Replacing Light Fixtures Under Title 24

Only what you replace

Section 150.2(b)1K reaches the altered lighting system and the altered luminaires, and nothing else. In the compliance manual’s words, only the lighting equipment that is altered needs to comply, and existing equipment is not required to be replaced. Swap the hall fixture and only the hall fixture is regulated. Relight the whole house and the manual’s Example 9-46 treats the result like a new lighting system under §150.0(k)1 and 2.

Screw-base fixtures are back in play

The 2025 code changed a common case. According to the compliance manual, a JA8-compliant lamp in a screw-base fixture is now a way to meet the efficacy requirement, as long as the fixture is not a recessed downlight in a ceiling. A replacement bath bar or bedroom ceiling fixture with a screw-base socket and a certified lamp complies. The mark matters: JA8-2025 in an open fitting, JA8-2025-E in an enclosed one, because §150.0(k)1D requires lamps in enclosed or recessed fixtures to pass the JA8 elevated temperature test. Lighting built into a ceiling fan kit that is covered by federal appliance standards is exempt from JA8 under Exception 1 to §150.0(k)1A.

Ceiling downlights are the exception: a newly installed one must not have a screw-base socket, while an old can that stays in place may keep its socket once fitted with a qualifying trim kit or lamp. Those rules are set out on kitchen remodel Title 24, and the marking on JA8 lighting requirements.

The controls come with the fixture

The manual’s bath bar example confirms that a replaced luminaire brings the §150.0(k)2 controls with it:

• a readily accessible wall-mounted on-off control; a ceiling fan’s integrated light may use a remote instead
• in bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms and walk-in closets, at least one luminaire on an occupancy or vacancy sensor
• in habitable rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms, a wall-mounted dimmer, with narrow exceptions
• lighting in an exhaust fan switched separately from the fan

Outdoor fixtures

A fixture mounted to the house, or to another building on the lot, needs a manual on-off switch plus automatic control under §150.0(k)3: a photocell with a motion sensor, a photocell with a time switch, or an astronomical time clock. Any override to on must return to automatic operation within 6 hours. LED light sources installed outdoors are exempt from JA8 under Exception 4 to §150.0(k)1A, but the control rules still apply. Landscape lighting not attached to a building or structure is outside them, according to the manual’s Example 6-9.

Paperwork

Lighting involves no ECC-Rater visit. The document is the installer’s own Certificate of Installation, CF2R-LTG-01-E, which the manual asks for on every regulated residential lighting job, down to one luminaire; whoever installs the fixtures signs it, and if one person fits the luminaires and another the controls, each submits their own. Whether a fixture swap needs a permit in the first place is a question for the building department.

Common Title 24 Questions

1. When is Title 24 required for a home?
2. Does a remodel need Title 24?
3. Does a room addition need Title 24?
4. What plans are needed for a residential Title 24 report?
5. How much does a residential Title 24 report cost?
6. How long does a residential Title 24 report take?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular LED bulb in a new light fixture?

Do I have to upgrade all my light fixtures when I replace one?

Does a new porch light need a motion sensor?

Is a Title 24 form needed to replace one light fixture?