Public Review of Proposed Changes - PCF 2061 Overheating

With the exception of minor edits, Codes Canada staff confirmed that the 2016 Policies and Procedures issued by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes still apply for this code cycle. The Committee reviewed the comments submitted by members on the outstanding public review comments.   

PCF 2061 – Overheating in Dwelling Units – Revisions

The Chair of the Task Group on Overheating and Chair of the Standing Committee explained why the 5W/m3 and 10W/m3 triggers were ruled out as optional triggers and how the Task Group had reached consensus on the single trigger of 26 C for mechanical cooling.  Some members thought there should be an exception for homes with passive measures.  CHBA confirmed they could not support the use of a single trigger that required mechanical cooling in all cases above a July design temperature of 26 C.

BC Buildings Code and Safety Branch staff that participated on the Task Group confirmed they were working with HVAC Designers of Canada and Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) on the development of a guide for British Columbia that would allow CSA F280 to be used for determining the cooling needs for a single space.

National Research Council staff noted the goal or benefit identified in the impact analysis is limited to limiting deaths during heat events.

The chair asked for expressions of interest to join a new working group that would need to quickly address outstanding issues with the proposed change.