## Codes Must Lighting Designs Comply With
All commercial lighting designs must comply with local building codes, electrical codes, and energy codes. These codes are in place to ensure that lighting systems are safe, efficient, and meet the needs of the occupants.
### Building Codes
Building codes are adopted by local governments to ensure the safety of buildings and their occupants. These codes cover a wide range of topics, including structural design, fire safety, and electrical safety. The lighting-related provisions of building codes typically address the following:
* **Emergency lighting:** All buildings must have emergency lighting systems that provide illumination in the event of a power outage. Emergency lighting systems must be able to operate for a minimum of 90 minutes and must meet specific requirements for light levels and distribution.
* **Exit lighting:** All buildings must have exit lighting systems that provide illumination to guide occupants to exits in the event of a fire or other emergency. Exit lighting systems must be able to operate for a minimum of 90 minutes and must meet specific requirements for light levels and distribution.
* **Lighting controls:** All lighting systems must be controlled by switches or other devices that allow occupants to turn lights on and off. Lighting controls must be located in convenient locations and must be easy to operate.
### Electrical Codes
Electrical codes are adopted by local governments to ensure the safety of electrical systems. These codes cover a wide range of topics, including wiring, overcurrent protection, and grounding. The lighting-related provisions of electrical codes typically address the following:
* **Wiring:** All lighting circuits must be wired in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC specifies the type of wire that must be used, the size of the wire, and the method of installation.
* **Overcurrent protection:** All lighting circuits must be protected by overcurrent protection devices, such as fuses or circuit breakers. Overcurrent protection devices prevent the flow of excessive current, which can cause fires.
* **Grounding:** All lighting fixtures must be grounded. Grounding provides a path for electrical current to flow to the earth in the event of a fault. Grounding helps to protect people from electrical shock.
### Energy Codes
Energy codes are adopted by local governments to promote energy efficiency in buildings. These codes cover a wide range of topics, including insulation, windows, and lighting. The lighting-related provisions of energy codes typically address the following:
* **Lighting power density:** The lighting power density (LPD) is a measure of the amount of lighting power that is used per square foot of floor area. Energy codes typically set maximum LPDs for different types of buildings and spaces.
* **Lighting controls:** Energy codes also require the use of lighting controls to reduce energy consumption. Lighting controls can include occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and time clocks.
### Compliance with Codes
It is important to ensure that lighting designs comply with all applicable building codes, electrical codes, and energy codes. Non-compliance with codes can result in the following:
* **Safety hazards:** Non-compliant lighting systems can pose a safety hazard to occupants. For example, inadequate emergency lighting can make it difficult for occupants to evacuate a building in the event of a fire.
* **Electrical hazards:** Non-compliant lighting systems can also pose an electrical hazard. For example, improperly wired lighting circuits can cause fires.
* **Fines:** Local governments can impose fines on building owners who fail to comply with building codes, electrical codes, or energy codes.
### Conclusion
It is important to work with a qualified lighting designer to ensure that lighting designs comply with all applicable codes. A qualified lighting designer will be familiar with the latest codes and will be able to design a lighting system that meets the needs of the occupants and complies with all applicable requirements.