How California’s JA8 Regulations Impact Lighting & Control Systems
The state of California is residence to 12% of the nation’s population. Due to this, the state has traditionally set trends that spread across the United States. One avenue that the state is directly influencing is the lighting industry. Manufacturers are working to ensure available products meet the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) requirements. These requirements include Title 24, which went into effect in January 2017. Title 24 regulations include lighting in new construction, renovations, and additions to both residential and non-residential buildings. JA8 (Joint Appendix Section 8) is the name of the 2016 revised set of codes within Title 24. A large portion of these revisions apply to residential lighting, which is defined as the following:
- High-rise multifamily residential units
- Dormitory and senior housing
- A single-family building (including sheds and garages)
- Fire stations
- Hotel and motel guest rooms
JA8 codes stipulate that all lighting be highly efficient and that all bulbs and fixtures be JA8 certified. JA8 certification necessitates intense testing and adherence to strict requirements. For example, light sources arwe required to deliver at least 45 lpw and achieve full brightness in less than 0.5 seconds. Also, bulbs and fixtures must meet dimming, life span, and color rending requirements.
What are the JA8 regulations?
- Certified light sources will display ‘JA8-2016’ or ‘JA8-2016-E’ labels prominently. If the code contains an “E” as in ‘JA8-2016-E’ this indicates that the lamp or fixture is rated for elevated temperatures, and bulbs with this code can be used in enclosed fixtures.
- Downlights may not utilize a screw-based socket. They must also be rated for direct contact with insulation, indicated as Type IC or IC-rated.
- Bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and utility rooms are required to have one light linked to a vacancy sensor.
- One of the following combinations: photocell and motion sensor, astronomical time clock, Energy Management Control System (EMCS), or a photocell and time switch, must accompany outdoor lights that are wall-mounted.
These regulations only relate to permanently installed fixtures such as track lighting, under cabinet lighting, ceiling light fixtures, and ceiling fan lights. Portable lighting does not apply.
No state other than California requires using JA8-certified lighting, but JA8-compliant products provide benefits such as long life spans and energy savings.
