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Automatic Receptacle Control C405.7.1

jar546

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What the heck is going on?
I just had the boss ask me a question about a set of prints for a commercial building that has specs to provide a timeclock for 9 different circuits, one is a sign (OK that is normal) and 4 additional timeclocks to control 8 receptacle circuits.

When the hell did this happen? Florida refers to the ASHRA 90 as mandatory for all commercial buildings.

Who is aware of this and what insight do you have?
 
This is in the green code (608.6 in the 2012 edition), and might also be in the energy code or ASHRAE 90.1. Offices have to have 2 sets of outlets, one set is uncontrolled to plug computers into, and one set is controlled by time clock or occupancy sensor to plug monitors, electric heaters, etc. into. Classrooms also have to have projectors, etc. controlled by occupancy sensors.

So far we have been able to get waivers for this requirement on state projects, citing the disruption of projectors going out in the middle of a lecture when students aren't moving about, and the need for "green police" to verify that things in offices are plugged into the correct outlets.

It's an idea that might save a little electricity in theory, but causes much more hassle in the real world.
 
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