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
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