David C. Bixby has been active in HVAC industry codes and standards for 35 years and is currently secretary for the ACCA Codes Committee.
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ACCA Battles for Members in Codes Arena
One of ACCA’s roles is to support sensible code changes that promote safety and improve our environment and fight the bad code changes that create chaos for our contractors. The members of ACCA’s Codes Subcommittee are dedicated to advise staff to achieve this goal. We are happy to report another recent code hearing that resulted in achieving this goal. Login to read more.
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PULL A PERMIT & PROVE IT: ACCA Improves the HVAC Plan Review Form
ACCA Manuals J®, S®, and D® are referenced and required in building codes across America. ACCA has recently improved its Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design (Loads, Equipment, Ducts). This simple one-page form provides a quick and easy review of HVAC system design elements. ACCA members can read more here.
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NTSB Wants Fuel Gas Alarms in Homes
The NTSB is urging code bodies to require the installation of listed fuel gas detectors/alarms in residential buildings with gas appliances. Next year, we may see proposals submitted for the new code change cycle to require this. If it gets in the codes, the decision shifts from personal preference to a code official enforcement. Read on in this member-only blog.
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ACCA Needs You! ASHRAE Standards Committee on Commercial Building Energy Audits: Implications for Building Decarbonization Assessment
Recently, ASHRAE approved forming a new permanent Standing Standard Project Committee to revise Standard 211. ACCA’s Standards Task Team endorsed this, and ASHRAE has issued a “Call for Members” to serve on the new committee. Learn more in this member-only blog.
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“Natural” Propane a Future Option for Residential Heat Pumps?
HFC refrigerants are being phased out due to their high global warming potential (GWP). The “natural” refrigerant R-290 (propane) has emerged as an increasingly viable low-GWP alternative. However, current US safety standards limit refrigeration system charges to 0.33 lbs (150g). Read more in this members-only blog.
Recently, the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal announced an emergency amendment to the MA electrical code. The amendment requires inspection of electrical installations that appear incompatible with GFCI protection, allowing these installations to omit such protection as documented by the inspector. This may have implications for other states where contractors are experiencing nuisance trips related to GFCIs connected to HVAC equipment and components, such as condensate pumps. Read all about it and what you can do in your state.
The current NEC code requires GFCIs to be installed on outdoor HVAC systems, which is causing tripping. Read this blog to see how ACCA is taking action.
If you are interested in fighting for the exemption of outdoor HVAC equipment from the GFCI requirements, now is your chance! ACCA is looking for volunteers to apply for the National Electrical Code (NEC) Panel that develops GFCI protection requirements. Read more at this blog to see how you can help.
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ACCA Member Ed Lehr Testifies for You!
At the most recent NFPA Standards Council, Ed Lehr represented ACCA while urging the Council to fix a bad code. Read more about this council at this blog.
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New Safety Standard for Residential A2L Refrigeration Systems
After years of development, a new safety standard from ASHRAE has been published. Read this members-only blog to learn all about the new safety standards.
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ACCA Energy Code Proposals Approved
Recently, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Committee approved proposals submitted by ACCA for public comment. The proposals add the option of conducting a duct airflow balancing procedure per ACCA 5 QI, as well as adding ACCA Manual D, to ensure a more efficient HVAC thermal distribution system.
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Grounding and Bonding and Faults! Oh My!
Nuisance trips on outdoor HVACR equipment connected to GFCIs due to the 2020 NEC have created quite a stir. Many states in the U.S. have excluded this requirement due to the efforts of ACCA and others. Regardless of all this, your installed equipment needs to be properly grounded and bonded per the NEC.