The goal of Title 24 Lighting Control Acceptance Testing is to prevent lights from burning energy when they’re not needed. For example, in the case of daylight harvesting, if outside light entering the building adds light to the work surface, the controlled lighting should be programmed to dim. Or in the case of motion detectors, if no one is in the controlled area, the lights should turn off. As a result, energy is saved, which is the intent of the Energy Code requirement for efficient lighting control measures.
To that effect, an Acceptance Test Technician is simply verifying that the light levels desired in the facility are maintained at the proper levels or are otherwise controlled “off” or “dimmed” per the project specifications.
Below is an overview of what to expect and how to ease through this process.
- Read the blueprints. The desired light levels should always be listed on the blueprints as well as the sequence by which the lights will react. Follow the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) of North America standards if plans are not readily available.
- Follow Directions. Install the system per the manufacturer’s or supplier’s directions. Verify that all wiring is correct, all sensor locations are appropriate, and all components are functional.
- Identify the Zones. The blueprint/as-built must show the controlled zones, daylight zones, skylight zones, sensor locations, etc. This is a code requirement and will have to be highlighted on the construction document print-outs while in the field if originally not identified.
- Initial Test. The contractor should test the system before calling the Acceptance Test Technician.
- Day and Night Testing. Occupancy sensors and time clocks can be tested during the day, but daylight harvesting systems must be tested both in the day and at night, which adds up to a very long test day. The contractor must be aware of this and ensure the right people are available on site and that relevant parties are available by phone.
VCA provides Lighting Control Design Reviews, Testing, and Quality Assurance inspections to help increase ROI savings and ease passing any required testing. For more information on energy code compliance on your new or existing buildings, contact Moe Fakih below:
Moe Fakih, Principal
714-363-4700
Contributing Writer: Barbara Gonzalez, Project Manager
Image source: https://www.lightnowblog.com/2014/11/product-monday-color-select-by-usai-lighting-2/