What California’s Title 24 means for your lighting controls

In most of the country, lighting controls are a design choice. In California they are mostly a code requirement. Title 24, Part 6 is the state’s energy code, and it applies to new buildings, additions and many alterations. If you are replacing a lighting system, the code can apply to you too.

What the code usually asks for

The exact rules depend on the space type and the scope of work, so always check the current edition and the plans examiner. In general, expect to plan for:

• Automatic shut-off. Lights turn off when a space is empty, with occupancy or vacancy sensors or time controls.
• Multi-level lighting. People can lower the light level, not only switch it on and off.
• Daylight controls. Fixtures near windows and skylights dim when daylight is doing the work.
• Demand response. Larger buildings may need controls that can reduce lighting load when the utility asks.
• Acceptance testing. A certified technician tests the controls before the job is signed off.

Why it matters early

Controls touch everything else: fixture drivers, wiring, sensors, the panel, and the startup schedule. A fixture that is right for the room can be wrong for the code if its driver can’t dim the way the controls need. Sorting that out at the submittal stage is much cheaper than sorting it out after the ceiling is closed.

How we help

We review the fixture schedule and the controls together, check that drivers and sensors work with each other, and line up the factory support for startup and acceptance testing. Send us the plans and we will tell you what we see.