How Lutron Softswitch 128 Panels Help Meet Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1 Compliance

Quick Summary

Commercial buildings must comply with strict energy regulations, including California’s Title 24 and ASHRAE 90.1, which set standards for lighting controls, automation, and energy efficiency. Compliance can often be a challenge for facility managers, electrical contractors, and building owners, requiring specialized systems that integrate seamlessly with energy codes. Lutron’s Softswitch 128 panels provide a streamlined compliance solution with built-in astronomical time clocks, occupancy sensor compatibility, and digital scheduling. These features not only help meet regulatory requirements but also reduce long-term operational costs and energy waste.

Introduction

As energy efficiency regulations evolve, it becomes increasingly important for commercial buildings to utilize advanced lighting control systems that support compliance. Title 24 (California Energy Code) and ASHRAE 90.1 require automated lighting controls, load reduction strategies, and demand response capabilities to optimize energy use. Buildings that fail to comply can face costly retrofits, permit delays, and regulatory fines. Lutron’s Softswitch 128 panels provide a ready-made solution designed to simplify compliance and ensure long-term energy efficiency.

Understanding Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1 Compliance Requirements

Title 24 Compliance Overview

Title 24, Part 6 of the California Building Standards Code, is one of the most comprehensive energy efficiency regulations in the country. It mandates that commercial buildings implement strict lighting control measures that enhance energy conservation. Among its key requirements:

• Automatic Shutoff Controls: Commercial buildings must use occupancy sensors and scheduling to ensure lights turn off when spaces are unoccupied, preventing unnecessary energy consumption.
• Daylight Harvesting: Areas with sufficient natural daylight must integrate dimming and shutoff controls to optimize energy savings.
• Astronomical Time Clocks: Exterior and security lighting must operate only when necessary, based on sunrise and sunset times to prevent unnecessary nighttime energy use.
• Demand Response Readiness: Lighting systems must be capable of reducing energy loads in response to utility peak-demand signals, which helps to reduce strain on the power grid and lower energy costs.

ASHRAE 90.1 Compliance Overview

ASHRAE 90.1 is a widely adopted energy efficiency standard used across the United States as the baseline for commercial building energy codes. Many state and federal regulations reference ASHRAE 90.1, making it critical for businesses seeking compliance. Key provisions include:

• Automatic Shutoff & Occupancy Sensors: All major spaces, including office buildings and educational facilities, must be equipped with automatic shutoff technology to ensure energy-efficient operation.
• Multi-Level Lighting Controls: To promote energy conservation, ASHRAE 90.1 mandates that buildings support dimming and multi-stage switching, allowing lighting levels to adjust dynamically based on occupancy and daylight availability.
• Exterior Lighting Control: Outdoor lighting must include astronomical time switches or sensor-based systems to automatically adjust based on environmental conditions.
• Energy Monitoring & Demand Response: Facilities must implement load-shedding capabilities to allow for reduced energy use during peak demand periods, lowering overall building energy costs.

How Softswitch 128 Panels Ensure Code Compliance

Lutron’s Softswitch 128 series (XPS8-FT, XPS12-FT, XPS16-FT) is designed to help commercial buildings meet both Title 24 and ASHRAE 90.1 with minimal effort. These panels integrate seamlessly into new construction and retrofit projects, offering advanced lighting control capabilities right out of the box.

• Integrated Astronomical Time Clock – Ensures outdoor and scheduled lighting turns off automatically, preventing unnecessary nighttime energy use.
• Occupancy Sensor Compatibility – Supports occupancy and vacancy sensors, allowing lights to be turned off when rooms are unoccupied.
• Daylight Harvesting Integration – Works with daylight sensors to enable automatic dimming and zone-based shutoff.
• Prewired and Pre-Tested Panels – Arrive prewired and pre-tested, reducing installation time and ensuring compliance from day one.
• Digital Demand Response – Can automatically reduce lighting loads in response to utility signals.

Comparison: Softswitch 128 vs. Non-Compliant Systems

Final Verdict: Future-Proofing Your Building with Softswitch 128

For facility managers, electrical contractors, and energy consultants, Softswitch 128 panels provide a complete, ready-to-install solution that ensures seamless compliance with Title 24 & ASHRAE 90.1. By integrating automated shutoff, demand response, and time-based scheduling, these panels maximize energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and eliminate compliance headaches.

Browse Our Available Models & Buy Today:

• XPS16-FT Softswitch 128 – 16 Relay Feed-Through
• XPS12-FT Softswitch 128 – 12 Relay Feed-Through
• XPS8-FT Softswitch 128 – 8 Relay Feed-Through

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