July 2024 – BBRS votes in favor of all 8 DXS Code Change Proposals to 10th Edition Code for A2Ls
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:
- An official alternate compliance path will be created to allow for the exclusive use of the 2022 version of ASHRAE 15 in lieu of Chapter 11 of IMC on refrigeration
- Some key sections of IMC 2021 Chapter 11 will be updated to match the ASHRAE 15 2022 language, making the IMC 2021 compliance path also feasible with A2Ls for some equipment types.
Being able to exclusively follow the 2022 version of ASHRAE 15 will make the design and application of A2L systems simpler and safer, for both distributed DX systems and packaged systems. One key item for distributed DX systems is the exception to shaft requirements, which as previously written in IMC 2021 was limited to A1 refrigerants like R-410a, but is now open to all refrigerants.
The exact final language still needs to make its way into 10th edition code, which is estimated to happen in August or September. This signifies major progress for the safe and cost-effective adoption of A2L refrigerants in the Commonwealth, especially for distributed DX systems commonly used in decarbonization projects of commercial and multi-residential buildings.
Please contact us to learn more about the incoming changes to our 10th edition code!