Residential Lighting and Title 24: Ensuring Energy Efficiency through Mandatory Standards

In residential buildings and spaces, all lighting requirements are classified as mandatory measures under the Title 24 California energy standards. Unlike other building features where tradeoffs might be permitted, residential lighting is not included in any component package under the prescriptive method. These standards apply exclusively to permanently installed luminaires, including those with easily interchangeable lamps, but do not cover portable luminaires such as table lamps or freestanding floor lamps.

Overview of Residential Lighting Requirements

The residential lighting requirements under Title 24 are distinct from nonresidential ones, as there are no maximum lighting power thresholds for spaces, no required calculations of lighting power, and no prescriptive method for demonstrating compliance. Instead, the focus is on specific luminaire requirements and lighting control requirements for residential installations.

These requirements apply to all permanently installed luminaires, which include any lighting fixtures attached to walls, ceilings, or other permanent structures. The lighting control requirements emphasize the use of dimming and occupancy sensing controls in applicable spaces and occupancies.

All section (§) and table references in this chapter relate to sections and tables contained in the Title 24 California Code of Regulations, Part 6, also known as the California Energy Code or the Energy Standards.

Indoor Luminaire Requirements

A luminaire, defined by §100.1, is a complete lighting unit consisting of a light source (such as a lamp) and the parts that distribute the light, position and protect the light source, and connect it to the power supply. A lamp is a light bulb or similar component that produces optical radiation for visual illumination and connects to a luminaire. According to the Title 24 definition, a lamp is not a luminaire, nor is it an LED retrofit kit designed to replace additional components of a luminaire.

The 2022 Title 24 energy standards require that all permanently installed luminaires in residential spaces be high efficacy, as specified in §150.0(k). Permanently installed lighting includes:

• Lighting attached to walls, ceilings, or columns
• Track and flexible lighting systems
• Lighting inside permanently installed cabinets
• Lighting attached to the top or bottom of permanently installed cabinets
• Lighting attached to ceiling fans
• Lighting integral to exhaust fans
• Lighting integral to garage door openers when used as general lighting and switched independently from the garage door opener

Non-Permanently Installed Lighting

The following types of lighting are not considered permanently installed under Title 24 California standards:

• Portable lighting, such as table and freestanding floor lamps with plug-in connections
• Lighting installed by manufacturers in appliances like refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and other equipment
• Lighting in garage door openers with no more than two screw-based sockets that automatically turn on and off with the garage door operation

Residential Luminaires – High Efficacy by Default

Certain luminaires are automatically classified as high efficacy and do not need to comply with the requirements of Reference Joint Appendix JA8. These include:

• Pin-based linear fluorescent luminaires using electronic ballasts
• Pin-based compact fluorescent luminaires using electronic ballasts
• Pulse-start metal halide luminaires
• High-pressure sodium luminaires
• Luminaires with induction lamps and hardwired high-frequency generators
• LED luminaires installed outdoors
• Inseparable solid-state lighting (SSL) luminaires containing colored light sources for decorative purposes

Recessed downlight luminaires must meet the JA8 requirements, with screw-based luminaire types requiring a JA8-compliant light source or lamp installed at the time of inspection. All other luminaire types must also comply with the JA8 standards to meet Title 24 California requirements.

Why Choose 5 Star Energy for Title 24 Residential Lighting Compliance?

At 5 Star Energy, we are experts in ensuring your residential lighting meets all Title 24 compliance standards. Our team guides you through selecting and installing high-efficacy lighting solutions that not only comply with California Title 24 energy standards but also enhance the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Whether you’re updating your existing lighting or planning a new installation, we provide the expertise to ensure your project is compliant and cost-effective.