Using lighting controls is an important part of the Energy Standards because they can produce energy savings for the owners and users of the spaces.
Following are general control requirements that apply for the room type and for the luminaire type:
A. 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.
B. Multiple Switches
This applies to three-way, four-way, and other lighting circuits controlled by more than one switch. A lighting circuit controlled by more than one switch where a dimmer or vacancy sensor has been installed to comply with §150.0(k) shall meet all the following conditions:
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).
C. Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS) and MultiScene Programmable Controllers
An EMCS system with the appropriate lighting control functionality can be installed for meeting the lighting control requirements of Section 110.9 and 150.0(k)2.
A multiscene programmable controller with the appropriate dimmer functionality can be installed for meeting the dimmer requirements of Section 110.9 and the applicable requirements of Section 150.0(k)2.
The EMCS or the multiscene programmable controller do not have to be certified to the Commission. However, the person who is constructing and installing the EMCS system must complete an installation certificate.
D. Exhaust Fans
There are two options for the lighting associated with the fans:
1. All lighting shall be controlled separately from exhaust fans.
2. For an exhaust fan with an integral lighting system, it must be possible for the lighting system to be manually turned on and off while allowing the fan to continue operating for an extended period of time.
E. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans with integrated light sources can be controlled with a remote control.
F. Spaces Required to Have Vacancy Sensors / Occupancy Sensors
The following residential spaces are required to have at least one luminaire in the space to be controlled by an occupancy or vacancy sensor:
1. Bathrooms
2. Garages
3. Laundry Rooms
4. Utility Rooms
G. Luminaires Required to Have Dimmers or Vacancy/Occupancy Sensors
All LED luminaires are required to be controlled by a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) SSL-7A-compliant dimmer unless they are controlled by a vacancy sensor or an occupancy sensor. The combined use of NEMA SSL-7A-compliant dimmer with LED luminaires can ensure flicker free operation when the luminaire is dimmed. This dimmer/light source compatibility information is on dimmer cut sheets or dimmer product packaging.
For the 2019 Standards, occupancy sensors can be installed for meeting the vacancy sensor requirement of the residential lighting standard as long as the occupancy sensor operates in the manual-ON and automatic-OFF mode.
Dimmers and vacancy sensors are not required for any luminaires located in hallways or in closets less than 70 square feet.
Example 6-8: Using vacancy sensors and dimmers
Question
Can I install vacancy sensors in hallways and closets even though the Energy Code does not require it?
Answer
Installing controls such as vacancy sensors in hallways and closets is allowed.
A vacancy sensor turns off lighting when a space is unoccupied. This can save energy and the energy bill compared to a manual on-off switch control where the light may be left on for some unattended periods.
Using vacancy sensors is recommended for any application where they can provide additional energy savings or additional amenity for the homeowner or occupant.
A dimmer varies the intensity of the light to suit the occasions or the time of the day. When less light is needed, the homeowner can reduce the light intensity with a dimmer and save energy.
All installed lighting controls listed in §110.9(b) shall comply with the requirements listed below. In addition, all components of the system installed together shall meet all applicable requirements for the application for which they are installed as required in §130.0 through §130.5, §140.6 through §140.8, §141.0, and §150.0(k).
Designers and installers should review features of their specified lighting control products for meeting the requirements of Section 110.9(b) as part of the code compliance process.
A. Time-Switch Lighting Controls
Time-switch lighting control products shall provide the functionality listed in Section 110.9(b)1 of the Energy Code.
B. Dimmer
Dimmer products shall provide the functionality listed in Section §110.9(b)3 of the Energy Code.
There is also a compatibility requirement for forward phase cut dimmers used with LED light and the dimmers must comply with NEMA SSL 7A, as mentioned earlier in this manual.
Occupant sensing control products (including occupant sensors, partial-ON occupant sensors, partial-OFF occupant sensors, motion sensors, and vacancy sensor controls) shall provide the functionality listed in Section §110.9(b)4 of the Energy Code.
One important functionality is automatically turning the lights either off or down within 20 minutes after the area has been vacated.
Exception to the requirement: Occupant sensing control systems may consist of a combination of single or multi-level occupant, motion, or vacancy sensor controls, provided that components installed to comply with manual-on requirements shall not be capable of conversion by occupants from manual-on to automatic-on functionality.
D. Using Vacancy Sensors or Occupancy Sensors
Manual-on/automatic-off occupant sensors, also known as vacancy sensors, automatically turn lights off if an occupant forgets to turn them off when a room is unoccupied.
Additionally, the sensors are required to provide the occupant with the ability to manually turn the lights:
1. Off upon leaving the room
2. Off while still occupying a room
3. On upon entering the room
The manual–off feature provides the occupants with the flexibility to control the lighting environment and to turn off the lights when they are not needed.
The 2019 Standards allow occupancy sensors to be installed to meet the vacancy sensor requirement of the residential lighting standard as long as the occupancy sensor is configured to operate in the manual-ON and automatic-OFF mode.
Example 6-9: Bathroom vacancy sensors--manual off
Question
Should the vacancy sensor in a bathroom provide the occupant the option of turning the light off manually?
Answer
The vacancy sensor must provide the occupant with the option to turn the lights off manually.
If an occupant forgets to turn the lights off when a room is unoccupied, then the vacancy sensor must turn the lights off automatically within 20 minutes. The occupant must also have the ability to turn the lights off upon leaving the room.
Occupants have the flexibility to control the lighting environment and products greater energy savings since the lights can be turned off when they are not needed.
Example 6-10: Use of automatic-on occupancy sensors
Question
What are the options to use an automatic-on occupant sensor in a bathroom, garage, laundry room, or utility room?
Answer
Automatic-on occupant sensors that can be configured to manual-on operation can be installed to meet the residential lighting control requirements for bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, and utility rooms.
Example 6-11: Using Energy Management Control System (EMCS) for controls
Question
What EMCS are permitted in the controls for under cabinet lighting?
Answer
An EMCS can be used to control under cabinet lighting provided that the under cabinet lighting is switched separately from ceiling lighting systems as specified in §150.0(k)2K.