| Article / Section | Topic | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Art. 100 | Definitions | Luminaire, ballast, LED driver — ensure correct terminology in submittals. |
| 210.19(A) | Branch-Circuit Conductors | Ampacity must be ≥ continuous load × 125 % for lighting branch circuits. |
| 210.20 | Branch-Circuit OCPD | OCPD rating ≥ 125 % of continuous lighting load. |
| 210.23 | Permissible Loads | Luminaires and portable lighting on 15 A / 20 A circuits. |
| 215.2(A) | Feeder Ampacity | Feeder conductors sized for total lighting load at 125 % continuous factor. |
| 220.14(D) | Show-Window Lighting | 200 VA per linear ft of show window, regardless of actual wattage. |
| 220.18(B) | Banks of Ballasts / Drivers | Multioutlet assemblies: apply 180 VA per outlet on 20 A circuits. |
| 410.10 | Luminaire Location | Clearances from combustible materials; restricted zones in clothes closets. |
| 410.16 | Luminaires in Clothes Closets | Only surface-mounted or recessed incandescent/LED types meeting clearance; no pendants. |
| 410.36 | Support of Luminaires | Outlet boxes rated for luminaire weight; fixtures >50 lb require independent support. |
| 410.64 | Luminaires as Raceways | Not permitted unless listed and marked for use as a raceway. |
| 410.116 | Thermal Protection — Recessed | IC-rated if in contact with insulation; "Type IC" marking required. |
| 410.130(G) | Disconnecting Means | Ballasts/drivers in fluorescent and HID fixtures must have a disconnecting means ≤50 ft. |
| 411 | Lighting Systems ≤30 V | Low-voltage landscape/track lighting: listing requirements and GFCI protection rules. |
| 600 | Electric Signs / Outline Lighting | Neon, LED channel letters, exposed lamp tubing: special listing and wiring requirements. |
| 700 / 701 / 702 | Emergency / Legally Required / Optional Standby | Emergency lighting circuits: separation from normal, transfer time, battery backup. |
15 A Branch Circuit
Max continuous load = 15 A × 80 % = 12 A. At 120 V: 1,440 W. At 277 V: 3,324 W.
20 A Branch Circuit
Max continuous load = 20 A × 80 % = 16 A. At 120 V: 1,920 W. At 277 V: 4,432 W.
General Lighting Load
NEC Table 220.12 — offices: 3.5 VA/ft². Stores: 3.3 VA/ft². Warehouses: 0.5 VA/ft².
Demand Factor
NEC Table 220.42 allows demand factor reduction for first 3,000 VA at 100 %, next 117,000 VA at 35 %, remainder at 25 % (dwelling units).
| Occupancy | Unit Load (VA/ft²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Armories / Auditoriums | 1 | Assembly use |
| Banks | 3.5 | Continuous operation |
| Barber / Beauty Shops | 3 | |
| Churches | 1 | |
| Clubs | 2 | |
| Court Rooms | 2 | |
| Dwellings — single family | 3 | General lighting |
| Garages — commercial | 0.5 | |
| Hospitals | 2 | Patient areas higher |
| Hotels / Motels | 2 | Guest rooms |
| Industrial / Commercial Loft | 2 | |
| Lodge Rooms | 1.5 | |
| Office Buildings | 3.5 | |
| Restaurants | 2 | |
| Schools | 3 | |
| Stores | 3 | |
| Warehouses | 0.25 |
Transfer Time
Emergency lighting must energize within 10 seconds of normal power failure (700.12).
Duration
Battery-backed units must maintain illumination for a minimum of 90 minutes at rated load.
Circuit Separation
Emergency wiring must be kept entirely independent of other wiring; no sharing of conduit, boxes, or enclosures (700.10).
Wiring Methods
Must use wiring methods listed for use in hazardous conditions or be protected by 2-hour fire-rated assemblies.
Testing
Monthly functional test (30 sec) and annual full-load test (90 min) required. Records must be kept (700.3).
Exit Signs
Must be illuminated at all times (700.16). Self-luminous or photoluminescent types permitted under NFPA 101.
| Document | Publisher | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, 2023 Ed. | NFPA | Primary governing document for all electrical installations in the US. |
| NFPA 101: Life Safety Code | NFPA | Egress lighting requirements cross-referenced with NEC Art. 700. |
| NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace | NFPA | Maintenance and safety practices for energized luminaires. |
| UL 1598: Standard for Luminaires | UL | Product listing standard cross-referenced in NEC 410. |
| UL 924: Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment | UL | Listing standard for emergency luminaires and unit equipment. |
| NEMA LE 4: Recessed Luminaires | NEMA | Industry guide for IC/non-IC ratings referenced in NEC 410.116. |
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