Electrical (C-10) · Lesson 5 of 6

Residential Lighting Controls and Blank Boxes (Energy Code §150.0(k))

"Residential Lighting Controls and Blank Boxes (Energy Code §150.0(k))" is lesson 5 of 6 in the Electrical (C-10) Learning Hub. It opens with "Luminaires must meet JA8" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Luminaires must meet JA8
  2. Recessed ceiling downlights
  3. Wall controls, dimmers and automatic-off
  4. Blank electrical boxes
  5. Control devices and outdoor lighting

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, starting with "Fix the blank boxes".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Residential Lighting Controls and Blank Boxes (Energy Code §150.0(k))" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Wall controls, dimmers and automatic-off".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Blank electrical boxes".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Control devices and outdoor lighting".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Residential Lighting: Controls and Blank BoxesKitchenDIMMERLivingDIMMERDiningDIMMERBedroom 1DIMMERBedroom 2DIMMERBedroom 3DIMMERBath 1AUTO-OFFBath 2AUTO-OFFLaundryAUTO-OFFGarageAUTO-OFFWalk-in closetAUTO-OFFTALLY FOR THIS HOUSEDimmer rooms: 3 + 3 bedrooms = 6Auto-off rooms: 2 baths + laundry+ garage + walk-in closet = 5Blank boxes above 5 ft, no luminaire: 5Allowed = number of bedrooms = 35 - 3 = 2 too many FAILRecessed downlights: no screw-basesocket; label airtight, under 2.0 cfmat 75 Pa; sealed to the ceilingRemove or fill 2 of the 5 blank boxes (or place luminaires on them)The other 3 must be on a dimmer, vacancy sensor, low-voltage wiring or fan speed control.Sources: 2025 California Energy Code §150.0(k), §110.9(b)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Luminaires must meet JA8

2025 California Energy Code §150.0(k)1A: all installed luminaires and light sources shall comply with Reference Joint Appendix JA8 and be certified and marked as required by JA8. Exceptions include integrated device lighting (exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, bath vanity mirrors, garage door openers, ceiling fan kits subject to DOE standards); navigation lighting rated less than 5 watts such as night lights, step lights and path lights; lighting of 45 lumens per watt or more inside drawers, cabinetry or linen closets; and certain outdoor LED, decorative colored SSL, HID and induction sources. Lamps in enclosed or recessed luminaires must meet the JA8 elevated-temperature marking requirements (§150.0(k)1D).

Step 2: Recessed ceiling downlights

§150.0(k)1C: luminaires recessed into ceilings may not contain screw-base lamp sockets; must carry a label certifying the luminaire is airtight with air leakage less than 2.0 cfm at 75 Pascals when tested to ASTM E283; must be sealed with a gasket or caulk between housing and ceiling with all air leak paths between conditioned and unconditioned spaces sealed (or be installed per manufacturer's instructions to maintain airtightness); and must meet the clearance and installation requirements of California Electrical Code 410.116. An exception covers recessed luminaires marked for fire-rated installations extruded into the ceiling space and those in noninsulated ceilings. Exhaust fan housings with integral light need not be certified airtight.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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