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Section 5.508 Outdoor Air Quality

California Green Building Standards Code 2019 > 5 Nonresidential Mandatory Measures > 5.508 Outdoor Air Quality

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5.508.1 Ozone Depletion and Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Installations of HVAC, refrigeration and fire suppression equipment shall comply with Sections 5.508.1.1 and 5.508.1.2.

5.508.1.1 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS)

Install HVAC, refrigeration and fire suppression equipment that do not contain CFCs.

5.508.1.2 Halons

Install HVAC, refrigeration and fire suppression equipment that do not contain Halons.

5.508.2 Supermarket Refrigerant Leak Reduction

New commercial refrigeration systems shall comply with the provisions of this section when installed in retail food stores 8,000 square feet or more conditioned area, and that utilize either refrigerated display cases, or walk-in coolers or freezers connected to remote compressor units or condensing units. The leak reduction measures apply to refrigeration systems containing high-global-warming potential (high-GWP) refrigerants with a GWP of 150 or greater. New refrigeration systems include both new facilities and the replacement of existing refrigeration systems in existing facilities.

Exception: Refrigeration systems containing low-global warming potential (low-GWP) refrigerant with a GWP value less than 150 are not subject to this section. Low-GWP refrigerants are nonozone-depleting refrigerants that include ammonia, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and potentially other refrigerants.

5.508.2.1 Refrigerant Piping

Piping compliant with the California Mechanical Code shall be installed to be accessible for leak protection and repairs. Piping runs using threaded pipe, copper tubing with an outside diameter (OD) less than ¹/₄ inch, flared tubing connections and short radius elbows shall not be used in refrigerant systems except as noted below.

5.508.2.1.1 Threaded Pipe

Threaded connections are permitted at the compressor rack.

5.508.2.1.2 Copper Pipe

Copper tubing with an OD less than ¹/₄ inch may be used in systems with a refrigerant charge of 5 pounds or less.

5.508.2.1.2.1 Anchorage

One-fourth-inch OD tubing shall be securely clamped to a rigid base to keep vibration levels below 8 mils.

5.508.2.1.3 Flared Tubing Connections

Double-flared tubing connections may be used for pressure controls, valve pilot lines and oil.

Exception: Single-flared tubing connections may be used with a multiring seal coated with industrial sealant suitable for use with refrigerants and tightened in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

5.508.2.1.4 Elbows

Short radius elbows are only permitted where space limitations prohibit use of long radius elbows.

5.508.2.2 Valves

Valves and fittings shall comply with the California Mechanical Code and as follows.

5.508.2.2.1 Pressure Relief Valves

For vessels containing high-GWP refrigerant, a rupture disc shall be installed between the outlet of the vessel and the inlet of the pressure relief valve.

5.508.2.2.1.1 Pressure Detection

A pressure gauge, pressure transducer or other device shall be installed in the space between the rupture disc and the relief valve inlet to indicate a disc rupture or discharge of the relief valve.

5.508.2.2.2 Access Valves

Only Schrader access valves with a brass or steel body are permitted for use.

5.508.2.2.2.1 Valve Caps

For systems with a refrigerant charge of 5 pounds or more, valve caps shall be brass or steel and not plastic.

5.508.2.2.2.2 Seal Caps

If designed for it, the cap shall have a neoprene O-ring in place.

5.508.2.2.2.2.1 Chain Tethers

Chain tethers to fit over the stem are required for valves designed to have seal caps.

Exception: Valves with seal caps that are not removed from the valve during stem operation.

5.508.2.3 Refrigerated Service Cases

Refrigerated service cases holding food products containing vinegar and salt shall have evaporator coils of corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel; or be coated to prevent corrosion from these substances.