Commercial Bathroom Lighting Requirements

Bathroom lighting requirements the nec requires at least one overhead light in the bathroom and this can be part of the ceiling fan.

Commercial bathroom lighting requirements. At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways stairways attached garages and detached garages with electric power. Bathroom lighting design specifications. At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom. If power service is interrupted in your building building occupants need to be able to safely exit without getting hurt.

Accent lighting can be placed directly over the stalls and sink area to create a gentle ambient lighting outcome. 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. This article series details guidelines for selecting and installing interior lighting to meet the requirements for different building areas. Accent light is a great tool when used properly for any commercial space even the bathroom.

Commercial lighting requirements in 2009 iecc commercial provisions contained in chapter 5 with reference to ashrae 90 1 2007 covers lighting controls and power. While general lighting is always useful accent lighting may be the better route for bathrooms. 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. In commercial buildings you have egress lighting the number of exits and the length of the egress travel generally will trigger when emergency lighting is a requirement.

General lighting fan circuit required. This article gives guidelines for lighting location strength and safety for bathrooms. 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. Commercial bathrooms need to be compliant with certain regulations regarding emergency lighting.

The table below provides recommended light levels from the iesna lighting handbook and lpd levels from the iecc 2015. Check your local jurisdiction for other or more stringent requirements. 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.

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.