Title 24 · California Energy Code

Prescriptive lighting power allowances and Lighting Power Adjustment Factors (PAFs)

Homeowner summary: The Energy Code lets designers subtract part of the installed lighting watts from the calculation of allowed lighting power when certain extras are added (like daylight dimming, occupant sensors, institutional tuning, or demand‑response controls). Each qualifying feature has a fixed factor (a PAF) in the code tables; you must meet the listed control and daylighting requirements and document them for the reduction to apply.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The prescriptive method limits the maximum allowed indoor lighting power (lighting power allotment) by area category or lighting power density, but you may reduce the installed watts used in that calculation when specific control and daylighting features qualify for a Power Adjustment Factor (PAF). To use a PAF the installation must meet the eligibility and installation requirements spelled out in § 140.6(a)2L (nonresidential prescriptive path) and § 170.2(e)2B (multifamily/mixed‑use area method), and the available PAF values and rules are listed in Table 140.6‑A and Table 170.2‑L respectively.

The single most important rule: if a luminaire and its controls qualify, you may reduce the installed watts counted toward the allowed lighting power by (installed controlled watts) × (PAF) — but only when the code’s eligibility details for that PAF are met.

Requirements in detail

What a PAF does (plain)

  • A PAF is a multiplicative factor (<1) that reduces the portion of installed general‑lighting wattage counted in the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power calculation. The allowed reduction equals (watts controlled) × (PAF). § 170.2(e)2B (and the parallel provision for the prescriptive path § 140.6(a)2L) govern when and how this reduction may be used.

Key eligibility and general rules

  • The installation must satisfy the applicable control and daylighting design requirements called out in the referenced section (e.g., continuous dimming daylighting controls, occupant sensors installed and zoned per plan, demand response capability, institutional tuning setpoints, etc.). See § 140.6(a)2L and § 170.2(e)2B.
  • Only one PAF may be used per qualifying luminaire unless the table explicitly allows combining (see the Light Shelf + Clerestory combination note).
  • Lighting controls that are already required by Part 6 (the mandatory control requirements) are not eligible for a PAF. PAFs apply only to controls/strategies installed in addition to the code‑required controls.
  • For a luminaire to qualify, at least 50% of the luminaire’s light output must be within the applicable area listed in the PAF table (e.g., above the workstation for office occupant sensing PAFs).

Decision‑relevant values (summary table)

Control / Condition Where it applies / brief trigger PAF (factor) Code Reference
Daylight continuous dimming + OFF Skylit daylit zones and primary or secondary sidelit daylit zones where continuous dimming daylighting controls are installed 0.10 Table 140.6‑A and Table 170.2‑L; see § 140.6(a)2L / § 170.2(e)2B
Occupant sensing — open plan offices >250 ft² One sensor covering no larger than 125 ft² 0.30 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L; see § references above
Occupant sensing — open plan offices >250 ft² One sensor covering 126–250 ft² 0.20 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L
Institutional tuning — non‑daylit areas Tuned max output ≤ 85% (authorized personnel setting, acceptance test) 0.10 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L; see tuning requirements in § 140.6(a)2L / § 170.2(e)2B
Institutional tuning — daylit areas Same as above, applied to daylit luminaires 0.05 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L
Demand responsive control General lighting not already required under § 110.12(c); DR must be automatic reduction in response to DR signal 0.05 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L; eligibility details in §§ cited
Clerestory fenestration Luminaires adjacent to qualifying clerestory daylit areas (daylighting design per § 140.3(d) / § 170.2(b)) 0.05 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L; daylighting design requirements in § 140.3(d) / § 170.2(b)
Horizontal slats Daylit areas adjacent to vertical fenestration with interior/exterior horizontal slats 0.05 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L
Light shelves Daylit areas adjacent to clerestory fenestration with light shelves; may combine with clerestory PAF 0.10 Table 140.6‑A / Table 170.2‑L (combination allowed)

(Notes: the two tables 140.6‑A and 170.2‑L are substantially parallel; the Table numbering depends on the compliance path. See the table notes and section eligibility language.)

How the code treats the controlled watts

  • Only the wattage that is actually controlled per the PAF condition may be reduced. If only part of a luminaire’s wattage is controlled, only that portion may be multiplied by the PAF. § 170.2(e)2B (same in § 140.6(a)2L) requires this explicitly.
  • For furniture‑mounted luminaires used to claim an office occupant‑sensing PAF, subtract 0.3 W/ft² of the illuminated area from the installed furniture luminaire watts before applying the PAF (special rule in § 170.2(e)2B).

Exceptions & special cases

  • Controls that are already required by Part 6 (mandatory code controls) are ineligible for a PAF — PAFs are for additional, qualifying strategies only.
  • Demand response PAF is not available where those same DR reductions are already required by § 110.12(c); if DR is required by § 110.12(c) for the project, this PAF is not available for any lighting in that project.
  • Daylighting‑related PAFs (clerestory, light shelves, slats, daylight dimming) apply only to primary or secondary sidelit daylit zones and skylit daylit zones that meet the daylighting design criteria in § 140.3(d) or § 170.2(b) and require continuous dimming daylighting controls per the referenced control sections.
  • Only one PAF may be used per luminaire unless the table explicitly allows a combination (e.g., light shelf + clerestory). Read the table footnotes carefully.

Common mistakes

  • Claiming PAFs for controls that are already code‑required (e.g., basic multilevel switching or mandatory daylight controls) — those controls do not qualify for PAFs.
  • Failing to show occupant sensing control zones or furniture‑luminaire layouts on plans (the code requires these shown on plans for qualification). § 170.2(e)2B requires occupant sensing control zones be shown on plans for offices >250 ft².
  • Applying the PAF to the entire luminaire wattage when less than 50% of the luminaire’s output serves the qualifying area — the 50% output rule is strictly required.
  • Adding multiple PAFs together when the table or notes do not permit combinations. The tables limit stacking except where explicitly allowed.
  • Using a demand response PAF for lighting already subject to mandatory DR under § 110.12(c) — not allowed.

Worked example — open office with occupant sensing and daylighting

Scenario:

  • Open plan office, single room, 1,000 ft².
  • Installed general lighting: 20 luminaires × 50 W each = 1,000 W total installed serving the open area.
  • Design includes: (A) occupant sensing zones where each sensor controls up to 125 ft² (using dense zoning), and (B) skylit/primary sidelit daylit zone with continuous daylight dimming + OFF controls that qualify for a daylight PAF on a subset of luminaires.

Step 1 — Determine which luminaires qualify for which PAFs

  • Assume 12 luminaires (600 W) are within the open plan work area and are fully controlled by occupant sensing zones sized ≤125 ft²; these luminaires therefore meet the occupant‑sensing PAF criteria in Table 170.2‑L (PAF = 0.30).
  • Assume 6 luminaires (300 W) are within the sidelit daylit zone and are controlled by continuous daylight dimming + OFF (PAF = 0.10) and meet the daylit zone requirements.
  • The remaining 2 luminaires (100 W) do not qualify for any PAF.

Step 2 — Calculate allowed reductions

  • Occupant sensing reduction = controlled watts × PAF = 600 W × 0.30 = 180 W.
  • Daylight dimming reduction = 300 W × 0.10 = 30 W.
  • Total reduction allowed to subtract from installed watts = 180 + 30 = 210 W.

Step 3 — Apply to Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power calculation

  • Installed watts = 1,000 W. Subtract PAF reductions: 1,000 W − 210 W = 790 W is the adjusted installed watts counted toward the allowed lighting power calculation (and compared to the allowed lighting power allotment for the space). This is the value you carry into the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power or lighting power density compliance worksheets.

Important: confirm each PAF qualification item on the plans and in the acceptance/commissioning documentation (sensor zone diagrams, daylighting acceptance tests, institutional tuning settings verification if used) because the code requires plan documentation and acceptance testing per the cited sections.

Related provisions (useful to check)

  • § 140.3(d) — Daylighting design requirements referenced for clerestory/slats/light shelf PAFs.
  • § 110.12(c) — Demand response requirements (affects eligibility of the DR PAF).
  • § 130.1(d) / § 160.5(b)4D — Daylighting control performance and continuous dimming control requirements referenced by the PAF rules.
  • § 130.4 / § 160.5(e) — Acceptance testing and certification requirements for controls (required to document that PAF conditions have been met).
  • Table 170.2‑M / Table 140.6‑B — Use these tables to determine the baseline allowed lighting power density to which adjusted installed watts are compared.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • § 130.4 High relevance — show source text

    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.

    TABLE 140.6-A—LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF) Col2 Col3
    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.
  • § 170.2 High relevance — show source text

    xi. To qualify for the PAF for a demand responsive control in Table 170.2-L, 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: a. The controlled lighting shall be capable of being automatically reduced in response to a demand response signal; and b. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the illuminance uniformity requirements of Section 160.5(b)4B. xii. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats or light shelves in Table 170.2-L, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 170.2(b). 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 160.5(b)4D are installed.

    TABLE 170.2-L—LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF) Col2 Col3
    TYPE OF CONTROL TYPE OF AREA FACTOR
    1. Daylight Continuous
    Dimming Plus OFF Control    		 Luminaires in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone 0.10
    2. Occupant Sensing Controls
    in Office Spaces Larger Than
    250 Square Feet    		 In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an area that is:
    No larger than 125 square feet    		 0.30
    2. Occupant Sensing Controls
    in Office Spaces Larger Than
    250 Square Feet    		 In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an area that is:
    From 126 to 250 square feet    		 0.20
    3. Institutional Tuning Luminaires in nondaylit areas.
    Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.    		 0.10
    3. Institutional Tuning Luminaires in daylit areas.
    Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.    		 0.05
    4. Demand Responsive
    Control    		 General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c). Luminaires that qualify for other
    PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand responsive control PAF.    		 0.05
    5. 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
    6. 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
    7. 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 170.2(e)1Aii.
    b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined.
    c.
  • § 140.6 High relevance — show source text

    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.|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.|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.|

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 131

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE

    COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    1. 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).
  • § 130.1 Medium relevance — show source text
    1. All skylit daylit zones and primary sidelit daylit zones shall be shown on building plans.
    2. General lighting in daylit zones shall be controlled in accordance with Section 130.1(d).
    3. The total skylight area is at least 3 percent of the total floor area in the space within a horizontal distance of 0.7 times the average ceiling height from the edge of rough opening of skylights; or the product of the total skylight area and the average skylight visible transmittance is no less than 1.5 percent of the total floor area in the space within a horizontal distance of 0.7 times the average ceiling height from the edge of rough opening of skylights.

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    NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE

    COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    1. All skylights shall have a glazing material or diffuser that has a measured haze value greater than 90 percent, tested according to ASTM D1003 (notwithstanding its scope) or other test method approved by the Commission.
    2. Skylights for conditioned and unconditioned spaces shall have an area-weighted average visible transmittance (VT) no less than the applicable value required by Section 140.3(a)6D.

    Exception 1 to Section 140.3(c): Auditoriums, churches, movie theaters, museums and refrigerated warehouses.

    Exception 2 to Section 140.3(c): In buildings with unfinished interiors, future enclosed spaces for which there are plans to have: A. A floor area of less than or equal to 5,000 square feet, or B. Ceiling heights of less than or equal to 15 feet.

    This exception shall not be used for S-1 or S-2 (storage), or for F-1 or F-2 (factory) occupancies.

    Exception 3 to Section 140.3(c): Enclosed spaces having a designed general lighting system with a lighting power density less than 0.5 watts per square foot.

    Exception 4 to Section 140.3(c): Enclosed spaces where it is documented that permanent architectural features of the building, existing structures or natural objects block direct beam sunlight on at least half of the roof over the enclosed space for more than 1500 daytime hours per year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    (d) Daylighting Design Power Adjustment Factors (PAFs). To qualify for a Power Adjustment Factor (PAF) as specified in Section 140.6(a)2L, daylighting devices shall meet the following requirements:

    1. Clerestory fenestration. To qualify for a PAF, clerestory fenestration shall meet the following requirements: A. Shall be installed on east-, west-, or south-facing facades. B. Shall have a head height that is at least 10 feet above the finished floor. C. Shall have a glazing height that is greater than or equal to 10 percent of the head height. D. If operable shading is installed on the clerestory fenestration, then the clerestory fenestration shading shall be controlled separately from shading serving other vertical fenestration.
    2. **Interior and exterior horizontal slats.
  • § 126-250 Medium relevance — show source text

    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.|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.|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.|

    2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 131

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    NONRESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE

    COMPLIANCE APPROACHES FOR ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

    1. 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,
  • § 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    The area (or areas) served by the interlocking systems is an auditorium, a conference room, a multipurpose room or a theater; and

    iii. The two lighting systems are interlocked with a nonprogrammable double-throw switch to prevent simultaneous operation of both systems.

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    MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS—PERFORMANCE AND PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE APPROACHES

    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. B. 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 170.2-L may be reduced by the product of (i) the number of watts controlled as described in Table 170.2-L, times (ii) the applicable power adjustment factor (PAF), if all of the following conditions are met: i. An installation certificate is submitted in accordance with Section 160.5(e)2; and ii. Luminaires and controls meet the applicable requirements of Section 110.9 and Sections 160.5(b) through 160.6; and

    iii. 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: a. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently installed no later than the time of building permit inspection; and b. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently hardwired; and c. The furniture mounted lighting system shall be designed to provide indirect general lighting; and d. Before multiplying the installed watts of the furniture mounted luminaire by the applicable PAF, 0.3 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

    e. The lighting control for the furniture mounted luminaire complies with all other applicable requirements in Section 170.2(e)2B. iv. At least 50 percent of the light output of the controlled luminaire is within the applicable area listed in Table 170.2-L. Luminaires on lighting tracks shall be within the applicable area in order to qualify for a PAF. v. Only one PAF from Table 170.2-L may be used for each qualifying luminaire. PAFs shall not be added together unless allowed in Table 170.2-L.

    vi. Only lighting wattage directly controlled in accordance with Section 170.2(e)2B shall be used to reduce the installed watts as allowed by Section 170.2(e)2B for calculating the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. If only a portion of the wattage in a luminaire is controlled in accordance with Section 170.2(e)2B, then only that portion of controlled wattage may be reduced in calculating Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. vii.

  • § 0.10 Medium relevance — show source text

    Institutional Tuning|Luminaires in nondaylit areas.
    Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.|0.10| |3. Institutional Tuning|Luminaires in daylit areas.
    Luminaires that qualify for other PAFs in this table may also qualify for this tuning PAF.|0.05| |4. Demand Responsive
    Control|General lighting luminaires not in the scope of Section 110.12(c). Luminaires that qualify for other
    PAFs in this table may also qualify for this demand responsive control PAF.|0.05| |5. 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| |6. 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| |7. 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 170.2(e)1Aii.
    b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined.
    c. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 shall not be eligible for a PAF.|a. To qualify for any of the power adjustment factors in this table, the installation shall comply with the applicable requirements in Section 170.2(e)1Aii.
    b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined.
    c. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 shall not be eligible for a PAF.|a. To qualify for any of the power adjustment factors in this table, the installation shall comply with the applicable requirements in Section 170.2(e)1Aii.
    b. Only one PAF may be used for each qualifying luminaire unless combined.
    c. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 shall not be eligible for a PAF.|

    C. Lighting wattage excluded. The watts of the following indoor lighting applications may be excluded from Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power: i. Lighting installed by the manufacturer in walk-in coolers or freezers, vending machines and food preparation equipment. ii. Lighting that is required for exit signs subject to the CBC. Exit signs shall meet the requirements of the Appliance Efficiency Regulations. iii. Exit way or egress illumination that is normally off and that is subject to the CBC. iv. Temporary lighting systems. v. 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.

  • § 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    or furniture mounted luminaires that comply with Section 170.2(e)1Aii and provide general lighting directly above the controlled area; and d. Qualifying luminaires shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that meet all of the following requirements, as applicable: I. Infrared sensors shall be equipped by the manufacturer, or fitted in the field by the installer, with lenses or shrouds to prevent them from being triggered by movement outside of the controlled

    area.

    II. Ultrasonic sensors shall be tuned to reduce their sensitivity to prevent them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area. III. All other sensors shall be installed and adjusted as necessary to prevent them from being triggered by movements outside of the controlled area. e. Occupant sensing control zones, in offices greater than 250 square feet, shall be shown on the plans.

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    x. To qualify for the PAF for an Institutional Tuning in Table 170.2-L, the tuned lighting system shall comply with all of the following requirements: a. 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 b. The means of setting the limit is accessible only to authorized personnel; and c. The setting of the limit is verified by the acceptance test required by Section 160.5(e)1G; and d. 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. xi. To qualify for the PAF for a demand responsive control in Table 170.2-L, 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: a. The controlled lighting shall be capable of being automatically reduced in response to a demand response signal; and b. General lighting shall be reduced in a manner consistent with the illuminance uniformity requirements of Section 160.5(b)4B. xii. To qualify for the PAFs for clerestory fenestration, horizontal slats or light shelves in Table 170.2-L, the daylighting design shall meet the requirements in Section 170.2(b). 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 160.5(b)4D are installed.

    TABLE 170.2-L—LIGHTING POWER ADJUSTMENT FACTORS (PAF) Col2 Col3
    TYPE OF CONTROL TYPE OF AREA FACTOR
    1. Daylight Continuous
    Dimming Plus OFF Control    		 Luminaires in skylit daylit zone or primary sidelit daylit zone 0.10
    2. Occupant Sensing Controls
    in Office Spaces Larger Than
    250 Square Feet    		 In open plan offices > 250 square feet: One sensor controlling an area that is:
    No larger than 125 square feet    		 0.30
    2.
  • § 0.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    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: a. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently installed no later than the time of building permit inspection; and b. The furniture mounted luminaires shall be permanently hardwired; and c. The furniture mounted lighting system shall be designed to provide indirect general lighting; and d. Before multiplying the installed watts of the furniture mounted luminaire by the applicable PAF, 0.3 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

    e. The lighting control for the furniture mounted luminaire complies with all other applicable requirements in Section 170.2(e)2B. iv. At least 50 percent of the light output of the controlled luminaire is within the applicable area listed in Table 170.2-L. Luminaires on lighting tracks shall be within the applicable area in order to qualify for a PAF. v. Only one PAF from Table 170.2-L may be used for each qualifying luminaire. PAFs shall not be added together unless allowed in Table 170.2-L.

    vi. Only lighting wattage directly controlled in accordance with Section 170.2(e)2B shall be used to reduce the installed watts as allowed by Section 170.2(e)2B for calculating the Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. If only a portion of the wattage in a luminaire is controlled in accordance with Section 170.2(e)2B, then only that portion of controlled wattage may be reduced in calculating Adjusted Indoor Lighting Power. vii. 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 160.5(b)4, 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. viii. To qualify for the PAF for daylight continuous dimming plus OFF control, the daylight control and controlled luminaires shall comply with Sections 160.5(b)4D, 160.5(e)1C and 160.5(e)1G, and the controls 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.

    ix. To qualify for the PAF for an occupant sensing control controlling the general lighting in large office areas above workstations, in accordance with Table 170.2-L, the following requirements shall be met: a. The office area shall be greater than 250 square feet; and b. This PAF shall be available only in office areas that contain workstations; and c. Controlled luminaires shall only be those that provide general lighting directly above the controlled area, or furniture mounted luminaires that comply with Section 170.2(e)1Aii and provide general lighting directly above the controlled area; and d. Qualifying luminaires shall be controlled by occupant sensing controls that meet all of the following requirements, as applicable: I. Infrared sensors shall be equipped by the manufacturer, or fitted in the field by the installer,

  • § 170.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    The total allowed indoor lighting power for the building is the sum of all allowed indoor lighting power for all areas in the building. v. In addition to the allowed indoor lighting power calculated according to Sections 170.2(e)4Ai through iv, the building may add additional lighting power allowances for qualifying lighting systems as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 170.2-M under the following conditions: a. Only primary function areas having a lighting system as specified in the Qualifying Lighting Systems column in Table 170.2-M and in accordance with the corresponding footnote of the table shall qualify for the additional lighting power allowances; and

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    b. 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 c. Tasks that are performed less than 2 hours per day or poor quality tasks that can be improved are not eligible for the additional lighting power allowances; and d. The additional lighting power allowances shall not utilize any type of luminaires that are used for general lighting in the building; and e. Reserved; and

    f. The additional lighting power allowed is the smaller of: I. the lighting power density listed in the “Allowed Additional Lighting LPD” column in Table 170.2-M, times the square feet of the primary function, or II. the adjusted indoor lighting power of the applicable lighting; and g. Floor displays shall not qualify for wall display allowances. h. Qualifying wall lighting shall: I. 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 II. 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.) i. 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 170.2-M can be used to establish the mounting height of the qualified luminaires for calculations of the additional lighting power allowances of the qualified luminaires.

    TABLE 170.2-M—AREA CATEGORY METHOD—LIGHTING POWER DENSITY VALUES (WATTS/FT2) Col2 Col3 Col4
    PRIMARY FUNCTION AREA ALLOWED LIGHTING POWER
    DENSITY FOR GENERAL
    **LIGHTING (W/ft2) **    		 ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER
    QUALIFIED LIGHTING SYSTEMS    		 ADDITIONAL LIGHTING POWER
    ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE
    (W/ft2, unless noted otherwise)
    Storage 0.4 NA NA
    Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area 0.75 Display 0.25
    Conference, Multipurpose and Meeting Area 0.
  • § 2-3 Medium relevance — show source text

    6(h)2-3, 130.1(b), 141.0(b)2L, 160.5(b)4B, 180.2(b)4B Lighting permit140.6(c)1C Lighting power 110.12(c), 110.12(d), 110.9(b)3A, 120.6(b)3B, 120.6(f)1, 130.1(c), 130.1(d)3C, 130.1(f)7,

    INDEX

    130.2(b), 130.2(c)2B, 130.2(c)3, 130.3(a)2B, 130.4(b), 140.6, 140.7, 140.8(a), 141.0(b)2I, 141.0(b)2l, 141.0(b)2L, 150.0(k)2F, 160.5(b)4C, 160.5(b)4D, 160.5(b)4F, 160.5(c)1E, 160.5(c)2, 160.5(d)2B, 160.5(e)2, 170.2(b), 170.2(e), 180.2(b)4B Lighting Power Adjustment Factors (PAF) Table 140.6-A, Table

    170.2-L Lighting power allotment 140.6(b), 140.6(c)1D, 140.6(c)3B-F, 170.2(c)3, 170.2(e)4B Lighting power allowances 140.6(c)2G, 140.6(c)3E, 140.7(b)3, 140.7(d)1, 141.0(b)2L, 170.2(e)4A, 170.2(e)4B, Table 170.2-N, 170.2(e)6B, 180.2(b)4 Lighting power density 120.6(f)1, 140.6(a)1, 140.6(a)3Q, 140.6(b)3, 140.6(c)2F, 140.6(c)2G, 140.6(c)3F, 140.6(c)3G, Table140.6-B, Table 140.6-C, 170.2(e)2C, 170.2(e)4A, B, Table 170.2-M, Table 170.2-Q Lighting system 120.6(h)6, 120.8(c)2, 140.3(c), 140.6(a)2C, 140.6(a)2H, 140.6(a)2J, 140.6(c)2G, 140.6(c)3G, 141.0(b)2G, Table 141.0-E, Table 141.0-F, 150.2(b)1K, 160.5(b)4D, 170.2(b), 170.2(e)2B, 170.2(e)2B, 170.2(e)2B, 170.2(e)4A, 170.2(e)4B, 170.2(e)6D, 180.2(b)4, Table 180.2-E Lighting tracks 140.6(a)2D, 170.2(e)2B Lighting wattage 130.4(b)7, 140.6(a)2F, 140.

Frequently asked questions

What sections control whether a luminaire can use a PAF?

A luminaire must meet the eligibility rules in § 140.6(a)2L (prescriptive nonresidential) or § 170.2(e)2B (multifamily/area method) and the specific control/daylighting requirements referenced by those sections; the PAF values and notes are in Table 140.6‑A and Table 170.2‑L.

Can I claim a PAF for a control that the code already requires?

No. Lighting controls that are required for compliance with Part 6 are not eligible for a PAF; PAFs are intended for additional, qualifying strategies.

How many PAFs can I apply to a single luminaire?

Generally only one PAF per luminaire is allowed unless the table explicitly permits combining (for example, some daylighting features can be combined as noted in the table). Check the table footnotes.

If only part of a luminaire’s wattage is controlled, may I still claim a PAF?

Yes — only the controlled portion of the luminaire’s wattage may be multiplied by the PAF and reduced from installed watts. The code requires this partial‑wattage accounting.

Do I need to show sensor zones and daylighting zones on the plans?

Yes. Occupant sensing control zones (for offices >250 ft²), daylit zones, and other qualifying control zones must be shown on the construction documents as part of qualifying for the PAF.

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