General Illumination

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bphgravity

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In section 220.3(B), it states, "...not used for general illumination...".

What is general illumination? I assume it means that any lighting that exceeds the requirements of 210.70 as permitted to be included in the general lighting load per 220.3(B)(10) are not being used for general illumination?

This brings me to 220.3(B)(4). What if I am using recessed cans for general illumination or at the required lighting outlet in 210.70. Do I still need to add the load for this in addition to Table 220.3?

I thought perhaps the 2005 NEC would clear this up so I took a look and it actually is more complicated. Now, section 220.14((D) has dropped the "recessed" qualifyer and now includes all luminaires not used for general illumination. I just can't quite figure out what the code is trying to do here.

When do I determine that a luminaire is not for general purpose and when can I consider the load applicable to 220.3? Section 210.70 doesn't permit a maximum number of lighting outlets it just requires a minimum number.
 
Re: General Illumination

That's why I'm in favor of a vastly expanded Article 100. It would be nice to know what the CMP's are talking about!

Nothing personal Charlie :) (I'm actually quite earnest about that).

Editted because I can't spell at 3:37 AM

[ December 03, 2004, 06:40 AM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: General Illumination

Just what luminaires might they be talking about in section 220.14(D)? I can't think of any lighting that is not used for "general illumination". Is there such thing as "special illuminations"?
 
Re: General Illumination

I would think this would apply to (Hospital for example) task lighting such as work benches, exam, surgery, or what have you.

Roger
 
Re: General Illumination

Posted by Bryan:

Just what luminaires might they be talking about in section 220.14(D)? I can't think of any lighting that is not used for "general illumination". Is there such thing as "special illuminations"?
Click to expand...
I almost replied with that exact idea earlier. But if that is correct, it would exclude all fixtures from 220.3(B)(4) (sorry, still in the 2002 NEC). And I think 220.3(B)(4) should apply to all fixtures.

I think some of the problem is that 220.3 is called (and used for) branch circuit calculations. But it is also referenced for feeder & service calculations. Thus, they have mixed apples and oranges in the same article.

With that in mind, I would think that 220.3(B)(4) would apply to all lighting fixtures when doing branch circuit calculations. But, for feeder calculations, these fixtures have already been counted in table 220.3(A).

Steve
 
Re: General Illumination

Task lighting and decorative lighting come to my mind as illumination that is not general illumination.

However without definitions who is to say? :confused:
 
Re: General Illumination

Hi Guys,

There is no way the NEC will fit everyone's concepts of a given subject. The NEC will provide a "minimum" requirement for safety. That's it.

I wouldn't expect the NEC to also become a design or instruction manual.
 
Re: General Illumination

How about this for a bizarre way of thinking (seriously):

General illumination as what an average person would turn on in a house, as opposed to what could potenially be turned on (installed).

This is the only way I could put this away, because it is an explicitly ambiguous section of code. All the (admittedly small) amount of study material I've seen on load calcs never mention cans, even when you're in the areas where they throw you curves to enhance your knowledge of unusual items (i.e. "...for a 4800 VA dryer.")

Am I insane?
Excuse me, I need to shave my tongue...
-George
 
Re: General Illumination

Could it be as simple as all other loads such as small appliance, garage receptacle, laundry receptacle, so forth and so on?

Hank
 
Re: General Illumination

Originally posted by hank1:
Could it be as simple as all other loads such as small appliance, garage receptacle, laundry receptacle, so forth and so on?

Hank
Click to expand...
No, these loads have specified load computations.
Small Appliance - 220.16(A)
Laundry - 220.16(B)
Garage receptacle - 220.3(B)(10)
 
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