, bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, garage, boiler room, furnace room, or unconditioned attic.
(6) Rooms or spaces containing a fuel-burning appliance therein. Where such room or space serves as source of return-air.
Exceptions:
(1) This shall not apply to fireplaces, fireplace appliances, residential cooking appliances, direct vent appliances, enclosed furnaces, and domestic-type clothes dryers installed within the room or space.
(2) This shall not apply to a gravity-type or listed vented wall heating or cooling air system.
(3) This shall not apply to a blower-type heating or cooling air system installed in accordance with the following requirements:
(a) Where the return air is taken from a room or space having a volume exceeding 1 cubic foot (0.03 m [3] ) for each 10 Btu/h (0.003 kW) fuel input rating of fuel-burning appliances therein.
(b) Not less than 75 percent of the supply air is discharged back into the same room or space.
(c) Return-air inlets shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) from an appliance firebox or draft diverter in the same enclosed room or confined space.
311.4 Return-Air Limitations. Return air from one dwelling unit shall not discharge into another dwelling unit through the heating or cooling air system.
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GENERAL REGULATIONS
CRSC § 403.7 Medium relevance — show source text
1
Table 403.7_Notes 11 & 12_
||||X|X||||||||||||||||||||This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.
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CHAPTER 4
VENTILATION AIR
401.0 General.
401.1 Applicability. This chapter contains requirements for ventilation air supply, exhaust, and makeup air requirements for occupiable spaces within a building. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4 & 5] See Sections 406.0 through 419.0. [SFM] Air filters shall comply with all requirements of Part 12, Title 24, Chap- ter 12-71, SFM Standard 12-71-1. Spaces within buildings, except those within a dwelling unit in residential occupancies where occupants are nontransient, shall comply with Section 402.0 through Section 404.0. Requirements for ventilation air rate for dwelling units in residential occupancies, where the occupants are nontransient, shall be in accordance with Section 405.0 or ASHRAE 62.2.
401.2 Indoor Swimming Pools. The design of ventilation systems serving an indoor aquatic facility (natatorium) shall comply with the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC).
401.3 Filters. [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] In mechanically ven- tilated buildings, provide regularly occupied areas of the building with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides at least a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13. MERV 13 filters shall be installed prior to occupancy, and recommendations for maintenance with fil- ters of the same value shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual in compliance with Chapter 5, Division 5.5 of the California Green Building Standards Code (CAL- Green).
Exception: Existing mechanical equipment.
401.3.1 Labeling. Installed filters shall be clearly labeled by the manufacturer indicating the MERV rating.
402.0 Ventilation Air.
402.1 Occupiable Spaces. Occupiable spaces listed in Table 402.1 shall be designed to have ventilation (outdoor) air for occupants in accordance with this chapter. [DSA-SS] Ven- tilation air requirements for occupancies regulated by the California Energy Commission are found in the California Energy Code.
[CEC] Ventilation air requirements for occupancies regu- lated by the California Energy Commission and found in the California Energy Code supersede those of the California Mechanical Code.
CRSC § 310.5 Medium relevance — show source text
310.5 Point of Discharge. Air-conditioning condensate waste pipes shall connect indirectly to the drainage system through an air gap or air break to trapped and vented receptors, dry wells, mop sinks, leach pits, or the tailpiece of plumbing fixtures. An individual condensate drain shall be trapped in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions or in accordance with Section 310.4.
310.6 Condensate Waste from Air-Conditioning Coils. Where the condensate waste from air-conditioning coils discharges by direct connection to a lavatory tailpiece or to an approved accessible inlet on a bathtub overflow, the connection shall be located in the area controlled by the same person controlling the air-conditioned space. 310.7 Female Plastic Connections. Female plastic screwed fittings shall be used with plastic male fittings and plastic male threads. Female plastic threaded connections shall not be allowed to be used when threaded onto a male
metallic connection.
311.0 Heating or Cooling Air System. 311.1 Source. A heating or cooling air system shall be provided with return air, outside air, or both. A heating or cooling air system regulated by this code and designed to replace required ventilation shall be arranged to discharge into a conditioned space not less than the amount of outside air specified in Chapter 4.
311.2 Air Filters. Air filters shall be installed in a heating, cooling, or makeup air system. Media-type air filters shall comply with UL 900. Electrostatic and high efficiency particulate filters shall comply with Section 935.0.
Exceptions:
(1) Air filters used in systems serving single guest rooms or dwelling units shall not be required to be listed.
(2) Air filters used in listed appliances and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
311.2.1 Minimum Filtration. In mechanically ventilated buildings, occupied areas of the building shall be provided with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides not less than a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 or as required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Installed filters shall be clearly labeled by the manufacturer indicating the MERV rating.
311.3 Prohibited Sources. Outside or return air for a heating or cooling air system shall not be taken from the following locations:
(1) Less than the separation distances to vents required by Section 802.6.1 and Section 802.8.
(2) Less than the separation distances required by Section 402.4.
(3) A hazardous or insanitary location, or a refrigeration machinery room as defined in this code.
(4) An area, the volume of which is less than 25 percent of the entire volume served by such system, unless there is a permanent opening to an area the volume of which is equal to 25 percent of the entire volume served.
Exception: Such openings where used for a heating or cooling air system in a dwelling unit shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 50 percent of the required area, provided the balance of the required return air is taken from a room or hall having not less than three doors leading to other rooms served by the furnace.
(5) A closet, bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, garage, boiler room, furnace room, or unconditioned attic.
(6) Rooms or spaces containing a fuel-burning appliance therein. Where such room or space serves as source of return-air.
Exceptions:
CRSC § 401.2 Medium relevance — show source text
401.2 Indoor Swimming Pools. The design of ventilation systems serving an indoor aquatic facility (natatorium) shall comply with the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC).
401.3 Filters. [BSC-CG & DSA-SS] In mechanically ven- tilated buildings, provide regularly occupied areas of the building with air filtration media for outside and return air that provides at least a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13. MERV 13 filters shall be installed prior to occupancy, and recommendations for maintenance with fil- ters of the same value shall be included in the operation and maintenance manual in compliance with Chapter 5, Division 5.5 of the California Green Building Standards Code (CAL- Green).
Exception: Existing mechanical equipment.
401.3.1 Labeling. Installed filters shall be clearly labeled by the manufacturer indicating the MERV rating.
402.0 Ventilation Air.
402.1 Occupiable Spaces. Occupiable spaces listed in Table 402.1 shall be designed to have ventilation (outdoor) air for occupants in accordance with this chapter. [DSA-SS] Ven- tilation air requirements for occupancies regulated by the California Energy Commission are found in the California Energy Code.
[CEC] Ventilation air requirements for occupancies regu- lated by the California Energy Commission and found in the California Energy Code supersede those of the California Mechanical Code.
[OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Health care spaces shall meet the ventilation requirements found in Table 4-A. Ventilation rates for areas not specified in Table 4-A shall have minimum ven- tilation and air change rates per ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1. Where areas with prescribed ventilation rates in both Standards 62.1 and Table 4-A exist, the higher of the two air change rates shall be used.
402.1.1 Construction Documents. The outdoor air ventilation rate and air distribution assumptions made in the design of the ventilation system shall be clearly identified on the construction documents.
402.1.2 Ventilation in Health Care Facilities.
Mechanical ventilation for health care facilities shall be designed and installed in accordance with this code, ASHRAE/ASHE 170, and NFPA 99. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Ventilation for health care facilities shall be designed and installed in accordance with this code and Table 4-A. All supply-air, return air, and exhaust-air sys- tems shall comply with this code and ASHRAE 170. When the requirements of this code conflict with ASHRAE 170, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail. The text of ASHRAE 170 shall be modified as follows:
(1) ASHRAE 170. Section 6.1.2.1 -- Also see Section 319.0.
(2) ASHRAE 170. Section 6.3.1.3 – Modify as follows: Relief air other than class 1 shall discharge at least 10 feet (3048 mm) from any outside air intake.
Frequently asked questions
What MERV rating is required by California codes for mechanically ventilated buildings?
The California Mechanical Code requires air filtration media with a minimum MERV rating of 13 for outside and return air in mechanically ventilated, regularly occupied areas; installed filters must be clearly labeled with their MERV rating .
Where are the test methods and classifications for air filters found in the CRSC?
Test apparatus, methods and classification criteria for air filters are contained in Standard 12‑71‑1 (see Sec. §12‑71‑100) of the CRSC, which describes the duct/test rig, smoke‑density criteria and Class 1/Class 2 classifications among other requirements .
What do the protective signaling standards in the CRSC cover?
Standard 12‑72‑1 defines minimum design, construction and performance requirements and standard test procedures for protective signaling systems (including scope, device endurance tests and component qualification such as relays), and is used to establish listing and lab‑test criteria for devices regulated by the State Fire Marshal .
More in California Referenced Standards Code
- Administration and scope — CRSC Chapter 12 overview
- Air filter standards (Chapter 12‑71)
- Building and facility access / accessibility standards (Chapters 12‑11A, 12‑11B)
- Engineering regulations — quality and design of construction materials (12‑16 series)
- Exits and means of egress (Chapters 12‑10 series)
- Protective signaling systems and detectors (Chapters 12‑72‑1, ‑2, ‑3)
- Radiation shielding standards (Chapter 12‑31C)
- Referenced standards index / cross‑reference table (Part 12 listing of referenced standards)
- Releasing systems for security bars (egress-release standards)
- Standards for insulating materials (Chapter 12‑13)
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