#ILLUMINATE DEFINITION CODE#

The lighting control device is activated by any occupant movement in the area served by the lighting units.

Illumination timers are provided and are set for a minimum 15-minute duration.

The lighting control device is equipped to automatically energize the controlled lights upon loss of normal power and is evaluated for this purpose.

In new installations, the lighting control device is listed.

“Unless prohibited by Chapters 11 through 43, automatic lighting control devices shall be permitted to temporarily turn off the illumination within the means of egress, provided that each lighting control device complies with all of the following: NFPA 101 does, however, allow the use of occupancy sensors in the means of egress with some limitations. Both codes can be met simultaneously, however it is not as simple as it was in the past, and special care needs to be taken to ensure that requirements in both are adhered to.įor example, the IBC does not allow egress lighting to be shut off or reduced in most cases while the building is occupied. The result has created some conflict when newer energy codes and egress lighting requirements do not align. A primary energy reduction measure that has been identified for lighting is a requirement to turn off lighting when spaces are not occupied. Portions of these codes have targeted the energy required and used to illuminate buildings. In recent years, energy codes have been adopted that try to reduce the amount of energy used in each building. See Figure 1 as an example of the means of egress for a space the corridor indicated needs to maintain 1 footcandle minimum when the space is in use.

NFPA 101 also requires that a minimum of 10 footcandles be provided at the walking surface of new stairs.

#ILLUMINATE DEFINITION CODE#

Supplemental code research will provide explanations of any exceptions for these types of spaces in a building. There are exceptions to this for certain areas such as theaters, auditoriums and similar spaces where light levels may be desired to support presentations, the use of certain audiovisual systems or performances. It is not an average level of illumination. Note that this is the minimum of what must be maintained along the entire means of egress when any portion of the building that would be expected to use that portion of the means of egress is occupied. Per 2015 IBC section 1008.2.1, as well as NFPA 101 7.8.1.3, the means of egress illumination level shall be provided at not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) at the walking surface. This can make design coordination more efficient and make it easier for any review process of design documents.Īfter the means of egress is determined, it is the necessary to define the lighting requirements. It is often a good idea to ask the architect to identify and mark the means of egress in their documents. It is important to consult with the architect who is designing or renovating the building and/or the AHJ to determine the exact means of egress. The exact means of egress can be difficult to determine in certain spaces. A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.Ī street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet.ĭefinitions of the components of the means of egress are defined in the 2015 edition of the International Building Code. That portion of a means of egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.Ī continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps and horizontal exits.

That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way. Definitions AisleĪn unenclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel.

To determine this, one needs to understand the definition of the components of the means of egress (see the definitions sidebar). The first step in design is to determine the means of egress.

Illuminate definition