California has been a leader when it comes to creating smarter, more energy-efficient building codes. The state has put in place strict requirements that impact how lighting is designed, installed, and sold. These regulations are not just saving energy but are about improving the quality and performance of residential lighting.
As part of the continuing efforts, California introduced a set of standards under Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards which outline how homes and buildings must be constructed to meet the state’s energy goals. Joint appendix 8 (JA8) is a section within Title 24 that focuses specifically on requirements for high efficacy and high quality performing light sources used in residential buildings in California.
These guidelines pertain to residential lighting in various settings which include:
– A single-family home including townhomes
– High rise multifamily residential units
– Hotel and motel guest rooms
– Dormitory and senior housing
– Fire stations
Key highlights of JA8:
– It is part of Title 24.
JA8 is a subset of California’s broader energy efficiency standards.
– It focuses on residential lighting.
Applies to interior light sources in various residential buildings.
– It requires certification.
Lighting products must be certified by the CEC as compliant with JA8 requirements.
– Mandatory for new construction and permitted alterations.
JA8 is required for products installed in newly constructed residential buildings or as part of a permitted alteration project.
– Emphasis on rigorous testing.
JA8 requires intense testing by third-party labs to ensure products meet the specified standards.
– It sets standards for various performance metrics.
JA8 Includes efficacy (lumens per watt), color rendering (CRI), dimming, flicker, start time, and performance in enclosed or recessed fixtures.
Comparison: Title 24 vs Title 20 vs JA8
– Title 24:
It is California’s comprehensive Building Energy Efficiency Standards. It covers all aspects of residential and commercial, including insulation, HVAC, windows, and lighting.
– JA8:
It is a section within Title 24. Joint Appendix 8 focuses mainly on residential lighting quality and performance.
– Title 20:
It is CA’s Appliance Efficiency Regulation. It governs the energy use of appliances and electrical products including light bulbs. It is a mandatory requirement for light bulbs to meet Title 20 if they are being sold in CA.
Regulation | Area of coverage | Application | Purpose |
Title 24 | Overall building energy code | New construction and major remodels (Commercial & Residential) | Energy-efficiency building design |
JA8 | Lighting performance within Title 24 | Residential lighting products | High-quality, efficient lighting. Requires labeling |
Title 20 | Appliance and product regulations | Residential lighting products | Limits energy use. Requires labeling |
How to identify a JA8 compliant product?
There are two ways to search for a JA8 compliant product:
1. To search the Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database Systems (MAEDbS). This official database list includes all lighting products that have been tested and approved for use under CA Title 24 and Title 20 codes.
2. To look for the JA8 marking on the packaging. They usually appear as: JA8-2022-E or JA8-2022.
It is important to understand what JA8 compliance means. If you are building or renovating a home project in California, it is essential to follow these requirements to pass the building inspection. Using JA8-compliant lighting products is not only to meet the requirements but also to save energy and to improve the lighting performance & quality of your projects. NaturaLED offers a wide variety of JA8-compliant bulbs and fixtures. For more information, call 909-930-6868 to speak with one of our Sales Representatives and Customer Service team.
