At issue is the scope of the standard and its effect on building retrofits in addition to its traditional application to new buildings only, potentially affecting many design-build contracting jobs.

Also key is a change that deletes a footnote saying that the standard accommodated “a moderate amount of smoking.” The deletion followed warnings from health officials about the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The society announced a 60-day public review of this document, as well as ASHRAE Guideline 13p, Specifying Direct Digital Control Systems.

The comment period begins Oct. 8 and ends Dec. 7, 1999.

The new version of Standard 62-1999 rewords its scope, limiting it to new buildings, additions, and changes to existing buildings specifically identified in the standard.

The change arises from the fact that many of the standard’s requirements were developed mainly with new buildings in mind, said Andy Persily, chairman of ASHRAE SSPP 62.1.

ASHRAE has also published Standard 62-1999, which contains the entire 1989 version, which remains unchanged, along with four new addenda. Buyers will get further updates free for a year through the society’s continuous maintenance procedures.

Both ASHRAE proposed standards are available only during their public review periods. Electronic draft versions are available by logging on to ASHRAE Online at www.ashrae.org/standards/availdft.htm.

Purchase copies are available from ASHRAE Customer Service at 800-527-4723. Instructions for submitting comments are provided in each draft.

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