Purpose: AI agent quick reference for "what code applies to this project?"
Scope: US + Canada commercial lighting codes and standards.
Limitation: Not legal advice. Always verify with local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).
| Code/Standard | Jurisdiction | Mandatory/Voluntary | Core Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title 24 Part 6 | California | Mandatory | LPD, controls, daylighting |
| IECC | US (state adoption) | Mandatory | Commercial LPD, controls |
| ASHRAE 90.1 | US (some states) | Alternative to IECC | More stringent LPD/controls |
| NEC Art. 410 | US nationwide | Mandatory | Luminaire installation, IC rating |
| NEC Art. 250 | US nationwide | Mandatory | Grounding and bonding |
| UL 1598 | US/Canada | Product safety | Luminaires (complete fixtures) |
| UL 1598C | US/Canada | Product safety | LED retrofit kits for recessed lighting |
| UL 8750 | US/Canada | Product safety | LED equipment (sources, drivers) |
| UL 2108 | US/Canada | Product safety | Low voltage lighting systems (<50V) |
| UL 1310 | US/Canada | Product safety | Class 2 power supplies (LED drivers) |
| UL 924 | US/Canada | Product safety | Emergency lighting and exit signs |
| DLC | US/Canada | Voluntary (rebate) | Energy efficiency Standard/Premium |
| Dark Sky | City/state | Selected areas | Light pollution, BUG rating |
Replace/modify ≥10% or 40 fixtures in same space (whichever is less) + permit required. New construction: fully applicable. Bulb replacement only: not triggered.
| Space | 2022 LPD | 2025 LPD |
|---|---|---|
| Office | 0.65 W/sf | 0.60 |
| Conference | 0.85 | 0.80 |
| Retail (general) | 1.15 | 1.10 |
| Warehouse (large) | 0.45 | 0.40 |
| Corridor | 0.45 | 0.40 |
| Classroom | 0.75 | 0.70 |
Calculation: Total Connected Load (W) ÷ Space Area (sf) ≤ LPD limit. Tailored Method removed → merged into Area Category Method.
| Section | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 130.1(a) | Manual On/Off per space |
| 130.1(b) | > 100sf and >0.5 W/sf → occupancy/vacancy sensor (max 20 min delay) |
| 130.1(c) | Continuous dimming to ≥10% rated power |
| 130.1(d) | Daylight responsive control near windows |
| 130.4 | Acceptance Testing — installed controls must be tested and documented |
| 2025 new | Each space separately controllable; multifamily now under stringent requirements |
| Category | Representative States |
|---|---|
| IECC 2024 | IL (Nov 2025), CO (MLECC Jul 2026), MN (pending) |
| IECC 2021 | TX, FL, OR, NM, VA, MA (+Stretch), CA (Title 24), HI, DC |
| IECC 2018 | PA, OH, NC, NJ, WI, NV, UT, MT, DE, ID, MD, CT, NE |
| IECC 2015 or older | GA, MI, IN, TN, SC, AL, LA, KY, OK, AR, WV, ND |
| No statewide code | AZ, MO, KS, NH, SD, AK, WY, MS (voluntary) |
| State-specific | CA (Title 24), WA (WSEC), VT (CBES), NYC (NYCECC) |
| Space | IECC 2021 | IECC 2024 | Title 24 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | 0.80 | 0.75 | 0.60 |
| Retail | 1.20 | 1.15 | 1.10 |
| Warehouse | 0.55 | 0.50 | 0.40 |
| Corridor | 0.50 | 0.45 | 0.40 |
| Classroom | 0.75 | 0.70 | 0.70 |
| Fixture Type | Primary UL Std | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Canless LED wafer/slim | UL 1598C | UL 8750, UL 1310 |
| Canned housing+trim+bulb | UL 1598 | UL 1993 (lamp), UL 8750 |
| LED retrofit kit (into can) | UL 1598C | UL 8750 |
| Linear/troffer | UL 1598 | UL 8750 |
| High bay | UL 1598 | UL 8750, UL 50 |
| LED strip/tape | UL 2108 | UL 8750, UL 1310 |
| Low voltage landscape | UL 2108 | UL 1838, UL 1310 |
| Wall pack/outdoor flood | UL 1598 | UL 8750, UL 1598A |
| Track head/spot | UL 1598 | UL 8750, UL 1571 |
| Emergency/exit sign | UL 924 | NFPA 101 |
Key: ETL = UL (both OSHA-recognized NRTL). CSA accepted in US too. If no mark at all → cannot be legally installed. Verify at UL Product iQ.
| Level | Lumens/W | CRI | Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLC Standard | ≥95 lm/W | ≥80 | Moderate |
| DLC Premium | ≥105 lm/W | ≥90 | Higher |
DLC ≠ code requirement. It's a utility rebate qualification. Commercial fixtures only (not residential bulbs).
| Region | Strictness |
|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ / Pima County | Strict |
| California (selected areas) | Moderate |
| Texas Hill Country | Strengthening |
| Hawaii | Strict |
| Most states | No specific requirements |
Typical: BUG rating limits, CCT ≤3000K (some ≤2700K), full cut-off shielding.
| Code | Scope |
|---|---|
| NECB (National Energy Code) | National model, province adoption |
| CSA C22.1 | Canadian Electrical Code (similar to NEC) |
| Provincial amendments | BC, ON, QC have specific modifications |
| Project | Applicable Code | First Check |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 CA office retrofit (>10%) | Title 24 2025 | LPD 0.60 / sensor |
| 🏬 TX retail new | IECC 2021 | LPD 1.20 / sensor |
| 🏭 IL warehouse | IECC 2024 | LPD 0.50 / high bay |
| 🌃 AZ hotel outdoor | NEC + Dark Sky | BUG rating / CCT |
| 💰 Any rebate project | +DLC | Premium level |
| 🏗 Toronto office | NECB + CSA | CSA certified |
v2 · 2026-07-18 · Try the interactive tool →