ANSI-ASHRAE 171-2017: Seismic Restraint Testing for Non-Structural HVAC Equipment
ANSI-ASHRAE 1712017, Method of Testing for Rating Seismic and Wind Restraints, is the primary North-American industry standard for performance testing of seismic restraint devices for mechanical and HVAC nonstructural building components. Approved by ANSI in June 2017, it fully supersedes ASHRAE 1712008; all test ratings generated under the older static push pull test protocol are no longer valid for modern building code compliance.
Earthquakes often cause severe damage to suspended and floor mounted HVAC equipment such as fans, air handlers, pumps and chiller units. Unrestrained mechanical systems may shift, collapse or disconnect, threatening occupant safety and disabling critical building functions, especially inside hospitals, data centers and public facilities located in high seismic zones. ASHRAE 1712017 was developed to solve this risk by establishing uniform cyclic laboratory testing to quantify real world seismic performance of restraint hardware.
Different from static loading in the former edition, this standard mandates lowfrequency cyclic loading tests to simulate repeated ground motion forces during seismic events. Testing evaluates cable restraints, rigid sway bracings, seismic snubbers, and integrated isolator restraint assemblies, which combine vibration isolation and earthquake limiting functions. Test laboratories with ISO17025 accreditation measure ultimate load capacity, permanent deformation and failure modes, and output formal ASD and LRFD load ratings for engineering design submissions.
It is critical to clarify that ASHRAE 1712017 delivers product level test ratings, not project preapproval certification. For California healthcare facilities regulated by HCAI (formerly OSHPD), valid ASHRAE 1712017 test reports serve as mandatory technical evidence for manufacturers applying for OPM or OSP preapproval listings, yet passing this test alone does not grant OSHPD qualification directly.
The standard aligns with IBC and California Building Code requirements for nonstructural component seismic design. Specifiers, contractors and restraint manufacturers rely on its test results to select qualified seismic bracing solutions for new construction and retrofitting projects. Note that ASHRAE 1712017 only covers restraint strength performance; it does not define vibration isolation efficiency parameters for isolator products.
When bidding for North American seismic resilient mechanical projects, engineers shall verify that restraint assemblies carry complete ASHRAE 1712017 test documentation from accredited labs to satisfy local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) review requirements.
