When planning for new lighting in your building, you will need to assess whether the current energy code will require new lighting controls to be included. But anyone who has picked up a code book knows it can feel a bit like fumbling your way through a “Choose Your Own Adventure” novel. So, to help ease your frustration, follow the series of questions below to quickly reveal whether lighting controls will be needed as part of your next lighting project.
Is the Building Considered Residential or Commercial by Code?
- Residential Building: One- and two-story family structures as well as Group R-2, R-3, or R-4 Occupancy Buildings which are 3 stories or less above grade.
Note: Apartment Buildings, Dormitories, Hotels/Motels, and Assisted Living Facilities fall under the above occupancies so their height above grade will determine if they are to fall under the Residential or Commercial Building requirements of the applicable energy code. - Commercial Building: Any building not defined as a ‘Residential Building’ above.
What is the Applicable Energy Code?
If located in…
- Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware: 2018 IECC
- North Carolina: 2015 IECC
- New Jersey: ASHRAE 90.2 – 2018 (Residential), ASHRAE 90.1 – 2019 (Commercial)
Will You Be Adding, Altering, or Repairing the Lighting?
- Additions: Extending or increasing the amount of lighting in your building. Examples: Installing lighting in a new addition. Adding lighting fixtures to an existing ceiling where no lighting existed before.
- Alterations: Any construction, retrofit, or renovation of existing lighting other than that which would fall under an Addition or Repair. Examples: Installing new lighting (including one-for-one luminaire replacements and luminaire retrofit kits) in an existing building. Replacement of light sources plus ballast, power supplies, or drivers.
- Repairs: Reconstruction or renewal of any part of existing lighting for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage. Repairs do not include substantial replacements or other new work. Examples: Routine re-lamping of existing luminaires.
The Requirements…
Residential Buildings – 2018 IECC, 2015 IECC
- Additions: No lighting control upgrades are required.
- Alterations: No lighting control upgrades are required.
- Repairs: No lighting control upgrades required.
Residential Buildings – ASHRAE 90.2 – 2018
- Additions: Lighting controls are required for new lighting, and they must comply with the mandatory requirements outlined in section 7.5 of the current code.
- Alterations: Lighting controls are required for new lighting, and they must comply with the mandatory requirements outlined in section 7.5 of the current code.
- Repairs: No lighting control upgrades required.
Commercial Buildings – 2018 IECC, 2015 IECC
- Additions: Lighting controls are required for new lighting, and they must comply with the mandatory requirements outlined in section C405 of the current energy code.
- Alterations: Lighting controls are required for new lighting, and they must comply with the mandatory requirements outlined in section C405 of the current energy code.
Exception: If alterations replace less than 10% of luminaires in a space and the portion that you are replacing doesn’t increase the installed lighting power, then the alteration doesn’t have to comply with the current energy code. No lighting control upgrades are required. - Repairs: No lighting control upgrades required.
Commercial Buildings – ASHRAE 90.1 – 2019
- Additions: Lighting controls are required for new lighting, and they must comply with the mandatory requirements outlined in section 9 of the current energy code.
- Alterations: Lighting controls are required for new lighting, and they must comply with the mandatory requirements outlined in section 9 of the current energy code.
Exception 1: If alterations involve 20% or less of the connected lighting load in a space or area and the portion that you are replacing doesn’t increase the installed lighting power, then the alteration doesn’t have to comply with the current energy code. No lighting control upgrades are required.
Exception 2: Alterations that only involve replacement of lamps plus ballasts/drivers or only involve one-for-one luminaire replacement will only have to comply with sections 9.4.1.1 (h) and 9.4.1.1(i) of the lighting controls requirements. - Repairs: No lighting control upgrades required.
If you are interested in additional guidance as you navigate the next steps of your lighting project, please contact Jennifer Harrington, PE, LC, LEED AP, Director of Lighting Design at 814-237-2180 or jlh@ba-inc.com for assistance. Learn more about our Lighting Design Services.