ICC E2 flashcards
ICC E2 · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Prescriptive compliance path
- A method where each building component meets individual minimum requirements set by the code without trade-offs between components.
- Trade-off compliance path
- An approach allowing over-compliance in one area to offset under-compliance in another, typically using an allowable envelope or lighting trade-off calculation.
- Performance compliance path
- A whole-building energy simulation approach comparing proposed design annual energy use to a baseline design meeting the code.
- Code official authority
- The jurisdiction's designated official empowered to interpret code provisions, approve alternative materials, issue permits, and enforce compliance.
- Certificate of occupancy
- A document issued after final inspection confirming the building complies with applicable codes and is safe for occupancy.
- Board of appeals
- A panel that reviews code official decisions and may grant variances when strict compliance causes practical difficulty without compromising code intent.
- Continuous air barrier
- A sealed system of materials and assemblies that resist air leakage through the building envelope, including joints and penetrations.
- U-factor
- The overall heat transfer coefficient of an assembly, expressed in Btu/(h·ft²·°F); lower values indicate better insulation.
- Solar heat gain coefficient
- The fraction of solar radiation admitted through fenestration, either directly transmitted or absorbed and released inward; lower values reduce cooling loads.
- NFRC label
- A certification label on fenestration products listing certified U-factor, SHGC, and visible transmittance values verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council.
- Thermal bridging
- A path of high thermal conductivity through an assembly (e.g., steel studs) that reduces overall insulation effectiveness and must be accounted for in U-factor calculations.
- Insulation installation verification
- Inspection confirming insulation fills the intended cavity without gaps, compression, or misalignment, and aligns with the air barrier.
- Envelope backstop
- A maximum U-factor or minimum R-value requirement for envelope components that cannot be traded away under the trade-off path.
- Skylight SHGC limit
- The maximum solar heat gain coefficient allowed for skylights, typically 0.40 in Climate Zones 4-5, to control cooling loads.
- Minimum equipment efficiency
- The lowest allowable performance rating (e.g., SEER, AFUE, EER) for mechanical equipment, as listed in ASHRAE 90.1 tables.
- Duct insulation R-value
- The minimum thermal resistance of duct insulation, typically R-8 for supply ducts in unconditioned spaces and R-6 for return ducts.
- Lighting power density
- The maximum allowed lighting power per unit area (W/ft²) for a space or building, determined by space type or whole-building method.
- Occupant sensor control
- A device that automatically turns off lighting when a space is unoccupied, required in classrooms, conference rooms, and restrooms.
- Daylight-responsive control
- A control that dims or switches lighting in response to available daylight in daylit zones, required in perimeter areas.
- Economizer
- A system that uses outdoor air for cooling when conditions are favorable, required above a cooling capacity threshold in certain climate zones.
- Service water heating efficiency
- The minimum energy factor (EF) or thermal efficiency required for water heaters, varying by fuel type and storage volume.
- Pipe insulation thickness
- The minimum insulation thickness for heating and cooling pipes, determined by pipe diameter and fluid temperature per code tables.
- Energy recovery ventilation
- A system that transfers heat or moisture between exhaust and incoming outdoor air, required for large systems with high outdoor air fractions.
- Plan review
- The code official's examination of construction documents to verify compliance with energy code requirements before permit issuance.
- Field inspection
- On-site verification that installed materials and equipment match approved plans and meet code requirements for insulation, air sealing, and efficiency.
- Duct leakage test
- A pressurization test measuring air leakage from duct systems, with leakage limited to a percentage of design airflow (e.g., 4%).
- Blower door test
- A diagnostic test that pressurizes a building to measure envelope air leakage, often required to verify air barrier performance.
- Commissioning report
- Documentation verifying that mechanical and lighting systems operate as designed, including test results and adjustments made.
- Functional testing
- Verification that controls and systems respond correctly to simulated conditions, such as occupancy or daylight signals.
- Compliance documentation
- Forms and reports (e.g., COMcheck) submitted to the code official demonstrating that the design meets energy code requirements.
- Final inspection
- The last verification step confirming all code requirements are met and required certificates are submitted before occupancy.
- Re-inspection
- A follow-up inspection after corrections are made to noncompliant items identified during a prior inspection.