Save Energy, Save Money

The single biggest energy cost in commercial and institutional buildings is the lighting load. Significant costs can be saved by proper management of lighting loads.

Energy codes vary throughout the continental United States. Most states have adopted some type of Standard for their energy codes, including applications for lighting controls.  Above is a map outlining which state complies with each of the standards.  You will find a brief description of each IECC and ASHRAE standard listed below and how it pertains to lighting controls.  Many of the states are in the process of updating their codes. To view the most recent information available, go to www.energycodes.gov/states/, then select the state.

For more information on your region's energy codes and how they relate to your lighting control requirements, contact Douglas.

IECC-2000

This Standard requires exterior lighting to be either photocell controlled or astronomic time controlled. Also, areas enclosed by floor-to-ceiling partitions must have manual switches to turn off at least 50% of the lighting. No automatic controls, however, are required to sweep them off.

IECC-2001 Supplement

This Standard adds the requirement of having automatic shut off of all lighting with certain exceptions. The overall control zones must not exceed 25,000 sq. ft., must not exceed a single floor of a multi-story building, and must have an occupant override.

IECC-2003

This Standard adds the requirements that:

1. Each occupant override must not exceed 5,000 sq. feet.

2. Local overrides of automatic control must not exceed 2 hours.

3. There must be automatic holiday scheduling capability;

4. Each area with floor-to-ceiling walls must have a local switch capable of controlling:

   •    all fixtures (or)

   •    50% with a uniform light level (or)

   •    1/3 or 2/3 switching of three lamp fixtures.

IECC-2006

This Standard adds occupancy sensors and external systems as automatic shutoff control options. It also uses more stringent factors for calculating interior and exterior power allowances.

IECC-2009

This Standard adds photo sensor/timer as a shutoff control option and provides additional factors for calculating interior and exterior power allowances.

ASHRAE 90.1-1999

This Standard adds the requirement of having automatic shut off of all lighting with certain exceptions. The overall control zones must not exceed 25,000 sq. ft., must not exceed a single floor of a multi-story building, and must have an occupant override.

ASHRAE 90.1-2001

This Standard adds the requirements that:

1. Each occupant override must not exceed 5,000 sq. feet.

2. Local overrides of automatic control must not exceed 2 hours.

3. There must be automatic holiday scheduling capability;

4. Each area with floor-to-ceiling walls must have a local switch capable of controlling:

   •    all fixtures (or)

   •    50% with a uniform light level (or)

   •    1/3 or 2/3 switching of three lamp fixtures.

ASHRAE 90.1-2004

This Standard adds occupancy sensors and external systems as automatic shutoff control options. It also uses more stringent factors for calculating interior and exterior power allowances.

ASHRAE 90.1-2007

This Standard adds photo sensor/timer as a shutoff control option and provides additional factors for calculating interior and exterior power allowances.

Title 24

Among the most stringent of all state energy codes codes is the California State Code. With the implementation of Title 24-2005, California has exceeded most of the specs or standards listed previously.

Douglas Lighting Controls has prepared a summary of the Title 24-2005 requirements -now in effect for the State of California- as they apply to lighting controls: Title 24-2005 Summary.