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On July 9th 2024, BBRS voted in favor of the remaining 6 of 8 DXS code change proposals submitted in March (see previous news segments below). As a result, BBRS has now voted in favor of all DXS code change proposals, almost in their entirety, with only a few modifications. Below is an overview of the accepted proposals:
As anticipated, the EPA plans on providing a one-year sell-through extension for VRF systems, similar to the one-year sell-through extension already in place for mini/multi-splits and other air-conditioners and heat pumps. As a result, VRF systems using R-410a can be installed through 2026, so long as they were manufactured in the U.S. or imported into the U.S. prior to 1/1/2026. This rule is out for proposals with a 30-day public comment period but is expected to be put in place as-is.
The International Code Council (ICC) voted on multiple items for the 2024-2026 Code Development Cycle during the April 2024 Committee Action Hearing (CAH1). ICC has unanimously voted (14-0) to update the language of IMC clause 1109.2.5 Refrigerant Pipe Shafts to better align with ASHRAE 15 2022, where exception (2) to the requirement for shafts is no longer limited to only A1 refrigerants. The change allows A2L refrigerants to be run in wall cavities instead of being forced to run in shafts, so long as the refrigerant concentration limits are met in any occupied space through which the piping passes.
On March 27th 2024, BBRS passed a motion to accept one of the DXS code change proposals to the 10th edition code, and to adopt the 2022 version of ASHRAE 15. The 10th Edition code will now have an MA Amendment to update the referenced standard of ASHRAE 15 from 2019 to 2022. This is a big step towards the adoption of lower GWP A2L refrigerants in the State of Massachusetts. This does result in conflicts between the adopted ASHRAE 15 standard (2022) and the language in IMC (2021). ASHRAE 15 2022 has the latest and most recent published language surrounding refrigerants, but due to model code cycles, there is often a lag in language adoption. IMC 2024 has updated and resolved some of these conflicts, but conflicts still exist, and more updates are expected to be adopted by IMC 2027.
On March 6th HTS/DXS submitted a total of eight (8) code change proposals to the 10th edition code, amending six (6) sections of IMC 2021’s Chapter 11 on refrigeration as well as two (2) referenced standards in Chapter 15. The proposed changes would allow ASHRAE 15 to be followed exclusively in lieu of Chapter 11 of IMC 2021, and with the referenced version of the standard being updated to 2022, this would allow the State of Massachusetts to use the latest published language surrounding A2L refrigerants. Other changes also update different key sections of IMC 2021 Chapter 11, bringing the language up to IMC 2024 or ASHRAE 15 2022. HTS/DXS is looking for letters of support from the industry to BBRS for these code change proposals.
On Wednesday, February 14th, JS Rancourt (Principal, HTS New England, DXS New England, and DXS Ontario) testified in front of BBRS in preparation for the submission of a long list of code change proposals to the 10th edition code surrounding the adoption of A2Ls. As the only testimony of the day on the topic of refrigerants, the request for attention to this topic was well received, and BBRS suggested that HTS/DXS take the lead in aligning the industry on the required language updates.
