Section 140.6 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING
2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · California
A building complies with this section if: i. The calculation of adjusted indoor lighting power of all proposed building areas combined, calculated under Subsection (a) is no greater than the calculation of allowed indoor lighting power, specific methodologies calculated under Subsection (c); and
ii. The calculation of allowed indoor lighting power, general rules comply with Subsection (b).
The prescriptive limits on indoor lighting power are the smaller of the adjusted and allowed indoor lighting power values determined in accordance with Item i.
(a) Calculation of adjusted indoor lighting power. The adjusted indoor lighting power of all proposed building areas is the total watts of all planned permanent and portable lighting systems in all areas of the proposed building; subject to the applicable adjustments under Subdivisions 1 through 4 of this subsection and the requirements of Subdivision 4 of this subsection.
- Two interlocked lighting systems. No more than two lighting systems may be used for an area, and if there are two they must be interlocked. Where there are two interlocked lighting systems, the watts of the lower wattage system may be excluded from the adjusted indoor lighting power density if: A. An installation certificate detailing compliance with Section 140.6(a)1 is submitted in accordance with Sections 10103 and 130.4; and B. The area or areas served by the interlocking systems is an auditorium, a convention center, a conference room, a multipurpose room or a theater; and C. The two lighting systems are interlocked with a nonprogrammable double-throw switch to prevent simultaneous operation of both systems. For compliance with Part 6 a nonprogrammable double-throw switch is an electrical switch commonly called a “single pole double throw” or “three-way” switch that is wired as a selector switch allowing one of two loads to be enabled. It can be a line voltage switch or a low voltage switch selecting between two relays. It cannot be overridden or changed in any manner that would permit both loads to operate simultaneously.
- Reduction of wattage through controls. In calculating adjusted indoor lighting power, the installed watts of a luminaire providing general lighting in an area listed in Table 140.6-A may be reduced by the product of (i) the number of watts controlled as described in Table 140.6-A, times (ii) the applicable power adjustment factor (PAF), if all of the following conditions are met: A. An installation certificate is submitted in accordance with Section 130.4(b), and B. Luminaires and controls meet the applicable requirements of Section 110.9, and Sections 130.0 through 130.5; and C. The controlled lighting is permanently installed general lighting systems and the controls are permanently installed nonresidential-rated lighting controls. When used for determining PAFs for general lighting in offices, furniture mounted luminaires that comply with all of the following conditions shall qualify as permanently installed general lighting systems: i. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently installed no later than the time of building permit inspection; and ii. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently hardwired; and iii. The furniture mounted lighting system shall be designed to provide indirect general lighting; and iv. Before multiplying the installed watts of the furniture mounted luminaire by the applicable PAF, 0.2 watts per square foot of the area illuminated by the furniture mounted luminaires shall be subtracted from installed watts of the furniture mounted luminaires; and
v. The lighting control for the furniture mounted luminaire complies with all other applicable requirements in Section 140.6(a)2.
D. At least 50 percent of the light output of the controlled luminaire is within the applicable area listed in Table 140.6-A. Luminaires on lighting tracks shall be within the applicable area in order to qualify for a PAF. E. Only one PAF from Table 140.6-A may be used for each qualifying luminaire. PAFs shall not be added together unless allowed in Table 140.6-A.
F. Only lighting wattage directly controlled in accordance with Section 140.6(a)2 shall be used to reduce the installed watts as allowed by Section 140.6(a)2 for calculating the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. If only a portion of the wattage in a luminaire is controlled in accordance with Section 140.6(a)2, then only that portion of controlled wattage may be reduced in calculating adjusted indoor lighting power. G. Lighting controls used to qualify for a PAF shall be designed and installed in addition to manual, multilevel, and automatic lighting controls required in Section 130.1, and in addition to any other lighting controls required by any provision of Part 6. PAFs shall not be available for lighting controls required by Part 6. H. To qualify for the PAF for daylight continuous dimming plus OFF control, the daylight control and controlled luminaires shall comply with Section 130.1(d), 130.4(a)3 and 130.4(a)7, and the daylight control shall be continuous dimming and shall additionally turn lights completely OFF when the daylight available in the daylit zone is greater than 150 percent of the illuminance received from the general lighting system at full power. The PAF shall apply to the luminaires in the primary sidelit daylit zone, secondary sidelit daylit zone and skylit daylit zone.
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I. To qualify for the PAF for an occupant sensing control controlling the general lighting in large office areas above workstations, in accordance with Table 140.6-A, the following requirements shall be met: i. The office area shall be greater than 250 square feet; and ii. This PAF shall be available only in office areas which contain workstations; and iii. Controlled luminaires shall only be those that provide general lighting directly above the controlled area, or furniture mounted luminaires that comply with Section 140.6(a)2 and provide general lighting directly above the controlled area; and
iv. Qualifying luminaires shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that meet all of the following requirements, as applicable: a. Infrared sensors shall be equipped by the manufacturer, of fitted in the field by the installer, with lenses or shrouds to prevent them from being triggered by movement outside of the controlled area. b. Ultrasonic sensors shall be tuned to reduce their sensitivity to prevent them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area.
c. All other sensors shall be installed and adjusted as necessary to prevent them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area.
v. Occupant sensing control zones, in offices greater than 250 square feet, shall be shown on the plans. J. To qualify for the PAF for an Institutional Tuning in Table 140.6-A, the tuned lighting system shall comply with all of the following requirements: i. The lighting controls shall limit the maximum output or maximum power draw of the controlled lighting to 85 percent or less of full light output or full power draw; and ii. The means of setting the limit is accessible only to authorized personnel; and iii. The setting of the limit is verified by the acceptance test required by Section 130.4(a)7; and iv. The construction documents specify which lighting systems shall have their maximum light output or maximum power draw set to no greater than 85 percent of full light output or full power draw. K. To qualify for the PAF for a demand responsive control in Table 140.6-A, the general lighting wattage receiving the PAF shall not be within the scope of Section 110.12(c) and a demand responsive control shall meet all of the following requirements: i. The controlled lighting shall be capable of being automatically reduced in response to a demand response signal; and ii. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 130.1(b). L. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats, or light shelves in Table 140.6-A, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 140.3(d). The PAFs shall only apply to lighting in a primary or secondary sidelit daylit zone where continuous dimming daylighting controls meeting the requirements of Section 130.1(d) are installed.
irements of Section 130.1(b). L. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats, or light shelves in Table 140.6-A, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 140.3(d). The PAFs shall only apply to lighting in a primary or secondary sidelit daylit zone where continuous dimming daylighting controls meeting the requirements of Section 130.1(d) are installed.
TABLE 140.6-A—LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF)
| TYPE OF CONTROL | TYPE OF AREA | FACTOR |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Daylight continuous dimming plus OFF control |
Luminaires in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone or secondary sidelit daylit zone | 0.10 |
| 2. Occupant sensing controls in offices larger than 250 square feet |
One sensor controlling an area that is no larger than 125 square feet | 0.30 |
| 3. Occupant sensing controls in offices larger than 250 square feet |
One sensor controlling an area that is 126-250 square feet | 0.20 |
| 4. Institutional tuning | Luminaires in non-daylit areas: Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF. |
0.10 |
| 4. Institutional tuning | Luminaires in daylit areas: Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF. |
0.05 |
| 5. Demand responsive control | General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c). If DR controls are required of Section 110.12(c), this PAF is not available for any lighting in the project. Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand responsive control PAF. |
0.05 |
| 6. Clerestory fenestration | Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to the clerestory. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF. |
0.05 |
| 7. Horizontal slats | Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with interior or exterior horizontal slats. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF. |
0.05 |
| 8. Light shelves | Luminaires in daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration with interior or exterior light shelves. This PAF may be combined with the PAF for clerestory fenestration. Luminaires that qualify for daylight dimming plus OFF control may also qualify for this PAF. |
0.10 |
| a. To qualify for any of the power adjustment factors in this table, the installation shall comply with the applicable requirements in Section 140.6(a)2. b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined below. c. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 shall not be eligible for a PAF. |
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- Lighting wattage excluded. The watts of the following indoor lighting applications may be excluded from adjusted indoor lighting power. (Indoor lighting not listed below shall comply with all applicable nonresidential indoor lighting requirements in Part 6): A. In theme parks: lighting for themes and special effects; B. Studio lighting for film or photography, provided that these lighting systems are in addition to and separately switched from a general lighting system; C. Lighting for dance floors, lighting for theatrical and other live performances, and theatrical lighting used for religious worship, provided that these lighting systems are additions to a general lighting system and are separately controlled by a multiscene or theatrical cross-fade control station accessible only to authorized operators; Lighting intended for makeup, hair, and costume preparation in performing arts facility dressing rooms, provided that the lighting is separately switched from the general lighting system, switched independently at each dressing station, and is controlled with a vacancy sensor. D. In civic facilities, transportation facilities, convention centers and hotel function areas: lighting for temporary exhibits, if the lighting is in addition to a general lighting system, and is separately controlled from a panel accessible only to authorized operators; E. Lighting installed by the manufacturer in walk-in coolers or freezers, vending machines, food preparation equipment, and scientific and industrial equipment; F. Examination and surgical lights, low ambient night lights and lighting integral to medical equipment, provided that these lighting systems are additions to and separately switched from a general lighting system; G. Lighting for plant growth or maintenance in non-CEH spaces, if it is controlled by a multilevel astronomical timeswitch control that complies with the applicable provisions of Section 110.9; H. Lighting equipment that is for sale; I. Lighting demonstration equipment in lighting education facilities; J. Lighting that is required for exit signs subject to the CBC. Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations; K. Exitway or egress illumination that is normally off and that is subject to the CBC; L. In hotel/motel buildings, lighting in guest rooms (lighting in hotel/motel guestrooms shall comply with Section 130.0(b). (Indoor lighting not in guestrooms shall comply with all applicable nonresidential lighting requirements in Part 6.)
M. Reserved.
N. Temporary lighting systems. O. Lighting in occupancy group U buildings less than 1,000 square feet; P. Lighting in unconditioned agricultural buildings less than 2,500 square feet; Q. Lighting systems in qualified historic buildings, as defined in the California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8), are exempt from the lighting power density allowances, if they consist solely of historic lighting components or replicas of historic lighting components. If lighting systems in qualified buildings contain some historic lighting components or replicas of historic components, combined with other lighting components, only those historic or historic replica components are exempt. All other lighting systems in qualified historic buildings shall comply with the lighting power density allowances; R. Lighting in nonresidential parking garages for seven or fewer vehicles: Lighting in nonresidential parking garages for seven or fewer vehicles shall comply with the applicable residential parking garage provisions of Section 150.0(k). S. Lighting for signs: Lighting for signs shall comply with Section 140.8. T. Lighting in refrigerated cases less than 3,000 square feet. (Lighting in refrigerated cases less than 3,000 square feet shall comply with the Title 20 Appliance Efficiency Regulations). U. Lighting in elevators where the lighting meets the requirements in Section 120.6(f). V. Lighting connected to a Life Safety Branch or Critical Branch, as specified in Section 517 of the California Electrical Code. W. Horticultural lighting in CEH spaces (indoor growing and greenhouses) complying with Section 120.6(h). 4. Luminaire classification and power adjustment. A. Luminaire classification and power shall be determined in accordance with Section 130.0(c). B. Small aperture tunable-white and dim-to-warm luminaires lighting power adjustment. For qualifying small aperture tunable-white and dim-to-warm LED luminaires, the adjusted indoor lighting power of these luminaires shall be calculated by multiplying their maximum rated wattage by 0.80. Qualifying luminaires shall meet all of the following: i. Small aperture. Qualifying luminaires with a luminaire aperture length longer than 18 inches shall have a luminaire aperture no wider than four inches. Qualifying luminaires with a luminaire aperture length of 18 inches or less shall have a luminaire aperture no wider than eight inches. ii. Color changing. qualifying tunable-white luminaires shall be capable of a color change greater than or equal to 2,000 Kelvin correlated color temperature (CCT). Qualifying dim-to-warm luminaires shall be capable of color change greater than or equal to 500 Kelvin CCT. iii. Controls. Qualifying luminaires shall be connected to controls that allows color changing of the luminaires.
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(b) Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: general rules.
The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for conditioned areas shall be calculated separately from the allowed lighting power allotment for unconditioned areas. Each allotment is applicable solely to the area to which it applies, and there shall be no trade-offs between conditioned and unconditioned area allotments.
Allowed indoor lighting power allotment shall be calculated separately from the allowed outdoor lighting power allotment. Each allotment is applicable solely to the area to which it applies, and there shall be no trade-offs between the separate indoor and outdoor allotments.
The allowed indoor lighting power density allotment for general lighting shall be calculated as follows: A. The complete building method, as described in Section 140.6(c)1, shall be used only for an entire building, except as permitted by Section 140.6(c)1. As described more fully in Section 140.6(c)1, and subject to the adjustments listed there, the allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for the entire building shall be calculated as follows: i. For a conditioned building, the product of the square feet of conditioned space of the building times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot described in Table 140.6-B. ii. For an unconditioned building, the product of the square foot of unconditioned space of the building times the applicable allotment of watts per square feet described in Table 140.6-B.
TABLE 140.6-B—COMPLETE BUILDING METHOD LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES
| TYPE OF BUILDING | ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY ** (WATTS PER SQUARE FOOT)** |
|---|---|
| Assembly building | 0.65 |
| Bank or financial institution building | 0.65 |
| Grocery store building | 0.90 |
| Gymnasium building | 0.60 |
| Healthcare facility | 0.90 |
| Industrial/manufacturing facility building | 0.60 |
| Library building | 0.70 |
| Motion picture theater building | 0.60 |
| Museum building | 0.65 |
| Office building | 0.60 |
| Parking garage building | 0.13 |
| Performing arts theater building | 0.75 |
| Religious facility building | 0.70 |
| Restaurant building | 0.65 |
| Retail store building | 0.90 |
| School building | 0.60 |
| Sports arena building | 0.75 |
| All other buildings | 0.40 |
B. The area category method, as described in Section 140.6(c)2, shall be used for all areas in the building. Under the area category method, as described more fully in Section 140.6(c)2, and subject to the adjustments listed there, the allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting shall be calculated for each area in the building as follows:
i. For conditioned areas, by multiplying the conditioned square feet of the area times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown in Table 140.6-C. ii. For unconditioned areas, by multiplying the unconditioned square feet of the area times the applicable allotment of watts per square foot for the area shown in Table 140.6-C. The allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for one area for which the area category method was used may be increased up to the amount that the allowed indoor lighting power allotment for general lighting for another area using the area category method is decreased, except that such increases and decreases shall not be made between conditioned and unconditioned space.
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TABLE 140.6-C—AREA CATEGORY METHOD—LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT2)
| BUILDING TYPE/USE | PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA | ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY FOR GENERAL LIGHTING (W/ft2) |
ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER1 | ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUILDING TYPE/USE | PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA | ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY FOR GENERAL LIGHTING (W/ft2) |
Qualified Lighting Systems |
Additional Allowance3 (W/ft², unless noted otherwise) |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Corridor Area | 0.70 | Decorative/display | 0.30 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Dining | 0.80 | Decorative/display | 0.30 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Dining | 0.80 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Lobby, Main Entry | 0.85 | Decorative/display | 0.30 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Lobby, Main Entry | 0.85 | Transition lighting OFF at night12 | 0.95 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Lobby, Main Entry | 0.85 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Lounge/Waiting Area | 0.80 | Decorative/display | 0.30 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Lounge/Waiting Area | 0.80 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Multipurpose Room | 0.85 | Decorative/display | 0.30 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Multipurpose Room | 0.85 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Religious Worship Area | 1.00 | Decorative/display | 0.30 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Religious Worship Area | 1.00 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Restroom | 1.00 | Decorative/display | 0.20 |
| Aging Eye/Low-Vision11 | Stairwell | 0.80 | Decorative/display | 0.30 |
| Audience Seating Area | NA | 0.50 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Auditorium Area | NA | 0.70 | Decorative/display | 0.45 |
| Auto Repair / Maintenance Area | NA | 0.55 | Detailed task work7 | 0.20 |
| Barber, Beauty Salon, Spa Area | NA | 0.70 | Detailed task work7 | 0.30 |
| Barber, Beauty Salon, Spa Area | NA | NA | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Civic Meeting Place Area | NA | 0.90 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Classroom, Lecture, Training, Vocational Area |
NA | 0.60 | White or chalk board1 | 7 W/ft |
| Concourse and Atrium Area | NA | 0.60 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area |
NA | 0.75 | Decorative | 0.25 |
| Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area |
NA | 0.75 | Wall Display MH ≤ 10′6″ | 2 W/ft |
| Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area |
NA | 0.75 | Wall Display MH 10′7″- 14′ | 2.35 W/ft |
| Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area |
NA | 0.75 | Wall Display MH > 14′ | 2.66 W/ft |
| Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area |
NA | 0.75 | Floor Display & Task MH ≤ 10′6″ | 0.30 |
| Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area |
NA | 0.75 | Floor Display & Task MH 10′7″- 14′ | 0.35 |
| Convention, Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area |
NA | 0.75 | Floor Display & Task MH > 14′ | 0.40 |
| Copy Room | NA | 0.50 | NA | NA |
| Corridor Area | NA | 0.40 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | Decorative | 0.35 |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | Wall Display MH ≤ 10′6″ | 1.25 W/ft |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | Wall Display MH 10′7″- 14′ | 1.5 W/ft |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | Wall Display MH > 14′ | 1.7 W/ft |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | Floor Display & Task MH ≤ 10′6″ | 0.45 |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | Floor Display & Task MH 10′7″- 14′ | 0.52 |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | Floor Display & Task MH > 14′ | 0.60 |
| Dining Area | Bar/Lounge and Fine Dining |
0.45 | General Lighting in the enclosed space of ceiling height > 10′ |
0.25 |
| Dining Area | Cafeteria/Fast Food | 0.45 | NA | 0.25 |
| Dining Area | Family and Leisure | 0.40 | NA | 0.25 |
| Electrical, Mechanical, Telephone Rooms |
NA | 0.40 | Detailed task work7 | 0.20 |
| Exercise/Fitness Center and Gymnasium Area |
NA | 0.50 | NA | NA |
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TABLE 140.6-C—AREA CATEGORY METHOD—LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT2)—continued
| BUILDING TYPE/USE | PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA | ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY FOR GENERAL LIGHTING (W/ft2) |
ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER1 | ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUILDING TYPE/USE | PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA | ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY FOR GENERAL LIGHTING (W/ft2) |
Qualified Lighting Systems |
Additional Allowance3 (W/ft², unless noted otherwise) |
| Financial Transaction Area | NA | 0.70 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Exam/Treatment Room | 1.15 | NA | NA |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Imaging Room | 0.60 | Decorative/display | 0.20 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Imaging Room | 0.60 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Medical Supply Room | 0.55 | NA | NA |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Nursery | 0.80 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Nurse’s Station | 0.85 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Nurse’s Station | 0.85 | Detailed task work7 | 0.20 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Operating Room | 1.90 | NA | NA |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Patient Room | 0.70 | Decorative/display | 0.15 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Patient Room | 0.70 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Physical Therapy Room | 0.75 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Healthcare Facility and Hospital |
Recovery Room | 0.90 | Tunable white or dim-to-warm10 | 0.10 |
| Hotel Function Area | NA | 0.85 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Kitchen/Food Preparation Area | NA | 0.95 | NA | NA |
| Laboratory, Scientific | NA | 0.90 | Specialized task work8 | 0.35 |
| Laundry Area | NA | 0.45 | NA | NA |
| Library | Reading Area | 0.80 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Library | Stacks Area | 1.00 | NA | NA |
| Lobby, Main Entry | NA | 0.70 | Decorative | 0.25 |
| Lobby, Main Entry | NA | 0.70 | Wall Display MH ≤ 10′6″ | 3 W/ft |
| Lobby, Main Entry | NA | 0.70 | Wall Display MH 10′7″- 14′ | 3.5 W/ft |
| Lobby, Main Entry | NA | 0.70 | Wall Display MH > 14′ | 4 W/ft |
| Locker Room | NA | 0.45 | NA | NA |
| Lounge, Breakroom, or Waiting Area |
NA | 0.55 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Manufacturing, Commercial & Industrial Work Area |
Low Bay | 0.60 | Detailed task work7 | 0.20 |
| Manufacturing, Commercial & Industrial Work Area |
High Bay | 0.65 | Detailed task work7 | 0.20 |
| Manufacturing, Commercial & Industrial Work Area |
Precision | 0.85 | Precision specialized work9 | 0.70 |
| Museum Area | Exhibition/Display | 0.60 | Decorative/display | 0.45 |
| Museum Area | Restoration Room | 0.70 | Detailed task work7 | 0.35 |
| Office Area | > 250 square feet | 0.60 | Decorative/display and portable lighting for office areas6 |
0.20 |
| Office Area | ≤ 250 square feet | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 |
| Parking Garage Area | Parking Zone and Ramps | 0.10 | First ATM or ticket machine | 100 W |
| Parking Garage Area | Daylight Adaptation Zones2 | 1.00 | Additional ATM or ticket machine | 50 W each |
| Pharmacy Area | NA | 1.00 | Specialized task work8 | 0.35 |
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TABLE 140.6-C—AREA CATEGORY METHOD—LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT2)—continued
| BUILDING TYPE/USE | PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA | ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY FOR GENERAL LIGHTING (W/ft2) |
ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER1 | ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUILDING TYPE/USE | PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA | ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER DENSITY FOR GENERAL LIGHTING (W/ft2) |
Qualified Lighting Systems |
Additional Allowance3 (W/ft², unless noted otherwise) |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | Decorative | 0.35 |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | Wall Display MH ≤ 10′6″ | 6.6 W/ft |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | Wall Display MH 10′7″- 14′ | 7.76 W/ft |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | Wall Display MH > 14′ | 8.8 W/ft |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | Floor Display & Task MH ≤ 10′6″ | 0.60 |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | Floor Display & Task MH 10′7″- 14′ | 0.70 |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | Floor Display & Task MH > 14′ | 0.80 |
| Retail Sales Area | Grocery Sales | 1.00 | General Lighting in the enclosed space of ceiling height > 10’ |
0.10 |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Decorative | 0.35 |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Wall Display MH ≤ 10′6″ | 9.5 W/ft |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Wall Display MH 10′7″- 14′ | 11.2 W/ft |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Wall Display MH > 14′ | 12.7 W/ft |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Floor Display & Task MH ≤ 10′6″ | 0.45 |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Floor Display & Task MH 10′7″- 14′ | 0.52 |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Floor Display & Task MH > 14′ | 0.60 |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | Valuable Display Case | 0.50 |
| Retail Sales Area | Retail Merchandise Sales | 0.95 | General Lighting in the enclosed space of ceiling height > 10′ |
0.10 |
| Retail Sales Area | Fitting Room | 0.60 | External illuminated mirror5 | 40 W each |
| Retail Sales Area | Fitting Room | 0.60 | Internal illuminated mirror5 | 120 W each |
| Religious Worship Area | NA | 0.95 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Restrooms | NA | 0.65 | Decorative/display | 0.35 |
| Stairwell | NA | 0.60 | Decorative/display | 0.35 |
| Storage, Commercial/Industrial |
Warehouse | 0.40 | NA | NA |
| Storage, Commercial/Industrial |
Shipping & Handling | 0.60 | 0.60 | 0.60 |
| Sports Arena—Playing Area | Class I Facility13 | 2.25 | NA | NA |
| Sports Arena—Playing Area | Class II Facility13 | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.45 |
| Sports Arena—Playing Area | Class III Facility13 | 1.10 | 1.10 | 1.10 |
| Sports Arena—Playing Area | Class IV Facility13 | 0.75 | 0.75 | 0.75 |
| Theater Area | Motion Picture | 0.50 | Decorative/display | 0.25 |
| Theater Area | Performance | 0.80 | 0.80 | 0.80 |
| Transportation Function | Baggage Area | 0.40 | NA | NA |
| Transportation Function | Ticketing Area | 0.45 | Decorative/display | 0.20 |
| Videoconferencing Studio | NA | 0.90 | Videoconferencing14 | 1.00 |
| All other | NA | 0.40 | NA | NA |
- White board or chalk board: directional lighting dedicated to a white board or chalk board.
2. Daylight adaptation zones shall be no longer than 66 feet from the entrance to the parking garage.
3. MH denotes the luminaire mounting height of the qualified lighting systems.
4. Reserved.
5. Illuminated mirrors: lighting shall be dedicated to the mirror.
6. Portable lighting in office areas includes under-shelf or furniture-mounted supplemental task lighting when controlled by a time clock or an occupancy sensor.
7. Detailed task work: lighting provides the high level of visual acuity needed for activities that require close attention to small elements and/or extreme close-up work.
8. Specialized task work: lighting provides for small-scale, cognitive or fast-performance visual tasks; lighting required for operating specialized equipment associated with
pharmaceutical/laboratorial activities.
9. Precision specialized work: lighting for work performed within a commercial or industrial environment that entails working with low-contrast, finely detailed or fast-moving
objects.
10. Tunable white luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 2000K CCT, or dim-to-warm luminaires capable of color change greater than or equal to 500K CCT,
connected to controls that allow color changing of the luminaires.
11. Aging eye/low-vision areas can be documented as being designed to comply with the light levels in ANSI/IES RP-28 and are or will be licensed by local or state authorities for
senior long-term care, adult day care, senior support and/or people with special visual needs.
12. Transition lighting OFF at night. Lighting power controlled by astronomical time clock or other control to shut off lighting at night. Additional LPD only applies to area within
30 feet of an exit. Not applicable to lighting in daylit zones.
13. Class I facility is used for competition play for 5000 or more spectators. Class II facility is used for competition play for up to 5000 spectators. Class III facility is used for compe-
tition play for up to 2000 spectators. Class IV facility is normally used for recreational play and there is limited or no provision for spectators.
14. The additional videoconferencing lighting power shall be allowed provided the videoconferencing studio meets all the requirements of Section 140.6(c)2Gvii.
136 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
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- Allowed indoor lighting power allotments for all lighting power allotments other than general lighting shall be restricted as follows:
When using the area category method, allowed indoor lighting power allotments for specialized task work, precision commercial and industrial work, white board or chalk board, accent, display, decorative, videoconferencing studio, wall display, floor display, task, or very valuable display case, may not be increased as a result of, or otherwise traded off against, decreasing any other allotment.
(c) Calculation of allowed indoor lighting power: specific methodologies. The allowed indoor lighting power for each building type, or each primary function area shall be calculated using only one of the methods in Subsection 1 or 2 below as applicable.
- Complete building method. Requirements for using the complete building method include all of the following: A. The complete building method shall be used only for building types, as defined in Section 100.1, that are specifically listed in Table 140.6-B. (For example, retail and wholesale stores, hotel/motel, and high-rise residential buildings shall not use this method.)
low as applicable.
- Complete building method. Requirements for using the complete building method include all of the following: A. The complete building method shall be used only for building types, as defined in Section 100.1, that are specifically listed in Table 140.6-B. (For example, retail and wholesale stores, hotel/motel, and high-rise residential buildings shall not use this method.)
B. The complete building method shall be used only on projects involving: i. Entire buildings with one type of use occupancy; or ii. Mixed occupancy buildings where one type of use makes up at least 90 percent of the entire building (in which case, when applying the complete building method, it shall be assumed that the primary use is 100 percent of the building); or iii. A tenant space where one type of use makes up at least 90 percent of the entire tenant space (in which case, when applying the complete building method, it shall be assumed that the primary use is 100 percent of the tenant space). C. The complete building method shall be used only when the applicant is applying for a lighting permit and submits plans and specifications for the entire building or the entire tenant space. D. Under the complete building method, the allowed indoor lighting power allotment is the lighting power density value times the floor area of the entire building. E. For buildings including a parking garage plus another type of use listed in Table 140.6-B, the parking garage portion of the building and other type of use portion of the building shall each separately use the Complete Building Method. 2. Area category method. Requirements for using the area category method include all of the following: A. The area category method shall be used only for primary function areas, as defined in Section 100.1, that are listed in Table 140.6-C. For primary function areas not listed, selection of a reasonably equivalent type shall be permitted. B. Primary function areas in Table 140.6-C shall not apply to a complete building. Each primary function area shall be determined as a separate area. C. For purposes of compliance with Section 140.6(c)2, an “area” shall be defined as all contiguous areas that accommodate or are associated with a single primary function area listed in Table 146.0-C. D. Where areas are bounded or separated by interior partitions, the floor area occupied by those interior partitions may be included in primary function area. E. If at the time of permitting for a newly constructed building, a tenant is not identified for a multitenant area, a maximum of 0.4 watts per square foot shall be allowed for the lighting in each area in which a tenant has not been identified. The area shall be classified as unleased tenant area.
ions, the floor area occupied by those interior partitions may be included in primary function area. E. If at the time of permitting for a newly constructed building, a tenant is not identified for a multitenant area, a maximum of 0.4 watts per square foot shall be allowed for the lighting in each area in which a tenant has not been identified. The area shall be classified as unleased tenant area.
F. Under the area category method, the allowed indoor lighting power for each primary function area is the lighting power density value in Table 140.6-C times the square feet of the primary function area. The total allowed indoor lighting power density for the building is the sum of all allowed indoor lighting powers densities for all areas in the building. G. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power calculated according to Sections 140.6(c)2A through F, the building may add additional lighting power allowances for qualifying lighting systems as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 140.6-C under the following conditions: i. Only primary function areas having a lighting system as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 140.6-C and in accordance with the corresponding footnote of the table shall qualify for the additional lighting power allowances; and ii. The additional lighting power allowances shall be used only if the plans clearly identify all applicable task areas and the lighting equipment designed to illuminate these tasks; and iii. Tasks that are performed less than two hours per day or poor quality tasks that can be improved are not eligible for the additional lighting power allowances; and iv. The additional lighting power allowances shall not utilize any type of luminaires that are used for general lighting in the building; and v. The additional lighting power allowances shall not be used when using the complete building method; and vi. The additional lighting power allowed is the smaller of: a. the lighting power density listed in the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” column in Table 140.6-C, times the square feet of the primary function, or b. the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting; and
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
vii. In addition to meeting Sections 140.6(c)2Gi through vi, additional lighting power for videoconferencing as specified in Table 140.6-C shall be allowed in a videoconferencing studio, as defined in Section 100.1, provided the following conditions are met: a. A completed and signed installation certificate is prepared and submitted in accordance with Section 130.4(b), specifically detailing compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 140.6(c)2Gvii; and b. The videoconferencing studio is a room with permanently installed videoconferencing cameras, audio equipment, and playback equipment for both audio-based and video-based two-way communication between local and remote sites; and c. General lighting is switched in accordance with the requirements of Section 130.1(b); and d. Wall wash lighting is separately switched from the general lighting system; and e. All of the lighting in the studio, including general lighting and additional lighting power allowed by Section 140.6(c)2Gvii is controlled by a multiscene programmable control system (also known as a scene preset control system). viii. Floor displays shall not qualify for wall display allowances. ix. Qualifying wall lighting shall: a. Be mounted within 10 feet of the wall having the wall display. When track lighting is used for wall display, and where portions of that lighting track are more than 10 feet from the wall and other portions are within 10 feet of the wall, portions of track more than 10 feet from the wall shall not be used for the wall display allowance; and b. Be a lighting system type appropriate for wall lighting. Lighting systems appropriate for wall lighting are lighting track adjacent to the wall, wall-washer luminaires, luminaires behind a wall valance or wall cove, or accent light. (Accent luminaires are adjustable or fixed luminaires providing directional display light.) x. Additional allowed power for wall display lighting is available only for lighting that illuminates walls having wall displays. The length of display walls shall include the length of the perimeter walls, including but not limited to closable openings and permanent full-height interior partitions. Permanent full-height interior partitions are those that (I) extend from the floor to within 2 feet of the ceiling or are taller than 10 feet and (II) are permanently anchored to the floor. xi. Mounting height shall be the luminaire mounting height measured from the finished floor to the bottom of the luminaire. If luminaires are mounted at different mounting heights within the same space, the average mounting height of the luminaires qualified for the additional lighting power allowances in Table 140.6-C can be used to establish the mounting height of the qualified luminaires for calculations of the additional lighting power allowances of the qualified luminaires.
Note: Authority: Sections 25213, 25218, 25218.5, 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)
- Chapter 1 — ALL OCCUPANCIES—GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 2 — ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAN…
- Chapter 3 — NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVER…
- Chapter 4 — NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATO…
-
▸ Chapter 5 — NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORM…
Overview- Section 140.0 — PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROA…
- Section 140.1 — PERFORMANCE APPROACH: ENERGY BUDGETS
- Section 140.2 — PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH
- Section 140.3 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ENVELOPES
- Section 140.4 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE-CONDITIONI…
- Section 140.5 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE WATER-HE…
- Section 140.6 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDOOR LIGHTING
- Section 140.7 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
- Section 140.8 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS
- Section 140.9 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED PROCESSES
- Section 140.10 — PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AN…
- Chapter 6 — NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—
- Chapter 7 — SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—
- Chapter 8 — SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AN…
- Chapter 9 — SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS AND …
- Chapter 10 — MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 11 — MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIV…
- Chapter 12 — MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND …