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Are You Compliant with New Lighting Control Regulations?


Property owners, operators, and managers need to be aware of and comply with brand new energy efficiency requirements that directly affect the lighting equipment they are using in their facilities, specifically for dimming ballasts.  

Fluorescent fixtures are dimmed using special dimmable ballasts. The new requirements may have an impact on costs and availability due to necessary replacement of newly non compliant equipment. 
 
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has established new energy efficiency requirements that update the 2015 Appliance Efficiency Regulations, part of the California Code of Regulations (CEC) Title 20 for regulated lighting appliances sold in California. Regulated products manufactured on or after July 1, 2016 must comply with the updated requirements in Title 20 and must be certified through the CEC. 
  • The new ruling only applies to products manufactured after July 1, 2016; therefore, all products manufactured prior to July 1, 2016 may still be sold into California and/or for intended end use in California.
  • CCR Title 20 includes new “Weighted Ballast Luminous Efficiency(BLEw)” requirements for dimming ballasts.
  • In addition, the CEC has set a maximum standby power limitation for dimming ballasts.
  • As a result of this new regulation, several models of fluorescent dimming ballasts manufactured by leading companies will no longer be compliant nor offered for sale in California, resulting in minimal to non-existent supply of dimming ballasts.
1. What Models by Which Manufacturers
Many manufacturers and suppliers will notify owners and property managers with lists of products that will no longer be sold in California. For questions regarding specific products, you will need to contact the manufacturer’s customer service department, who should have answers for all Title 20-related queries.  
2. California Database Updates 
The appliance database filing structure that manufacturers use to submit products for listing with the CEC will include new product categories and performance metrics starting January 1, 2018.
3. What is it going to cost

Until now retrofitting an existing fluorescent light might cost about $100 plus controls whereas a new LED light would cost between $350 to $450 per light plus controls.  Landlords who were trying to keep costs down with a retrofit (delaying the inevitable installation of LED lights) will now have to get to it sooner than later.

For more information or assistance with LED retrofitting or construction management needs please contact Michael Valentine, Executive Vice President, Construction Management at mvalentine@riverrockreg.com