CHAPTER 2 [CE]

DEFINITIONS

SECTION C201
GENERAL
C201.1 Scope. Unless stated otherwise, the following words and terms in this code shall have the
meanings indicated in this chapter.
C201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the masculine
gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural includes
the singular.
C201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Terms that are not defined in this code but are defined in the
International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International
Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code or the International Residential Code shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in those codes.
C201.4 Terms not defined. Terms not defined by this chapter shall have ordinarily accepted meanings
such as the context implies.

SECTION C202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
ABOVE-GRADE WALL. That portion of a wall in the building envelope that is not a below-grade wall. This
includes between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof knee walls, dormer walls, gable end
walls, walls enclosing a mansard roof and skylight shafts.
ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by a
means that first requires the removal or movement of a panel or similar obstruction.
ADDITION. An extension or increase in the conditioned space floor area, number of stories, or height of a
building or structure.
AIR BARRIER. One or more materials joined together in a continuous manner to restrict or prevent the
passage of air through the building thermal envelope and its assemblies.
AIR CURTAIN. A device, installed at the building entrance, that generates and discharges a laminar air
stream intended to prevent the infiltration of external, unconditioned air into the conditioned spaces, or the
loss of interior, conditioned air to the outside.
ALTERATION. Any construction, retrofit or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition.
Also, a change in a building, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that involves an extension,
addition or change to the arrangement, type or purpose of the original installation.
ALTERNATING CURRENT-OUTPUT UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY (AC-OUTPUT UPS). A combination of
convertors, switches and energy storage devices, such as batteries, constituting a power system for
maintaining continuity of load power in case of input power failure. Input power failure occurs when
voltage and frequency are outside rated steady state and transient tolerance bands or when distortion or
interruptions are outside the limits specified for the uninterruptible power supply. An AC-output UPC is an
uninterruptible power supply that supplies power with a continuous flow of electrical charge that
periodically reversed direction.
APPROVED. Acceptable to the code official.
APPROVED AGENCY. An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or
furnishing inspection services, or furnishing product certification research reports, where such agency has
been approved by the code official.

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ATTIC AND OTHER ROOFS. Roofs other than roofs with insulation entirely above deck and metal building
roofs, including roofs with insulation entirely below (inside of) the roof structure (i.e., attics, cathedral
ceilings, and single-rafter ceilings), roofs with insulation both above and below the roof structure, and
roofs without insulation.
AUTOMATIC. Self-acting,operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some impersonal influence,
as, for example, a change in current strength, pressure, temperature or mechanical configuration (see
"Manual").
AUTOMATIC CONTROL DEVICE. A device capable of automatically controlling equipment and devices without
manual intervention.
BELOW-GRADE WALL. That portion of a wall in the building envelope that is entirely below the finish grade
and in contact with the ground.
BIOGAS.A mixture of hydrocarbons that is a gas at 60°F (15.5°C) and one atmosphere of pressure that is
produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter.
BIOMASS. Nonfossilized and biodegradable organic material originating from plants, animals and/or micro-
organisms, including products, by-products, residues and waste from agriculture, forestry and related
industries as well as the nonfossilized and biodegradable organic fractions of industrial and municipal
wastes, including gases and liquids recovered from the decomposition of nonfossilized and biodegradable
organic material.
BLOCK. A generic concept used in energy simulation. It can include one or more thermal zones. It
represents a whole building or portion of a building with the same use type served by the same HVAC
system type.
BOILER, MODULATING. A boiler that is capable of more than a single firing rate in response to a varying
temperature or heating load.
BOILER SYSTEM. One or more boilers, their piping and controls that work together to supply steam or hot
water to heat output devices remote from the boiler.
BUBBLE POINT. The refrigerant liquid saturation temperature at a specified pressure.
BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, including any
mechanical systems, service water heating systems and electric power and lighting systems located on
the building site and supporting the building.
BUILDING COMMISSIONING. A process that verifies and documents that the building systems have been
installed, and function according to the approved construction documents.
BUILDING ENTRANCE. Any doorway, set of doors, revolving door, vestibule, or other form of portal (including
elevator doors such as in parking garages) that is ordinarily used to gain access to the building or to exit
from the building by its users and occupants. This does not include doors solely used to directly enter
mechanical, electrical, and other building utility service equipment rooms, or doors for emergency egress
only. Where buildings have separate one-way doors to enter or leave, any doors ordinarily used to leave
the building are also deemed a building entrance.
BUILDING SITE. A contiguous area of land that is under the ownership or control of one entity.
BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE. The below-grade walls, above-grade walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and any
other building element assemblies that meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. Separates conditioned areas of all types from unconditioned or unenclosed areas.
2. Separates conditioned areas of differing types including elements between fully conditioned
areas, low energy, semi-heated, greenhouse, and refrigerated areas.
C-FACTOR (THERMAL CONDUCTANCE). The coefficient of heat transmission (surface to surface) through a
building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and the unit temperature
difference between the warm side and cold side surfaces (Btu/h ft2 x °F) [W/(m2 x K)].
CAPTIVE KEY DEVICE. A lighting control that will not release the key that activates the override when the
lighting is on.
CAVITY INSULATION. Insulating material located between framing members.

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CEILING FAN. A nonportable device suspended from a ceiling or overhead structure for circulating air via
the rotation of the blades. See also large-diameter ceiling fan.
CERTIFIED COMMISSIONING PROFESSIONAL. An individual who is certified by an ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024:2012
accredited organization to lead, plan, coordinate, and manage commissioning teams and implement the
commissioning process.
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the use of a building or a portion of a building that results in any of
the following:
1. A change of occupancy classification.
2. A change from one group to another group within an occupancy classification.
3. Any change in use within a group for which there is a change in the application of the requirements
of this code.
CIRCULATING HOT WATER SYSTEM. A specifically designed water distribution system where one or more
pumps are operated in the service hot water piping to circulate heated water from the water-heating
equipment to the fixture supply and back to the water-heating equipment.
CLERESTORY FENESTRATION. See “Fenestration.”
CLIMATE ZONE. A geographical region based on climatic criteria as specified in this code.
CODE OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement
of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP) - COOLING. The ratio of the rate of heat removal to the rate of energy
input, in consistent units, for a complete refrigerating system or some specific portion of that system under
designated operating conditions.
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP) - HEATING. The ratio of the rate of heat removal to the rate of heat
delivered to the rate of energy input, in consistent units, for a complete heat pump system, including the
compressor and, if applicable, auxiliary heat, under designated operating conditions.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING. For this code, all buildings not included in the definition of "Residential buildings."
COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM. An off-site renewable energy system for which the owner has
purchased or leased renewable energy capacity along with other subscribers.
COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM. A system of at least one compressor providing compressed air at 40 psig or
higher.
COMPUTER ROOM. A room whose primary function is to house equipment for the processing and storage of
electronic data and that has a design total information technology equipment (ITE) equipment power
density less than or equal to 20 watts per square foot (215 watts per m2) of conditioned floor area or a
design ITE equipment load less than or equal to 10 kW. See also data center.
CONDENSING UNIT. A factory-made assembly of refrigeration components designed to compress and
liquefy a specific refrigerant. The unit consists of one or more refrigerant compressors, refrigerant
condensers (air-cooled, evaporatively cooled, or water-cooled), condenser fans and motors (where used)
and factory-supplied accessories.
CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA. The horizontal projection of the floors associated with the conditioned space.
CONDITIONED SPACE. An area, room or space that is enclosed within the building thermal envelope and
that is directly heated or cooled or that is indirectly heated or cooled. Spaces are indirectly heated or
cooled where they communicate through openings with conditioned spaces, where they are separated
from conditioned spaces by uninsulated walls, floors or ceilings, or where they contain uninsulated ducts,
piping or other sources of heating or cooling. Elevator shafts, stair enclosures, enclosed corridors
connecting conditioned spaces, and enclosed spaces through which conditioned air is intentionally
transferred at a rate exceeding three air changes per hour are considered contitioned spaces for the
purposes of the building thermal envelope requirements.

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CONTINUOUS INSULATION (CI). Insulating material that is continuous across all structural members without
metal thermal bridges other than fasteners that have a total cross-sectional area not greater than 0.04
percent (0.12 percent where all metal thermal bridges are stainless steel) of the envelope surface through
which they penetrate, and service openings. It is installed on the interior or exterior or is integral to any
opaque surface of the building envelope.
CONTROLLED PLANT GROWTH ENVIRONMENT. Group F and U buildings or spaces that are used exclusively
for and specifically controlled to facilitate and enhance plant growth and production by manipulating
various indoor environmental conditions. Technologies include indoor agriculture, cannabis growing,
hydroponics, aquaculture and aquaponics. Controlled indoor environment variables include, but are not
limited to, temperature, air quality, humidity and carbon dioxide.
CONTROLLED RECEPTACLE. An electrical receptacle that is controlled by an automatic control device.
CURTAIN WALL. Fenestration products used to create an external nonload-bearing wall that is designed to
separate the exterior and interior environments.
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM. An electronic system managed by the building owner to collect, tabulate and
display metering information.
DATA CENTER. A room or series of rooms that share Data Center Systems whose primary function is to
house equipment for the processing and storage of electronic data, which has a design total information
technology equipment (ITE) equipment power density exceeding 20 watts per square foot (215 watts per
m2) of conditioned area and a total design ITE equipment load greater than 10 kW.
DATA CENTER SYSTEMS. HVAC systems, electrical systems, equipment, or portions thereof used to
condition ITE or electrical systems in a data center.
DAYLIGHT RESPONSIVE CONTROL. A device or system that provides automatic control of electric light levels
based on the amount of daylight in a space.
DAYLIGHT ZONE. The portion of the building interior floor area that is illuminated by natural daylight through
sidelit and toplit fenestration.
DECORATIVE APPLIANCE, VENTED. A vented appliance wherein the primary function lies in the aesthetic
effect of the flames.
DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR SYSTEM (DOAS). A ventilation system that supplies 100 per-cent outdoor air
primarily for the purpose of ventilation without re-quiring operation of a space-conditioning system fan for
outdoor air delivery.
DEMAND CONTROL KITCHEN VENTILATION (DCKV). A system that provides automatic, continuous control over
exhaust hood, where required, and make-up air fan speed in response to one or more sensors that
monitor cooking activity or through direct communication with cooking appliances.
DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV). A ventilation system capability that provides for the automatic
reduction of outdoor air intake below design rates when the actual occupancy of spaces served by the
system is less than design occupancy.
DEMAND RECIRCULATION WATER SYSTEM. A water distribution system having one or more recirculation
pumps that pump water from a heated water supply pipe back to the heated water source through a cold
water supply pipe.
DEMAND RESPONSE SIGNAL. A signal that indicates a price or a request to modi-fy electricity consumption
for a limited time period.
DEMAND RESPONSIVE CONTROL. A control capable of receiving and automatically responding to a demand
response signal.
DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM. A mechanical dehumidification technology that uses a solid or liquid
material to remove moisture from the air.
DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROL (DDC). A type of control where controlled and monitored analog or binary data
such as temperature and contact closures are converted to digital format for manipulation and
calculations by a digital computer or microprocessor, then converted back to analog or binary form to
control physical devices.

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DIRECTLY OWNED OFF-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM. An off-site renewable energy system owned by the
building project owner.
DISTRICT ENERGY EFFICIENCY FACTOR. Ratio of site energy input at the district plant required to produce a
unit of heating or cooling at the project site on an annual basis, supported by calculations approved by the
code official..
DOOR, GARAGE. Non-swinging doors rated by DASMA 105 with a single panel or horizontally-hinged
sectional panels.
DOOR, NONSWINGING. Roll-up, tilt-up, metal coiling and sliding doors, access hatches, and all other doors
that are not swinging doors or garage doors with less than or equal to 14 percent glazing.
DOOR, SWINGING. Doors that are hinged on one side and revolving doors.
DUCT. A tube or conduit utilized for conveying air. The air passages of self-contained systems are not to
be construed as air ducts.
DUCT SYSTEM. A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to ducts, includes duct
fittings, dampers, plenums, fans and accessory air-handling equipment and appliances.
DWELLING UNIT. Asingle unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons,
including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
DX-DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR SYSTEM UNITS (DX-DOAS UNITS). A type of air-cooled, water-cooled or water
source factory assembled product that dehumidifies 100 percent outdoor air to a low dew point and
includes reheat that is capable of controlling the supply dry-bulb temperature of the dehumidified air to the
designated supply air temperature. This conditioned outdoor air is then delivered directly or indirectly to
the conditioned spaces. It may precondition outdoor air by containing an enthalpy wheel, sensible wheel,
desiccant wheel, plate heat exchanger, heat pipes, or other heat or mass transfer apparatus.
DYNAMIC GLAZING. Any fenestration product that has the fully reversible ability to change its performance
properties, including U-factor, SHGC, or VT.
ECONOMIZER, AIR. A duct and damper arrangement and automatic control system that allows a cooling
system to supply outside air to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling during mild or cold
weather.
ECONOMIZER, WATER. A system where the supply air of a cooling system is cooled indirectly with water that
is itself cooled by heat or mass transfer to the environment without the use of mechanical cooling.
<
ENCLOSED SPACE. A volume surrounded by solid surfaces such as walls, floors, roofs, and openable
devices such as doors and operable windows. Unconditioned crawlspaces, attics, and parking garages
with natural or mechanical ventilation are not considered enclosed spaces.
END USE CATEGORY. A load or group of loads that consume energy in a common or similar manner.
ENERGY ANALYSIS. A method for estimating the annual energy use of the proposed design and standard
reference design based on estimates of energy use.
ENERGY COST. The total estimated annual cost for purchased energy for the building functions regulated
by this code, including applicable demand charges.
ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION SYSTEM. Systems that employ air-to-air heat exchangers to recover energy
from exhaust air for the purpose of preheating, precooling, humidifying or dehumidifying outdoor
ventilation air prior to supplying the air to a space, either directly or as part of an HVAC system.
ENERGY SIMULATION TOOL. An approved software program or calculation-based methodology that projects
the annual energy use of a building.
ENERGY SOURCE METER. A meter placed at the source of the incoming energy that measures the energy
delivered to the whole building or metered space.
ENTHALPY RECOVERY RATIO (ERR). Change in the enthalpy of the outdoor air supply divided by the
difference between the outdoor air and entering exhaust air enthalpy, expressed as a percentage.

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ENTRANCE DOOR. A vertical fenestration product used for occupant ingress, egress and access in
nonresidential buildings including, but not limited to, exterior entrances utilizing latching hardware and
automatic closers and containing over 50 percent glazing specifically designed to withstand heavy duty
usage.
EQUIPMENT ROOM. A space that contains either electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, machinery,
water pumps or hydraulic pumps that are a function of the building's services.
EXTERIOR WALL. Walls including both above-grade walls and below-grade walls.
FAN, EMBEDDED. A fan that is part of a manufactured assembly where the assembly includes functions
other than air movement.
FAN ARRAY. Multiple fans in parallel between two plenum sections in an air distribution system.
FAN BRAKE HORSEPOWER (BHP). The horsepower delivered to the fan's shaft. Brake horsepower does not
include the mechanical drive losses (belts, gears, etc.). <
FAN ELECTRICAL INPUT POWER (FAN kWDESIGN). The electrical input power in kilowatts required to operate an
individual fan or fan array at design conditions. It includes the power consumption of motor controllers, if
present.
FAN ENERGY INDEX (FEI). The ratio of the electric input power of a reference fan to the electric input power
of the actual fan as calculated in accordance with AMCA 208.
FAN SYSTEM. Includes all the fans that contribute to the movement of air through a point of a common
duct, plenum, or cabinet.
FAN SYSTEM, COMPLEX. A fan system that combines supply, exhaust and/or other fans, or is not captured
by other fan system types.
FAN SYSTEM, EXHAUST/RELIEF. A fan system dedicated to the removal of air from interior spaces to the
outdoors.
FAN SYSTEM, MULTI-ZONE VARIABLE AIR VOLUME (VAV). A fan system that serves three or more space-
conditioning zones where airflow to each zone is individually controlled based on heating, cooling and/or
ventilation requirements, indoor fan airflow varies as a function of load, and the sum of the minimum zone
airflows is 40 percent or less of the fan system de-sign conditions.
FAN SYSTEM, RETURN. A fan system dedicated to removing air from interior where some or all the air is to
be recirculated except during economizer operation.
FAN SYSTEM, SINGLE-CABINET. A fan system where a single fan, single fan array, a single set of fans
operating in parallel, or fans or fan arrays in series and embedded in the same cabinet, that both supplies
air to a space and recirculates the air.
FAN SYSTEM, SUPPLY-ONLY. A fan system that provides supply air to interior spaces and does not
recirculate the air.
FAN SYSTEM, TRANSFER. A fan system that exclusively moves air from one occupied space to another.
FAN SYSTEM AIRFLOW (CFM). The sum of the airflow of all fans with fan electrical input power greater than 1
kW at fan system design conditions, excluding the airflow that passes through downstream fans with fan
in-put power less than 1 kW.
FAN SYSTEM BHP. The sum of the fan brake horsepower of all fans that are required to operate at fan
system design conditions to supply air from the heating or cooling source to the conditioned space(s) and
return it to the source or exhaust it to the outdoors.
FAN SYSTEM DESIGN CONDITIONS. Operating conditions that can be expected to occur during normal system
operation that result in the highest supply fan airflow rate to conditioned spaces served by the system,
other than during air economizer operation.
FAN SYSTEM ELECTRICAL INPUT POWER (Fan kWdesign, system). The sum of the fan electrical input power
(Fan kWdesign) of all fans that are required to op-erate at fan system design conditions to supply air from
the heating or cooling source to the conditioned spaces, return it to the source, exhaust it to the outdoors,
or transfer it to another space.

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FAN SYSTEM MOTOR NAMEPLATE HP. The sum of the motor nameplate horsepower of all fans that are
required to operate at design conditions to supply air from the heating or cooling source to the
conditioned space(s) and return it to the source or exhaust it to the outdoors.
FAULT DETECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS (FDD) SYSTEM. A software platform that utilizes building analytic
algorithms to convert data provided by sensors and devices to automatically identify faults in building
systems and pro-vide a prioritized list of actionable resolutions to those faults based on cost or energy
avoidance, comfort and maintenance impact.
FENESTRATION. Products classified as either skylights or vertical fenestration.
SKYLIGHTS. Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of less than 60
degrees (91.05 rad) from horizontal, including unit skylights, tubular daylighting devices and glazing
materials in solariums, sunrooms, roofs, greenhouses, and sloped walls.
VERTICAL FENESTRATION. Windows that are fixed or operable, doors with no more than 50 percent
glazed area and glazed block composed of glass or other transparent or translucent glazing materials
and installed at a slope of not less than 60 degrees (91.05 rad) from horizontal. Opaque areas such as
spandrel panels are not considered vertical fenestration.
CLERESTORY FENESTRATION. An upper region of vertical fenestration provided for the purpose of
admitting daylight beyond the perimeter of a space. The entire clerestory fenestration assembly is
installed at a height greater than 8 feet above the finished floor.
FENESTRATION AREA. Total area of the fenestration measured using the rough opening, and including the
glazing, sash and frame.
FENESTRATION PRODUCT, FIELD-FABRICATED. A fenestration product whose frame is made at the
construction site of standard dimensional lumber or other materials that were not previously cut, or
otherwise formed with the specific intention of being used to fabricate a fenestration product or exterior
door. Field fabricated does not include site-built fenestration.
FENESTRATION PRODUCT, SITE-BUILT. A fenestration designed to be made up of field-glazed or field-
assembled units using specific factory cut or otherwise factory-formed framing and glazing units.
Examples of site-built fenestration include storefront systems, curtain walls, and atrium roof systems.
F-FACTOR. The perimeter heat loss factor for slab-on-grade floors (Btu/h x ft x °F) [W/(m x K)].
FLOOR AREA, NET. The actual occupied area not including unoccupied accessory areas such as corridors,
stairways, toilet rooms, mechanical rooms and closets.
FURNACE ELECTRICITY RATIO. The ratio of furnace electricity use to total furnace energy computed as ratio
.= (3.412 x EAE)/1000 x EF.+ 3.412 x EAE) where EAE (average annual auxiliary electrical consumption)
and EF (average annual fuel energy consumption) are defined in Appendix N to Subpart B of Part 430 of
Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations and EF is expressed in millions of Btus per year.
GENERAL LIGHTING. Interior lighting that provides a substantially uniform level of illumination throughout a
space. General lighting shall not include lighting that provides a dissimilar level of illumination to serve a
specific application or decorative feature within such area.
GREENHOUSE. A structure or a thermally isolated area of a building that maintains a specialized sunlit
environment used exclusively used for, and essential to, the cultivation, protection or maintenance of
plants. Greenhouses are those that are erected for a period of 180 days or more.
GROUP R. Buildings or portions of buildings that contain any of the following occupancies as established in
the International Building Code:
1. Group R-1.
2. Group R-2 where located more than three stories in height above grade plane.
HEAT TRAP. An arrangement of piping and fittings, such as elbows, or a commercially available heat trap
that prevents thermosyphoning of hot water during standby periods.
HEAT TRAP, PIPE CONFIGURED. A pipe configured heat trap is either, as applicable:
1. A device specifically designed for the purpose or an arrangement of tubing that forms a loop of
360 degrees, or
2. Piping that from the point of connection to the water heater (inlet or outlet) includes a length of

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 piping directed downward before connection to the vertical piping of the supply water or hot-water
distribution system.
HEATED SLAB-ON-GRADE FLOOR. Slab-on-grade floor construction in which the heating elements, hydronic
tubing, or hot air distribution system is in contact with, or placed within or under, the slab.
HEATED WATER CIRCULATION SYSTEM. A water distribution system having one or more recirculation pumps
that pump water from a heated water source through a dedicated hot water circulation pipe or piping
system.
HIGH SPEED DOOR. A nonswinging door used primarily to facilitate vehicular access or material
transportation, with a minimum opening rate of 32 inches (813 mm) per second, a minimum closing rate
of 24 inches (610 mm) per second and that includes an automatic-closing device.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Any building or structure that is one or more of the following:
1. Listed, or certified as eligible for listing, by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of
the National Register of Historic Places, in the National Register of Historic Places.
2. Designated as historic under an applicable state or local law.
3. Certified as a contributing resource within a National Register-listed, state-designated or locally
designated historic district.
HUMIDISTAT. A regulatory device, actuated by changes in humidity, used for automatic control of relative
humidity.
HVAC TOTAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE RATIO (HVAC TSPR). The ratio of the sum of a building’s annual heating
and cooling load in thousands of Btus to the sum of annual carbon emissions in pounds from energy
consumption of the building HVAC systems. Carbon emissions shall be calculated by multiplying site
energy consumption by the carbon emission factors from Table C407.1.
IEC DESIGN H MOTOR. An electric motor that meets all of the following:
1. It is an induction motor designed for use with three-phase power.
2. It contains a cage rotor.
3. It is capable of direct-on-line starting.
4. It has 4, 6 or 8 poles.
5. It is rated from 0.4 kW to 1600 kW at a frequency of 60 Hz.
IEC DESIGN N MOTOR. An electric motor that meets all of the following:
1. It is an inductor motor designed for use with three-phase power.
2. It contains a cage rotor.
3. It is capable of direct-on-line starting.
4. It has 2, 4, 6 or 8 poles.
5. It is rated from 0.4 kW to 1600 kW at a frequency of 60 Hz.
INFILTRATION. The uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building caused by the pressure effects of wind
or the effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air density or both.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (ITE). Items including computers, data storage, servers, network,
and /communication equipment.
INSULATION ENTIRELY ABOVE DECK. A roof with all insulation:
1. Installed above (outside of) the roof structure; and
2. Continuous (i.e., uninterrupted by framing members).
INTEGRATED ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (IEER). A single-number figure of merit expressing cooling part-load
EER efficiency for unitary air-conditioning and heat pump equipment on the basis of weighted operation
at various load capacities for the equipment.
INTEGRATED HVAC SYSTEM. An HVAC system designed to handle both sensible and latent heat removal.
Integrated HVAC systems may include, but are not limited to, HVAC systems with a sensible heat ration
of 0.65 or less and the capability of providing cooling, dedicated outdoor air systems, single package air
conditioners with at least one refrigerant circuit providing hot gas reheat, and stand-alone dehumidifiers
modified to allow external heat rejection.

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INTEGRATED PART LOAD VALUE (IPLV). A single number figure of merit based on part-load EER, COP, or
kW/ton expressing part-load efficiency for air conditioning and heat pump equipment on the basis of
weighted operation at various load capacities for equipment.
INTEGRATED SEASONAL COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (ISCOP). A seasonal efficiency number that is a
combined value based on the formula listed in AHRI Standard 920 of the two COP values for the heating
season of a DX-DOAS unit water or air source heat pump, expressed in W/W.
INTEGRATED SEASONAL MOISTURE REMOVAL EFFICIENCY (ISMRE). A seasonal efficiency number that is a
combined value based on the formula listed in AHRI Standard 920 of the four dehumidification moisture
removal efficiency (MRE) ratings required for DX-DOAS units, expressed in lb. of moisture/kWh.
INTERNAL CURTAIN SYSTEM. A system consisting of moveable panels of fabric or plastic film used to cover
and uncover the space enclosed in a greenhouse on a daily basis.
ISOLATION DEVICES. Devices that isolate HVAC zones so they can be operated independently of one
another. Isolation devices include separate systems, isolation dampers and controls providing shutoff at
terminal boxes.
LABELED. Equipment, materials or products to which have been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other
identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, approved agency or other organization
concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of the above-
labeled items and whose labeling indicates either that the equipment, material or product meets identified
standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
LARGE-DIAMETER CEILING FAN. A ceiling fan that is greater than seven feet (2134 mm) in diameter. These
fans are sometimes referred to as High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) fans.
LARGEST NET CAPACITY INCREMENT. The largest increase in capacity when switching between
combinations of base compressors that is expected to occur un-der the compressed air system control
scheme.
LINER SYSTEM (LS). A system that includes the following:
1. A continuous vapor barrier liner membrane that is installed below the purlins and that is
uninterrupted by framing members.
2. An uncompressed, unfaced insulation resting on top of the liner membrane and located between
the purlins.
For multilayer installations, the last rated R-value of insulation is for unfaced insulation draped over
purlins and then compressed when the metal roof panels are attached.
LISTED. Equipment, materials, products or services included in a list published by an organization
acceptable to the code official and concerned with evaluation of products or services that maintains
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services and
whose listing states either that the equipment, material, product or service meets identified standards or
has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
LOW-CARBON DISTRICT ENERGY EXCHANGE SYSTEM. Any system serving multiple buildings providing energy
in the form of a circulated fluid that can accept or reject heat from individual buildings. Energy can be
indirectly con-verted to meet building heating or cooling loads by serving as the heat source or sink for
heat-pump systems. Examples include, but are not limited to, low temperature condenser water, ground
source con-denser water, or sewer heat recovery.
Low-carbon district energy exchange systems must demonstrate that 25 percent of the annual district-
system-net-load-met (sum of heating and cooling energy provided to attached buildings) comes from heat
recovery between connected buildings, waste heat, or renewable energy resources and no more than 25
percent of the annual heat input to the system comes from fossil fuel or electric-resistance sources.

2021 Washington State Energy Code CE-15

LOW-CARBON DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING OR HEATING ONLY SYSTEM. Any system serving multiple
buildings providing energy in the form of direct heating and cooling, or heating only to a building. Energy
can be directly converted to meet building heating or cooling loads through a heat exchanger. Examples
include, but are not limited to, steam, hot water, and chilled water.
Low-carbon district systems must demonstrate the following:
1. Distribution losses must be accounted for and may not exceed 10 percent of the annual load
delivered to buildings served by the system.
2. Twenty-five percent of the annual district-system-net-load-met (sum of heating and cooling
energy provided to attached buildings) comes from heat recovery between connected buildings,
waste heat or renewable energy resources and no more than 25 percent of the annual heat input
to the system comes from fossil fuel or electric resistance sources; or
3. No more than 10 percent of the system annual heat input to the system comes from fossil fuel or
electric resistance sources.
LOW SLOPED ROOF. A roof having a slope less than 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal.
LOW-VOLTAGE DRY-TYPE DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER. A transformer that is air-cooled, does not use oil as a
coolant, has an input voltage less than or equal to 600 volts and is rated for operation at a frequency of
60 hertz.
LOW-VOLTAGE LIGHTING. A lighting system consisting of an isolating power supply, the low voltage
luminaires, and associated equipment that are all identified for the use.
LUMINAIRE. A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps together with the housing designed to
distribute the light, position and protect the lamps, and connect the lamps to the power supply.
LUMINAIRE-LEVEL LIGHTING CONTROL. A lighting system consisting of one or more luminaires where each
luminaire has embedded lighting control logic, occupancy and ambient light sensors, and local override
switching capability, where required. Each luminaire shall also have wireless networking capabilities to
detect and share information with other luminaires to adjust to occupancy and/or daylight in the space.
MANUAL. Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").
MASS TRANSFER DECK SLAB. A concrete slab designed to transfer structural load from the building
perimeter wall or column line above, laterally to an offset wall or column line below, and which has
conditioned or semi-heated space on the inside of the upper wall and exterior or unconditioned space on
the outside of the upper wall. The area of the slab edge shall be defined as the thickness of the slab
multiplied by the length of the edge condition. Examples of this condition include, but are not limited to,
the transition from an above-grade structure to a below-grade structure or the transition from a tower to a
podium. A cantilevered concrete balcony does not constitute a mass transfer deck slab.

CE-16 2021 Washington State Energy Code

MECHANICAL COOLING. Reducing the temperature of a gas or liquid by using vapor compression,
absorption, desiccant dehumidification combined with evaporative cooling, or another energy-driven
thermodynamic cycle. Indirect or direct evaporative cooling alone is not considered mechanical cooling.
MECHANICAL HEATING. Raising the temperature of a gas or liquid by use of fossil fuel burners, electric
resistance heaters, heat pumps, or other systems that require energy to operate.
MECHANICAL LOAD COEFFICIENT (MLC). In a data center, the ratio of the cooling system’s net use of energy
to that of the ITE. The annual MLC is calculated using hourly weather data for the data center’s location
and equals the sum of all energy flowing into the cooling system to respond to that weather, minus any
energy successfully recovered to avoid any new energy use, all divided by the energy flowing into the ITE
during the same period.
MECHANICAL ROOM. A room or space in which mechanical equipment and appliances are located that has
sufficient room for access and maintenance of the equipment or appliances with room energy doors
closed.
METAL BUILDING ROOF. A roof that:
1. Is constructed with a metal, structural, weathering surface;
2. Has no ventilated cavity; and
3. Has the insulation entirely below deck (i.e., does not include composite concrete and metal deck
construction nor a roof framing system that is separated from the superstructure by a wood
substrate) and whose structure consists of one or more of the following configurations:
a. Metal roofing in direct contact with the steel framing members;
b. Metal roofing separated from the steel framing members by insulation;
c. Insulated metal roofing panels installed as described in item a. or b.
METER. A device that measures the flow of energy.
MICROCELL. A wireless communication facility consisting of an antenna that is either: (a) Four (4) feet in
height and with an area of not more than 580 square inches; or (b) if a tubular antenna, no more than four
(4) inches in diameter and no more than six (6) feet in length; and the associated equipment cabinet that
is six (6) feet or less in height and no more than 48 square feet in floor area.
MULTI-PASS HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER. A heat pump water heater control strategy requiring multiple
passes of water through the heat pump to reach the final target storage water temperature.
NAMEPLATE HORSEPOWER. The nominal motor output power rating stamped on the motor nameplate.
NEMA DESIGN A MOTOR. A squirrel-cage motor that meets all of the following:
1. It is designed to withstand full-voltage starting and developing locked-rotor torque as shown in
paragraph 12.38.1 of NEMA MG 1.
2. It has pull-up torque not less than the values shown in paragraph 12.40.1 of NEMA MG 1.
3. It has breakdown torque not less than the values shown in paragraph 12.39.1 of NEMA MG 1.
4. It has a locked-rotor current higher than the values shown in paragraph 12.35.1 of NEMA MG 1 for
60 Hz and paragraph 12.35.2 of NEMA MG 1 for 50 Hz.
5. It has a slip at rated load of less than 5 percent for motors with fewer than 10 poles.
NEMA DESIGN B MOTOR. A squirrel-cage motor that meets all of the following:
1. It is designed to withstand full-voltage starting.
2. It develops locked-rotor, breakdown and pull-up torques adequate for general application as
specified in Sections 12.38, 12.39 and 12.40 of NEMA MG 1.
3. It draws locked-rotor current not to exceed the values shown in paragraph 12.35.1 of NEMA MG 1
for 60 Hz and paragraph 12.35.2 of NEMA MG 1 for 50 Hz.
4. It has a slip at rated load of less than 5 percent for motors with fewer than 10 poles.

2021 Washington State Energy Code CE-17

NEMA DESIGN C MOTOR. A squirrel-cage motor that meets all of the following:
1. It is designed to withstand full-voltage starting and developing locked-rotor torque for high-torque
applications up to the values shown in paragraph 12.38.2 of NEMA MG 1 (incorporated by
reference; see §431.15).
2. It has pull-up torque not less than the values shown in paragraph 12.40.2 of NEMA MG 1.
3. It has breakdown torque not less than the values shown in paragraph 12.39.2 of NEMA MG 1.
4. It has a locked-rotor current not to exceed the values shown in paragraph 12.35.1 of NEMA MG 1
for 60 Hz and paragraph 12.35.2 of NEMA MG 1 for 50 Hz.
5. It has a slip at rated load of less than 5 percent.
NETWORKED GUEST ROOM CONTROL SYSTEM. A control system, with access from the front desk or other
central location associated with a Group R-1 building, that is capable of identifying the rented and
unrented status of each guest room according to a timed schedule, and is capable of controlling HVAC in
each hotel and motel guest room separately.
NONSTANDARD PART LOAD VALUE (NPLV). A single-number part-load efficiency figure of merit calculated and
referenced to conditions other than IPLV conditions, for units that are not designed to operate at ARI
standard rating conditions.
OCCUPANT SENSOR CONTROL. An automatic control device or system that detects the presence or absence
of people within an area and causes lighting, equipment or appliances to be regulated accordingly.
ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY. Energy from renewable energy resources harvested at the building site.
OPAQUE DOOR. A door that is not less than 50 percent opaque in surface area.
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY. A wireless communication facility (WCF), including a microcell,
which is a facility for the transmission and/or reception of radio frequency signals and which may include
antennas, equipment shelter or cabinet, transmission cables, a support structure to achieve the
necessary elevation, and reception and/or transmission devices or antennas.
PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHOTON EFFICACY (PPE). Photosynthetic photon flux divided by input electric power in
units of micromoles per second per watt, or micromoles per joule as defined by ANSI/ASABE S640.
POWERED ROOF/WALL VENTILATORS. A fan consisting of a centrifugal or axial impeller with an integral driver
in a weather-resistant housing and with a base designed to fit, usually by means of a curb, over a wall or
roof opening.
POWER-OVER-ETHERNET LIGHTING (POE). Lighting sources powered by DC current utilizing Ethernet cables.
PRIMARY STORAGE. Compressed air storage located upstream of the distribution system and any pressure
flow regulators
PROCESS APPLICATION. A manufacturing, industrial, or commercial procedure or activity where the primary
purpose is other than conditioning spaces and maintaining comfort and amenities for the occupants of a
building.
PROPOSED DESIGN. A description of the proposed building used to estimate annual energy use and carbon
emissions from energy consumption for determining compliance based on total building performance and
HVAC total performance ratio.
PUBLIC LAVATORY FAUCET. A lavatory faucet that is not intended for private use as defined by the Uniform
Plumbing Code and that is supplied with both potable cold and hot water.
RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM. A heating system that transfers heat to objects and surfaces within a
conditioned space, primarily by infrared radiation.
READY ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be directly reached, without
requiring the removal or movement of any panel or similar obstruction.
REFRIGERANT DEW POINT. The refrigerant vapor saturation temperature at a specified pressure.

CE-18 2021 Washington State Energy Code

REFRIGERATED WAREHOUSE COOLER. An enclosed storage space that has a total chilled storage area of
3,000 square feet or greater and is designed to maintain a temperature of greater than 32°F but less than
55°F.
REFRIGERATED WAREHOUSE FREEZER. An enclosed storage space that has a total chilled storage area of
3,000 ft2 and is designed to maintain temperatures at or below 32°F.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, LOW TEMPERATURE. Systems for maintaining food product in a frozen state in
refrigeration applications.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, MEDIUM TEMPERATURE. Systems for maintaining food product above freezing in
refrigeration applications.
REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL. An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective
design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the
state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES. Energy derived from solar radiation, wind, waves, tides, biogas,
biomass, or extracted from hot fluid or steam heated within the earth.
RENEWABLE POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT . A power purchase agreement for off-site renewable energy
where the owner agrees to purchase renewable energy output and the associated renewable energy
certificates at a fixed price schedule.
REPAIR. The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building.
REPLACEMENT AIR. Outdoor air that is used to replace air removed from a building through an exhaust
system. Replacement air may be derived from one or more of the following: makeup air, supply air,
transfer air and infiltration. However, the ultimate source of all replacement air is outdoor air. When
replacement air exceeds exhaust, the result is exfiltration.
REROOFING. Theprocess of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See “Roof Recover” and
“Roof Replacement.”
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING. For this code, includes detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-
family dwellings (townhouses), Group R-3 buildings three stories or less in height above grade plane, and
Group R-2 occupancy areas in buildings three stories or less in height above grade plane whose dwelling
units are accessed directly from the exterior.
ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The
system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering
and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roof covering, underlayment, roof deck, insulation, vapor
retarder and interior finish. See also attic and other roofs, metal building roof, roof with insulation entirely
above deck and single-rafter roof.
ROOF RECOVER. The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof
covering without removing the existing roof covering.
ROOF REPAIR. Reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing roof for the purposes of its
maintenance.
ROOF REPLACEMENT. The process of removing the existing roof covering, repairing any damaged substrate
and installing a new roof covering.
ROOFTOP MONITOR. A raised section of a roof containing vertical fenestration along one or more sides.
R-VALUE (THERMAL RESISTANCE). The inverse of the time rate of heat flow through a body from one of its
bounding surfaces to the other surface for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under
steady state conditions, per unit area (h x ft2x°F/Btu) [(m2 x K)/W].
SATURATED CONDENSING TEMPERATURE. The saturation temperature corresponding to the measured
refrigerant pressure at the condenser inlet for single component and azeotropic refrigerants, and the
arithmetic average of the dew point and bubble point temperatures corresponding to the refrigerant
pressure at the condenser entrance for zeotropic refrigerants.

2021 Washington State Energy Code CE-19

SEMI-HEATED SPACE. An enclosed space within a building, including adjacent connected spaces separated
by an uninsulated component (e.g., basements, utility rooms, garages, corridors), which:
1. Is heated but not cooled, and has an installed heating system output capacity greater than or equal
to 3.4 Btu/(h-ft2) but not greater than 8 Btu/(h-ft2);
2. Is not a walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer, refrigerated warehouse cooler or refrigerated warehouse
freezer space.
SENSIBLE RECOVERY EFFECTIVENESS. Change in the dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air supply divided
by the difference between the outdoor air and return air dry-bulb temperatures, expressed as a
percentage, governed by AHRI Standard 1060.
SERVICE WATER HEATING. Heating water for domestic or commercial purposes other than space heating
and process requirements.
SIDELIT. See Section C405.2.5.2.
SINGLE-PASS HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER. A heat pump water heater control strategy using variable flow or
variable capacity to deliver water from the heat pump at the final target storage water temperature in a
single-pass pump through the heat exchanger with variable incoming water temperatures.
SINGLE-RAFTER ROOF. A roof where the roof above and the ceiling below are both attached to the same
wood rafter and where insulation is located in the space between these wood rafters.
SKYLIGHT. See “Fenestration.”
SLAB BELOW GRADE. Any portion of a slab floor in contact with the ground which is more than 24 inches
below the final elevation of the nearest exterior grade.
SLAB-ON-GRADE FLOOR. That portion of a slab floor of the building envelope that is in contact with the
ground and that is either above grade or is less than or equal to 24 inches below the final elevation of the
nearest exterior grade.
SLEEPING UNIT. A room or space in which people sleep, which can also include permanent provisions for
living, eating, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also
part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units.
SMALL BUSINESS. Any business entity (including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership or other
legal entity) which is owned and operated independently from all other businesses, which has the
purpose of making a profit, and which has fifty or fewer employees.
SMALL ELECTRIC MOTOR. A general purpose, alternating current, single speed induction motor.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC). The ratio of the solar heat gain entering the space through the
fenestration assembly to the incident solar radiation. Solar heat gain includes directly transmitted solar
heat and absorbed solar radiation which is then reradiated, conducted or convected into the space.
SOLAR ZONE. A clear area or areas reserved solely for current and future installation of photovoltaic or
solar hot water systems.
SPACE CONDITIONING CATEGORY. Categories are based on the allowed peak space conditioning output
capacity per square foot of conditioned floor area, or the design set point temperature, for a building or
space. Space conditioning categories from lowest to highest include: low energy, semi-heated,
conditioned, refrigerated walk-in and warehouse coolers, and refrigerated walk-in and warehouse
freezers.
STAND-ALONE DEHUMIDIFIER. A product with the sole purpose of dehumidifying the space that does not
include a portable air conditioner, room air conditioner, or packaged terminal air conditioner. Stand-alone
dehumidifier is a self-contained, electrically operated, and mechanically encased assembly consisting of:
1. A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture from the atmosphere;
2. A refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
3. An air-circulating fan; and
4. A means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.

CE-20 2021 Washington State Energy Code

STANDARD REFERENCE DESIGN. A version of the proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of
this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement and carbon emissions
from energy consumption for compliance based on total building performance and HVAC total system
performance ratio.
STEEL-FRAMED WALL. A wall with a cavity (insulated or otherwise) whose exterior surfaces are separated
by steel framing members (i.e., typical steel stud walls and curtain wall systems).
STOREFRONT. A system of doors and windows mulled as a composite fenestration structure that has been
designed to resist heavy use. Storefront systems include, but are not limited to, exterior fenestration
systems that span from the floor level or above to the ceiling of the same story on commercial buildings,
with or without mulled windows and doors.
SUBSYSTEM METER. A meter placed downstream of the energy supply meter that measures the energy
delivered to a load or a group of loads.
SYSTEM. Acombination of equipment and auxiliary devices (e.g., controls, accessories, interconnection
means and terminal elements) by which energy is transformed so it performs a specific function, such as
HVAC, service water heating or lighting.
TEMPERATURE MAINTENANCE. The system used to maintain the temperature of the building service hot
water delivery system, typically by circulation and reheating or by a heat trace system.
TEMPORARY GROWING STRUCTURE. A temporary growing structure has sides and roof covered with
polyethylene, polyvinyl or similar flexible synthetic material and is used to provide plants with either frost
protection or increased heat retention. Temporary structures are those that are erected for a period of
less than 180 days.
TESTING UNIT ENCLOSURE AREA. The area sum of all the boundary surfaces that define the dwelling unit,
sleeping unit, or occupiable conditioned space including top/ceiling, bottom/floor and all side walls. This
does not include interior partition walls within the dwelling unit, sleeping unit, or occupiable conditioned
space. Wall height shall be measured from the finished floor of the conditioned space to the finished floor
or roof/ceiling air barrier above.
THERMAL DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY (TDE). The resistance to changes in air heat as air is conveyed through
a distance of air duct. TDE is a heat loss calculation evaluating the difference in the heat of the air
between the air duct inlet and outlet caused by differences in temperatures between the air in the duct
and the duct material. TDE is expressed as a percent difference between the inlet and outlet heat in the
duct.
THERMOSTAT. An automatic control device used to maintain temperature at a fixed or adjustable set point.
TIME SWITCH CONTROL. An automatic control device or system that controls lighting or other loads,
including switching off, based on time schedules.
TOPLIT. See Section C405.2.5.3
TUBULAR DAYLIGHTING DEVICE (TDD). A non-operable skylight device primarily designed to transmit daylight
from a roof surface to an interior ceiling surface via a tubular conduit. The device consists of an exterior
glazed weathering surface, a light transmitting tube with a reflective inside surface and an interior sealing
device, such as a translucent ceiling panel.
U-FACTOR (THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE). The coefficient of heat transmission (air to air) through a building
component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit temperature difference
between the warm side and cold side air films (Btu/h x ft2 x°F) [W/(m2 x K)].
UNCONDITIONED SPACE. An enclosed space within a building that is not a conditioned space and that is not
categorized under Section C402.1.1. Crawlspaces, attics and parking garages with natural or mechanical
ventilation are not considered enclosed spaces.
UNHEATED SLAB-ON-GRADE FLOOR. A slab-on-grade floor that is not a heated slab-on-grade floor.
UNIFORM ILLUMINATION. A quality of illumination delivered by a lighting system typically comprised of
similar fixtures mounted at a regular spacing interval. This lighting system provides a uniform contrast
ratio of no greater that 5:1 maximum-to-minimum ratio throughout the entire area served, including task

2021 Washington State Energy Code CE-21

areas.
VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW SYSTEM. An engineered direct-expansion (DX) refrigerant system that
incorporates a common condensing unit, at least one variable capacity compressor, a distributed
refrigerant piping network to multiple indoor fan heating and cooling units each capable of individual zone
temperature control, through integral zone temperature control devices and a common communications
network. Variable refrigerant flow utilizes three or more steps of control on common interconnecting
piping.
VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or
removing such air from, any space.
VENTILATION AIR. That portion of supply air that comes from outside (outdoors) plus any recirculated air
that has been treated to maintain the desired quality of air within a designated space.
VERTICAL FENESTRATION. See “Fenestration.”
VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE [VT]. The ratio of visible light entering the space through the fenestration product
assembly to the incident visible light, visible transmittance, includes the effects of glazing material and
frame and is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. For skylights, VT shall be measured and rated in
accordance with NFRC 202.
VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE – ANNUAL [VT-ANNUAL]. The ratio of visible light entering the space through the
fenestration product assembly to the incident visible light during the course of a year, which includes the
effects of glazing material, frame, and light well or tubular conduit, and is expressed as a number
between 0 and 1. For tubular daylighting devices, VT-annual shall be measured and rated in accordance
with NFRC 203.
VOLTAGE DROP. A decrease in voltage caused by losses in the wiring system that connect the power
source to the load.
WALK-IN COOLER. An enclosed storage space capable of being refrigerated to temperatures above 32°F
but less than 55°F that can be walked into, has a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) and has
a total chilled storage area of less than 3,000 ft2.
WALK-IN FREEZER. An enclosed storage space capable of being refrigerated to temperatures at or below
32°F that can be walked into, has a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet and has a total chilled storage
area of less than 3,000 ft2.
WALL. That portion of the building envelope, including opaque area and fenestration, that is vertical or
tilted at an angle of 60 degrees from horizontal or greater. This includes above-grade walls and below-
grade walls, between floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, foundation walls, roof and basement
knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, walls enclosing a mansard roof, and skylight shafts.
WALL, METAL BUILDING. A wall whose structure consists of metal spanning members supported by steel
structural members (i.e., does not include spandrel glass or metal panels in curtain wall systems).
WALL, WOOD-FRAMED AND OTHER. All other wall types, including wood stud walls.
WATER HEATER. Any heating appliance or equipment that heats potable water and supplies such water to
the potable hot water distribution system.
ZONE. A space or group of spaces within a building with heating or cooling requirements that are
sufficiently similar so that desired conditions can be maintained throughout using a single controlling
device.

CE-22 2021 Washington State Energy Code