ASHRAE Journal - September 2011 - AMCA25

characteristics and options that are too numerous to include in a string of optional choices. Each section of MasterSpec is accompanied by reference materials ARCOM calls “supporting documents.” These supporting documents include a research paper called “Evaluations,” which provides information about the products and activities in the supported section so engineers and architects can make informed decisions among the many choices presented in the section. Additionally, a complete list of applicable manufacturers is presented in the section. Also listed are all the standards cited in the section, with the full designation and date of the standard used to write or update the section. Two more supporting documents are a drawing coordination checklist, which offers a list of items for the engineer to consider in coordinating the drawings and specifications; and a specification coordination checklist to coordinate the content of the supported section with other sections that may be included in the project specifications and what must be coordinated within those sections. Manufacturers are listed in MasterSpec at no cost to them. ARCOM provides this listing as a service to the engineers and architects using MasterSpec for their project specifications. This service attempts to keep the master guide specification unbiased and ensure a level playing field for all manufacturers. Manufacturers can purchase an “Enhanced Listing” in which they may include product data, submittal sheets, and whole product catalogs in “flip-book” (digital book) technology. Spec Refinements In October 2010, AMCA’s Air Movement Task Force and Air Control Task Force collaborated with ARCOM on the review of MasterSpec sections in a three-phase process. For Phase 1, AMCA task forces reviewed 15 MasterSpec sections covering louvers, fans, air doors, and more for citations to AMCA standards. The reviewers principally checked to ensure the citations were current and consistent. The most significant changes involved references to 10-series standards that were replaced by AMCA 11, 211, 311, and 511 standards for certified rated products, where appropriate. ARCOM anticipates having the changes integrated with the December 2011 update. Phase 2 is now underway, with AMCA task forces reviewing a selection of 25 MasterSpec sections. Most of these sections do not reference AMCA standards or guidelines; reviewers will
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Air Control Task Force • • • • • • Brad Bauer, PcI Industries tim mathson, greenheck Brett reinhardt, Industrial louvers Bob Van Becelaere, ruskin eric wiedman, c-S group tim orris, amca

Air Movement Task Force • • • • • • John cermak, acme Fan Peggy tress, greenheck Bret Vake, twin city Fan Bob Valbracht, loren cook Doug Yamashita, acme Fan Joe Brooks, amca

propose citations where they would be useful. Some Phase 2 sections might contain AMCA citations that need to be updated such as those in Phase 1. In Phase 3, AMCA task forces will provide a list of sections that ARCOM may want to have developed from scratch to cover products/technologies that are currently not covered by any MasterSpec section. AMCA and ARCOM expect to have Phases 2 and 3 completed by December 2011. Overall, by the end of the year, AMCA task force members will have reviewed 40 MasterSpec sections, helping ARCOM with the difficult task of keeping a library of specifications sections up to date on references to standards and guidelines. Additionally, AMCA will suggest new sections for ARCOM to consider for development to cover emerging technologies. AMCA Standards Integrated with MasterSpec ARCOM and AMCA are planning to upload standards to ARCOM’s servers supporting MasterSpec. These uploaded standards will be available for engineers and architects to review at the exact time they need them for making decisions about their project. This will not be a link to another website but will be immediately available in the SpecAgent mini-window ready for viewing in flip-book format. ARCOM intends to make the standards searchable and printable.
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ASHRAE Journal - September 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASHRAE Journal - September 2011