2025 Residential Dwelling Units Lighting FAQs

The 2025 Energy Code dwelling unit lighting requirements apply to newly constructed dwelling units, and additions to existing dwelling units, and alterations to existing dwelling unit lighting. This includes mandatory requirements for all residential dwelling units.

The lighting requirements for dwelling units consist only of mandatory provisions, which apply to new construction, and additions and alterations, depending on the building type and application. The requirements listed here apply to both single-family buildings and dwelling units in multifamily buildings.

Dwelling units are single units providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons including access, permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

Single-family buildings are defined under the Energy Code as residential buildings of Occupancy Group R-3 with two or fewer dwelling units, other than multifamily or hotel/motel buildings; of Occupancy Group R-3.1; of Occupancy Group U located on residential sites; or townhouses.

Townhouses are single-family dwelling units constructed in groups of three or more attached units in which each unit extends from the foundation to roof and with open space on at least two sides.

Multifamily buildings are defined as those of Occupancy Group R-2 (other than hotels/motels or timeshares), R-3 that are non-transient congregate residences (other than boarding houses of more than 6 guests and alcohol or drug abuse recovery homes of more than 6 guests), or Occupancy Group R-4.

• All lighting controls must comply with the mandatory requirements in Section 110.9.
  • Timers must (Section 110.9(b)1):
    • Have backup capabilities to prevent loss of schedule for at least 7 days, and loss of date and time for at least 72 hours if power is interrupted.
    • If astronomical, be able to:
      • Maintain sunrise/sunset prediction accuracy;
      • Display date, time, sunrise & sunset times, and switching times during programming;
      • Auto-adjust for daylight saving time; and
      • Separately offset on/off for each channel by at least 90 minutes before and after sunrise or sunset.
    • If multilevel: have at least two separately programmable steps per zone.
    • If installed outdoors: have user-programmable setback functions to let each controlled channel be switched or dimmed.
  • Daylight responsive controls must (Section 110.9(b)2):
    • Auto-return to the most recent delay settings within 60 minutes of the last received input when left in calibration mode;
    • Have setpoint control that distinguishes between settings to within 10 percent;
    • Provide linear response within 5 percent accuracy over the range of the light sensor;
    • Be able to be calibrated by user remote from the sensor to avoid influencing accuracy.
  • Dimmers must (Section 110.9(b)3):
    • Be able to reduce lighting power by at least 65 percent at its lowest setting;
    • Provide reduced flicker operation (e.g., light output has an amplitude modulation of less than 30 percent for frequencies less than 200 Hz) without causing premature lamp failure;
    • Provide an off setting with a zero lumen output;
    • For wall box dimmers and associated switches designed for three way circuits: Be able to turn lights off, and back on to the level set by dimmer.
  • Occupant sensors (including occupant, motion, and vacancy sensors) must (Section 110.9(b)4):
    • Be able to automatically turn lights off or down no more than 20 minutes after the area becomes vacant;
    • Provide a visible status signal to indicate device is operating properly, has failed, or malfunctioned. This signal may have an override;
    • If manual-on: have a grace period of 15 to 30 seconds to auto-on lighting after the sensor timed out.
  • Sensors used to detect occupants must (Section 110.9(b)6):
    • Not allow the sensor to be disabled without changing its settings;
    • If using radiation (ultrasonic or microwave) to detect occupants:
      • Meet federal requirements;
      • Not emit audible sound and/or excess radiation.
  • Indicator lights integral to controls must use no more than 1 watt per light (Section 110.9(b)7).
• Newly constructed single-family buildings must comply with the mandatory requirements under Section 150.0(k)
  • All installed luminaires and light sources must comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8, including certification and marking requirements (Section 150.0(k)1A).
    • Exceptions:
      • Lighting integral to exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, bath vanity mirrors, garage door openers, and ceiling fan kits subject to DOE's Appliance and Equipment Standards Program.
      • Navigation lighting rated less than 5 watts (e.g., night lights, step lights, and path lights).
      • Lighting with an efficacy of at least 45 lumens per watt and located inside drawers, cabinetry, or linen closets.
      • Light sources as follows:
        • LEDs installed outdoors;
        • Inseparable solid state lighting (SSL) containing colored light sources providing decorative lighting;
        • High-intensity discharge (HID) light sources;
        • Luminaires with hardwired high-frequency generator and induction lamp.
  • Recessed downlight luminaires in ceilings must (Section 150.0(k)1C):
    • Not contain screw base lamp sockets;
    • Be labeled as certified airtight (air leakage less than 2.0 cfm at 75 Pascals, when tested per ASTM E283).
      • Not required for:
        • Exhaust fan housing with integral light, and
        • Recessed luminaires marked for use in fire-rated installations extruded into ceiling space, or installed in non-insulated ceilings.
    • Have gasket or caulk sealing between the luminaire housing and ceiling, and for all air leak paths between conditioned and unconditioned spaces; or be installed per manufacturer’s instructions to maintain airtightness between the luminaire housing and ceiling.
      • Not required for recessed luminaires marked for use in fire-rated installations extruded into ceiling space, or installed in non-insulated ceilings.
    • Meet California Electrical Code Article 410.116.
  • Separable light sources in enclosed or recessed luminaires must comply with JA8 elevated temperature requirements, including marking (Section 150.0(k)1D).
  • The number of electrical boxes over five feet above the finished floor without a luminaire or other device cannot exceed the number of bedrooms. These electrical boxes must be served by a dimmer, vacancy sensor control, low voltage wiring, or fan speed control (Section 150.0(k)1E).
  • Indoor lighting must have readily accessible wall-mounted controls that allow the lighting to be manually turned ON and OFF (Section 150.0(k)2A).
    • Ceiling fans may provide control of integrated lighting via a remote control.
  • Energy management control systems (EMCS) or multi-scene programmable controls may be used to meet dimming, occupancy, and lighting control requirements in Section 150.0(k)2 if they (Section 150.0(k)2D):
    • Provide the functionality(-ies) required per Section 110.9 and physical controls required per Section 150.0(k)2A.
    • No controls may bypass functions of a dimmer, occupant sensor, or vacancy sensor installed to comply with Section 150.0(k)2.
  • Automatic-off controls (Section 150.0(k)2E):
    • Required for at least one luminaire in bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms and walk-in closets;
    • Lighting inside drawers and opaque cabinetry must turn off when the drawer or door is closed.
  • Lighting in habitable spaces (e.g., living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms) must have readily accessible wall-mounted dimmers that allow manual adjustment of the controlled lighting (Section 150.0(k)2F).
    • Forward phase cut dimmers controlling LEDs must comply with NEMA SSL 7A.
      • Power is delivered to light switches smoothly over a wave (e.g., 0-1-2-3-2-1-0) that occurs many times per second.
      • Forward phase cut dimmers dim lighting (and thus reduce power usage) by “cutting” part of the wave off (e.g., 0-0-0-3-2-1-0).
    • Exceptions:
      • Ceiling fans may control integrated lighting via a remote control.
      • Lighting integral to kitchen range hoods and bathroom exhaust fans.
      • Luminaires connected to circuits with controlled lighting power less than 20 watts, or controlled by an auto-off occupancy or vacancy sensor.
      • Navigation lighting rated less than 5 watts (e.g., night lights, step lights, path lights).
      • Lighting controlled by auto-off controls and located inside drawers, and opaque cabinetry.
  • Lighting integral to exhaust fans must be controlled separately from the fans. The following must be controlled separately from ceiling lighting (Section 150.0(k)2G):
    • Undercabinet lighting.
    • Undershelf lighting.
    • Interior lighting of display cabinets.
    • Switched outlets.
  • Residential outdoor lighting must (Section 150.0(k)3):
    • Meet Section 150.0(k)1A
    • If permanently mounted to a residential building or other buildings on the same lot, be controlled by a manual ON/OFF switch that allows control by:
      • A photocell and a motion sensor; or
      • A photocell and an automatic time switch control; or
      • Controlled by an astronomical time clock control.
    • Not use controls that override to ON, unless the override auto-returns to normal operation within 6 hours.
    • EMCS or other controls providing the required lighting control functionality and meets all applicable requirements may be used.
  • Internally lit address signs must either meet (Section 150.0(k)4):
    • Section 140.8, or
    • Consume no more than 5 watts of power.
  • Residential garages for eight or more vehicles must meet applicable requirements for nonresidential garages (Sections 110.9, 130.0, 130.1, 130.4, 140.6, and 141.0) (Section 150.0(k)5)
• Additions to existing single-family buildings (per Section 150.2(a)), must comply with the mandatory requirements under Section 150.0(k).
• Dwelling units in newly constructed multifamily buildings must comply with mandatory requirements under Section 160.5(a).
  • All installed luminaires and light sources must comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8, including certification and marking requirements (Section 160.5(a)1A).
    • Exceptions:
      • Lighting integral to exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, bath vanity mirrors, garage door openers, and ceiling fan kits subject to DOE's Appliance and Equipment Standards Program.
      • Navigation lighting rated less than 5 watts (e.g., night lights, step lights, and path lights).
      • Lighting with an efficacy of at least 45 lumens per watt and located inside drawers, cabinetry, or linen closets.
      • Light sources as follows:
        • LEDs installed outdoors.
        • Inseparable solid state lighting (SSL) containing colored light sources providing decorative lighting.
        • High-intensity discharge (HID) light sources.
        • Luminaires with hardwired high-frequency generator and induction lamp.
  • Recessed downlight luminaires in ceilings must (Section 160.5(a)1C):
    • Not contain screw base lamp sockets.
    • Be labeled as certified airtight (air leakage less than 2.0 cfm at 75 Pascals, when tested per ASTM E283).
      • Not required for exhaust fan housing with integral light, and recessed luminaires marked for use in fire-rated installations, or installed in non-insulated ceilings.
    • Have gasket or caulk sealing between the luminaire housing and ceiling, and for all air leak paths between conditioned and unconditioned spaces; or be installed per manufacturer’s instructions to maintain airtightness between the luminaire housing and ceiling.
      • Not required for recessed luminaires marked for use in fire-rated installations, or installed in non-insulated ceilings.
    • Meet California Electrical Code Article 410.116.
  • Separable light sources in enclosed or recessed luminaires must comply with JA8 elevated temperature requirements, including marking (Section 160.5(a)1D).
  • The number of electrical boxes over five feet above the finished floor without a luminaire or other device cannot exceed the number of bedrooms. These electrical boxes must be served by a dimmer, vacancy sensor control, low voltage wiring, or fan speed control (Section 160.5(a)1E).
  • Indoor lighting must have readily accessible wall-mounted controls that allow the lighting to be manually turned ON and OFF (Section 160.5(a)2A).
    • Ceiling fans may provide control of integrated lighting via a remote control.
  • Energy management control systems (EMCS) or multi-scene programmable controls may be used to meet dimming, occupancy, and lighting control requirements in Section 160.5(a)2 if they (Section 160.5(a)2D):
    • Provide the functionality(-ies) required per Section 110.9 and physical controls required per Section 160.5(a)2A.
    • No controls may bypass functions of a dimmer, occupant sensor, or vacancy sensor installed to comply with Section 160.5(a)2.
  • Automatic-off controls (Section 160.5(a)2E):
    • Required for at least one luminaire in bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms and walk-in closets.
    • Lighting inside drawers and opaque cabinetry must turn off when the drawer or door is closed.
  • Lighting in habitable spaces (e.g., living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms) must have readily accessible wall-mounted dimmers that allow manual adjustment of the controlled lighting (Section 160.5(a)2F).
    • Forward phase cut dimmers controlling LEDs must comply with NEMA SSL 7A.
    • Exceptions:
      • Ceiling fans may control integrated lighting via a remote control.
    • Lighting integral to kitchen range hoods and bathroom exhaust fans.
    • Luminaires controlled by an auto-off occupancy or vacancy sensor.
    • Navigation lighting rated less than 5 watts (e.g., night lights, step lights, path lights).
    • Lighting controlled by auto-off controls and located inside drawers, and opaque cabinetry.
  • Lighting integral to exhaust fans must be controlled separately from the fans. The following must be controlled separately from ceiling lighting (Section 160.5(a)2G):
    • Undercabinet lighting.
    • Undershelf lighting.
    • Interior lighting of display cabinets.
    • Switched outlets.
  • Residential outdoor lighting must (Section 160.5(a)3):
    • Meet Section 160.5(a)1A.
    • If permanently mounted to a residential building or other buildings on the same lot, be controlled by a manual ON/OFF switch that allows control by:
      • A photocell and a motion sensor; or
      • A photocell and an automatic time switch control; or
      • Controlled by an astronomical time clock control.
    • Have no controls that override to ON, unless the override auto-returns to normal operation within 6 hours.
    • EMCS or other controls providing the required lighting control functionality and meets all applicable requirements may be used.
• Additions to multifamily dwelling units (per Section 180.1(a)) must also comply with mandatory requirements under Section 160.5(a).

Alterations to lighting in existing buildings, or in conjunction with a change in building occupancy with altered or replacement systems, must meet the applicable sections:

• All lighting controls must comply with the mandatory requirements in Section 110.9.
  • Timers must (Section 110.9(b)1):
    • Have backup capabilities to prevent loss of schedule for at least 7 days, and loss of date and time for at least 72 hours if power is interrupted.
    • If astronomical: maintain sunrise/sunset prediction accuracy; be able to display date, time, sunrise & sunset times, and switching times during programming; auto-adjust for daylight saving time; and be able to separately offset on/off for each channel by at least 90 minutes before and after sunrise or sunset.
    • If multilevel: have at least two separately programmable steps per zone.
    • If installed outdoors: have user-programmable setback functions to let each controlled channel be switched or dimmed.
  • Daylight responsive controls must (Section 110.9(b)2):
    • Auto-return to the most recent delay settings within 60 minutes of the last received input when left in calibration mode.
    • Have setpoint control that distinguishes between settings to within 10 percent.
    • Provide linear response within 5 percent accuracy over the range of the light sensor.
    • Be able to be calibrated such that the user is remote from the sensor to avoid influencing accuracy.
  • Dimmers must (Section 110.9(b)3):
    • Be able to reduce lighting power by at least 65 percent at its lowest setting;
    • Provide reduced flicker operation (e.g., light output has an amplitude modulation of less than 30 percent for frequencies less than 200 Hz) without causing premature lamp failure;
    • Provide an off setting with a zero lumen output;
    • For wall box dimmers and associated switches designed for three way circuits: Be able to turn lights off, and back on to the level set by dimmer.
  • Occupant sensors (including occupant, motion, and vacancy sensors) must (Section 110.9(b)4):
    • Be able to automatically turn lights off or down no more than 20 minutes after the area becomes vacant.
    • Provide a visible status signal to indicate device is operating properly, has failed, or malfunctioned. This signal may have an override.
    • If manual-on: have a grace period of 15 to 30 seconds to auto-on lighting after the sensor timed out.
  • Sensors used to detect occupants must (Section 110.9(b)6):
    • Not allow the sensor to be disabled without changing its settings.
    • If using radiation (ultrasonic or microwave) to detect occupants:
      • Meet federal requirements.
      • Not emit audible sound and/or excess radiation.
  • Indicator lights integral to controls must use no more than 1 watt per light (Section 110.9(b)7).
• For single-family alterations: Section 150.2(b)1K.
  • Altered lighting systems must meet Section 150.0(k), including luminaire efficacy requirements.
  • Existing screw base sockets in ceiling-recessed luminaires need not be removed if new JA8-compliant trim kits or lamps designed for use with recessed downlights are installed.
• For multifamily dwelling unit alterations: Section 180.2(b)4A.
  • Altered lighting systems must meet Section 160.5(a), including luminaire efficacy requirements.
  • Existing screw base sockets in ceiling-recessed luminaires need not be removed if new JA8-compliant trim kits or lamps designed for use with recessed downlights are installed.

Certificates of Compliance – submitted with permit application, completed by the design team

• NRCC-LTI-E for indoor lighting in High-rise multifamily (4 or more habitable stories)
• NRCC-LTO-E for outdoor lighting in High-rise multifamily
• LMCC-LTI-E for indoor lighting in Low-rise multifamily (Up to 3 habitable stories)
• LMCC-LTO-E for outdoor lighting in Low-rise multifamily

Certificates of Installation – submitted throughout construction or installation, completed by the installing contractor(s)

• CF2R-LTG-01-E for all lighting in Single-Family
• NRCI-LTI-E for indoor lighting in High-rise multifamily
• NRCI-LTO-E for outdoor lighting in High-rise multifamily
• LMCI-LTI-E for indoor lighting in Low-rise multifamily
• LMCI-LTO-E for outdoor lighting in Low-rise multifamily

There is no CF1R form for lighting in single-family buildings, but some jurisdictions may require a Mandatory Requirements Summary to be submitted as part of the permit application instead. The CF2R-LTG-01 form will be required from the installing contractor to document the lighting installation(s) in these buildings, for new construction, additions, and alterations. If the project requires ECC verification, all forms will need to be registered with an approved ECC Provider registry.

The NRCC-LTI-E form may be required with the permit application for dwelling unit indoor lighting projects in high-rise (4 or more habitable stories) multifamily buildings, and the NRCI-LTI-E form will be required to document the installation(s) by the contractor. Dwelling unit outdoor lighting (e.g., on patios, balconies) will require the NRCC-LTO-E and NRCI-LTO-E forms.

The LMCC-LTI-01-E form may be required with the permit application for dwelling unit indoor lighting projects in low-rise (up to 3 habitable stories) multifamily buildings, and the LMCI-LTI-E form will be required to document the installation(s) by the contractor. Dwelling unit outdoor lighting will require the LMCC-LTO-E and LMCI-LTO-E (for low-rise multifamily buildings), or NRCC-LTO-E and NRCI-LTO-E (for high-rise multifamily buildings) forms.

Acceptance testing is not required in dwelling units, so no NRCA-LTI-E forms are required for dwelling units.

Energy Code Ace’s Forms web page hosts most compliance forms that do not require ECC verification or acceptance testing, and also has free online tools, including:

• Virtual Compliance Assistant to generate nonresidential and multifamily forms.
• Forms Ace tool, which can confirm which forms are needed for a project and link directly to them.

No. Compliance with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 is only required for light sources installed in dwellings that do not fall under an Exception to Section 150.0(k)1A (for single-family dwellings) or 160.5(a)1A (for multifamily dwelling units). Separable light sources in recessed or enclosed luminaires (e.g., lamps in can lights) must meet elevated temperature requirements per Reference Joint Appendix JA8.5.

Yes. Lighting products certified as compliant with JA8 for the 2016, 2019, and 2022 Energy Codes are acceptable for compliance with JA8 for the 2025 Energy Code.

Reference Joint Appendix JA8 (2022) specifies EnergyStar testing methods that lighting products must undergo to meet the JA8-2022 and JA8-2022-E certification standards. The EnergyStar program for lamps and luminaires was discontinued on December 31, 2024.

The 2025 Energy Code replaces the EnergyStar tests with updated testing procedures in the new Sections JA8.7 and JA8.8. Per the revisions to Section JA8.5, products with the “JA8-2025-E” marking for elevated temperature must meet new federal test procedures. The CEC can provide details of the federal test procedures related to the JA8-2025-E requirements upon request.

No. Labeling a product as "Title 24 Compliant" violates California law, as it can be mistaken as government endorsement. Title 24 has several Parts, and its requirements are context-specific, so broad statements of compliance are misleading. However, labels can specify that a product meets a specific requirement under the Energy Code, such as Reference Joint Appendix JA8.

No. Sections 150.0(k)2Ei and 160.5(a)2Ei require auto-shutoff controls for at least one installed general lighting luminaire in these spaces.

Yes. Sections 150.0(k)2F and 160.5(a)2F require readily accessible wall-mounted dimmer controls for general lighting in habitable spaces, including but not limited to living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. These controls can be integrated with the manual shutoff control required per Sections 150.0(k)2A and 160.5(a)2A. Exceptions include:

• Ceiling fans, which may use a remote control for the integrated lighting.
• Luminaires connected to a circuit with controlled lighting power less than 20 watts.
• Luminaires controlled by occupancy or vacancy sensor with auto-off functionality.
• Navigation lighting using less than 5 watts (such as night lights, step lights, path lights).
• Lighting inside opaque drawers and cabinetry, or with automatic-off controls.

• Blueprint newsletter for clarification.
• 2025 Single-family Compliance Manual Chapter 6
• 2025 Multifamily Compliance Manual Chapter 6