OSHPD Chiller Seismic Certification
Air-cooled, water-cooled, packaged, or split — every chiller installed in a California hospital must be seismically certified under HCAI (formerly OSHPD). We handle the full path: OSP pre-approval, OPM listings, AC156 shake table testing, and PE/SE-stamped anchorage.
Four certification paths for chillers
The right path depends on whether you're a chiller OEM selling into many California hospitals, or a project team certifying a single install. Both routes go through HCAI.
OSP pre-approval
Best for chiller OEMs selling the same model into many California hospitals. One-time HCAI listing, reusable across projects.
Learn moreOPM listing
Pre-approved anchorage details for a chiller family. Cuts deferred-submittal time on every project.
Learn moreProject anchorage letter
PE/SE-stamped calc package for one chiller on one project. Fastest path when OSP isn't justified.
Learn moreAC156 shake table testing
Required for chillers with Ip = 1.5 (life-safety / post-earthquake operation). Witnessed at qualified labs.
Learn moreWhen does a chiller need AC156 shake table testing?
Under ASCE 7-22 §13.2.2 and ICC-ES AC156, an active chiller (rotating compressors, energized controls, pressurized refrigerant loops) designated Ip = 1.5 for post-earthquake operation must be qualified by shake-table test, not by analysis alone.
We coordinate the test program — required response spectrum (RRS) per AC156, test fixture design, witness, and the post-test certification package accepted by HCAI.
What we need to scope a chiller cert
- Chiller cut-sheet, weight, and CG height
- Mounting condition: rigid pad, vibration isolators, or snubbed isolators
- Ip designation (1.0 or 1.5) per project mechanical engineer
- SDS at the project site (from geotech / structural engineer)
- Hospital project number and HCAI office (Northern / Southern CA)
- Whether a deferred submittal or pre-approved OSP path is preferred
Quote a chiller cert in 24 hours
Send us the chiller cut-sheet, weight, mounting, and Ip designation. You'll have a scoped, itemized PE/SE-stamped proposal — typically within one business day.
PE/SE stamped • Hundreds of California hospital projects since 2008