Compliant to Code
1. Instruction about how to find the code requirement
1. General Path to Find Lighting Codes
Lighting requirements are usually found in Building Codes or Electrical Codes, sometimes in separate Energy or Lighting Codes.
Steps:Identify city/state jurisdiction
Many cities adopt state codes (e.g., California Title 24).
Some large cities (NYC, Chicago) have their own codes.
Go to official city website
Search with keywords:
City name + building code
City name + electrical code
City name + lighting requirements
Locate relevant departments
Find documents
Building Code PDF
Electrical Code PDF
Energy Code (Title 24 in CA)
Fire Safety requirements (for emergency lighting)
2.Common National Standards Referenced
Most city lighting codes are based on these:
NEC (NFPA 70) – National Electrical Code
NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code (emergency lighting, exit signs)
IBC (International Building Code)
IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) – lighting power density, energy use
ASHRAE 90.1 – energy efficiency standard
California Title 24 – strictest state energy code
3. Scene-Specific Search Keywords
Parking Garage: “parking facility lighting”, “minimum foot-candles”, “occupancy sensor”
Warehouse / Storage: “industrial lighting”, “minimum illuminance”, “energy code warehouse”
Office / Commercial: “office lighting power density”, “ASHRAE 90.1 office”, “automatic shutoff”
Healthcare / Schools: “patient care lighting”, “classroom lighting”, “daylight harvesting”


