Commercial Bathroom Lighting Requirements

The table below provides recommended light levels from the iesna lighting handbook and lpd levels from the iecc 2015.

Commercial bathroom lighting requirements. This article series details guidelines for selecting and installing interior lighting to meet the requirements for different building areas. The us general services administration provides lighting levels and lpds for us government buildings which can be used as a guide for other types of buildings. 210 8 b 1 bathrooms. Check your local jurisdiction for other or more stringent requirements.

You also have special provisions in other types of occupancy for example health care has essential electrical system that may require emergency lighting even if the egress. If power service is interrupted in your building building occupants need to be able to safely exit without getting hurt. Each bathroom should have a circuit for lighting and an exhaust fan according to the code this circuit may be a 15 amp circuit if it serves just lighting but it should be a 20 amp circuit if it is also serving a vent fan. Bathroom lighting requirements the nec requires at least one overhead light in the bathroom and this can be part of the ceiling fan.

Commercial bathrooms need to be compliant with certain regulations regarding emergency lighting. At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways stairways attached garages and detached garages with electric power. I see this a lot no gfci in a commercial bathroom to the point i do not think it s required and have been told it s only a residential requirement. Bathroom lighting design specifications.

Commercial lighting requirements in 2009 iecc commercial provisions contained in chapter 5 with reference to ashrae 90 1 2007 covers lighting controls and power. Accent light is a great tool when used properly for any commercial space even the bathroom. Accent lighting can be placed directly over the stalls and sink area to create a gentle ambient lighting outcome. Commercial lighting requirements eric richman pacific northwest national laboratory.

Knowing what these regulations are will help you provide a safe building for all who enter it. General lighting fan circuit required. While general lighting is always useful accent lighting may be the better route for bathrooms. That s a bare minimum and you ll probably want to provide more lights such as vanity lights wall sconces or extra ceiling fixtures for convenience and safety.

Important nec bathroom regulations.