Section 5.508 OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY

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 (CO 2 ), 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.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

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.

5.508.2.3.1 Coil coating. Consideration shall be given to the heat transfer efficiency of coil coating to maximize energy efficiency.

5.508.2.4 Refrigerant receivers. Refrigerant receivers with capacities greater than 200 pounds shall be fitted with a device that indicates the level of refrigerant in the receiver.

5.508.2.5 Pressure testing. The system shall be pressure tested during installation prior to evacuation and charging.

5.508.2.5.1 Minimum pressure. The system shall be charged with regulated dry nitrogen and appropriate tracer gas to bring system pressure up to 300 psig minimum.

5.508.2.5.2 Leaks. Check the system for leaks, repair any leaks and retest for pressure using the same gauge.

5.508.2.5.3 Allowable pressure change. The system shall stand, unaltered, for 24 hours with no more than a +/- one pound pressure change from 300 psig, measured with the same gauge.

5.508.2.6 Evacuation. The system shall be evacuated after pressure testing and prior to charging.

5.508.2.6.1 First vacuum. Pull a system vacuum down to at least 1000 microns (+/- 50 microns), and hold for 30 minutes.

5.508.2.6.2 Second vacuum. Pull a second system vacuum to a minimum of 500 microns and hold for 30 minutes.

5.508.2.6.3 Third vacuum. Pull a third vacuum down to a minimum of 300 microns, and hold for 24 hours with a maximum drift of 100 microns over a 24-hour period.

5-38 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 6 – REFERENCED ORGANIZATIONS AND STANDARDS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

6-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.