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9.4 Lighting Controls, Manual

This part of the Energy Efficiency Manual shows how to lower lighting cost by enabling the occupants of buildings to control lighting efficiently. The energy conservation measures here are oriented toward efficient use of manual light switches and dimmers. They include actions to motivate people to use lighting efficiently, improvements to light switches to make them easier to use, and for certain applications, features that limit access of light switches.

Motivation of occupants includes effective placards, signage, and identification of light switches, and the effective use of facility operating staff and security personnel to limit unnecessary use of lighting.

Improvements to switching include proper toggle switch orientation, use of switches with telltale lights, and installation of distinctive switches within groups of switches. Where it is desirable to limit access to light switches, the use and limitation of key switches are explained. Special procedures for 3-way and 4-way switches are explained.

For incandescent lights with obsolete rheostat types of dimmers, upgrading to efficient dimmers is explained.