Codes + Standards

Fellow Electrical Contractor Magazine columnist Charlie Trout, a well-known expert on the National Electrical Code (NEC), devoted his entire December 2009 column to answering lighting-related code questions. Check it out here.

Title 24- 2008 became effective as California’s new energy code as of January 1, 2010. Learn more about Title 24 and download it here.

Some great debate and dialogue going on in my earlier post about New York City’s new legislation requiring existing buildings to upgrade their lighting. What’s your opinion? Check it out here.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LSD 46-2009 Photoluminescent Exit Signage—Factual Review. This new white paper, produced by NEMA’s Emergency Lighting Section, describes concerns regarding the marketing and application recommendations common to photoluminescent exit signage in the U.S. and Canada. The section seeks to educate potential users as to the drawbacks and realities [...]

Liberty Building Forensics Group has published a post on its blog here about potential downsides to coming green building codes such as ASHRAE 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Titled, “What Happens When Green Becomes Code: Do Buildings Get Better or Do Lawyers Get Richer?”, warms of [...]

Highlights of Int. No. 973: * Lighting systems in buildings larger than 50,000 gross sq.ft. (or buildings that combined with other buildings on same tax lot in total exceed 100,000 sq.ft.) must be upgraded * Deadline for upgrade is 1/1/2025 * Upgrade defined as meeting minimum requirements of New York City Energy Conservation Code * [...]

Last Friday, we reported on new energy legislation passed in New York City here. Part of the legislation is the creation of a new energy code. NYC’s code is based on the state energy code with amendments making it more stringent. The 2007 state code is in turn based on the 2003 IECC, with amendments, [...]

A. J. Glaser, president of HUNT Dimming and the Lighting Controls Association, contributed this article to Consulting-Specifying Engineer, providing an in-depth look at the ASHRAE/IES 90.1 energy standard, where it’s come from, and where it’s headed. Check it out here.

New York City has passed significant new legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing government, commercial and residential buildings in New York City. The six-point Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, introduced on Earth Day and enacted as part of PlaNYC, includes four bills that will dramatically reduce the City’s energy usage, saving consumers $700 million [...]