CA T24 Requirements for lighting retrofits

[mwslo]

We are just finishing up a lighting retrofit job at a library in California with existing lighting controls. The lighting is divided into 9 zones and each zone is controlled by a 3 pole contactor with a toggle switch. We were not planning on touching the controls, just replacing the existing 4x4 T12 light fixtures with linear T8 fixtures. One of the engineers in our office was reviewing the T24 calcs and stated that we need to add an automatic time clock, an over-ride switch for every 5,000 sq. ft. of space, and individual room/area controls. Does anyone know of any loop-holes to avoid adding these items since this is an existing control system?

 

[Sierrasparky]

Took a Title 24 class and unfortunately the answer is if you touch it it will be treated like a new install. And follow all the new rules.

 

[Sierrasparky]

oh there is a percentage rule for replacements and remodel. However it sounds like your project exeeds that.

Be careful you might need to reduce the number of luminares in the small rooms. There was an overall reduction of wattage allowances for most types of installations. CA energy commision really wants to reduce the lighting load in a given building.

Also CA E C and title 24 has many new Mandatory requirements. These are supposidly not up to local discretion. A question came up by a Local inspector "we don't currently require any changes to a building lighting if the outlet is not altered and just the fixture is removed" The instructor stated " if you replace,remove and reinstall more than 50% or more of the exisiting luminairs in an enclosed space you shall meet the requirements of Sections 149 (b)1 and 146 of the new title 24."


The most rediculous thiing I learned at this class was this. If you install Solar Powerd Street lights for parking lots and such, they still get calulated in with your outdoor lighting allowance. This very well could bring you over that wattage limit. This is even the case if these lights are not tied into any type of grid power (no wires). CA is pretty crazy sometimes.

The instructor claimed many times " Please don't shoot the messanger" " I don't write the rules" " this is the Law of the land!"