There are currently three available editions of Manual J Residential Load Calculation. The Full 8th Edition is the preferred, comprehensive and ANSI-approved standard. The Abridged 8th Edition is primarily a teaching tool. The 7th Edition is outdated but still avaiable as a few jurisdictions still specifically require it.
Attributes |
Manual J7
(7th Edition) |
Manual J8ae
(8th Abridged Edition) |
Manual J8v2
(8th Edition, Ver. 2) |
Intended applications? |
Single Family Detached, Single Zone |
Single Family Detached, Single Zone |
All low-rise residential |
Block load, zone load and room-by-room loads? |
Block / Room |
Block / Room |
Block / Zone /Room |
Can be calculated by hand? |
Yes |
Yes (Computer Recommended) |
No |
Evaluates new building techniques and materials? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Weather data, infiltration and ventilation loads adjusted for altitude? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
State-of-art duct load calculations |
No (obsolete) |
Yes (abridged table-set) |
Yes (full table-set) |
Blower heat adjustment for cooling load? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Glossary / terminology / index? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Uses NFRC rating for glass load? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Addresses glass load issues other than NFRC rating? |
Minimal |
Basic |
Yes |
Identifies need for zoning (glass load spikes)? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Evaluates late-fall southern-glass exposures? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Evaluates measured (blower door) infiltration data? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Evaluates benefit of ventilation recovery equipment? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Procedure for winter humidification load? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Heat loss procedure for radiant floors? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Recognized as a national (ANSI) standard? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Year of printed release? |
1986 |
2005 |
2006 |
Number of example problems (whole house)? |
1 |
3 |
7 |
Appendices with helpful explanations? |
5 |
10 |
13 |
Pages of reference tables? |
43 |
64 |
171 |
|
Guidance on Load Calculation Issues: |
|
Survey protocol and data collection |
Minimal |
Extensive |
Extensive |
Internal loads (people, appliances, equipment and lights) |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Extensive |
Moisture migration / humidification |
None |
None |
Extensive |
Zoning requirements and strategy: |
None |
None |
Extensive |
Infiltration models and ventilation strategies |
Obsolete |
Basic |
Extensive |
Duct location, geometry, leakage, insulation, etc. |
Obsolete |
Basic |
Extensive |
NFRC = National Fenestration Rating Council (provides U-values and solar heat gain factors)
ANSI = American National Standards Institute (validates national and international consensus standards)
|
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