If I replace fixtures, do I have to add occupancy sensors?

Automatic shutoff controls are required on every route in Table 141.0-F, and sensing is one of the ways to provide them. Office sensing under 130.1(c)6D is set aside on the 80 percent and one-for-one routes.

Do replaced fixtures need an acceptance test?

Installed controls are tested, except where controls are added to 20 or fewer luminaires.

Replacing Commercial Light Fixtures: When Title 24 Applies

Replacing commercial light fixtures brings controls with it, and the amount depends on the route used. Table 141.0-F requires manual area controls and automatic shutoff on every route, adds multilevel, daylight responsive and demand responsive controls only to full compliance, and applies circuit separation to new or completely replaced circuits only.

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Removing and reinstalling counts too

Because a luminaire alteration includes adding luminaires or taking them down and putting them back, relocating existing fixtures during a ceiling replacement can count even when no fixture is bought. Alterations to lighting wiring are alterations to the lighting system, and the manual notes that rewiring or relocating existing controls brings requirements for those controls. Fixtures left untouched are not held to the new rules.

What each route attaches

Table 141.0-F sets the control package by route. Manual area controls (130.1(a)1 and (a)2) and the automatic shutoff controls of 130.1(c) are required on all three. Multilevel control (130.1(b)), daylight responsive control (130.1(d)), plus demand responsive control (110.12), are required only where the project uses full Section 140.6 compliance. On the 80 percent and one-for-one routes the office occupant sensing in 130.1(c)6D is also set aside. The routes themselves are on commercial LED retrofit.

Circuits

An alteration does not have to separate existing general, floor, wall, display or decorative lighting that shares a circuit or control. New or completely replaced lighting circuits do have to meet the control separation of Section 130.1(a)3, so a new run feeding both ceiling fixtures and display lighting needs separate control for each type.

Do not break what is there

An alteration may not prevent existing, unaltered controls from operating and may not remove functions required by Section 130.1. A replacement driver that cannot be dimmed by the existing control is the typical way this is missed.

Testing and the exceptions

Controls that are installed are acceptance tested under Section 130.4, by a certified technician, unless controls are only added to 20 or fewer luminaires for the whole project. Portable luminaires, enclosed spaces with a single luminaire and work that would disturb asbestos are excepted from the rule altogether. See lighting acceptance testing and the control families under lighting controls. For sensor, time switch and daylight specifics see occupancy sensor requirements. Plans can be sent from the commercial page.

Common Title 24 Questions

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