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| Recessed Can Lighting |
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 I have recently encountered problems on three separate projects involving "recessed can" lighting.On all three projects, for various reasons, the contractors had installed standard 90-watt recessed cans and exceeded their allowable lighting wattage. They then had to remove, replace, or modify the cans at significant expense. The question I get is, "So what can I do now? Can I just put in compact fluorescent bulbs?" The answer is NO. In determining the total connected lighting wattage, IECC Section 505.5.1.1 states, "the wattage shall be the maximum labeled wattage of the luminaire". Although not specifically defined in the code, "luminaire" is universally defined in the industry as a lighting fixture complete with the light source or lamp. The maximum labeled wattage of the luminaire is therefore the labeled wattage of the lamp, fixture, or ballast, whichever is greater. Therefore, if you put a 13-watt compact fluorescent lamp in a 90-watt can, the entire luminaire is still rated at the maximum labeled wattage, which is 90 watts. So if I am a contractor and I've installed standard screw-in type recessed cans and exceeded my allowable lighting wattage, what can I do to remedy the situation? One thing I can do is buy a retrofit kit to convert the standard screw-type fixture to a compact fluorescent pin-type fixture. These convert the fixture to only accept one or two pin-type 13 or 18-watt fluorescent lamps, thereby reducing the wattage rating of the fixture. See here. Another is to replace the fixtures with compact fluorescent fixtures. These come in IC or non-IC rated, dimming or non-dimming. See here. A third option is to remove or disconnect fixtures until the allowable wattage is achieved. Contractors and designers should be aware that with today's energy codes, any incandescent lighting specified for a new or remodeled building should be a red flag. The energy codes are based primarily on fluorescent lighting for building interiors. Note: links are provided to websites in public domains and are provided for informational reference purposes only, products are not endorsed in any way by Overland Assessments. |
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