As of November 1997, 29 states have adopted a commercial energy code which meets or exceed the provisions of ASHRAE 90.1-1989. These includes the 4 most recent additions: Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.

Enforcement is solely the responsibility of the individual state as is any penalties associated with non-compliance.

The Model Energy Code was originally developed jointly by Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards (NCSBCS) and the Southern Building Code Conference International (SBCCI), under a contract funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE). The Council of American Building Officials (CABO) maintains the Model Energy Code. Versions of the Model Energy Code (MEC), beginning in 1993, reference ASHRAE 90.1-1989. The latest version of BOCA (1996) references ‘95 MEC which references ASHRAE 90.1-1989.

Minimum motor efficiency is also associated with EPAct ‘92. As of October 25, 1997, all motors in the range of 1-200 hp, NEMA design A and B, 230 & 460 volts, 3 phase, 1200, 1800, and 3600 rpm must meet the minimums set forth in NEMA Standard MG1. This includes motors manufactured and imported into the US. See October 1997 issue of TechTalk for additional details.

Reprinted from TechTalk January 1998
Copyright 1998 by ITT Industries