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Western
HVAC News
California Mandates Acceptance
Testing.
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Effective October 1, 2021, the state of California has
mandated
Non-Residential Mechanical Acceptance Testing of the
mechanical systems that are installed as part of new
construction, renovation, and replacement projects.
The mandatory requirement states that any person performing
a mechanical systems acceptance test in a nonresidential
building must be certified as an Acceptance Test Technician.
The California Energy Commission expects authorities having
jurisdiction to enforce the mechanical systems Acceptance
Test Technician requirements to all nonresidential permit
applications submitted.
Prior to applying for a permit to install non-residential
HVAC equipment in California, the appropriate compliance
forms must be completed and submitted through an
online registry. Permit-issuing authorities require that
acceptance testing be performed before a permit can be
closed. Certified Acceptance Test Technicians must be
employed by Certified Acceptance Test Employers.
Registry Roles
• ATTCP: Acceptance Test Technician Certification
Provider (Certifier). These organizations are responsible
for screening, training, certifying, and re-certifying
Acceptance Test Technicians (ATT) and Acceptance Test
Employers (ATE). They are also responsible for providing
oversight and accountability functions, as well as
maintaining a database of ATT contact information and
certification status.
• ATE: Acceptance Test Employer (Certified Employer
or their Appointed Agent).
• Document Author: Anyone authorized by the
Acceptance Test Employer to make entries in the registry.
• MATT: Mechanical Acceptance Testing Technician.
• Responsible Person: System Specifier (Must be a
California licensed Mechanical Engineer, Division 3
Contractor, Architect, or their Appointed Agent).
• Bid Acceptor: Anyone appointed by the Responsible
person to accept and award bids.
• Enforcement Agency: The local jurisdiction having
authority over the project (city or county).
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Training and Certification
Training and certification are available through California
Energy Commission - Acceptance Test Technician Certification
Provider (ATTCP) that include California State Pipe Trades
Council (CSPTC), National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB),
National Energy Management Institute Committee (NEMIC), and the
Refrigeration Engineers Safety Society (RSES). Contact the
ATTCPs directly for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Title 24
acceptance testing?
Collectively, Title 24 mechanical acceptance testing is a series of
pass/fail field procedures that are performed on newly installed or
modified HVAC equipment, to test specific portions of the system
and/or its controls to ensure proper and efficient operation.
Properly installed and configured system and control elements help
ensure the safety, comfort and health of the structure and its
occupants.
Successful completion of an acceptance test verifies that the system
element(s) being tested is(are) in compliance with, and conform to,
the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (BEES), and the
Nonresidential Appendix, NA7, as specified on the approved/submitted
project plans, design drawings, system specifications and other
supporting documents.
We are already commissioning a system. How is this different?
Acceptance testing is not intended to replace the commissioning
process. Acceptance testing is often a part of the commissioning
process.
Why do we need to do it?
To ensure that equipment, controls, and systems operate as required
under pre-established standards, to validate maximum operating
efficiencies. In addition, acceptance testing is the law!
Do technicians need to be certified?
Yes. Technicians need to pass written and hands-on examinations to
become certified to conduct acceptance tests.
Do employers need to be certified?
Yes. Employers need to become certified to participate in the
acceptance testing process.
Is acceptance testing optional?
No. For all projects that fall under the acceptance testing
requirement umbrella, acceptance testing is mandatory. Enforcement
of mechanical acceptance testing guidelines applies to all
non-residential permits, applied for, on or after October 1, 2021.
What happens if acceptance testing is not performed when
required?
The certificate of occupancy (COO) for the project will not be
issued.
What type of jobs fall under Title 24?
In general, acceptance testing is required for all non-residential
equipment being installed as part of a new construction, renovation,
or retrofit project.
Learn More
If you have not yet positioned yourself to participate in the
Acceptance Testing Process, you can learn during the IHACI Trade
Show, November 16, 2021 in Pasadena, California. During the event,
the following exhibitors are among those who will be able to answer
your questions about the Acceptance Testing Process; Brownson
Technical School, ESCO Institute, HVAC Excellence, National
Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB), and the Refrigeration
Engineers Safety Society (RSES).
For additional information, visit
escodocreg.com or call 800-726-9696.
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