ASHRAE renames an old safety standard

One of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) oldest standards has a new title. The title and scope of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2001, Safety Standard for Refrigerating Systems, was changed to include absorption refrigeration machines and water as a refrigerant. The standard establishes procedures for operating equipment and systems to assure safety of building occupants and system technicians.

Changes were made to the calculation for maximum allowable length of relief valve piping, which were incorporated into a new Appendix H as part of addendum 15c. In general, the new maximum lengths are shorter than in the previous version.

ASHRAE has approved an emergency interim standards action for the standard. More information about this action can be found at www.ashrae.org/STANDARDS/EISA-Feb2002.pdf. This change, effectively immediately, will be included in a proposed addendum soon.

The cost of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2001, Safety Standard for Refrigerating Systems, is $35 ($28 for ASHRAE members). To order, phone 800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide); fax 404-321-5478; write 1791 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta GA 30329; or visit www.ashrae.org.