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The Effect of 2016 “Building Energy Efficiency Program” (Title 24) Electrical Requirements

[fa icon="calendar"] September 7, 2017 / by C Enterprises

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California’s Energy Commission standards have focused on reducing electricity usage since 1977. The Commission predicts residential and commercial energy consumption and measures savings over time. Title 24 Standards for 2016 focus on energy efficiency in new construction by regulating standards for attics, walls, water heaters, and light fixtures. Implementation is estimated to save enough electricity to power 500,000 California homes. Here’s how 2016 standards changed what builders can use in new construction, including Title 24 Electrical requirements.

High Efficacy Lighting

California’s goal is to meet residential Zero Net Energy by 2020. Each update refines previous requirements to get closer to that goal. One of the most important components in 2016 is regulating high efficacy lighting in new homes.

Previous standards included space by space requirements. 2016 standards no longer require contractors to calculate low wattage units against high efficacy lights in kitchens. Manufacturers must have their products tested and apply for JA8 certification from the California Energy Commission before builders can install their products in homes. To qualify as high efficacy luminaires, light fixtures must have the following:

  • Initial Efficacy – more than 45 lumens per watt
  • Correlated Color Temperature – For inseparable SSL Luminaires, LED light engines and GU24 LED lamps, 4,000 kelvins or less. All other sources must be 3,000 kelvins or less.
  • Color Rendering Index – 90 or higher
  • R9 – 50 or greater
  • Minimum Dimming Level – Dimming of 10 percent or less
  • Flicker – Reduced flicker of less than 30 percent of frequencies 200 Hz or below at both 100 percent and 20 percent light output

Construction and Inspection

The 2016 standards simplify previous processes by requiring builders to supply new homeowners with a list of all the lamps and luminaries they installed. Since all the home’s lights are high efficacy, both inspection and maintenance are a simpler process.

Lighting Controls

New standards help save energy by switching off lights when they’re not in use. To be JA-8 compliant, lights must be able to be controlled by a dimmer or vacancy sensor. The Commission bases requirements on the kind of lamp or luminaire installed.

Most lights are subject to control standards, including screw-based luminaires, LED lamps, and under cabinet lighting. Dimmers and vacancy controls are not mandatory for pin-base luminaires except for GU-24 LED and night lights.

Outdoor Lighting

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Title 24 Standards also apply to outdoor lighting. Whether installed in businesses or homes, exterior lighting must have one of the following:

  • Motion sensors combined with a photocell that turn off the system when light is present or there is movement.
  • A photocell working in conjunction with a time switch to only run lights during specific hours.
  • Astronomical time clocks that use pre-programmed databases to time use by sunrise and sunset.
  • An Energy Management Control System (EMCS) that can be programmed to manage exterior lighting.

Standards apply to all new residential buildings, patios, building entrances, and porches. Parking lot and carport regulations vary depending on how many parking spaces they contain.

Proper cable assembly can help you be compliant with 2016 Title 24 Standards. When you’re planning new residential or business construction, your cable assembly compliance requirements are assured when you partner with C Enterprises. Our cable assembly solutions give you more options to cut costs and improve lead times. Contact us today to request a quote.

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Written by C Enterprises

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