AMCA publishes its own standards for equipment testing and rating. We also participate in the development of codes and standards published by others. Below are reports and links to supporting information regarding codes/standards activities where AMCA is active in the U.S. market:
AMCA Standard 205: Energy Efficiency Classification for Fans
AMCA Standard 205-10 defines the classification for all fan types designed to be driven by motors of nominal rating 125 W (1/6 hp) and above. This standard applies to the fan and not the fan system, which would include a motor, drive, and possibly other devices.
AMCA 205 can be used by legislative or regulatory bodies for defining the energy efficiency requirements of fans used in specific applications.
FEG ratings are not applicable to all types of fans, including ceiling fans, jet fans, air curtains, and induced-flow laboratory exhaust fans.
AMCA Standard 205-10 (Rev. 2011) was approved by the AMCA Standard 205 Technical Committee on October 6, 2011.
Status : As of February 7, 2012: The revised AMCA 205 has been published as AMCA 205-10 (Rev. 2012), and is available from the AMCA bookstore at no cost for electronic copies (PDF files). To order hardcopies or to download PDFs, click here.
AMCA 205 is available in four languages:
Manufacturers can estimate FEG ratings for their fan lines in accordance with AMCA 205 and provide FEG ratings data in catalogs and electronic product-selection software. They also can have FEG ratings certified through the AMCA Certified Ratings Program, which was expanded in March 2011 to include Fan Efficiency Grades. AMCA Publication 211-05 – Product Rating Manual for Fan Air Performance describes how fans are certified to bear the AMCA seal for Fan Efficiency Grade (FEG).
AMCA 205 and ASHRAE 90.1
AMCA International is collaborating with the ASHRAE Technical Committee TC5.1 Fan Design and Application on a continuous maintenance proposal (Addendum u) for fan efficiency being considered by the standing committee for ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
Comments for an advisory public peer review closed on July 25, 2011. Here is a link to an ASHRAE press release about Addendum u.
Status: As of January 18, 2011: AMCA is working with the 90.1 Mechanical Subcommittee to develop the revised language for Addendum u in time for the January 2012 meetings in Chicago. Michael Ivanovich, AMCA's Director of Strategic Energy Initiatives has joined the Fan Working Group of the ASHRAE 90.1 Mechanical Subcommittee (MSC).
AMCA 205 and the International Green Construction Code (IGCC)
AMCA International was successful in having its code-change proposal adopted by the 2012 International Green Construction Code. View the Code Change Proposal here (starting on page 17 of the PDF).
Unofficially, the language being inserted into the IGCC will be as presented below, taken from the code change proposal. The IGCC will be published in March 2012:
CHAPTER 6
607.2.2.3 Minimum fan efficiency. Stand alone supply, return and exhaust fans designed for operating with motors over 750 watts (1hp) shall have an energy efficiency classification of not less than FEG71 as defined in AMCA 205-10. The total efficiency of the fan at the design point of operation shall be within 10 percentage points of either the maximum total efficiency of the fan or the static efficiency of the fan.
Add new definition as follows:
SECTION 202
DEFINITIONS
FAN EFFICIENCY GRADE (FEG). A numerical rating identifier that specifies the fan’s aerodynamic ability to convert shaft power, or impeller power in the case of a direct driven fan, to air power. FEGs are based on fan peak (optimum) energy efficiency that indicates the quality of the fan energy usage and the potential for minimizing the fan energy usage.
Add new standard as follows:
CHAPTER 12
REFERENCED STANDARDS
AMCA Air Movement and Control Association International
30 West University Dr.
Arlington Heights IL 60004-1806
205-10 Energy Efficiency Classification for Fans
U.S. Dept. of Energy Proposed Rulemaking
On June 28, 2011, the U.S. Dept. of Energy published a "proposed rulemaking" in the Federal Register signaling their intent to develop energy efficiency standards for commercial and industrial fans, blowers, and fume hoods. (Read the entire DOE proposal here) (For a printer-friendly PDF, click here).
On July 29, 2011, AMCA submitted comments with a position that is generally supportive of the proposed rulemaking (i.e., DOE has the authority to do so), and suggested that DOE adopt existing standards where applicable for fan terminology and testing.
On December 20, 2011, AMCA representatives met with the U.S. Dept. of Energy Appliance Standards program to make introductions across the respective teams and to exchange information about fan-efficiency standards and regulation. As required for federal openness rules, AMCA submitted an "ex parte" memorandum to DOE to memorialize the meeting, which is now posted on the DOE website; click here to download a PDF of the memo.
Status: As of January 3,2012, DOE is still considering whether they will regulate fans, which is discretionary (not mandatory) that they do so. You can follow developments from the DOE website here, and AMCA International activities on the rulemaking on this page.
Please send comments and suggestions regarding this page to Michael Ivanovich, Director of Strategic Energy Initiatives, AMCA International.