Exterior Commercial Lighting Requirements

Standards

• ASHRAE 90.1 and IEC standards cover the interior and exterior lighting requirements for new construction, additions and alterations for all commercial buildings. Standards cover the controls of lighting, power usage and lighting locations.

Power

• ASHRAE 90.1 standards require the use of a power cell to control dusk to dawn exterior lighting. A four-hour battery backup is required for commercial exterior lighting.

Exceptions

• Exceptions to the regulations include entrances and exits from buildings or structures where lighting is required for safety and eye adaptation. The power limits for illumination are based on the square footage of the illuminated area.