Occupancy Sensors in Mulit-Family Residential Corridors

[JoeStillman]

Please excuse my kicking and screaming as I get dragged into the age of ASHRAE 90.1.

I object to the use of occupancy sensors in multi-family resi corridors. I don't consider them reliable enough to provide a life-safety function. There is an exception to the control requirements for "Lighting that is specifically designated as required by a health or life safety statute, ordinance, or regulation". But IBC 1008 only requires egress lighting to be on when the egress paths are occupied. I've been telling my guys not to design them.

Is anyone enforcing this? Nobody seems to ever review all the COMchecks we submit; I've never gotten an energy-code related plan review comment.

 

[david luchini]

But IBC 1008 only requires egress lighting to be on when the egress paths are occupied.

I don't believe that is what IBC 1008 says. It says the means of egress (the corridor) serving a space (the apartment) shall be illuminated at all times that the space (the apartment) is occupied.

 

[dkidd]

From https://www.csemag.com/articles/illuminating-the-means-of-egress/



For example, the IBC does not allow egress lighting to be shut off or reduced in most cases while the building is occupied. NFPA 101 does, however, allow the use of occupancy sensors in the means of egress with some limitations. Per NFPA 101 7.8.1.2.2:

“Unless prohibited by Chapters 11 through 43, automatic lighting control devices shall be permitted to temporarily turn off the illumination within the means of egress, provided that each lighting control device complies with all of the following:

In new installations, the lighting control device is listed.
The lighting control device is equipped to automatically energize the controlled lights upon loss of normal power and is evaluated for this purpose.
Illumination timers are provided and are set for a minimum 15-minute duration.
The lighting control device is activated by any occupant movement in the area served by the lighting units.
In new installations, the lighting control device is activated by activation of the building fire alarm system, if provided.
The lighting control device does not turn off any lights relied upon for activation of photoluminescent exit signs or path markers.
The lighting control device does not turn off any battery-equipped emergency luminaires, unit equipment or exit signs.”