So, do you know how to contact the AHJ? I don't know why I get the feeling that AHJ may suggest that you contact ASHRAE. d. On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 9:58 PM, David Skolnik <davidskolnik at optonline.net>wrote: > As previously stated, code or no code, the building designers could have > included humidity control if they a) had been aware of its significance, and > b) if they had wanted to. (Also, $$). I'm assuming you've come to the > project after the fact, else you would have been able to copy the list all > those letters you would have written to the various decision makers. Since > becoming aware of the problem, have you written to the administration about > this? Has there been any response? > > David Skolnik > Hastings on Hudson, NY > > > > > > At 08:58 PM 1/19/2011, you wrote: > > Dear list, > > I placed a humidity gauge under a piano for 7 days last week. RH on Sunday > was 49%, outside temp mid 60's. By Wed and Thurs the outside temp dropped > to 30 F and the RH inside the building dropped to 16%. By the following > Sunday, the outside temp was 70 F and the RH was 60%. This type of swing > in RH within a week has occured 4 times this winter. > > I contacted ASHRAE RE: HVAC codes lacking minimum RH levels and humidifier > requirements. Here is my email (bottom) and the ASHRAE response (top). > > Mr. Maret, > As you note, the building code determines the regulations required for your > building. These will be established and enforced by the local authority > having jurisdiction (AHJ). It sounds as if your code requires a maximum but > no minimum. That being the case the 40-50% RH level desired by piano makers, > does not exceed the maximum, does not cross any minimum, and would comply > with the requirement. > Some applications may require different operating conditions to assist in > the function of that space. ASHRAE design guidance recognizes this and > recommendations will vary the temperature and humidity optimal for the > space. I don’t believe we publish recommendation for your application. > The procedures for changing a code requirement (if necessary) will be > stipulated by the local AHJ, not ASHRAE. If you deem necessary I might > contact them directly on how to proceed. > Regards, > Steve Hammerling > Technical Services Engineer > > > *From:* itunepiano at aol.com [ mailto:itunepiano at aol.com<itunepiano at aol.com>] > > *Sent:* Tuesday, January 11, 2011 8:11 PM > *To:* ASHRAE (Internet Email) > *Subject:* Dry air and codes > > > Hello, I'm responsible for tuning pianos in a brand new music building in > Orlando Florida. The new HVAC codes require positive air pressure > (injection of mass amounts of outside air) and codes set max RH levels > between 50% and 60%. The problem is there is no provision for minimum RH > levels, nor a provision for installation of humidification equipment. > > Piano makers require an RH level from 40% to 50%. The summer A/C level > per code of 50% -60% is too high (and uncomfortable for humans as well) > > Due to the infusion of dry outside air and lack of humidifier in the HVAC, > I've measured RH below 15% three times this winter. The normal RH is about > 50%. The swing in humidity is damaging to the pianos and takes them wildly > out of tune. I would be looking for a minimum humidity level imposed by > code, and requirement of HVAC humidifiers in school/university/concert > halls/ and churches. What would be the procedure to set this in motion, > and what road blocks would we need to overcome? > > > > Bob Maret > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/caut.php/attachments/20110120/144bd307/attachment.htm>
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