Making the right lighting choices in new construction in California, and in remodels, just got a lot more complicated, thanks to the new 2005 provisions that impact lighting in Title 24 of the state's Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Non-residential Buildings. Any new homes, or the remodeled part of new homes that require building permits, will be subject to the new standards.
What Is title 24 lighting?
In order to decrease energy consumption, California has adopted a new energy code (Title 24) that significantly impacts lighting in new and remodeled homes. Beginning October 2005, all new and remodeled homes must incorporate energy efficient lighting and controls. Depending on the room, these include:
Dimmers
Occupancy Sensors
Must be manual-on/automatic-off (can also be turned off manually)
Must turn off automatically in 30 minutes Cannot be locked in a permanent "on" state
High efficacy lights - fluorescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) or high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps
Fluorescent, CFL, and HID lights must not have a medium screw base socket
Lamps rated 13 watts or greater must have an electronic ballast
