ANSI ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 errata 2022 PDF

Full title and description

ERRATA SHEET FOR ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 55-2020 — Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. This one-page errata (dated April 21, 2022) lists editorial and technical corrections to the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 text, figures, and informative appendices intended to clarify application of the elevated air speed method and guidance for occupant-controlled naturally conditioned spaces.

Abstract

This errata corrects cross-references and wording in Standard 55-2020. Key corrections include a change to the figure 5‑6 reference (adjusting the referenced formula section) and a revision to Informative Appendix J text on occupant-controlled naturally conditioned spaces (clarifying use of mechanical ventilation versus mechanical cooling, permitted metabolic rates, and acceptable clothing ranges). The errata is a single-page publication distributed by ASHRAE on April 21, 2022.

General information

• Status: Official errata sheet for ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 (published by ASHRAE).
• Publication date: April 21, 2022.
• Publisher: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
• ICS / categories: ICS 91.140 — Installations in buildings (incl. ventilation and air‑conditioning); relevant to indoor climate/thermal comfort practice.
• Edition / version: Applies to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 (errata to the 2020 edition).
• Number of pages: 1 page (errata sheet).

Scope

This errata applies only to the published ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 document; it identifies and corrects specific textual and figure references and clarifies selected informative appendix wording. It does not change the normative requirements beyond correcting references and clarifications shown on the errata sheet. Users should apply the corrections in combination with the 2020 standard text when demonstrating compliance or interpreting the affected clauses.

Key topics and requirements

• Correction to Figure 5-6: change the cross-reference to the formula for finding the upper limit in the Elevated Air Speed Comfort Zone Method from Section 5.3.3.4 to Section 5.3.2.4.
• Revision to Informative Appendix J wording on occupant-controlled naturally conditioned spaces: clarifies that mechanical ventilation using unconditioned air is permissible provided no mechanical cooling system is in operation; specifies the optional method applies to near‑sedentary occupants with metabolic rates of 1.0–1.3 met and clothing ranges at least 0.5–1.0 clo (with Table J‑1 examples).
• Notes on printing/identification: the errata sheet refers to the standard’s first printing identification (product code on the back cover) and indicates shaded items were added since a prior errata distribution.
• Purpose: correct editorial/technical errors that could affect interpretation of methods (figure cross‑references and appendix application guidance).

Typical use and users

This errata is used by HVAC engineers, building designers, commissioning agents, facility managers, code officials, researchers, and anyone who references ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 for design compliance, performance verification, or operational guidance. Practitioners should apply the errata corrections when demonstrating compliance, preparing documentation, or implementing the elevated air speed and occupant-controlled space guidance. For general use of Standard 55 (methods and compliance requirements), see the ASHRAE Standard 55 product information.

Related standards

Related and follow-on documents include ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 (the base document corrected by this errata) and the later ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55:2023 revision. Other complementary standards and guidance include ASHRAE ventilation standards (for example Standard 62.1/62.2) and international thermal comfort standards such as ISO 7730 (PMV/PPD and local criteria). Users should consult the applicable edition of Standard 55 together with this errata and later addenda or editions when assessing compliance.

Keywords

errata, ASHRAE 55, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020, thermal comfort, elevated air speed method, occupant-controlled naturally conditioned spaces, operative temperature, met, clo, Figure 5-6, Informative Appendix J.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: This publication is an official errata sheet (corrections) issued for ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020, which is ASHRAE’s standard that defines thermal environmental conditions for human occupancy. The errata documents specific corrections to the 2020 edition.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The errata covers targeted corrections — for example, a corrected cross‑reference in Figure 5‑6 for the elevated air speed method and revised wording in Informative Appendix J about the scope and conditions for occupant‑controlled naturally conditioned spaces (mechanical ventilation allowed but not mechanical cooling in operation, applicable metabolic and clothing ranges). It does not republish the full standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: HVAC designers, building engineers, commissioning agents, facility operators, code officials, researchers, and others who rely on ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 for comfort design and compliance use this errata to ensure correct interpretation of the standard’s text and figures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This errata sheet (April 21, 2022) applies to the 2020 edition. The ASHRAE Standard 55 series was subsequently revised (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55:2023); users should consult the 2023 edition for the latest consolidated requirements and any further corrections or addenda. When working with the 2020 text, apply this errata to correct the noted items.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — Standard 55 is part of ASHRAE’s series of thermal/environmental and indoor‑environment standards (historic editions include 2017, 2013, etc.). Errata sheets and addenda are published as needed for each edition; this errata specifically amends the 2020 edition. For subsequent consolidated revisions see ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55:2023.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are: errata, ANSI/ASHRAE 55-2020, thermal comfort, elevated air speed, operative temperature, occupant-controlled naturally conditioned spaces, met, clo, Figure 5-6, Informative Appendix J.