Occupancy Sensors

Lindsay, I think the applicability of override switches and occupancy sensors depends on whether you are talking about individual workstations or shared multi-occupant spaces. The presence of an override switch for an occ. sensor can make sense as a control for individual work station lighting, but not by itself for shared multi occupant spaces. For shared multi-occupant spaces, the BD& C guide Figure 2 on page 524 gives some guidance on options that comply: "Control options: dimmer switches step dimming bi-level switching multi zones." Your advice is consistent with the requirements for that space type.

David, Lindsay and other interested parties: I would love to have a cite for Ref Guide Addenda or Historic CIR with the language stating that override switches alone are not sufficient in multi-occupant spaces. If such a formal cite exists, would this also apply to 2.2 projects? Thanks, Marian

Marian, You may not find the exact wording you're looking to cite in a published ruling. I've seen three CIRs that address the more general intent of providing multiple levels of lighting in multi-occupant spaces based on the use of the space: Inquiry numbers 5056, 1650, and 5101. These appear to apply to 2.2, and help clarify the intent of the credit: We have seen single controls (occupancy sensors with overrides) in conference rooms rejected on an EB O&M 2008 project, and we've seen an NC 2.2 project approved when an analysis of each space showed variable lighting levels in areas where it was appropriate (see my comment from March 29 above).