2018 IECC: What’s Changed and What’s New?

So what makes the 2018 IECC version different than the 2015 IECC revision? Lighting control sections have been updated to push more stringent energy efficiency technologies and strategies, and more specific areas must now include lighting controls. Here is a quick rundown of major changes that this latest version brings to the table:

Occupancy Sensors
Now required in more specific locations including break rooms, enclosed offices, open office plans areas, break rooms and warehouse storage areas. In addition, these sensors must auto-OFF lighting after 20 minutes of vacancy (2015 IECC requires auto-OFF after 30 minutes of vacancy)

Open Office Plan Areas
Now have their own 2018 IECC section specifying occupancy sensing and daylight harvesting requirements specific to this application

Automatic Time Switch Controls
Now required in sales areas and manufacturing facilities, and in all required locations must have an override switch that is in a location readily accessible to occupants

Daylight Responsive Controls
Must now activate in spaces with general lighting or zone control general lighting only when occupancy for the same area is detected

Dwelling Units
Must now comply with motion sensor and light reduction control requirements

Exterior Lighting Controls
Now required to activate auto-OFF no later than one hour after business closing and turn back ON no earlier than one hour before business opening

Daylight Shut-Off and Decorative Lighting Shut-Off
Now required for exterior lighting

To date, the following cities have also gone above and beyond their state-wide energy mandates to adopt 2018 IECC:

• Las Vegas, NV
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Reno, NV
• San Antonio, TX
• St. Louis, MO
• Tucson, AZ

For a current list of cities that have adopted 2018 IECC, visit https://database.aceee.org/city/energy-code-stringency.

Learn the Newest 2018 IECC with Leviton

Need to know the specifics of 2018 IECC, and how to prepare your application for compliance? Leviton has you covered with updated tools that include the following:

• Design Guide—browse comparisons between the 3 main energy codes (IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, and 2019 Title 24, Part 6), summaries of IECC requirements, common application solutions and more
• Application Cookbook—drawing collections for common IECC applications
• Line Cards—easy standard summaries and introductions to compliant solutions
• IECC App for Android and iOS smart devices—access all of Leviton’s code compliance resources on-the-go from the palm of your hand

These exclusive resources include detailed descriptions of 2018 IECC requirements and changes, as well as the information necessary to meet previous IECC versions.

Find more exclusive information and resources at www.leviton.com/emcadesign.