You must have a switch for every fixure or 50% of the lighting IECC 505.2.2.1

[squaredan]

I got a question on IECC 505.2.2.1.. This is an existing commercial building, We are retro fitting for new tenet, new offices , conference room ect..The building inspector told us that we have to make it possible to make each room turn off 50% of the lighting, for example, we have offices that are 8ft x 13ft with two 2x4 fluorescent limuaries in each, he is telling us we have to have a switch for each luminaries, 50%.I did read off the internet IECC 505.2.2.1 and the exceptions.. I know I can put in motion sensor switches and be done if I am reading this code rule correctly or am reading this at face value and don?t really know IECC that well. IS he right? Can someone explain who knows about this code. Any help would be helpful..
Thanks

Dan

 

[Joe Villani]

Your inspector is correct based on the general rule.

As you know we are in a business of exceptions.

However I think a big part was left out by the inspector: the term "reasonably uniform"

In your example I probably not accept entire switching of the fixtures as 1/2 the room could be dark and instead look for the dual switching of the lamps. Keep in mind this is on a case by case basis. The problem occurs when it is a larger room say (4) or (6) 2X4 layin fixtures and the back half of the room or an entire side goes dark. There I would alternate the fixtures.

You are correct with the sensor, but when you wire it (when I did plan review) we required the switch to be in series with the motion. The wall switch is not intended to be an "override" defeating the purpose of the sensor and the code. Example: When you walk in the room the sensor "makes" and sends power to the switch, it is then up to the occupant to turn on the switch to turn on the lights.

 

[squaredan]

Your inspector is correct based on the general rule.

As you know we are in a business of exceptions.

However I think a big part was left out by the inspector: the term "reasonably uniform"

In your example I probably not accept entire switching of the fixtures as 1/2 the room could be dark and instead look for the dual switching of the lamps. Keep in mind this is on a case by case basis. The problem occurs when it is a larger room say (4) or (6) 2X4 layin fixtures and the back half of the room or an entire side goes dark. There I would alternate the fixtures.

You are correct with the sensor, but when you wire it (when I did plan review) we required the switch to be in series with the motion. The wall switch is not intended to be an "override" defeating the purpose of the sensor and the code. Example: When you walk in the room the sensor "makes" and sends power to the switch, it is then up to the occupant to turn on the switch to turn on the lights.

Thanks Joe for the reply,

The Inspector did say we can turn off half the bulbs in the fixture, however these are single ballast..

He said nothing about having the senor in series like your example, he told us no switches just the sensors and we would meet code IECC 505.2.2.1. and 505.2.2.2.. and would not have to meet handicap height of switch of 48inches..

If a person is in an office is reading, keeping very motionless would he have to wave his hand to turn lights back on if the senors are installed? that question came up today also..

 

[Joe Villani]

Thanks Joe for the reply,

The Inspector did say we can turn off half the bulbs in the fixture, however these are single ballast..

He said nothing about having the senor in series like your example, he told us no switches just the sensors and we would meet code IECC 505.2.2.1. and 505.2.2.2.. and would not have to meet handicap height of switch of 48inches..

If a person is in an office is reading, keeping very motionless would he have to wave his hand to turn lights back on if the senors are installed? that question came up today also..

The energy code requires manual control of lighting in the office like you described I think it's 505.2 and then additional controls (i.e occupancy sensors). Just a motion doesn't comply.

The technology has improved. Typically they are now mounted on the ceiling and can have both infrared and ultrasonic sensors built in with sensitivity adjustments.