140.8 Prescriptive Requirements for Signs

This section applies to all internally illuminated and externally illuminated signs, unfiltered light emitting diodes (LEDs) and unfiltered neon, both indoor and outdoor. Each sign shall comply with either Subsection (a) or (b), as applicable.

(a) Maximum allowed lighting power.

For internally illuminated signs, the maximum allowed lighting power shall not exceed the product of the illuminated sign area and 12 watts per square foot. For double-faced signs, only the area of a single face shall be used to determine the allowed lighting power.
For externally illuminated signs, the maximum allowed lighting power shall not exceed the product of the illuminated sign area and 2.3 watts per square foot. Only areas of an externally lighted sign that are illuminated without obstruction or interference, by one or more luminaires, shall be used.
Lighting for unfiltered light emitting diodes (LEDs) and unfiltered neon shall comply with Section 140.8(b).

(b) Alternate lighting sources. The sign shall be equipped with one or more of the following light sources:

Reserved.
Reserved.
Neon or cold cathode lamps with transformer or power supply efficiency greater than or equal to the following: A. A minimum efficiency of 75 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is less than 50 mA; or B. A minimum efficiency of 68 percent when the transformer or power supply rated output current is 50 mA or greater. The ratio of the output wattage to the input wattage is at 100 percent tubing load.
Reserved.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a power supply having an efficiency of 80 percent or greater; or Exception to Section 140.8(b)5: Single voltage external power supplies that are designed to convert 120 volt AC input into lower voltage DC or AC output, and have a nameplate output power less than or equal to 250 watts, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the appliance efficiency regulations (Title 20).

Exception 1 to Section 140.8: Unfiltered incandescent lamps that are not part of an electronic message center (EMC), an internally illuminated sign or an externally illuminated sign.

Exception 2 to Section 140.8: Exit signs. Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the appliance efficiency regulations.

Exception 3 to Section 140.8: Traffic Signs. Traffic signs shall meet the requirements of the appliance efficiency regulations.

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.