Lighting Resources & Tools
Technical resources, calculators, and guides to support your lighting projects
LED Energy Savings Calculator
Calculate your potential savings by switching to LED lighting
Project Details
Your Savings
Current Annual Usage
4,000
kWh per year
New LED Usage
2,250
kWh per year
Annual Energy Savings
1,750
kWh saved per year
Annual Cost Savings
$210
saved per year
Payback Period
11.9
years
5-Year Savings
$1,050
total
10-Year Savings
$2,100
total
Ready to start your LED retrofit project?
Get Professional QuoteAbout This Calculator
This calculator provides estimates based on your inputs. Actual savings may vary based on fixture efficiency, local electricity rates, usage patterns, and installation costs. For precise calculations and professional recommendations, contact our lighting experts.
Code Compliance Checklists
Essential compliance requirements for California commercial lighting projects
Title 24 Compliance
Power Density Limits
Verify lighting power density meets Table 140.6-C requirements
Lighting Controls
Install automatic shutoff controls for all spaces
Daylight Controls
Implement daylight dimming in applicable spaces
Occupancy Sensors
Install vacancy sensors in private offices and conference rooms
Documentation
Submit Certificate of Compliance (Form CF-1R) and calculations
ASHRAE 90.1
Lighting Power Allowance
Meet Table 9.5.1 or 9.6.1 power density requirements
Automatic Lighting Controls
Install shutoff controls in all spaces per Section 9.4.1
Daylight Responsive Controls
Implement continuous dimming in daylight areas
Personal Controls
Provide individual workstation lighting controls
Exterior Lighting
Control exterior lighting with photocells and time switches
Emergency Lighting
Exit Signs
Install illuminated exit signs at all required locations
Egress Illumination
Maintain 1 fc minimum along egress paths
Battery Backup
Provide 90-minute battery backup for emergency lighting
Testing Requirements
Conduct 30-second and 90-minute battery tests
ADA Compliance
Ensure exit signs meet ADA accessibility requirements
LEED Lighting
Interior Lighting Power
Achieve 15% reduction below ASHRAE 90.1 baseline
Lighting Controls
Install multi-level lighting controls in 90% of spaces
Daylight Integration
Implement daylight responsive controls in daylight areas
Quality of Views
Minimize glare and provide uniform illumination
Light Pollution
Comply with exterior lighting requirements and cutoff angles
San Diego County
Building Permits
Submit electrical and lighting plans for permit approval
Inspection Requirements
Schedule rough-in and final electrical inspections
Dark Sky Compliance
Follow outdoor lighting ordinances to reduce light pollution
Coastal Zone Requirements
Additional restrictions for coastal properties
Final Documentation
Submit as-built drawings and commissioning reports
Best Practices
Photometric Analysis
Conduct calculations to verify light levels and uniformity
Energy Modeling
Compare LED vs existing lighting energy consumption
Fixture Selection
Choose DLC-listed fixtures for utility rebates
Control Integration
Coordinate lighting controls with HVAC and security systems
Commissioning Plan
Test all lighting systems before final acceptance
Need Help with Code Compliance?
Our lighting experts can help ensure your project meets all applicable codes and standards. We provide detailed compliance documentation and work directly with building officials.
Get Compliance SupportQuick Reference Charts
Recommended Light Levels
| Application | Footcandles |
|---|---|
| Office - General | 30-50 fc |
| Office - Task | 50-75 fc |
| Retail - General | 20-50 fc |
| Retail - Display | 100-200 fc |
| Warehouse | 10-30 fc |
| Restaurant - Dining | 20-50 fc |
| Hospital - General | 30-50 fc |
| Hospital - Exam | 100-200 fc |
| Classroom | 30-50 fc |
| Gymnasium | 30-50 fc |
| Parking Areas | 1-5 fc |
Color Temperature Guide
| CCT Range | Best For |
|---|---|
| 2700K | Warm, Residential |
| 3000K | Hospitality, Lobbies |
| 3500K | Retail, Mixed Use |
| 4000K | Office, Commercial |
| 5000K | Industrial, Task |
| 5700K-6500K | Daylight Match |
Pro Tip: 4000K is the most versatile for commercial applications
Energy Efficiency Guide
| Lighting Type | Efficacy |
|---|---|
| LED | 100-150 lm/W |
| Fluorescent T8 | 80-100 lm/W |
| Fluorescent T12 | 60-80 lm/W |
| Metal Halide | 65-115 lm/W |
| High Pressure Sodium | 80-140 lm/W |
| Incandescent | 10-17 lm/W |
Energy Savings: LED lighting can reduce energy costs by 50-90%
Fixture Spacing Guidelines
| Ceiling Height | Spacing Ratio |
|---|---|
| 8-10 ft | 1.2-1.5 x Height |
| 12-15 ft | 1.5-2.0 x Height |
| 16-20 ft | 2.0-2.5 x Height |
| 20+ ft | 2.5-3.0 x Height |
Example: For 12ft ceilings, space fixtures 18-24ft apart
Power Density Limits (Title 24)
| Space Type | W/sq ft |
|---|---|
| Office | 0.9 W/sq ft |
| Retail | 1.4 W/sq ft |
| Warehouse | 0.8 W/sq ft |
| Restaurant | 1.0 W/sq ft |
| Hospital | 1.2 W/sq ft |
| School | 1.0 W/sq ft |
Note: California Title 24 requirements for 2022 code cycle
Industry Resources
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
Professional Organization
Industry standards and recommended practices
DesignLights Consortium (DLC)
Certification Body
Qualified products list and efficiency standards
California Energy Commission
Government Resource
Title 24 updates and compliance resources
U.S. Green Building Council
Sustainability Resource
LEED certification and sustainable design
Lighting Education Center
Stay Informed on Industry Trends
Latest Technology Updates
Keep up with the rapidly evolving LED technology landscape, including advancements in efficiency, color quality, and smart controls.
Code & Compliance Changes
Stay current with Title 24 updates, local code modifications, and energy efficiency requirements that impact your projects.
Best Practices & Case Studies
Learn from real-world project examples and industry best practices to optimize your lighting designs and installations.
Sustainability & ROI
Understand how to maximize energy savings, achieve sustainability goals, and demonstrate clear return on investment for lighting upgrades.
Need Technical Support?
Our lighting experts are ready to help with calculations, specifications, and technical questions