PROPOSED RULES
Supplemental Notice to WSR 00-16-131.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-03-017.
Title of Rule: Amendment of chapter 51-11 WAC, Washington State Energy Code.
Purpose: To consider whether to amend the 1997 Edition of the Washington State Energy Code, chapter 51-11 WAC.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27A.025 and 19.27A.045.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27, 19.27A, and 34.05 RCW.
Summary: The proposed rules include adoption of amendments to the 1997 Washington State Energy Code, including editorial corrections, clarifications, corrections, consolidation of auxiliary chapters (2/12, 7/17, and 10/20), and amendments to specific requirements (see Explanation of Rule below for itemized list of proposed changes).
Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 19.27A.025 and 19.27A.045.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Judith Darst, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 586-2251; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.
Name of Proponent: Washington State Building Code Council, governmental.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The council is seeking comments on the issues proposed in the rules shown below.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The proposed rule amends chapter 51-11 WAC, Washington State Energy Code. The purpose is to amend the 1997 Washington State Energy Code, including editorial corrections, clarifications, corrections, consolidation of auxiliary chapters (2/12, 7/17, and 10/20), and amendments to specific requirements. The proposed amendments will provide greater clarity, consistency, and ease of use than the published version for application in Washington state.
Regulatory Review: In compliance with Executive Order 97-02, regulatory improvement, the following criteria for regulatory review will be considered at the time of final adoption of the rule.
1. Need. This rule is authorized by RCW 19.27A.025 and 19.27A.045. The council regularly reviews state-wide amendment proposals to the Washington State Energy Code, and adopts the amendments as deemed appropriate. The purpose and objective of this review, as given in RCW 19.27.020, is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings; to require minimum construction standards for the state of Washington; to permit the use of modern technical methods; to eliminate restrictive, obsolete, conflicting, duplicating and unnecessary regulations; and to provide standards to make buildings accessible to and usable by persons with physical disabilities. The technical advisory groups appointed by the council have identified rules that are obsolete, duplicative or ambiguous, and have proposed amendments and revisions.
2. Effectiveness and Efficiency. The mission of the council is to adopt building codes for uniform application throughout the state. In the course of the regular rule review, the council examined regulatory alternatives and new technologies. The council has identified where alternatives can be used effectively and efficiently. The council efficiently achieves uniform state building codes by serving as the central administrative agency for state-wide adoption of building codes.
3. Clarity. The council revised their filing procedure for state amendments to the national uniform codes. To enhance clarity, only those subsections with a state amendment will be filed under the main section number. The balance of the main section will remain as written in the national uniform code, as adopted by reference, unless otherwise noted. This reformatting change reorganizes and shortens the WACs.
4. Intent and Statutory Authority. The proposed rule is consistent with the legislative intent of the statute chapters 19.27 and 19.27A RCW. These statute give the council sufficient authority to maintain the state building code, and to adopt amendments to the Washington State Energy Code.
5. Coordination. The council rule-making process has included participation by national, state, and local building, fire, mechanical and plumbing officials, as well as state agency representatives for the Departments of Social and Health Services, Health, Labor and Industries, and the State Fire Marshal. The council actively seeks participation from other state agencies to assure that duplication and inconsistency is eliminated.
6. Cost. The council appointed technical advisory groups and an Economic and Regulatory Assessment Committee to examine the costs and benefits associated with the revisions to the building codes.
7. Fairness. The state amendments to the Washington State Energy Code proposed by the council are intended to mitigate disproportionate impact on the regulated community. The council is made up of representatives from the regulated community, as well as public and regulatory officials. In addition, the council enlisted the assistance of technical advisory groups, made up of the individuals, organizations and businesses impacted by the building codes, to review code changes and proposals.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: RESIDENTIAL
1. Section 101.3.2.1: This proposed amendment clarifies the requirements for additions to existing buildings. The term "heat loss" is changed to the more specific term "Target UA." Also, language is added to explain that removed elements are not supposed to be represented in the calculation.
2. Section 101.3.2.8: This proposed amendment requires compliance with the lighting regulations in Section 1132.3 for the communal areas in multi-family occupancies.
3. Chapters 2/12, 7/17, and 10/20: This proposed amendment consolidates the auxiliary chapters Definitions (2/12), Standards (7/17) and Defaults (10/20). This effort will simplify the code by shortening it and providing one place to find the needed information. The most accurate and up to date information is used and applied to both residential and nonresidential, where ever possible. This approach will reduce duplicative and conflicting regulations. Where needed, the specific residential or nonresidential information is identified.
4. Sections 502.1.1 and Table 10-5A (two options): Both options of this proposed amendment provide R-values for air cavities by adding a new row to the table. Option 1 deletes the table from Section 502.1.1 and replaces it with a reference to Table 10-5A. Option 2 maintains the location of the table in Section 502.1.1. However, the table is repeated in Table 10-5A.
5. Section 502.1.4.6: This proposed amendment is editorial. The added word "framed" specifies that the requirement applies to framed structures.
6. Section 502.1.5.1, exception 3: This proposed amendment adds a new exception that allows compliance to be based on the NFRC nonresidential model size provided the average glazing product size meets or exceeds it and a glazing schedule and calculation are provided.
7. Section 503.1, exception: This proposed amendment deletes the exception since it is not applicable to Group R occupancies.
8. Section 503.2.2 (2): This proposed amendment amends the natural gas-fired or oil-fired space heating and space cooling system sizing limits. Equipment 40,000 Btu/h or less is exempt from the sizing limit since equipment is generally not manufactured this small. Larger equipment may be oversized (greater than 200%) if it is 90% efficient. The graduated threshold calculation has been simplified to 90%.
9. Section 503.7, 1423, and 1433: This proposed amendment deletes the present residential economizer requirements and refers to the nonresidential requirements. The change in the nonresidential sections 1423 and 1433 specifies that the equipment serving a Group R occupancy is not included in determining the total capacity of all units without economizer in a building.
10. Section 503.10.2: This proposed amendment revises the sealing requirements for ducts. The new language lists the acceptable means of sealing, discloses the testing standards required, specifies that duct tape is not permitted, and exempts ducts and air distribution cavities that are located entirely within conditioned space.
11. Section 503.10.4: This proposed amendment is a new section referencing Table 5-11 for duct insulation requirements.
12. Section 503.11: This proposed amendment simplifies the section by referring to Table 5-12 for pipe insulation requirements. Exceptions are piping installed within unitary HVAC equipment and cold water pipes outside the conditioned space.
13. Section 504.5.2: This proposed amendment adds a new requirement for an R-12 pool cover for pools heated to more than 90°F.
14. Section 504.7: This proposed amendment amends this section for consistency and references Section 503.11.
15. Section 505, 605, and Table 15-1: This proposed amendment is new sections (component performance and prescriptive) requiring residential lighting compliance for hotel/motel guest rooms and common areas in Group R-1, as cited in Table 15-1.
16. Tables 5-1, 6-2, 6-4, and 6-6: This proposed amendment reduces the window U-factor requirement for homes heated with other fuels from anything above 0.50 to 0.50. Corresponding U-factor requirements in other paths are adjusted accordingly. This change resulted in a number of superfluous paths and footnotes so they are deleted and the prescriptive tables are ultimately simplified.
17. Section 601.1 and note to Tables 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4: This proposed amendment clarifies that prescriptive packages are for wood framed assemblies. Metal frame assemblies must demonstrate compliance with either the component performance or the systems analysis approach. The exception given is an assembly (regardless of framing) with continuous insulation uninterrupted by framing.
18. Section 602.5: This proposed amendment specifies the edge of slab insulation requirements when the floor insulation is installed below a concrete slab. The edge of slab shall either meet the exterior wall insulation requirements in a prescriptive approach or compliance must be shown through component performance or system analysis.
19. Tables 6-2, 6-4, and 6-6: This proposed amendment deletes the HVAC Equipment Efficiency requirements including both the column and footnote. The delineation of "Low," "Med," and "High" have been outdated by typical practice and equipment technology. These requirements are no longer needed and so this change simplifies the code requirements.
20. Tables 10-6C and 10-6D: This proposed amendment deletes the existing door default tables and replaces them with updated information from the 1997 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, Chapter 29, Table 7.
NONRESIDENTIAL
21. Section 1132.3: This proposed amendment clarifies the existing requirements by defining what "60% of the fixtures" means. This change will increase the code's ease of use.
22. Section 1312.1, new exception: This proposed amendment is a new exception allowing field glazed site built fenestration systems to comply with the U-factor requirement with a simulation alone.
23. Section 1313.2: This proposed amendment adds a cross reference for enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces to the UBC Section 1505.3, Attic ventilation. This proposed amendment also clarifies that roof/ceiling assemblies without a vented airspace are only allowed when both the structure and deck are not wood.
24. Section 1322 and note to Tables 13-1 and 13-2: This proposed amendment specifies the compliance approach required for metal frame assemblies, adds a note for clarity to the tables and deletes footnote 3.
25. Section 1323, exception 1: This proposed amendment clarifies the glazing is the "display side" of the street level story, adds the maximum threshold of low-e 0.40 or an area weighted U-factor of 0.60 or less, and explains how to proceed if the designed glazing exceeds 20 feet in height. These clarifications and additions will allow greater design flexibility by allowing calculations and trade-offs so that this exception can be utilized in more situations.
26. Section 1331: This proposed amendment deletes reference to RS-9, or later and inserts "ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1989."
27. Section 1411.1: This proposed amendment requires equipment efficiency ratings to be listed in the certification program, if a certification program exists for the product.
28. Section 1412.4.1: This proposed amendment adds the word "motorized" to the damper requirement. It further requires stair and elevator shaft vents equipped with motorized dampers capable of automatically closing during normal building operation and interlocked to open as required by the fire and smoke detection system. This section is also amended with a new exception for gravity dampers, in buildings less than 40 feet.
29. Section 1412.4.2: This proposed amendment is a new section requiring optimum start controls for systems exceeding 10,000 cfm design supply air capacities.
30. Section 1412.8 (RS-29 Section 3.6.5): This proposed amendment is a new section requiring enclosed parking garage ventilation controls for garage ventilation fan systems. (The change to RS 29 Section 3.6.5 is editorial for consistency with the main change.)
31. Section 1414.2: This proposed amendment allows a minimum R-7 insulation for outside air ducts serving individual supply air units with less that 2,800 cfm of total supply air capacity and does not consider them part of the building envelope.
32. Section 1414.2, exception 3 (two options): This proposed amendment changes the word "space" to "zone." Option 1 excepts exposed ductwork within a zone as long as it serves that zone (and it may serve others also). Option 2 excepts exposed ductwork within a zone only if it serves that zone exclusively.
33. Section 1415.1: This proposed amendment specifies that the water pipes that shall be insulated in accordance with the plumbing code are "cold" water pipes.
34. Section 1416 (Figure 14A and RS 29 Section 2.1): This proposed amendment is a new section requiring completion requirements including drawings, manuals, system balancing and systems commissioning. (The changes to Figure 14A and RS 29 Section 2.1 are editorial for consistency with the main change.)
35. Section 1433 and 1401: This proposed amendment makes clarifications to the existing exceptions, adds four additional comprehensive exceptions, and deletes the exception to Section 1401. These proposed changes provide for new technology, give more specific guidance for designed systems, and remove vague language that could result in obsolete and inefficient systems that increase costs for no appreciable gains.
36. Section 1435: This proposed amendment deletes the portion that references the VIAQ, adds "reheat for humidity control" to the list of prohibitions, and revises the exceptions so they are more comprehensive and also more in line with the ASHRAE language.
37. Section 1438 (two options): This proposed amendment adds system design criteria with performance based thresholds as an alternative compliance choice to the already allowed variable frequency drives. Option 1 amends, but maintains a list of prohibited devices. Option 2 does not.
38. Section 1439: This proposed amendment is a new section providing requirements for exhaust hoods. The language is from ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999, Section 6.3.7.
39. Section 1443: This proposed amendment is a new section referencing Section 1415.1.
40. Section Tables 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3: This proposed amendment revises the standard rating conditions and minimum performance for mechanical equipment to the national standards, ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999.
41. Section 1512.1: This proposed amendment adds house of worship sanctuaries to the list of exempt spaces.
42. Section 1513: This proposed amendment adds language to reference sections required for specific devices.
43. Section 1513.3: This proposed amendment clarifies daylight zones and explains when contiguous daylight zones can and cannot be controlled by a single switch. This change also proposes a new exception that allows fewer switches for enclosed daylight spaces with two or fewer fixtures.
44. Section 1513.6: This proposed amendment reduces the office building square footage threshold from 25,000 to 5,000. This change will require more office buildings to install interior automatic shut-off controls.
45. Section 1513.7: This proposed amendment is a new section requiring commissioning requirements for lighting controls, components, equipment, and systems.
46. Section 1521: This proposed amendment revises the prescriptive interior lighting requirements. This change reformats the section, making it easier to read. It adds more lamp types, increasing the design flexibility. It also further defines "electronic ballasts," clarifying the requirements. Finally, it adds two new exceptions which provide more allowance for food prep/serving areas, patient care areas, and exit lights.
47. Section 1530: This proposed amendment specifies when exit lights shall be and shall not be included in the lighting power allowance calculation.
48. Section 1531: This proposed amendment makes small language changes to clarify the requirements.
49. Section 1532: This proposed amendment specifies "outdoor areas" are those areas "that are illuminated," changes Group "M" to "U" and Group "R" to "R-3," and adds a new exception for covered parking increasing the w/sf allowance if the walls and ceilings have a reflectance value of 0.70 or higher.
50. Section Table 15-1: This proposed amendment clarifies that school building use is Group E occupancy only and revises footnote #1 to explain that a specific use takes precedence over a general use if both are listed.
51. Section Table 15-1: This proposed amendment removes the distinction of Retail A and Retail B. This change proposes one category of retail at 1.5 w/sf. It also revises footnote #10 to give further specific allowances.
52. Section Table 15-1: This proposed amendment makes a distinction between regular lobbies and main floor lobbies and increases the lighting power allowance for main floor lobbies from 0.80 w/sf to 1.20 w/sf. Common areas, corridors, toilet facilities, washrooms, and elevator lobbies remain at 0.80 w/sf.
53. RS-29 Sections 2.4 and 4: This proposed amendment deletes the list of programs only acceptable for commercial buildings 25,000 sf and less and the exception to Section 2.4 that allows them.
54. RS-29 Section 3.4.4: This proposed amendment is editorial, changing terms for more accuracy.
55. RS-29 Section 3.5: This proposed amendment is editorial, changing a referenced title to the RS citing.
56. RS-29 Section 4: This proposed amendment updates the list of programs that are suggested software for the systems analysis approach.
A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.
Proposed amendments to the following sections have been identified by the Energy Code TAG and the Economic and Regulatory Assessment Committee as having a cost impact on businesses required to comply with the rule. According to the definition established by the Economic Committee, these rules would not impose more than a minor cost on businesses required to comply. A cost less than 1/4 of 1% of the total construction cost is considered to be minor.
Chapter 51-11 WAC, Tables 5-1, 6-2, 6-4, 6-6. For Group R (residential) construction, the proposed rule adds vertical glazing (window) U-factor improvements and simplifies the prescriptive path. Homebuilders required to comply with this rule would have less flexibility in the design of homes using gas heat or heat pumps. Current estimates show 18% of homes in this category use tradeoffs to reduce wall insulation. Baseline window U-values would prohibit use of aluminum framed windows under prescriptive compliance. Purchase of windows in compliance with baseline U-factor is standard practice and does not add cost. Manufacturers of window products would be impacted minimally, with already limited demand for aluminum framed windows.
WAC 51-11-0505 Lighting. Requires master light switches and power allowance for hotel and motel guest rooms.
WAC 51-11-1416 Completion requirements. Requires testing of mechanical and lighting systems prior to occupancy of commercial buildings.
WAC 51-11-1439 Exhaust hoods. Requires unconditioned make-up air for commercial kitchen exhaust hoods.
WAC 51-11-1513 Automatic shut-off controls for lighting. Expands the scope of the automatic shut-off requirement for lighting: Requirement would apply to office buildings 5,000 square feet in area and greater. Current requirement applies to office buildings 25,000 square feet and greater.
A copy of the statement may be obtained by writing to Tim Nogler, Managing Director, Washington State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504-8300, phone (360) 586-0486, fax (360) 586-5880.
RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The state Building Code Council is not listed in this section as one of the agencies required to comply with this regulation.
Hearing Location: Radisson Hotel, 17101 International Boulevard, SeaTac, WA, on October 13, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Sue Mathers by September 25, 2000, TDD (360) 753-2200, or (360) 753-1184.
Submit Written Comments to: Judy Wilson, Chairman, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504-8300, fax (360) 586-5880, by October 13, 2000.
Date of Intended Adoption: November 17, 2000.
August 23, 2000
Judy Wilson
Council Chairman
OTS-4217.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-24-078, filed 12/1/98,
effective 7/1/99)
WAC 51-11-0101
Section 101. Scope and general
requirements.
101.1 Title: Chapters 1 through 10 of this Code shall be
known as the "Washington State Residential Energy Code" and may
be cited as such; and will be referred to herein as "this Code."
101.2 Purpose and Intent: The purpose of this Code is to
provide minimum standards for new or altered buildings and
structures or portions thereof to achieve efficient use and
conservation of energy.
The purpose of this Code is not to create or otherwise
establish or designate any particular class or group of persons
who will or should be especially protected or benefitted by the
terms of this Code.
It is intended that these provisions provide flexibility to
permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve
efficient use and conservation of energy. These provisions are
structured to permit compliance with the intent of this Code by
any one of the following three paths of design:
1. A systems analysis approach for the entire building and
its energy-using sub-systems which may utilize renewable energy
sources, Chapter 4.
2. A component performance approach for various building
elements and mechanical systems and components, Chapter 5.
3. A prescriptive requirements approach, Chapter 6.
Compliance with any one of these approaches meets the intent
of this Code. This Code is not intended to abridge any safety or
health requirements required under any other applicable codes or
ordinances.
The provisions of this Code do not consider the efficiency
of various energy forms as they are delivered to the building
envelope. A determination of delivered energy efficiencies in
conjunction with this Code will provide the most efficient use of
available energy in new building construction.
101.3 Scope: This Code sets forth minimum requirements for
the design of new buildings and structures that provide
facilities or shelter for residential occupancies by regulating
their exterior envelopes and the selection of their HVAC, service
water heating systems and equipment for efficient use and
conservation of energy.
Buildings shall be designed to comply with the requirements
of either Chapter 4, 5, or 6 of this Code.
101.3.1 Exempt Buildings: Buildings and structures or
portions thereof meeting any of the following criteria shall be
exempt from the building envelope requirements of sections 502
and 602, but shall comply with all other requirements for
building mechanical systems, and service water heating.
101.3.1.1: Buildings and structures or portions thereof
whose peak design rate of energy usage is less than three and
four tenths (3.4) Btu/h per square foot or one point zero (1.0)
watt per square foot of floor area for space conditioning
requirements.
101.3.1.2: Buildings and structures or portions thereof
which are neither heated according to the definition of heated
space in Chapter 2, nor cooled by a nonrenewable energy source,
provided that the nonrenewable energy use for space conditioning
complies with requirements of section 101.3.1.1.
101.3.1.3: Greenhouses isolated from any conditioned space
and not intended for occupancy.
101.3.1.4: The provisions of this code do not apply to the
construction, alteration, or repair of temporary worker housing
except as provided by rule adopted under chapter 70.114A RCW or
chapter 37, Laws of 1998 (SB 6168). "Temporary worker housing"
means a place, area, or piece of land where sleeping places or
housing sites are provided by an employer for his or her
employees or by another person, including a temporary worker
housing operator, who is providing such accommodations for
employees, for temporary, seasonal occupancy, and includes "labor
camps" under RCW 70.54.110.
101.3.2 Application to Existing Buildings: Additions,
historic buildings, changes of occupancy or use, and alterations
or repairs shall comply with the requirements in the subsections
below.
| EXCEPTION: | The building official may approve designs of alterations or repairs which do not fully conform with all of the requirements of this Code where in the opinion of the building official full compliance is physically impossible and/or economically impractical and: |
| 1. The alteration or repair improves the energy efficiency of the building; or |
|
| 2. The alteration or repair is energy efficient and is necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. |
101.3.2.1 Additions to Existing Buildings: Additions to
existing buildings or structures may be made to such buildings or
structures without making the entire building or structure
comply, provided that the new additions shall conform to the
provisions of this Code.
EXCEPTION:
New additions which do not fully comply with the requirements of this Code and which have a floor area which
is less than seven hundred fifty square feet shall be approved provided that improvements are made to the
existing occupancy to compensate for any deficiencies in the new addition. Compliance shall be demonstrated
by either systems analysis or component performance calculations. The nonconforming addition and upgraded,
existing occupancy shall have an energy budget or ((
heat loss)) Target UA which is less than or equal to the
unimproved existing building (minus any elements which are no longer part of the building envelope once the
addition is added), with the addition designed to comply with this Code.
101.3.2.2 Historic Buildings: The building official may
modify the specific requirements of this Code for historic
buildings and require in lieu thereof alternate requirements
which will result in a reasonable degree of energy efficiency. This modification may be allowed for those buildings which have
been specifically designated as historically significant by the
state or local governing body, or listed in The National Register
of Historic Places or which have been determined to be eligible
for listing.
101.3.2.3 Change of Occupancy or Use:
Any Other than Group R Occupancy which is converted to Group
R Occupancy shall be brought into full compliance with this Code.
101.3.2.4 Alterations and Repairs: All alterations and
repairs to buildings or portions thereof originally constructed
subject to the requirements of this Code shall conform to the
provisions of this Code without exception. For all other
existing buildings, initial tenant alterations shall comply with
the new construction requirements of this Code. Other
alterations and repairs may be made to existing buildings and
moved buildings without making the entire building comply with
all of the requirements of this Code for new buildings, provided
the following requirements are met:
101.3.2.5 Building Envelope: The result of the alterations
or repairs both:
1. Improves the energy efficiency of the building, and
2. Complies with the overall average thermal transmittance
values of the elements of the exterior building envelope in Table
5-1 of Chapter 5 or the nominal R-values and glazing requirements
of the reference case in Tables 6-1 to 6-6.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Untested storm windows may be installed over existing glazing for an assumed U-factor of 0.90, however,
where glass and sash are being replaced in Group R Occupancy, glazing shall comply with the appropriate
reference case in Table 6-1 through Table 6-6.
2. Where the structural elements of the altered portions of roof/ceiling, wall or floor are not being replaced,
these elements shall be deemed to comply with this Code if all existing framing cavities which are exposed
during construction are filled to the full depth with batt insulation or insulation having an equivalent nominal
R-value while, for roof/ceilings, maintaining the required space for ventilation. Existing walls and floors
without framing cavities need not be insulated. Existing roofs shall be insulated to the requirements of this
Code if
a. The roof is uninsulated or insulation is removed to the level of the sheathing, or
b. All insulation in the roof/ceiling was previously installed exterior to the sheathing or nonexistent.
101.3.2.6 Building Mechanical Systems: Those parts of
systems which are altered or replaced shall comply with section
503 of this Code.
101.3.2.7 Service Water Heating: Those parts of systems
which are altered or replaced shall comply with section 504.
101.3.2.8 ((Reserved.)) Lighting: Alterations shall comply
with section 1132.3.
| EXCEPTION: | Group R-3 occupancy and the dwelling unit portions of Group R-1 occupancy. |
101.4 Amendments by Local Government: Except as provided in
RCW 19.27A.020(7), this Code shall be the maximum and minimum
energy code for Group R Occupancy in each town, city and county,
no later than July 1, 1991.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 98-24-078, § 51-11-0101, filed 12/1/98, effective 7/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.025 and 19.27A.045. 98-03-003, § 51-11-0101, filed 1/8/98, effective 7/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.025. 93-21-052, § 51-11-0101, filed 10/18/93, effective 4/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.020 and 1990 c 2. 91-01-112, § 51-11-0101, filed 12/19/90, effective 7/1/91.]
The following definitions shall apply to chapters 1 through 20.
201.1 Application of Terms: For the purposes of this Code,
certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and their
derivatives, shall be as set forth in this chapter. Where terms
are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings
within the context with which they are used. In the event there
is a question about the definition of a term, the definitions for
terms in the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031 and the edition of
Webster's dictionary referenced therein shall be considered as
the sources for providing ordinarily accepted meanings.
Addition: See the Washington State Building Code.
Advanced framed ceiling: Advanced framing assumes full and even depth of insulation extending to the outside edge of exterior walls. (See Standard Framing and Section 1007.2 of this Code.)
Advanced framed walls: Studs framed on twenty-four inch centers with double top plate and single bottom plate. Corners use two studs or other means of fully insulating corners, and one stud is used to support each header. Headers consist of double 2X material with R-10 insulation between the header and exterior sheathing. Interior partition wall/exterior wall intersections are fully insulated in the exterior wall. (See Standard Framing and Section 1005.2 of this Code.)
AFUE. Annual fuel utilization efficiency: Unlike steady state conditions, this rating is based on average usage including on and off cycling as set out in the standardized Department of Energy Test Procedures.
Air conditioning, comfort: The process of treating air to control simultaneously its temperature, humidity, cleanliness and distribution to meet requirements of the conditioned space.
ARI: Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials
Automatic: Self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some impersonal influence, as for example, a change in current strength, pressure, temperature or mechanical configuration. (See Manual.)
Below grade walls: Walls or the portion of walls which are entirely below the finish grade or which extend two feet or less above the finish grade.
((Building, existing: See the Washington State Building
Code.))
Boiler capacity: The rate of heat output in Btu/h measured at the boiler outlet, at the design inlet and outlet conditions and rated fuel/energy input.
Building envelope: For Group R occupancy, the elements of a building which enclose conditioned spaces through which thermal energy may be transferred to or from the exterior or to or from spaces exempted by the provisions of Section 101.3.1. For other than Group R occupancy, the elements of a building which enclose conditioned spaces through which thermal energy may be transferred to or from the exterior, or to or from unconditioned spaces, or to or from semi-heated spaces, or to or from spaces exempted by the provisions of Section 1301.
Building, existing: See the Washington State Building Code.
Building official: The official authorized to act in behalf of a jurisdiction code enforcement agency or its authorized representative.
Building project: A building or group of buildings, including on-site energy conversion or electric-generating facilities, which utilize a single submittal for a construction permit or are within the boundary of a contiguous area under one ownership.
((Comfort envelope: The area on a psychrometric chart
enclosing all those conditions described in Standard RS-4, Figure
No. 1, as being comfortable.))
Conditioned floor area: (See Gross conditioned floor area.)
Conditioned space: ((All spaces which are provided with
heated and/or cooled air or which are capable of being maintained
at temperatures over fifty degrees F during the heating season,
including adjacent connected spaces separated by an uninsulated
component (e.g., basements, utility rooms, garages, corridors).))
A cooled space, heated space (fully heated), heated space
(semi-heated) or indirectly conditioned space.
Cooled space: ((Space within a building which is provided
with a positive cooling supply.)) An enclosed space within a
building that is cooled by a cooling system whose sensible
capacity
a. exceeds 5 Btu/(h • ft2), or
b. is capable of maintaining space dry bulb temperature of 90°F or less at design cooling conditions.
COP - Coefficient of performance: The ratio of the rate of net heat output (heating mode) or heat removal (cooling mode) to the rate of total on-site energy input to the heat pump, expressed in consistent units and under designated rating conditions. (See Net Heat Output, Net Heat Removal, Total On-Site Energy Input.)
Daylighted zone:
a. Under overhead glazing: the area under overhead glazing whose horizontal dimension, in each direction, is equal to the overhead glazing dimension in that direction plus either the floor to ceiling height or the dimension to a ceiling height opaque partition, or one-half the distance to adjacent overhead or vertical glazing, whichever is least.
b. At vertical glazing: the area adjacent to vertical glazing which receives daylighting from the glazing. For purposes of this definition and unless more detailed daylighting analysis is provided, the daylighting zone depth is assumed to extend into the space a distance of 15 feet or to the nearest ceiling height opaque partition, whichever is less. The daylighting zone width is assumed to be the width of the window plus either two feet on each side (the distance to an opaque partition) or one-half the distance to adjacent overhead or vertical glazing, whichever is least.
Daylight sensing control (DS): A device that automatically regulates the power input to electric lighting near the glazing to maintain the desired workplace illumination, thus taking advantage of direct or indirect sunlight.
Deadband: The temperature range in which no heating or cooling is used.
((Degree day, heating: A unit, based upon temperature
difference and time, used in estimating fuel consumption and
specifying nominal heating load of a building in winter. For any
one day when the mean temperature is less than sixty-five degrees
F there exist as many degree days as there are Fahrenheit degrees
difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the
day and sixty-five degrees F.))
Design cooling conditions: The cooling outdoor design temperature from the 0.5% column for summer from the Puget Sound Chapter of ASHRAE publication "Recommended Outdoor Design Temperatures, Washington State, ASHRAE."
Design heating conditions: The heating outdoor design temperature from the 0.6% column for winter from the Puget Sound Chapter of ASHRAE publication "Recommended Outdoor Design Temperatures, Washington State, ASHRAE."
Door: ((An operable opening area in the shell of a
conditioned space, excluding sliding glass doors, which is
designed and used as a means of ingress and egress. A door may
also include a double door one of which is fixed and one of which
is operable.)) All operable opening areas, which are not glazing,
in the building envelope including swinging and roll-up doors,
fire doors, smoke vents and access hatches.
Door area: Total area of door measured using the rough opening and including the door and frame.
Dwelling unit: See the Washington State Building Code.
EER. Energy efficiency ratio: The ratio of net equipment cooling capacity in Btu/h to total rate of electric input in watts under designated operating conditions.
Economizer, air: A ducting arrangement and automatic control system that allows a cooling supply fan system to supply outside air to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical refrigeration during mild or cold weather.
Economizer, water: A system by which the supply air of a cooling system is cooled directly, indirectly or both, by evaporation of water or by other appropriate fluid in order to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical refrigeration.
Efficiency, HVAC system: The ratio of useful energy (at the point of use) to the energy input for a designated time period, expressed in percent.
Emissivity: The ability to absorb infrared radiation. A low emissivity implies a higher reflectance of infrared radiation.
Energy: The capacity for doing work; taking a number of forms which may be transformed from one into another, such as thermal (heat), mechanical (work), electrical and chemical; in customary units, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal units (Btu). (See New energy.)
Energy, recovered: (See Recovered energy.)
Exterior envelope: (See Building envelope.)
Facade area: Vertical projected area including nonhorizontal roof area, overhangs, cornices, etc. measured in elevation in a vertical plane parallel to the plane of the building face.
Floor over unconditioned space: A floor which separates a conditioned space from an unconditioned space which is buffered from exterior ambient conditions including vented crawl spaces and unconditioned basements or other similar spaces, or exposed to exterior ambient conditions including open parking garages and enclosed garages which are mechanically ventilated.
F-Factor: The perimeter heat loss factor expressed in
Btu/hr • ft •°F.
F-Value: (See F-Factor.)
Garden window: A multi-sided glazing product that projects beyond the plane of the wall.
Glazed wall system: A category of site assembled fenestration products used in the NFRC 100 and NFRC 200 rating procedures that include curtainwalls.
Glazing: All areas, including the frames, in the shell of a
conditioned space that let in natural light including windows,
clerestories, skylights, sliding or swinging glass doors and
glass block walls. ((The daylight opening area in all other
doors shall be considered glazing for the purpose of calculating
glazing area. The daylight opening area in all other doors is
included in the door U-factor and shall not be considered in
calculations of glazing U-factors.))
Glazing area: Total area of the glazing measured using the
rough opening, and including the glazing, sash, and frame. ((For
sliding glass doors the glazing area is the rough opening area. For all other doors the glazing area is the daylight opening
area.)) For doors where the daylight opening area is less than
50% of the door area, the glazing area is the daylighting area.
For all other doors, the glazing area is the door area.
Gross conditioned floor area: The horizontal projection of that portion of interior space which is contained within exterior walls and which is conditioned directly or indirectly by an energy-using system, and which has an average height of five feet or greater, measured from the exterior faces.
Gross exterior wall area: The normal projection of the
building envelope wall area bounding interior space which is
conditioned by an energy-using system and which separates
conditioned space from: Unconditioned space, or semi-heated
space, or exterior ambient conditions or earth; includes opaque
wall, ((window)) vertical glazing and door areas. The gross area
of walls consists of all opaque wall areas, including foundation
walls, between floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors,
((window)) vertical glazing areas ((including sash,)) and door
areas, where such surfaces are exposed to exterior ambient
conditions and enclose a conditioned space including interstitial
areas between two such spaces. (See Below grade wall.)
Gross floor area: The sum of the areas of the several floors of the building, including basements, cellars, mezzanine and intermediate floored tiers and penthouses of headroom height, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the center line of walls separating buildings, but excluding: Covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and similar spaces. Pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps, chimneys, roof overhangs and similar features.
Gross roof/ceiling area: ((The sum of the areas of the
roof/ceiling assembly, consisting of the total interior surface
area of all elements, including skylights, which enclose a
conditioned space.)) A roof/ceiling assembly shall be considered
as all components of the roof/ceiling envelope through which heat
flows, thus creating a building transmission heat loss or gain,
where such assembly is exposed to exterior ambient conditions and
encloses a conditioned space. The assembly does not include
those components that are separated from a heated and/or cooled
space by a vented airspace. The gross area of a roof/ceiling
assembly consists of the total interior surface of such assembly,
including overhead glazing.
Guest room: See the Washington State Building Code.
Heat: The form of energy that is transferred by virtue of a temperature difference.
Heat storage capacity: The physical property of materials (mass) located inside the building envelope to absorb, store, and release heat.
Heated space (Fully heated): ((Space within a building
which is provided with a positive heating supply. Finished
living space within a basement or registers or heating devices
designed to supply heat to a basement space shall automatically
define that space as heated space. (See Positive Heating
Supply.))) An enclosed space within a building, including
adjacent connected spaces separated by an uninsulated component
(e.g., basements, utility rooms, garages, corridors), which is
heated by a heating system whose output capacity is
a. Capable of maintaining a space dry-bulb temperature of 45°F or greater at design heating conditions; or
b. 8 Btu/(h • ft2) or greater in Climate Zone 1 and 12 Btu/(h • ft2) or greater in Climate Zone 2.
Heated space (Semi-heated): An enclosed space within a building, including adjacent connected spaces separated by an uninsulated component (e.g., basements, utility rooms, garages, corridors), which is heated by a heating system
a. whose output capacity is 3 Btu/(h • ft2) or greater in Climate Zone 1 and 5 Btu/(h • ft2) or greater in Climate Zone 2; and
b. is not a Heated Space (Fully Heated).
HSPF. Heating season performance factor: The total heating
output (in Btu) of a heat pump during its normal annual usage
period for heating divided by the total (watt hour) electric
power input during the same period, as determined by test
procedures consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy "Test
Procedure for Central Air Conditioners, Including Heat Pumps"
published in ((the December 27, 1979, Federal Register, Vol 44,
No. 24, IOCFR. 430)) Standard RS-30. When specified in Btu per
watt hour an HSPF of 6.826 is equivalent to a COP of 2.0.
Humidistat: A regulatory device, actuated by changes in humidity, used for automatic control of relative humidity.
HVAC: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
HVAC system components: HVAC system components provide, in one or more factory-assembled packages, means for chilling and/or heating water with controlled temperature for delivery to terminal units serving the conditioned spaces of the buildings. Types of HVAC system components include, but are not limited to, water chiller packages, reciprocating condensing units and water source (hydronic) heat pumps. (See HVAC system equipment.)
HVAC system efficiency: (See Efficiency, HVAC system.)
HVAC system equipment: HVAC system equipment provides, in one (single package) or more (split system) factory-assembled packages, means for air circulation, air cleaning, air cooling with controlled temperature and dehumidification; and optionally, either alone or in combination with a heating plant, the functions of heating and humidifying. The cooling function may be either electrically or heat operated and the refrigerant condenser may be air, water or evaporatively cooled. Where the equipment is provided in more than one package, the separate packages shall be designed by the manufacturer to be used together. The equipment may provide the heating function as a heat pump or by the use of electric elements. (The word "equipment" used without modifying adjective may, in accordance with common industry usage, apply either to HVAC system equipment or HVAC system components.)
((Illumination: The density of the luminous flux incident
on a surface; it is the quotient of the luminous flux by the area
of the surface when the latter is uniformly illuminated.))
Indirectly conditioned space: An enclosed space within a building that is not a heated or cooled space, whose area weighted heat transfer coefficient to heated or cooled spaces exceeds that to the outdoors or to unconditioned spaces; or through which air from heated or cooled spaces is transferred at a rate exceeding three air changes per hour. Enclosed corridors between conditioned spaces shall be considered as indirectly conditioned space. (See Heated Space, Cooled Space and Unconditioned Space.)
Infiltration: The uncontrolled inward air leakage through cracks and interstices in any building element and around windows and doors of a building caused by the pressure effects of wind and/or the effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air density.
Insulation baffle: A rigid material, resistant to wind driven moisture, the purpose of which is to allow air to flow freely into the attic or crawl space and to prevent insulation from blocking the ventilation of these spaces, or the loss of insulation. Example materials for this purpose are sheet metal, or wax impregnated cardboard.
Insulation position:
a. Exterior Insulation Position: a wall having all or nearly all of its mass exposed to the room air with the insulation on the exterior of the mass.
b. Integral Insulation Position: a wall having mass exposed to both room and outside air, with substantially equal amounts of mass on the inside and outside of the insulation layer.
c. Interior Insulation Position: a wall not meeting either of the above definitions; particularly a wall having most of its mass external to the insulation layer.
IPLV -- Integrated part-load value: A single number figure of merit based on part-load EER or COP expressing part-load efficiency for air conditioning and heat pump equipment on the basis of weighted operation at various load capacities for the equipment as specified in the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and Cooling Tower Institute (CTI) procedures.
Luminaire: A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the electric power supply.
Manual: Capable of being operated by personal intervention. (See Automatic.)
Microcell: A wireless communication facility consisting of an antenna that is either: (a) Four (4) feet in height and with an area of not more than 580 square inches; or (b) if a tubular antenna, no more than four (4) inches in diameter and no more than six (6) feet in length; and the associated equipment cabinet that is six (6) feet or less in height and no more than 48 square feet in floor area.
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association.
Net heat output: The change in the total heat content of the air entering and leaving the equipment (not including supplementary heat and heat from boilers).
Net heat removal: The total difference in heat content of the air entering and leaving the equipment (without heat) or the difference in total heat content of the water or refrigerant entering and leaving the component.
New energy: Energy, other than recovered energy, utilized for the purpose of heating or cooling. (See energy.)
Nominal R-value: The thermal resistance of insulation as specified by the manufacturer according to recognized trade and engineering standards.
Nonrenewable energy sources: All energy sources that are not renewable energy sources including natural gas, oil, coal, wood, liquified petroleum gas, steam, and any utility-supplied electricity.
Nonresidential: All buildings and spaces in the Uniform Building Code (UBC) occupancies other than Group R.
Occupancy: See the Washington State Building Code.
Opaque envelope areas: All exposed areas of a building
envelope which enclose conditioned space, except openings for
((windows, skylights,)) doors, glazing and building service
systems.
Open blown: Loose fill insulation pneumatically installed in an unconfined attic space.
Outdoor air (outside air): Air taken from the outdoors and,
therefore, not previously circulated through ((the system)) a
building.
Packaged terminal air conditioner: A factory-selected combination of heating and cooling components, assemblies or sections intended to serve a room or zone. (For the complete technical definition, see Standard RS-10.)
((Packaged terminal heat pump: A factory-selected
combination of heating and cooling components, assemblies or
sections intended for application in an individual room or zone. (For the complete technical definition, see Standard RS-21.)))
Permeance (perm): The ability of a material of specified
thickness to transmit moisture in terms of amount of moisture
transmitted per unit time for a specified area and differential
pressure (grains per hour • ft2 • inches of HG). Permeance may be
measured using ASTM E-96-72 or other approved dry cup method as
specified in ((RS-1)) RS-27.
Personal wireless service facility: A Wireless Communication Facility (WCF), including a microcell, which is a facility for the transmission and/or reception of radio frequency signals and which may include antennas, equipment shelter or cabinet, transmission cables, a support structure to achieve the necessary elevation, and reception and/or transmission devices or antennas.
Pool cover: A vapor-retardant cover which lies on or at the surface of the pool.
((Positive cooling supply: Mechanical cooling deliberately
supplied to a space, such as through a supply register. Also,
mechanical cooling indirectly supplied to a space through
uninsulated surfaces of space cooling components, such as
evaporator coil cases and cooling distribution systems which are
capable of maintaining air temperatures within the space of
eighty-five degrees F, or lower, at the exterior design
conditions specified in Section 302.1. To be considered exempt
from inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall comply
with the insulation requirements of this Code.
Positive heating supply: Heat deliberately supplied to a space by design, such as a supply register, radiator or heating element. Also, heat indirectly supplied to a space through uninsulated surfaces of service water heaters and space heating components, such as furnaces, boilers and heating and cooling distributions systems which are capable of maintaining air temperature within the space of fifty degrees F, or higher, at the exterior design conditions specified in Section 302.1. To be considered exempt from inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall comply with the insulation requirements of this Code.))
Power: In connection with machines, the time rate of doing work. In connection with the transmission of energy of all types, the rate at which energy is transmitted; in customary units, it is measured in watts (W) or British Thermal Units per hour (Btu/h).
((Public facility rest room: A rest room used by the
transient public on a regular (rather than casual) basis. Examples include rest rooms in service stations, airports, train
terminals and convention halls. Rest rooms incorporated with
private guest rooms in hotels, motels or dormitories and rest
room facilities intended for the use of employees and not usually
used by the general public are not considered public facility
rest rooms.))
Radiant slab floor: A slab floor assembly on grade or
below, containing heated pipes, ducts, or electric heating cables
that constitute a ((radiant slab)) floor or portion thereof for a
complete or partial heating of the structure.
Readily accessible: See the Washington State Mechanical Code.
Recooling: The removal of heat by sensible cooling of the supply air (directly or indirectly) that has been previously heated above the temperature to which the air is to be supplied to the conditioned space for proper control of the temperature of that space.
Recovered energy: Energy utilized which would otherwise be wasted (i.e. not contribute to a desired end use) from an energy utilization system.
Reheat: The application of sensible heat to supply air that has been previously cooled below the temperature of the conditioned space by either mechanical refrigeration or the introduction of outdoor air to provide cooling.
Renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources of energy (excluding minerals) are derived from: (1) incoming solar radiation, including but not limited to, natural daylighting and photosynthetic processes; (2) energy sources resulting from wind, waves and tides, lake or pond thermal differences; and (3) energy derived from the internal heat of the earth, including nocturnal thermal exchanges.
Reset: Adjustment of the set point of a control instrument to a higher or lower value automatically or manually to conserve energy.
Roof/ceiling assembly: ((A roof/ceiling assembly shall be
considered as all components of the roof/ceiling envelope through
which heat flows, thus creating a building transmission heat loss
or gain, where such assembly is exposed exterior ambient
conditions to and encloses a conditioned space. The gross area
of a roof/ceiling assembly consists of the total interior surface
of such assembly, including skylights.)) (See Gross roof/ceiling
area.)
Seer - seasonal energy efficiency ratio: The total cooling output of an air conditioner during its normal annual usage period, in Btu's, divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours, during the same period, as determined by 10 CFR, Part 430.
Semi-heated space: Sub-category of Heated Space. (SeeHeated Space.)
Sequence: A consecutive series of operations.
Service systems: All energy-using systems in a building that are operated to provide services for the occupants or processes housed therein, including HVAC, service water heating, illumination, transportation, cooking or food preparation, laundering or similar functions.
Service water heating: Supply of hot water for domestic or commercial purposes other than comfort heating.
Shaded: Glazed area which is externally protected from direct solar radiation by use of devices permanently affixed to the structure or by an adjacent building, topographical feature, or vegetation.
Shading coefficient: The ratio of solar heat gain occurring through nonopaque portions of the glazing, with or without integral shading devices, to the solar heat gain occurring through an equivalent area of unshaded, 1/8 inch thick, clear, double-strength glass.
| Note: | Heat gains to be compared under the same conditions. See Chapter 28 of Standard RS-27, listed in Chapter 17 of this Code. |
Single family: One and two family residential dwelling units with no more than two units in a single building.
Skylight: ((A glazing surface that has a slope of less than
sixty degrees from the horizontal plane.)) (See Overhead
glazing.)
Slab-below-grade: Any portion of a slab floor in contact with the ground which is more than 24 inches below the final elevation of the nearest exterior grade.
Slab-on-grade, exterior: Any portion of a slab floor in contact with the ground which is less than or equal to twenty-four inches below the final elevation of the nearest exterior grade.
((Slab-below-grade: Any portion of a slab floor in contact
with the ground which is more than twenty-four inches below the
final elevation of the nearest exterior grade.))
Small business: Any business entity (including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity) which is owned and operated independently from all other businesses, which has the purpose of making a profit, and which has fifty or fewer employees, or which has a million dollars or less per year in gross sales, of window products.
Solar energy source: Source of natural daylighting and of thermal, chemical or electrical energy derived directly from conversion of incident solar radiation.
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): The ratio of the solar heat gain entering the space through the glazing product to the incident solar radiation. Solar heat gain includes directly transmitted solar heat and absorbed solar radiation which is then reradiated, conducted or convected into the space.
Split system: Any heat pump or air conditioning unit which is provided in more than one assembly requiring refrigeration piping installed in the field.
Standard framing: All framing practices not defined as "intermediate" or "advanced" shall be considered standard. (See Advanced framed ceiling, Advanced framed walls, Intermediate framed wall and Section 1005.2 of this Code.)
Substantial contact: A condition where adjacent building materials are placed in a manner that proximal surfaces are contiguous, being installed and supported as to eliminate voids between materials, without compressing or degrading the thermal performance of either product.
System: A combination of central or terminal equipment or components and/or controls, accessories, interconnecting means, and terminal devices by which energy is transformed so as to perform a specific function, such as HVAC, service water heating or illumination.
Tapering: Installation of a reduced level of ceiling insulation at the eaves, due to reduced clearance.
Thermal by-pass: An area where the envelope surrounding the conditioned space is breached, or where an ineffective application compromises the performance of a thermal or infiltration barrier, increasing the structure's energy consumption by exposing finished surfaces to ambient conditions and additional heat transfer.
Thermal conductance (C): Time rate of heat flow through a body (frequently per unit area) from one of its bounding surfaces to the other for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under steady conditions (Btu/hr • ft2 •°F).
Thermal resistance (R): The reciprocal of thermal conductance (hr • ft2 •°F/Btu).
Thermal transmittance (U): The coefficient of heat
transmission (air to air). It is the time rate of heat flow per
unit area and unit temperature difference between the warm side
and cold side air films (Btu/hr • ft2 •°F). ((The U-factor applies
to the fractional combinations of different materials used in
series along the heat flow path.))
Thermal transmittance, overall (Uo): The overall (average)
heat transmission of a gross area of the exterior building
envelope (Btu/hr • ft2 •°F). The Uo-factor applies to the combined
effect of the time rate of heat flows through the various
parallel paths, such as ((windows,)) glazing, doors and opaque
construction areas, comprising the gross area of one or more
exterior building components, such as walls, floors or
roof/ceiling.
Thermostat: An automatic control device actuated by temperature and designed to be responsive to temperature.
Total on-site energy input: The combination of all the energy inputs to all elements and accessories as included in the equipment components, including but not limited to, compressor(s), compressor sump heater(s), circulating pump(s), purge devices, fan(s), and the HVAC system component control circuit.
Transmission coefficient: The ratio of the solar heat gain through a glazing system to that of an unshaded single pane of double strength window glass under the same set of conditions.
U-factor: (See thermal transmittance.)
U-Value: (See U-factor.)
Uniform Building Code (UBC): ((The Washington State Uniform
Building Code as modified by the Washington State Building Code
Council.)) (See Washington State Building Code.)
Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC): ((The Washington State
Uniform Mechanical Code as modified by the Washington State
Building Code Council.)) (See Washington State Mechanical Code.)
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC): (See Washington State Plumbing Code.)
Unitary cooling and heating equipment: One or more factory-made assemblies which include an evaporator or cooling coil, a compressor and condenser combination, and may include a heating function as well. Where such equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used together.
Unitary heat pump: One or more factory-made assemblies which include an indoor conditioning coil, compressor(s) and outdoor coil or refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger, including means to provide both heating and cooling functions. When such equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used together.
Vapor retarder: A layer of low moisture transmissivity
material (not more than 1.0 perm dry cup) placed over the warm
side (in winter) of insulation, over the exterior of below grade
walls, and under floors as ground cover to limit the transport of
water and water vapor through exterior walls, ceilings, and
floors. Vapor retarding paint, listed for this application, also
((complies with this Code)) meets this definition.
Vaulted ceilings: All ceilings where enclosed joist or rafter space is formed by ceilings applied directly to the underside of roof joists or rafters.
Ventilation: The process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to or from any space. Such air may or may not have been conditioned.
Ventilation air: That portion of supply air which comes from outside (outdoors) plus any recirculated air that has been treated to maintain the desired quality of air within a designated space.
Vertical glazing: A glazing surface that has a slope of 60° or greater from the horizontal plane.
Walls (exterior): Any member or group of members which defines the exterior boundaries or courts of a building and which have a slope of sixty degrees or greater with the horizontal plane, and separates conditioned from unconditioned space. Band joists between floors are to be considered a part of exterior walls.
Washington State Building Code: The building code as modified by the Washington State Building Code Council.
Washington State Mechanical Code: The mechanical code as modified by the Washington State Building Code Council.
Washington State Plumbing Code: The plumbing code as modified by the Washington State Building Code Council.
Zone: A space or group of spaces within a building with heating and/or cooling requirements sufficiently similar so that comfort conditions can be maintained throughout by a single controlling device. Each dwelling unit in residential buildings shall be considered a single zone.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.025 and 19.27A.045. 98-03-003, § 51-11-0201, filed 1/8/98, effective 7/1/98. Statutory Authority: Chapters 19.27, 19.27A and 34.05 RCW. 94-05-059, § 51-11-0201, filed 2/10/94, effective 4/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.025. 93-21-052, § 51-11-0201, filed 10/18/93, effective 4/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.020 and 1990 c 2. 91-01-112, § 51-11-0201, filed 12/19/90, effective 7/1/91.]
502.1 General:
502.1.1: The stated U- or F-factor of any component
assembly, listed in Table 5-1 or 5-2, such as roof/ceiling,
opaque wall or opaque floor may be increased and the U-factor for
other components decreased, provided that the total heat gain or
loss for the entire building envelope does not exceed the total
resulting from compliance to the U-factors specified in this
Section.
The U-factors for typical construction assemblies are
included in Chapter 10. These values shall be used for all
calculations. Where proposed construction assemblies are not
represented in Chapter 10, values shall be calculated in
accordance with Chapters 21-29 in Standard RS-1 listed in Chapter
7, using the framing factors listed in Chapter 10 where
applicable.
For envelope assemblies containing metal framing, the
U-factor shall be determined by one of the following methods:
1. Results of laboratory or field measurements.
2. Standard RS-25, listed in Chapter 7, where the metal
framing is bonded on one or both sides to a metal skin or
covering.
3. The zone method as provided in Chapter 24 of Standard
RS-1, listed in Chapter 7.
4. Results of parallel path correction factors effective
framing/cavity R-values as provided from the following table for
metal stud walls and roof ceilings:
| Framing |
Cavity Insulation |
||||
| Effective R-Value | |||||
| Nominal Depth, Inches |
Actual Depth, Inches |
Nominal R-Value |
Framing 16" o.c. |
Framing 24" o.c. |
|
| Air cavity | any | any | 0.91 | 0.79 | 0.91 |
| 4 | 3-1/2 | R-11 | R-5.5 | R-6.6 | |
| 4 | 3-1/2 | R-13 | R-6.0 | R-7.2 | |
| Wall | 4 | 3-1/2 | R-15 | R-6.4 | R-7.8 |
| 6 | 5-1/2 | R-19 | R-7.1 | R-8.6 | |
| 6 | 5-1/2 | R-21 | R-7.4 | R-9.0 | |
| 8 | 7-1/4 | R-25 | R-7.8 | R-9.6 | |
| Insulation | R-11 | R-5.5 | R-6.1 | ||
| Roof | is | R-19 | R-7.0 | R-9.1 | |
| uncompressed | R-30 | R-9.3 | R-11.4 | ||
502.1.3: When return air ceiling plenums are employed, the
roof/ceiling assembly shall:
a. For thermal transmittance purposes, not include the
ceiling proper nor the plenum space as part of the assembly; and
b. For gross area purposes, be based upon the interior face
of the upper plenum surface.
502.1.4 Insulation:
502.1.4.1 General: All insulating materials shall comply
with sections 2602 and/or 707 of the Uniform Building Code. Substantial contact of the insulation with the surface being
insulated is required. All insulation materials shall be
installed according to the manufacturer's instructions to achieve
proper densities and maintain uniform R-values and shall be
installed in a manner which will permit inspection of the
manufacturer's R-value identification mark. To the maximum
extent possible, insulation shall extend over the full component
area to the intended R-value.
Alternatively, the thickness of roof/ceiling and wall insulation that is either blown in or spray-applied shall be identified by inches of thickness, density and R-value markers installed at least one for every 300 square feet (28 m2) through the attic, ceiling and/or wall space. In attics, the markers shall be affixed to the trusses or joists and marked with the minimum initial installed thickness and minimum settled thickness with numbers a minimum 1.0 inch (25 mm) in height. Each marker shall face the attic access. The thickness of installed attic insulation shall meet or exceed the minimum initial installed thickness shown by the marker. In cathedral ceilings and walls, the markers shall be affixed to the rafter and wall frame at alternating high and low intervals and marked with the minimum installed density and R-value with numbers a minimum 1.0 inch (25 mm) in height. Each marker shall face the conditioned room area.
502.1.4.2 Insulation Materials: All insulation materials
including facings such as vapor barriers or breather papers
installed within floor/ceiling assemblies, roof/ceiling
assemblies, walls, crawl spaces, or attics shall have a flame
spread rating of less than 25 and a smoke density not to exceed
450 when tested in accordance with UBC Standard 8-1.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Foam plastic insulation shall comply with section 2602 of the Uniform Building Code.
2. When such materials are installed in concealed spaces of Types III, IV and V construction, the flame spread
and smoke developed limitations do not apply to facing, provided that the facing is installed in substantial
contact with the unexposed surface of the ceiling, floor or wall finish.
3. Cellulose insulation shall comply with section 707 of the Uniform Building Code.
502.1.4.3 Clearances: Where required, insulation shall be
installed with clearances according to manufacturer's
specifications. Insulation shall be installed so that required
ventilation is unobstructed. For blown or poured loose fill
insulation, clearances shall be maintained through installation
of a permanent retainer.
502.1.4.4 Access Hatches and Doors: Access doors from
conditioned spaces to unconditioned spaces (e.g., attics and
crawl spaces) shall be weatherstripped and insulated to a level
equivalent to the insulation on the surrounding surfaces. Access
shall be provided to all equipment which prevents damaging or
compressing the insulation. A wood framed or equivalent baffle
or retainer must be provided when loose fill insulation is
installed, the purpose of which is to prevent the loose fill
insulation from spilling into the living space when the attic
access is opened, and to provide a permanent means of maintaining
the installed R-value of the loose fill insulation.
502.1.4.5 Roof/Ceiling Insulation: Open-blown or poured
loose fill insulation may be used in attic spaces where the slope
of the ceiling is not more than 3 feet in 12 and there is at
least 30 inches of clear distance from the top of the bottom
chord of the truss or ceiling joist to the underside of the
sheathing at the roof ridge. When eave vents are installed,
baffling of the vent openings shall be provided so as to deflect
the incoming air above the surface of the insulation. Baffles
shall be, rigid material, resistant to wind driven moisture. Requirements for baffles for ceiling insulation shall meet the
Uniform Building Code section 1505.3 for minimum ventilation
requirements. When feasible, the baffles shall be installed from
the top of the outside of the exterior wall, extending inward, to
a point 6 inches vertically above the height of noncompressed
insulation, and 12 inches vertically above loose fill insulation.
502.1.4.6 Wall Insulation: Insulation installed in exterior
walls shall comply with the provisions of this section. All wall
insulation shall fill the entire framed cavity. Exterior wall
cavities isolated during framing shall be fully insulated to the
levels of the surrounding walls. All faced insulation shall be
face stapled to avoid compression.
502.1.4.7 Floor Insulation: Floor insulation shall be
installed in a permanent manner in substantial contact with the
surface being insulated. Insulation supports shall be installed
so spacing is no more than 24 inches on center. Foundation vents
shall be placed so that the top of the vent is below the lower
surface of the floor insulation.
EXCEPTION:
Insulation may be omitted from floor areas over heated basements, heated garages or underfloor areas used as
HVAC supply plenums. See Uniform Mechanical Code section 607 for underfloor supply plenum requirements.
When foundation walls are insulated, the insulation shall be attached in a permanent manner. The insulation
shall not block the airflow through foundation vents when installed. When foundation vents are not placed so
that the top of the vent is below the lower surface of the floor insulation, a permanently attached baffle shall be
installed at an angle of 30° from horizontal, to divert air flow below the lower surface of the floor insulation.
502.1.4.8 Slab-On-Grade: Slab-on-grade insulation,
installed inside the foundation wall, shall extend downward from
the top of the slab for a minimum distance of 24 inches or
downward and then horizontally beneath the slab for a minimum
combined distance of 24 inches. Insulation installed outside the
foundation shall extend downward to a minimum of 24 inches or to
the frostline. Above grade insulation shall be protected.
EXCEPTION:
For monolithic slabs, the insulation shall extend downward from the top of the slab to the bottom of the footing.
502.1.4.9 Radiant Slabs: The entire area of a radiant slab
shall be thermally isolated from the soil, with a minimum of R-10
insulation. The insulation shall be an approved product for its
intended use. If a soil gas control system is present below the
radiant slab, which results in increased convective flow below
the radiant slab, the radiant slab shall be thermally isolated
from the sub-slab gravel layer.
502.1.4.10 Below Grade Walls: Below grade exterior wall
insulation used on the exterior (cold) side of the wall shall
extend from the top of the below grade wall to the top of the
footing and shall be approved for below grade use. Above grade
insulation shall be protected.
Insulation used on the interior (warm) side of the wall
shall extend from the top of the below grade wall to the below
grade floor level.
502.1.5 Glazing and Door U-factors: Glazing and door
U-factors shall be determined in accordance with sections
502.1.5.1 and 502.1.5.2. All products shall be labeled with the
NFRC certified or default U-factor. The labeled U-factor shall
be used in all calculations to determine compliance with this
Code. Sealed insulating glass shall conform to, or be in test
for, ASTM E-774-81 class A.
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. For glazed wall systems, assemblies with all of the following features are deemed to satisfy the vertical
glazing U-factor requirement in Table 6-1 through 6-6 options with vertical glazing U-0.40 and greater: |
| a. Double glazing with a minimum 1/2 inch gap width, having a low-emissivity coating with e=0.10 maximum,
with 90% minimum argon gas fill, and a non-aluminum spacer (as defined in footnote 1 to Table 10-6B), and |
|
| b. Frame that is thermal break aluminum (as defined in footnote 9 to Table 10-6B), wood, aluminum clad
wood, vinyl, aluminum clad vinyl, or reinforced vinyl. |
|
| The only labeling requirement for products using this exception shall be a description of the product and a label
stating: "This product is deemed to satisfy the Table 6-1 through 6-6 vertical glazing U-factor requirement
using the exception to Section 502.1.5 in the Washington State Energy Code." |
|
| 2. For overhead glazing, assemblies with all of the following features are deemed to satisfy the overhead
glazing U-factor requirement in all Table 6-1 through 6-6 options except the unlimited glazing area options
(Option VIII in Table 6-2, Option IX in Table 6-4, and Option VIII for Climate Zone 1 and Option IX for
Climate Zone 2 in Table 6-6): |
|
| a. Either, double glazing with a minimum 1/2 inch gap width, having a low-emissivity coating with e=0.20
maximum, with 90% minimum argon gas fill, or, triple glazed plastic domes, and |
|
| b. Frame that is thermal break aluminum (as defined in footnote 9 to Table 10-6B), wood, aluminum clad
wood, vinyl, aluminum clad vinyl, or reinforced vinyl. |
|
| The only labeling requirement for products using this exception shall be a description of the product and a label
stating: "This product is deemed to satisfy the Table 6-1 through 6-6 overhead glazing U-factor requirement
using the exception to Section 502.1.5 in the Washington State Energy Code." |
|
| 3. For solariums with a floor area which does not exceed 300 square feet, assemblies which comply with the
features listed in exception 2 are deemed to satisfy the vertical glazing and overhead glazing U-factor
requirement in Table 6-1 through 6-6 options with vertical glazing U-0.40 and greater. |
|
| The only labeling requirement for products using this exception shall be a description of the product and a label stating: "This product is deemed to satisfy the Table 6-1 through 6-6 vertical glazing and overhead glazing U-factor requirements using the exception to Section 502.1.5 in the Washington State Energy Code." |
EXCEPTIONS:
1.Glazing products without NFRC ratings may be assigned default U-factors from Table 10-6A for vertical
glazing and from Table 10-6E for overhead glazing.
2. Units without NFRC ratings produced by a small business may be assigned default U-factors from Table
10-6A for garden windows, from Table 10-6B for other vertical glazing, and from Table 10-6E for overhead
glazing.
3. Compliance may be based on the NFRC Nonresidential Model Size providing the average glazing product
size for each operator type meets or exceeds the NFRC Nonresidential Model Size. A glazing schedule and
average glazing size calculation shall be provided for each operator type.
502.1.5.2 Standard Procedure for Determination of Door
U-factors: Half-lite and full-lite doors, including fire doors,
shall be assigned default U-factors from Table 10-6D. All other
doors, including fire doors, shall be assigned default U-factors
from Table 10-6C.
502.1.6 Moisture Control:
EXCEPTIONS:
1. U-factors determined, certified and labeled in accordance with the National Fenestration Rating Council
(NFRC) Product Certification Program (PCP), as authorized by an independent certification and inspection
agency licensed by the NFRC.
2. The default values for the opaque portions of doors shall be those listed in Table 10-6C, provided that the
U-factor listed for a door with a thermal break shall only be allowed if both the door and the frame have a
thermal break.
3. One unlabeled or untested exterior swinging door with the maximum area of 24 square feet may be installed
for ornamental, security or architectural purposes. Products using this exception shall not be included in either
the U-factor or glazing area calculation requirements.
502.1.6.1 Vapor Retarders: Vapor retarders shall be
installed on the warm side (in winter) of insulation as specified
in the following cases.
| EXCEPTION: | Vapor retarder installed with not more than 1/3 of the nominal R-value between it and the conditioned space. |
502.1.6.3 Roof/Ceilings: Roof/ceiling assemblies where the
ventilation space above the insulation is less than an average of
12 inches shall be provided with a vapor retarder. Faced batt
insulation where used as a vapor retarder shall be face stapled. Single rafter joist vaulted ceiling cavities shall be of
sufficient depth to allow a minimum one inch vented air space
above the insulation.
502.1.6.4: Vapor retarders shall not be required in
roof/ceiling assemblies where the ventilation space above the
insulation averages 12 inches or greater.
502.1.6.5: Vapor retarders shall not be required where all
of the insulation is installed between the roof membrane and the
structural roof deck.
502.1.6.6 Walls: Walls separating conditioned space from
unconditioned space shall have a vapor retarder installed. Faced
batt insulation shall be face stapled.
502.1.6.7 Ground Cover: A ground cover of six mil (0.006
inch thick) black polyethylene or approved equal shall be laid
over the ground within crawl spaces. The ground cover shall be
overlapped 12 inches minimum at the joints and shall extend to
the foundation wall.
| EXCEPTION: | The ground cover may be omitted in crawl spaces if the crawl space has a concrete slab floor with a minimum thickness of 3-1/2 inches. |
502.2.1 UA Calculations: The proposed UA as calculated
using Equations 2 and 3 shall not exceed the target UA as
calculated using Equation 1. For the purpose of determining
equivalent thermal performance, the glazing area for the target
UA shall be calculated using values in Table 5-1. The opaque
door area shall be the same in the target UA and the proposed UA.
| EXCEPTION: | Log and solid timber walls that have a minimum average thickness of 3.5" and with space heat type other than electric resistance, are exempt from wall target UA and proposed UA calculations. |
1. Electric Resistance: Space heating systems which
include baseboard units, radiant units and forced air units as
either the primary or secondary heating system.
| EXCEPTION: | Electric resistance systems for which the total electric heat capacity in each individual dwelling unit does not exceed the greater of: 1) One thousand watts (1000 w) per dwelling unit, or; 2) One watt per square foot (1 w/ft2) of the gross floor area. |
502.3 Reserved.
502.4 Air Leakage:
502.4.1 General: The requirements of this section shall
apply to all buildings and structures, or portions thereof, and
only to those locations separating outdoor ambient conditions
from interior spaces that are heated or mechanically cooled.
502.4.2 Doors and Windows, General: Exterior doors and
windows shall be designed to limit air leakage into or from the
building envelope. Site-constructed doors and windows shall be
sealed in accordance with Section 502.4.3.
502.4.3 Seals and Weatherstripping:
a. Exterior joints around windows and door frames, openings
between walls and foundation, between walls and roof and wall
panels; openings at penetrations of utility services through
walls, floors and roofs; and all other openings in the building
envelope for all occupancies and all other openings in between
units in R-1 occupancy shall be sealed, caulked, gasketed or
weatherstripped to limit air leakage. Other exterior joints and
seams shall be similarly treated, or taped, or covered with
moisture vapor permeable housewrap.
b. All exterior doors or doors serving as access to an
enclosed unheated area shall be weatherstripped to limit leakage
around their perimeter when in a closed position.
c. Site built windows are exempt from testing but shall be
made tight fitting. Fixed lights shall have glass retained by
stops with sealant or caulking all around. Operating sash shall
have weatherstripping working against overlapping trim and a
closer/latch which will hold the sash closed. The window frame
to framing crack shall be made tight with caulking, overlapping
membrane or other approved technique.
d. Openings that are required to be fire resistive are
exempt from this section.
502.4.4 Recessed Lighting Fixtures: When installed in the
building envelope, recessed lighting fixtures shall meet one of
the following requirements:
1. Type IC rated, manufactured with no penetrations between
the inside of the recessed fixture and ceiling cavity and sealed
or gasketed to prevent air leakage into the unconditioned space.
2. Type IC rated, installed inside a sealed box constructed
from a minimum 1/2 inch thick gypsum wall board, or constructed
from a preformed polymeric vapor barrier, or other air tight
assembly manufactured for this purpose.
3. Type IC rated, certified under ASTM E283 to have no more
than 2.0 cfm air movement from the conditioned space to the
ceiling cavity. The lighting fixture shall be tested at 75
Pascals or 1.57 lbs/ft2 pressure difference and have a label
attached, showing compliance.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.025 and 19.27A.045. 98-03-003, § 51-11-0502, filed 1/8/98, effective 7/1/98. Statutory Authority: Chapters 19.27 and 19.27A RCW and 1994 c 226. 95-01-126, § 51-11-0502, filed 12/21/94, effective 6/30/95. Statutory Authority: Chapters 19.27, 19.27A and 34.05 RCW. 94-05-059, § 51-11-0502, filed 2/10/94, effective 4/1/94. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.27A RCW. 92-01-140, § 51-11-0502, filed 12/19/91, effective 7/1/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27A.020 and 1990 c 2. 91-01-112, § 51-11-0502, filed 12/19/90, effective 7/1/91.]
Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-03-003, filed 1/8/98,
effective 7/1/98)
WAC 51-11-0502
Building envelope requirements.
502.1 General:
502.1.1: The stated U- or F-factor of any component
assembly, listed in Table 5-1 or 5-2, such as roof/ceiling,
opaque wall or opaque floor may be increased and the U-factor for
other components decreased, provided that the total heat gain or
loss for the entire building envelope does not exceed the total
resulting from compliance to the U-factors specified in this
Section.
The U-factors for typical construction assemblies are
included in Chapter 10. These values shall be used for all
calculations. Where proposed construction assemblies are not
represented in Chapter 10, values shall be calculated in
accordance with Chapters 21-29 in Standard RS-1 listed in Chapter
7, using the framing factors listed in Chapter 10 where
applicable.
For envelope assemblies containing metal framing, the
U-factor shall be determined by one of the following methods:
1. Results of laboratory or field measurements.
2. Standard RS-25, listed in Chapter 7, where the metal
framing is bonded on one or both sides to a metal skin or
covering.
3. The zone method as provided in Chapter 24 of Standard
RS-1, listed in Chapter 7.
4. Results of parallel path correction factors effective
framing/cavity R-values as provided ((from the following table
for metal stud walls and roof ceilings:)) in Table 10-5A - Default U-Factors and Effective R-Values for Metal Stud Walls and
Default Metal Building U-Factors.
Inches |
Inches |
R-Value |
16" o.c. |
24" o.c. |
|
| R-11.4)) | |||||
502.1.3: When return air ceiling plenums are employed, the
roof/ceiling assembly shall:
a. For thermal transmittance purposes, not include the
ceiling proper nor the plenum space as part of the assembly; and
b. For gross area purposes, be based upon the interior face
of the upper plenum surface.
502.1.4 Insulation:
502.1.4.1 General: All insulating materials shall comply
with sections 2602 and/or 707 of the Uniform Building Code. Substantial contact of the insulation with the surface being
insulated is required. All insulation materials shall be
installed according to the manufacturer's instructions to achieve
proper densities and maintain uniform R-values and shall be
installed in a manner which will permit inspection of the
manufacturer's R-value identification mark. To the maximum
extent possible, insulation shall extend over the full component
area to the intended R-value.
Alternatively, the thickness of roof/ceiling and wall insulation that is either blown in or spray-applied shall be identified by inches of thickness, density and R-value markers installed at least one for every 300 square feet (28 m2) through the attic, ceiling and/or wall space. In attics, the markers shall be affixed to the trusses or joists and marked with the minimum initial installed thickness and minimum settled thickness with numbers a minimum 1.0 inch (25 mm) in height. Each marker shall face the attic access. The thickness of installed attic insulation shall meet or exceed the minimum initial installed thickness shown by the marker. In cathedral ceilings and walls, the markers shall be affixed to the rafter and wall frame at alternating high and low intervals and marked with the minimum installed density and R-value with numbers a minimum 1.0 inch (25 mm) in height. Each marker shall face the conditioned room area.
502.1.4.2 Insulation Materials: All insulation materials
including facings such as vapor barriers or breather papers
installed within floor/ceiling assemblies, roof/ceiling
assemblies, walls, crawl spaces, or attics shall have a flame
spread rating of less than 25 and a smoke density not to exceed
450 when tested in accordance with UBC Standard 8-1.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Foam plastic insulation shall comply with section 2602 of the Uniform Building Code.
2. When such materials are installed in concealed spaces of Types III, IV and V construction, the flame spread
and smoke developed limitations do not apply to facing, provided that the facing is installed in substantial
contact with the unexposed surface of the ceiling, floor or wall finish.
3. Cellulose insulation shall comply with section 707 of the Uniform Building Code.
502.1.4.3 Clearances: Where required, insulation shall be
installed with clearances according to manufacturer's
specifications. Insulation shall be installed so that required
ventilation is unobstructed. For blown or poured loose fill
insulation, clearances shall be maintained through installation
of a permanent retainer.
502.1.4.4 Access Hatches and Doors: Access doors from
conditioned spaces to unconditioned spaces (e.g., attics and
crawl spaces) shall be weatherstripped and insulated to a level
equivalent to the insulation on the surrounding surfaces. Access
shall be provide