Automatic lighting control

[jtester]

I've enjoyed the post in the NEC section about the IBC and exterior emergency lighting. Our jurisdiction just adopted the IBC, and by reference the International Energy Conservation Code. The IECC, 805.2.2.2, requires automatic lighting shutoff in buildings larger than 5,000 sq ft. I am struggling to understand the requirement. This section says that the automatic device shall function on either "a scheduled basis using time of day controls, or on an unscheduled basis by occupant intervention."
I am unsure how to apply it.
What is the procedure others are using to comply?
Thanks in advance Jim T

 

[infinity]

Re: Automatic lighting control

A scheduled basis using time of day controls, could be a time clock or photocell that operated either a lighting contactor or a lighting panel to shut the lights off at the preset time intervals.

On an unscheduled basis by occupant intervention, would be using individual lighting controls at a point of use, such as, an occupancy sensor in a room that will turn to lights on as someone enters and off after they've left the room.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Automatic lighting control

I have used occupancy sensors, but not a "time of day" scheme. The OC works well in office spaces, bathrooms, warehouses, and any place people are likely to be moving around. The trick with warehouses is that the space between rows of shelves might have a person, and a corridor OC might not see them. So you need to think through the placement of the OCs. A trick with bathrooms, especially in larger ones that have (let us say) three or more overhead lights, is that it's good to keep one overhead light on, and use the OC on the other. A person might be sitting for a while, and we don't want all the lights to go out. By the same token, and for the same reason, at least one fixture in a large bathroom should be on the emergency power source.

I suppose that a "time of day" scheme would be better for a factory that only works one or two shifts. You don't ever want the lights to go out while work is in progress, and you can schedule a time at which all lights (perhaps excepting a few for security reasons) can be turned off.

 

[jtester]

Re: Automatic lighting control

Thanks for the quick responses Charlie and infinity. I believed that infinity's interpretation was correct, until I read that 805.2.2.2 Automatic lighting shutoff was not applicable if the space was controlled by an occupant sensor.
It seems that either of infinity's approaches would be correct, I just have been stumped by the statement that the operation had to be automatic and unscheduled based on occupant intervention.
Thanks again for your thoughts

Jim T

 

[physis]

Re: Automatic lighting control

In California the state wants to commandeer the electrical utility infrastructure. I wonder if mandated use reduction would be beneficial toward that end. How can you take opposition to an effort to save the planet. There might be a wolf in that costume.

 

[mjmike]

Re: Automatic lighting control

Please note, you do not need an oc in the restroom per 805.2.2.3 exception number 3. I basically provide oc sensors in all spaces except for rooms with 1 luminaire or those rooms listed under exception number 3. By doing this, you now do not need to provide any type of overall building lighting control.

Mike

 

[jtester]

Re: Automatic lighting control

I've been out of the office for a couple of days. Thanks for the replies, and the suggestion to use of an occupancy sensor to comply.

Jim T