Lighting controls are an important part of the Energy Code because they can produce energy savings for the owners and users of the spaces. Lighting Control Requirements in Accordance with Room and Luminaire Types

All lighting controls must comply with the mandatory requirements of §110.9 (refer to Section 6.3.2 for details). Following are general control requirements that apply for the room type and for the luminaire type:

1. Readily Accessible Manual Controls
   All permanently installed luminaires shall have readily accessible wall-mounted controls that permit the luminaires to be manually turned on and off. Per §100.1 Definitions, “readily accessible” means capable of being reached quickly for operation, repair, or inspection without requiring climbing or removing obstacles, or resorting to access equipment.
2. Multiple Switches
   A lighting circuit can be controlled by more than one switch, such as by three-way or four-way switches. For a lighting circuit with multiple switches, where a dimmer or vacancy sensor has been installed to comply with §150.0(k), the following requirements must be met:
   1. No controls shall bypass the dimmer or vacancy sensor function.
   2. The dimmer or vacancy sensor must comply with the applicable requirements of §110.9(b).
3. Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS) and Multiscene Programmable Controllers
   An EMCS or a multiscene programmable controller can be installed to meet the dimming, occupancy, and lighting control requirements in §150.0(k)2 if it provides the functionality of the specified controls in accordance with §110.9, and the physical controls specified in §150.0(k)2A.
4. Exhaust Fan Integrated Lighting
   Integrated lighting in an exhaust fan must be controlled independently from the fan.
5. Lighting for Drawers and Cabinets
   Undercabinet lighting, undershelf lighting, and interior lighting of display cabinets shall be controlled separately from ceiling-installed lighting such that one can be turned on without turning on the other.
   Drawers and cabinetry with internal lights and opaque fronts or doors must have controls that turn the lights off when the drawer or door is closed.
6. Independent Control of Switched Outlets
   Switched outlets shall be controlled separately from ceiling-installed lighting such that one can be turned on without turning on the other.
7. Ceiling Fan Lighting
   Ceiling fans with integrated light sources can be controlled with a remote control for ON, OFF, and dimming control. The remote control does not need to be wall mounted.
8. Spaces Required to Have Vacancy Sensors or Occupancy Sensors
   The following residential spaces are required to have at least one installed luminaire in the space be controlled by an occupancy or vacancy sensor providing automatic-off functionality:
   1. Bathrooms
   2. Garages
   3. Laundry Rooms
   4. Utility Rooms
   5. Walk-in Closets
9. Luminaires Required to Have Dimming Controls
   Lighting in habitable spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms must have readily accessible wall-mounted dimming controls that allow the lighting to be manually adjusted up and down.
   There are three exceptions:
   1. Ceiling fans may provide control of integrated lighting via a remote control.
   2. Luminaires connected to a circuit with controlled lighting power less than 20 watts or controlled by an occupancy or vacancy sensor providing automatic-off functionality.
   3. Navigation lighting such as night lights, step lights, and path lights less than 5 watts; and lighting with automatic off controls that is internal to drawers and cabinetry with opaque fronts or doors.
      Also, lighting integral to appliances including kitchen range hoods and exhaust fans is not required to be provided with dimming controls.
      Forward phase cut dimmers controlling LED light sources in these spaces shall comply with NEMA SSL 7A. The combined use of a NEMA SSL 7A-compliant dimmer with LED luminaires ensures flicker-free operation when the luminaire is dimmed. Dimmer/light source compatibility information is included on dimmer cut sheets or dimmer product packaging.

Example 6-8: Using vacancy sensors and dimmers

Question

Can I install vacancy sensors and dimmers in hallways and non-walk-in closets even though the Energy Code does not require it?

Answer

Installing controls such as vacancy sensors and dimmers in hallways and closets is allowed.

A vacancy sensor automatically turns lighting off when a space is unoccupied. This can save energy compared to a manual on-off switch where the light may be left on while the space is unoccupied.

Using vacancy sensors is recommended for any application where they can provide additional energy savings for the homeowner or occupant.

A dimmer varies the intensity of the light to suit the occasion or the time of day. When less light is needed, the homeowner can reduce the light intensity with a dimmer to save energy.