Hello! I need some help finding very warm lighting (around 2200k or lower) using ceiling-mounted marine/cage/jar style fixtures. The easiest solution would be using medium base sockets with bulbs that give the warm effect I’m aiming for.
However, I’m running into an issue with Title 24 wattage restrictions. Each medium base socket is considered the equivalent of 60 watts, no matter the actual power usage of the bulb. Since the bulb is clearly visible in these types of fixtures, I’d prefer not to use integrated LEDs (if I could even find one that meets my desired color temperature/CRI). So, I’m wondering if anyone has faced this issue before? One potential solution could be using a ballast or current limiter that lets me rate the wattage much lower than 60. Since I want dim, warm lighting, even if I choose incandescent bulbs, I would be unlikely to exceed the Title 24 wattage limits based on actual usage.
Does the fixture have to be 60 watts, or can it not exceed 60 watts? Since you mentioned you’re looking for “dim” lighting, would the 60W (about 800-900lm) output be a concern for you?
Each medium base socket is rated at 60 watts. Since I’m aiming for dim lighting, the fixtures will not actually use anywhere near 60 watts. That’s why I’m looking for something like a current limiter that would allow me to list a lower wattage for Title 24 purposes.
Sully said:
Who’s enforcing this requirement? Could you provide a source? Are you saying medium base lamps are effectively outdated?
According to California’s Title 24 part 6 requirements:
5.3.1 Luminaires With Line-Voltage Lamp Holders
The wattage of luminaires with line-voltage lamp holders not served by drivers, ballasts, or transformers must match the maximum-rated wattage of the luminaire.
So, trying to meet the 0.5-0.7 watt/sf requirements with a 60-watt fixture (even outfitted with an LED bulb) that isn’t drawing anywhere near 60 watts is almost impossible.
@Emery
Maybe I’m missing something. Would a 10W 2200K A19 lamp work? I haven’t checked lately, but there are warm LED options available now, even dim-to-warm ones (which is why I avoid working in CA).
Sully said: @Emery
Maybe I’m missing something. Would a 10W 2200K A19 lamp work? I haven’t checked lately, but there are warm LED options available now, even dim-to-warm ones (which is why I avoid working in CA).
If it’s a 10W bulb in a 60W base, according to Title 24, it’s still considered a 60W fixture.
@Emery
As I said before, this requirement has effectively made every standard socket-based light fixture obsolete. It’s ridiculous, especially when the production of these bulbs has already been banned.