USEHC Code moves forward.

Mark Eatherton

Uniform Solar Energy Hydronics Code Initiative Moves Forward

<span style="font-size:12pt">We interrupt our normal broadcast for a very important announcement…</span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">The IAPMO proposed Uniform Solar Energy Hydronics Code has made its way through the first phases of code development and is now available for any interested party to read. It is available on line by going to </span><a href="http://www.iapmo.org/codes/aspx">[u][size=12][color=#0000ff]www.iapmo.org/codes/aspx[/size][/color][/u]</a><span style="font-size:12pt">  . Once there, you can click on the USEHC button and gain access to all archived data and reports by clicking on the <a href="http://codes.iapmo.org/page_archived_revision_information.aspx?Code=USEHC">[u][color=#0000ff]Read the archived revision information[/color][/u]</a> . If you click on the <a href="http://codes.iapmo.org/docs/2015/USEHC/2014%20USEHC%20REPORT%20ON%20PROPOSALS.pdf">[u][color=#0000ff]2014 USEHC REPORT ON PROPOSALS.pdf[/color][/u]</a> you will see all submissions accepted and rejected for the proposed code, an official Comment form with instructions for properly filling the form out, as well as a “Pre Print” version of the proposed code as it currently stands. We are now in the Call for Comment stage. This is when you, the contractor or other interested party is allowed to look at what is currently being proposed for the code, and if you have any suggestions and or objections or concerns, now is the time to speak up. You must use the IAPMO Comment form (also available at this site by clicking on <a href="http://www.iapmo.org/Documents/Codes/RequestFormROP-ROC.pdf">[u][color=#0000ff]Request Form for ROP/ROC[/color][/u]</a>  in the upper right hand portion of this window), make certain it is filled out completely, and filed before the deadline for public comments, which is June 20, 2014. When providing substantiation, you should cite reference materials you are using in making your recommendation. Anecdotal information does not carry much weight with the professionals on the Technical Committee that will be reviewing your suggested changes. </span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">Bear in mind that this code addresses the minimum standards of issues pertaining to the application of hydronic heating and cooling systems. The RPA intends to develop an Instructive Training Manual, along with a Best Practices Manual for design and installation to act as companions to the proposed code changes. While neither of these items (ITM or BPM) are enforceable as it pertains to code, and this is due to the fact that they go above and beyond the minimum code standards, they will act as a guide for our members and non members who are interested in doing hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems in a manner that is time tested and proven reliable. Our suggestions in the BPM can be equal to or greater than the code minimum, but not less than the code minimums. Hence, if something we really thought to be important doesn’t make it through the code development process, we can still have it in our ITM and our BPM. </span>

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<span style="font-size:12pt">While it doesn’t guarantee that every installation will be in compliance with the ITM and BPM, it does show professionalism on our part in organizing an effort to get these wonderful systems designed and installed correctly so that they deliver the best comfort known to mankind, and are as efficient as possible, given the field circumstances. </span>

<span style="font-size:12pt">We are in need of lots of good high quality digital photography to complete the ITM and the BPM. If you would like to contribute, with photo credit given, please submit your photos to me at </span><span style="color:#0000ff">mark.eatherton@radiantprofessionalsalliance.org</span>

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<span style="font-size:12pt">You should also note that the Uniform Mechanical Code has provisions in it pertaining to the application of hydronics. This code is significantly further along, and when completed, a Technical Correlating Committee will make certain that the USEHC and the UMC match in all of their related code requirements as it pertains to the application of hydronic heating and cooling systems. The UMC can be seen at </span><a href="http://codes.iapmo.org/home.aspx?code=UMC">[u][size=12][color=#0000ff]http://codes.iapmo.org/home.aspx?code=UMC[/size][/color][/u]</a><span style="font-size:12pt"> and then click on <a href="http://codes.iapmo.org/page_archived_revision_information.aspx?Code=UMC">[u][color=#0000ff]Read the archived revision information[/color][/u]</a> on that page, and then click on <a href="http://codes.iapmo.org/docs/2015/UMC/2014%20UMC%20Meeting%20Monograph.pdf">[u][color=#0000ff]2014 UMC Meeting Monograph.pdf[/color][/u]</a>.    This code is beyond the Public Comment period, so any recommended changes will have to wait until the next code change cycle, which will probably begin forming in the next year or so. If you are interested in participating in any of these processes, please contact the good folks at IAPMO’s Code Development department by sending an email to <a href="mailto:Alma.Ramos@iapmo.org">[u]Alma.Ramos@iapmo.org[/u]</a>.</span>

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<span style="font-size:12pt">If you are interested in helping the RPA in the areas of Code Development or in the development of the ITM or the BPM contact me at   We are always in need of volunteers, and in fact are in the process of developing the Designer/Installer certification standards which will require the input of Subject Matter Experts in developing these very important standards.</span>