## RA4.4 Water Heating Measures

### RA4.4.1 Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation

Unless otherwise stated, insulation must meet the requirements specified in §150.0(j). Pipe insulation shall fit tightly to the pipe and all elbows and tees shall be fully insulated. No piping should be visible due to insulation voids with the exception of the last segment of piping that penetrates walls and delivers hot water to the sink, appliance, etc. Mandatory measures include:

(a) The first five feet of hot and cold water piping from storage gas water heaters§150.0(j),

(b) All hot water piping of 3/4" diameter or greater shall be insulated as specified in §150.0(j).

(c) All piping from the water heater to kitchen sinks and dishwasher

(d) All underground hot water piping,

1. 'In 'addition, all piping below grade must be installed in a waterproof and non-crushable casing or sleeve that allows for installation, removal and replacement of the enclosed pipe and insulation. The internal cross-section or diameter of the casing or sleeve shall be large enough to allow for insulation of the hot water piping. Piping below grade that serves any island sinks or other island fixtures or appliances may be insulated with 1/2 inch wall thickness insulation.

(e) Pipe insulation may be omitted where hot water distribution piping is buried within attic, crawlspace or wall insulation, as described below: In attics and crawlspaces the insulation shall completely surround the pipe with at least 1 inch of insulation and the pipe shall be completely covered with at least 4 inches of insulation further away from the conditioned space. In walls, the insulation must completely surround the pipe with at least 1 inch of insulation. If burial within the insulation does not meet these specifications, then this exception does not apply, and the section of pipe not meeting the specifications must be insulated as specified in §150.0(j).

### RA4.4.2 The Standard Distribution System (STD)

The Standard Distribution System design requires that hot water distribution piping meets the requirements of Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation R4.4.1.

### RA4.4.3 Pipe Insulation Credit (PIC)

All piping in the hot water distribution system must be insulated from the water heater to each fixture or appliance. Insulation shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation R4.4.1.

### RA4.4.4 Central Parallel Piping (PP)

This hot water distribution system is comprised of one or more manifolds located relatively close to the water heater and pipes running from the manifold to individual fixtures and appliances. The manifolds may have valves for each pipe running from the manifold to individual fixtures and appliances. These valves must be readily accessible in accordance with the plumbing code. The measured length of pipe from the water heater each central manifold shall not exceed 15 feet (measured to the nearest half foot).

The hot water distribution system piping from the manifold to the fixtures and appliances must take the most direct path. For example, in a house with more than 1-story and the water heater in the garage, this requirement would exclude running hot water supply piping from the manifold to the attic, and then running the line back down to a first floor point of use

The hot water distribution piping must be separated by at least two inches from any other hot water supply piping, and at least six inches from any cold water supply piping or the hot water supply piping must be insulated based on the conductivity range in TABLE 120.3-A and the insulation level shall be selected from the fluid temperature range based on the thickness requirements in TABLE 120.3-A.

Other hot water piping shall be insulated to a level that meets the requirements of §150.0(j) and be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation R4.4.1.

### RA4.4.5 Point of Use (POU)

This measure requires that all hot water fixtures in the dwelling unit, with the exception of a stand-alone tub must use no more pipe per run than defined in Table 4.4.5. To meet this requirement most houses will require multiple water heaters.

#### Table 4.4.5

Size Nominal (Inch) | Length of Pipe (feet)
3/8” | 15
1/2” | 10
3/4” | 5

(a) Measurements shall be made to the nearest half foot.

(b) If a combination of piping is used in a single run then one half the allowed length of each size is the maximum installed length.

(c) The hot water distribution system piping from the water heater(s) to the fixtures and appliances must take the most direct path. For example, in a house with more than 1-story and the water heater in the garage, this requirement would exclude running hot water supply piping from the manifold to the attic, and then running the line back down to a first floor point of use.

(d) Hot water piping shall be insulated to a level that meets the requirements of §150.0(j) and be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation R4.4.1.

### RA4.4.6 Reserved for future use

### RA4.4.7 Recirculation Systems

RA4.4.7.1 Installation requirements for all recirculation systems

The supply portion of each circulation loop, the first five feet of branches off the loop and the dedicated return line are insulated based on the conductivity range in TABLE 120.3-A and the insulation level shall be selected from the fluid temperature range based on the thickness requirements in TABLE 120.3-A and the insulation shall be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation. Other hot water piping shall meet the requirements of §150.0(j) and be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation RA4.4.1.

A check valve shall be installed in the recirculation loop to prevent unintentional circulation of the water (thermo-siphoning) and back flow when the system is not operating. This check valve may be included with the pump.

The hot water distribution system piping from the water heater(s) to the fixtures and appliances must take the most direct path. For example, in a house with more than 1-story and the water heater in the garage, this requirement would exclude running hot water supply piping from the water heater to the attic, and then running the line back down to a first floor point of use.

The recirculation pump can be located external to the water heater or be integral to the water heater.

The manufacturer(s) of the recirculation pump and the controls shall provide installation and operation instructions that provide details of the operation of the pump and controls and such instructions shall be available at the jobsite for inspection.

### RA4.4.8 Recirculation with non-demand controls (R-ND)

All recirculation controls with the exception of demand recirculation control systems fall under this category.

(a) More than one circulation loop may be installed. Each loop shall have its own pump and controls.

(b) The active control shall be either: timer, temperature, or time and temperature. Timers shall be set to less than 24 hours. The temperature sensor shall be connected to the piping and to the controls for the pump.

### RA4.4.9 Demand Recirculation; Manual Control (R-DRmc)

Demand controlled recirculation systems shall operate “on-demand”, meaning that pump operation shall be initiated shortly prior to the hot water draw. The controls shall operate on the principal of shutting off the pump with a sensed rise in pipe temperature (Delta-T). For this measure a manual switch is used to activate the pump.

(a) More than one circulation loop may be installed. Each loop shall have its own pump and controls.

(b) Manual controls shall be located in the kitchen, bathrooms, and any hot water fixture location that is at least 20 feet (measured along the hot water piping) from the water heater.

(c) Manual controlled systems may be activated by wired or wireless mechanisms, Manual controls shall have standby power of 1 watt or less.

(d) Pump and demand control placement meets one of the following criteria.

1. When a dedicated return line has been installed the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor are installed at the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop (typically under a sink); or

2. The pump and demand controls are installed on the return line near the water heater and the thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location as close to the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop as possible (typically under a sink), or

3. When the cold water line is used as the return, the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location at the end of supply portion of the hot water distribution line (typically under a sink).

(e) Insulation is not required on the cold water line when it is used as the return.

(f) Demand controls shall be able to shut off the pump in accordance with one of the following two methods:

1. After the pump has been activated, the controls shall allow the pump to operate until the water temperature at the thermo-sensor rises not more than 10ºF ( 5.6 ºC ) above the initial temperature of the water in the pipe, or The controls shall not allow the pump to operate when the temperature in the pipe exceeds 102ºF (38.9 ºC).

2. The controls shall not allow the pump to operate when the temperature in the pipe exceeds 102ºF (38.9 ºC).

(g) The controls shall limit pump operation to a maximum of 5 minutes following any activation. This is provided in the event that the normal means of shutting off the pump have failed.

### RA4.4.10 Demand Recirculation; Sensor Control (RDRsc)

Demand controlled recirculation systems shall operate “on-demand”, meaning that pump operation shall be initiated shortly prior to the hot water draw. The controls shall operate on the principal of shutting off the pump with a sensed rise in pipe temperature (Delta-T). For this measure a sensor control is used to activate the pump rather than a manual control.

(a) More than one circulation loop may be installed. Each loop shall have its own pump and controls.

(b) Sensor controls shall be located in the kitchen, bathrooms, and any hot water use location that is at least 20 feet (measured along the hot water piping) from the water heater.

(c) Sensor controlled systems may be activated by wired or wireless mechanisms, including motion sensors, door switches and flow switches. Sensors controls shall have standby power of 1 watt or less.

(d) Pump and demand control placement meets one of the following criteria.

1. When a dedicated return line has been installed the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor are installed at the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop (typically under a sink); or

2. The pump and demand controls are installed on the return line near the water heater and the thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location as close to the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop as possible (typically under a sink), or

3. When the cold water line is used as the return, the pump, demand controls and thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location at the end of supply portion of the hot water distribution line (typically under a sink).

(e) Insulation is not required on the cold water line when it is used as the return.

(f) Demand controls shall be able to shut off the pump in accordance with these three methods:

1. After the pump has been activated, the controls shall allow the pump to operate until the water temperature at the thermo-sensor rises not more than 10ºF ( 5.6 ºC ) above the initial temperature of the water in the pipe, or

2. The controls shall not allow the pump to operate when the temperature in the pipe exceeds 102ºF (38.9 ºC).

(g) The controls shall limit pump operation to a maximum of 5 minutes following any activation. This is provided in the event that the normal means of shutting off the pump have failed.

### RA4.4.11 Multiple Dwelling Units: Recirculation Temperature Modulation Control

A recirculation temperature modulation control shall reduce the hot water supply temperature when hot water demand is determined to be low by the control system. The control system may use a fixed control schedule or dynamic control schedules based measurements of hot water demand. The daily hot water supply temperature reduction, which is defined as the sum of temperature reduction by the control in each hour within a 24-hour period, shall be more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit to qualify for the energy savings credit.

Recirculation systems shall also meet the requirements of §110.3.

### RA4.4.12 Multiple Dwelling Units: Recirculation Continuous Monitoring Systems

Systems that qualify as a recirculation continuous monitoring systems for domestic hot water systems serving multiple dwelling units shall record no less frequently than hourly measurements of key system operation parameters, including hot water supply temperatures, hot water return temperatures, and status of gas valve relays of water heating equipment. The continuous monitoring system shall automatically alert building operators of abnormalities identified from monitoring results.

Recirculation systems shall also meet the requirements of §110.3.

### RA4.4.13 Multiple Dwelling Units: Demand Recirculation

Demand controlled recirculation systems shall operate “on-demand”, meaning that pump operation shall be initiated shortly prior to, or by a hot water draw. The controls shall operate on the principal of shutting off the pump with a sensed rise in pipe temperature (Delta-T). For this measure sensor or manual controls may be used to activate the pump(s).

(a) Manual or sensor controls shall be installed and if powered, have standby power of 1 watt or less. Controls may be located in individual units or on the loop. Controls may be activated by wired or wireless mechanisms, including buttons, motion sensors, door switches and flow switches.

(b) Pump and control placement shall meet one of the following criteria:

1. When a dedicated return line has been installed the pump, controls and thermo-sensor are installed at the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop; or

2. The pump and controls are installed on the dedicated return line near the water heater and the thermo-sensor is installed in an accessible location as close to the end of the supply portion of the recirculation loop as possible, or

3. When the cold water line is used as the return, the pump, demand controls and thermosensor shall be installed in an accessible location at the end of supply portion of the hot water distribution line (typically under a sink).

(c) Insulation is not required on the cold water line when it is used as the return.

(d) Demand controls shall be able to shut off the pump in accordance with these three methods:

1. After the pump has been activated, the controls shall allow the pump to operate until the water temperature at the thermo-sensor rises not more than 10ºF ( 5.6 ºC ) above the initial temperature of the water in the pipe, or

2. The controls shall not allow the pump to operate when the temperature in the pipe exceeds 102ºF (38.9 ºC).

3. The controls shall limit pump operation to a maximum of 10 minutes following any activation. This is provided in the event that the normal means of shutting off the pump have failed.

Recirculation systems shall also meet the requirements of §110.3.

### RA4.4.14 HERS-Verified Pipe Insulation Credit (PIC-H)

Consistent with the requirements of RA4.4.3, this measure requires a HERS inspection to verify that all hot water piping in non-recirculating systems is insulated correctly.

### RA4.4.15 HERS-Verified Parallel Piping (PP-H)

Consistent with the requirements of RA4.4.4 this measure requires a HERS inspection to verify that the length of pipe between the water heater and each central manifold does not exceed 5 feet and to verify pipe insulation.

### RA4.4.16 HERS-Verified Compact Hot Water Distribution System (CHWDS-H)

A HERS inspection is required in order to obtain this credit. To meet the Compact HWDS requirement, the longest measured pipe run length between a hot water use point and the water heater serving that use shall be no more than the distance specified in Table 4.4.5. This table specifies the maximum pipe length as a function of Floor Area Served, where Floor Area Served is defined as the conditioned floor area divided by the number of installed water heaters.

#### TABLE 4.4.5

Floor Area | Maximum Measured Water Heater Heater HeaterHeater
Served (ft2) | Heater To Use Point Distance (ft)
< 1000 | 28’
1001 – 1600 | 43’
1601 – 2200 | 53’
2201 – 2800 | 62’
>2800 | 68’

Requirements include that:

(a) The floor area (ft2) of the building matches the conditioned floor area that was used in compliance documentation. (Note: Floor Areas Served equals the conditioned floor area divided by the number of installed water heaters).

(b) The length from the water heater to the furthest use point it serves shall be equal to or less than 'listed in Table 4.4.5. Measurements shall be made to the nearest half foot.

(c) The hot water distribution system piping from the water heater(s) to the fixtures and appliances must take the most direct path. For example, in a house with more than 1-story and the water heater in the garage, this requirement would exclude running hot water supply piping from the manifold to the attic, and then running the line back down to a first floor point of use.

(d) Hot water piping shall be insulated to a level that meets the requirements of §150.0(j) and be installed in accordance with Proper Installation of Pipe Insulation RA4.4.1.

### RA4.4.17 HERS-Verified Demand Recirculation: Manual Control (RDRmc-H)

Consistent with the requirement of RA4.4.7.3, this measure includes a visual HERS inspection to verify that the demand pump, manual controls and thermo-sensor are present and operating properly

### RA4.4.18 HERS-Verified Demand Recirculation: Sensor Control (RDRsc-H)

Consistent with the requirement of RA4.4.6.4 this measure includes a visual HERS inspection to verify that the demand pump, sensor controls and thermo-sensor are present and operating properly.

### RA4.4.19 HERS-Verified Multiple Recirculation Loops for DHW Systems Serving Multiple Dwelling Units

Central DHW systems serving a building with more than eight dwelling units shall have at least two recirculation loops, each serving roughly the same number of dwelling units. Unique building sections may have additional recirculation loops. These recirculation loops may be connected to the same water heating equipment or be connected to independent water heating equipment. This credit may be taken in combination with recirculation system defined in RA 4.4.7.5 through RA 4.4.7.7.

### RA4.4.20 Solar Water Heating Systems

Solar water-heating systems and/or collectors shall be certified and rated by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or by a listing agency that is approved by the Executive Director.

To use collectors with the SRCC OG-100 certification and rating, the installed system shall meet the following eligibility criteria:

(a) Include all of the features modeled and generated in the Commission approved solar savings fraction calculation.

(b) The collectors shall be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

(c) The collectors shall be located in a position that is not shaded by adjacent buildings or trees between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM (solar time) on December 21.

To use a solar water-heating system with the SRCC OG-300 certification and rating, the installed system shall meet the following eligibility criteria:

(a) The collectors shall face within 35 degrees of south and be tilted at a slope of at least 3:12

(b) The system shall be installed in the exact configuration for which it was rated. The system shall have the same collectors, pumps, controls, storage tank and backup water heater fuel type as the rated condition.

(c) The system shall be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

(d) The collectors shall be located in a position that is not shaded by adjacent buildings or trees between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM (solar time) on December 21.