P2S Magazine Issue 4 | Page 9

Previously these systems had to install extra protective equipment or perform studies to confirm their incident energy was sufficiently low, but the 2019 version of the code added two additional options: 1. An instantaneous trip setting that is less than the available arcing current or 2. An instantaneous override that is less than the available arcing current. Most 1200A circuit breakers already have these compliance methods as options so code compliance can be as straightforward as ensuring your breaker settings are correct after installation rather than needing to add any maintenance switching or other active arc energy reduction techniques. Beyond Arc Flash energy, another change to equipment and personnel safety relates to Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR). SCCR must now be calculated, documented and disclosed on significantly more types of equipment than previous electrical codes required. Most notably the calculation must be performed for hermetically sealed HVAC equipment, service entrance equipment, elevator control panels and industrial control panels. This could require significantly more calculations and labeling than required under the previous code. In addition to these safety changes, there are specific changes project owners need to be aware of including the following: 1. Ground fault protection has been expanded to include more types of 480V receptacles. 2. Conference/Meeting rooms require more receptacles. 2019 Energy Code Changes Like the 2019 California Electrical Code, the 2019 California Energy Code updates many non- residential requirements that will impact the AEC industry. The most significant change for many owners will be the new occupancy types covered by the energy code: I-1 and I-2. This means hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are now subject to many provisions of the California Energy Code. I-3 and I-4 occupancies remain exempt. most significant are the changes to minimum air filter requirements and changes to demand control ventilation requirements as part of the minimum ventilation requirements. Naturally ventilated spaces must also use mechanical ventilation unless natural ventilation openings are permanently open or controlled (with controls easily accessible to occupants) to stay open during occupied times. Most of the energy saving improvements from the 2019 California Energy Code are expected to come from changes in the lighting power densities for various spaces within buildings. The lighting power density allowances, which limit the overall power (i.e. fixture wattage) allowed in spaces, have dropped by an average of 30%. These lower allowances necessitate LED fixtures in all new installations. Designs under the 2016 California Energy Code almost always complied with code requirements as long as LED lighting was utilized, this will likely change with the 2019 allowable wattage levels. There are several additional specific changes that project owners need to be aware of including the following: 1. Addition of power adjustment factors for clerestory windows, light shelves, and horizontal slats 2. Demand response requiring OpenADR2.0 3. Bathroom occupancy sensor operation changes 4. More exceptions for daylighting controls 5. More outdoor fixtures subject to BUG (backlight, uplight, glare) compliance 6. Alteration requirements are simplified K-12 Case Study for Energy Modeling To demonstrate the impact of the 2019 California Energy Code lighting changes, P2S performed a study in EnergyPro. An actual K-12 project that was built under the 2016 Energy Code using the energy performance compliance path resulted in 61% lighting savings. The same project was modeled using the 2019 Code energy performance compliance path and only provided 47% lighting savings. This demonstrates that compliance with the 2019 California Energy Code will require a much greater focus on envelope and mechanical and plumbing systems efficiency rather than relying on lighting efficiency alone to offset their inefficiencies. Mechanical systems and the building envelope have few changes that will impact design. The 9