"As it turns out, we have 10 Halo 99RT housings with Halo 998P Eyeball trim in the kitchen. The trim…"
What shall we do?
RESNET has proposed an amendment to their standards to define the word "shall". The proposed amendment is open for public comment until this coming Monday the 24th. If you've had the opportunity (or misfortune) of hearing me talk about the use of shall, then you already know my case against it. If not, then buy me a beer at the next conference and I shall enlighten you. Or you can read comment #8.
Not only is Saturn advocating against the use of shall, we promoting the elimination of it in the standards wherever it exists. We owe it to the readers of the standards to be very clear in our meaning. Shall is anything but clear. Make your voice heard and post your comments at RESNET's website.
Views: 120
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Sean Lintow Sr on -
Nice points, though they also need to list the one overriding exception which is if it conflicts with state rules & regulations. I also agree with some of the others, no matter if they do change the definition or decide to take your advice (which I agree with) is show all the changed locations & submit them all
-
Permalink Reply by Robert Riversong on -
If language is not correct,
Then what is said is not what is meant.
If what is said is not what is meant,
Then what ought to be done remains undone.
- Confucius (551-479 BCE)
We already suffer from a dramatic loss of precision in language in modern life, and I see no need to further "dumb down" technical specifications and codes to the lowest common denominator.
"Shall" means to impose a duty or obligation on a person. "Must" means of necessity and is more appropriately applied to inanimate objects.
For instance: "The contractor shall comply with ASHRAE 62.2." because "ASHRAE 62.2 must be used as the standard."
On standards published by International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), requirements with "shall" are the mandatory requirements.
-
Permalink Reply by Glen Gallo on -
Interesting
Shall we use must or must we use shall
I am not a lawyer
I am not a philosopher or a king.
I shall not be required to use must
I must not be required to use shall
I have a hammer and it does not split hairs
Home Energy Pros
Home Energy Pros was founded by the developers of Home Energy Saver Pro (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and brought to you in partnership with Home Energy magazine.
Latest Activity
Bachi Brunato's discussion was featuredBoxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans
I have a client with 16) 4" halogen recessed light fixtures in the attic.I'd like to cover the cans…See More
Johnny Ritzo's discussion was featuredSelecting a Water Heater
I am looking at updating the heating and water heating systems in a rental home I recently…See More
George Kopf's discussion was featuredMisting Aeroseal in Pressurized Home = Amazing Air Sealing Innovation
As a training program manager for a non-profit, I am often too busy managing my program to catch…See More
Tom Delconte's blog post was featuredThe Surroundings Are Comprised of (fill in the blank) !
In Building Science…See More
Christopher Morin's blog post was featuredSelling with Rebates: The Simple Payback
The easiest way to show a homeowner how their investment in high-efficient equipment will help…See More
Mike Rogers's blog post was featuredHOMES Act introduced with Bi-Partisan Sponsorship
We don't see a lot of bi-partisan bills in Congress these days. Here's one focusing on home…See More
Mike Rogers posted a blog postHOMES Act introduced with Bi-Partisan Sponsorship
We don't see a lot of bi-partisan bills in Congress these days. Here's one focusing on home…See More
David Eggleton replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"That varies, as policies are different from state to state."
Orvil D Boyer replied to David Starrett's discussion I am looking for a good IR camera in the group Energy Auditing Equipment for Sale, Trade or to Purchase"I have a Fluke TIR 32. Used aproximately 10 times 1.5 yrs old. This is the first…"
Orvil D Boyer joined allen p tanner's group
Energy Auditing Equipment for Sale, Trade or to Purchase
Discuss the pros and cons of the equipment you are interested in prior to purchase. Post equipment…See More
© 2013 Created by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
