Systems and Equipment Certification

Based on 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Section 110.0 – Systems and Equipment - General

Section 110.0 of the building code sets out the rules for installing systems, equipment, appliances, and building components in new buildings. The section also outlines what needs to be done when these items are added to or altered in existing buildings.

Certification Requirements

Any appliance that falls under specific energy efficiency rules must be certified by the manufacturer to the California Energy Commission before it can be installed.

Section 110.0 of the building code sets out the rules for installing systems, equipment, appliances, and building components in new buildings. The section also outlines what needs to be done when these items are added to or altered in existing buildings.

Here’s a breakdown of what the section means:

1. General Requirements:

   • The systems, equipment, appliances, and building components can only be installed in buildings that fall under the specific building code if:

     1. The manufacturer certifies that the item meets the manufacturing standards specified in the code (Sections 110.1 through 110.12).

     2. The item is installed according to the installation rules in those same sections.

2. Certification Requirements:

   • Appliances: Any appliance that falls under specific energy efficiency rules (known as Section 1601 of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations) must be certified by the manufacturer to the California Energy Commission before it can be installed.

   • Other Systems and Equipment: For items that aren’t appliances (like certain systems or building components), the manufacturer must certify that:

     1. The information provided about the item is true and meets all the requirements of the code.

     2. The item was tested using the required procedures if those procedures are specified in the code.

   • The certification of any system, equipment, appliance, or building component can be verified in a few ways:

     • Checking a directory approved by the Commission.

     • Reviewing the manufacturer's application for certification and the approval letter from the Commission.

     • Getting written confirmation from a directory publisher that the item is certified.

     • Looking for a label on the item that shows it has been approved by the Commission.

Important Note: The builder, designer, owner, or other parties involved in the project are not required to test these items themselves. The certification by the manufacturer is sufficient.

Example: Imagine you are building a new home and want to install a heating system. The heating system must be certified by the manufacturer to ensure it meets California’s energy efficiency standards. The installer must follow the specific rules set out in the code for how the system is put into place. You don’t need to test the system yourself; you just need to ensure it’s certified and installed correctly.

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Exam Question

Which of the following is required before installing a system, equipment, appliance, or building component in a building under Section 110.0 of the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards?

A) The builder must test the system or equipment for compliance with energy efficiency standards before installation.

B) The manufacturer must certify that the item meets the required manufacturing and installation standards, and the certification can be confirmed through a Commission-approved directory or label.

C) The enforcing agency must test and approve the equipment on-site before it can be installed in any building.

D) The owner must sign a declaration confirming that the system or equipment meets all applicable energy efficiency standards.

• Answer

  The manufacturer must certify that the item meets the required manufacturing and installation standards, and the certification can be confirmed through a Commission-approved directory or label.

  Before you can install certain systems or equipment in a building, the manufacturer must certify that it meets specific energy and installation standards. You can confirm this certification by checking approved directories or labels, without needing to test the item yourself.