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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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.
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ACCA Proposes Airflow Balancing Instead of Duct Leakage Testing for Energy Code
Typically, a home energy rater will conduct duct leakage tests and leakage tests on the home’s building envelope in accordance with energy codes. ACCA has proposed adding a code exception to conduct an airflow balancing procedure instead, thus giving contractors an opportunity to provide a more valuable service.
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BREAKING: NFPA to Issue Delay of NEC GFCI Requirement for Outdoor HVAC – Forms Task Group
Learn more about the Standards Council of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) and what it could mean for your HVAC business.