Meet California Title 24 Codes with RIB® Relays
Why Should California Title 24 Lighting Control Requirements Matter to You?
California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards set some of the most advanced energy-saving requirements in the country. For lighting designers, contractors, and facility owners, compliance isn’t optional—it’s a crucial part of every new build, retrofit, and tenant improvement project. Title 24 requires lighting systems to automatically adjust to occupancy, daylight, and demand conditions to reduce wasted energy.
The bottom line is: If you are a California lighting contractor, failing to meet Title 24 requirements can delay inspections, trigger costly change orders, and even impact occupancy approvals.
How Can Functional Devices Help You Comply with California Title 24?
Functional Devices’ line of RIB® (“Relay in a Box”) products helps designers and contractors integrate Title 24-compliant lighting controls with less wiring, faster installation, and greater reliability. RIB® relays provide simple, code-ready solutions for automating lighting loads, controlling emergency circuits, and integrating daylight or occupancy sensors into a single system.
For instance, RIB® relays can automatically override lighting controls when power is lost—keeping emergency lights active without additional programming. This capability supports Title 24’s automatic emergency lighting requirements while ensuring uninterrupted illumination for safe building evacuation.
The Role of UL924 and UL1008 Certifications
Two UL standards play an essential role in ensuring safety and compliance for lighting control systems under California Title 24: UL924 and UL1008.
UL924 – Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment
UL924 applies to devices like Automatic Load Control Relays (ALCRs) or bypass/shunt relays that ensure emergency lights turn on immediately and remain illuminated during a power loss. These devices bypass wall switches or dimmers to guarantee full brightness, regardless of the lighting control state. UL924-certified devices must maintain emergency illumination for at least 90 minutes after power loss, and must also meet specific photometric and battery performance standards.
UL1008 – Transfer Switch Equipment
UL1008 governs transfer switches—devices that safely and reliably transfer electrical loads between normal and emergency power sources. UL1008 testing ensures that switches can handle short-circuit currents, overloads, and other real-world conditions without failure. In an emergency, these switches activate backup generators or inverters to feed emergency circuits within milliseconds.
Functional Devices offers an entire suite of UL924- and UL1008-compliant products, ensuring installers can meet both California’s Title 24 and national safety standards in one integrated solution:
Real-World Applications: Meeting Title 24 in Commercial and Industrial Projects
Across California, Functional Devices’ RIB® Relays are installed in schools, hospitals, office buildings, parking garages, and industrial facilities. Their compact design and universal compatibility make them ideal for both new construction and retrofit projects where Title 24 compliance is required.
Examples include:
- Educational facilities, where UL924 ALCRs ensure egress lighting remains operational during blackouts.
- Commercial buildings, where UL1008 transfer switches provide seamless transitions to backup power for designated lighting circuits.
- Parking structures, where daylight sensors and RIB® Relays combine to automatically reduce lighting energy use during daytime hours.
By combining energy-efficiency features with emergency preparedness, these systems are not only up to code—they also enhance occupant safety and reduce operational costs.
How Functional Devices Streamlines Installation for Electrical Contractors
Contractors and facility managers consistently choose RIB® Relays for their ease of installation and proven reliability. Each unit arrives pre-wired, labeled, and ready to mount—saving valuable time on-site. The clear documentation and built-in versatility of Functional Devices’ designs allow installers to meet Title 24 control strategies (like partial-on or vacancy controls) without complex programming or external control panels.
Plus, Functional Devices provides comprehensive technical support and regional sales assistance for California projects. Whether you need help selecting a relay model or verifying UL compliance documentation, our team ensures you have everything you need to satisfy inspectors and code officials the first time.
How to Choose the Right RIB® Relay for Your California Projects
Title 24 compliance can vary based on project type, occupancy, and lighting layout. Functional Devices’ RIB® product line includes multiple relay configurations designed to match these unique needs—whether you’re working with 0-10 V dimming systems, emergency egress lighting, or daylight-controlled zones.
For detailed product guidance, see this Functional Devices blog article, The Best Choice for UL924 RIB® Relays, and the comparison post, What Is the Difference Between UL924 and UL1008?. Both provide side-by-side details to help contractors select the right relay for compliance and performance.
Partner Spotlight: Regional Support for Title 24 Projects
Functional Devices collaborates with a strong network of regional distributors and lighting representatives across California. These partners understand the nuances of Title 24 compliance and can help source the correct UL-listed products for your application. Whether you’re specifying equipment for a public-sector retrofit or a new commercial build, you can count on local expertise to guide product selection, documentation, and installation.
FAQ: California Title 24 and Functional Devices RIB® Relays
What is California Title 24, and how does it affect lighting control systems?
Title 24 is a state-mandated building energy standard requiring automatic lighting controls, daylight response, and energy-saving designs in all new and renovated buildings.
How do RIB® Relays help ensure compliance?
RIB® Relays integrate seamlessly with occupancy and daylight sensors, load controllers, and emergency lighting systems—simplifying compliance with both Title 24 and UL standards.
What’s the difference between UL924 and UL1008?
UL924 governs emergency lighting control devices, while UL1008 covers power transfer switches that move loads to backup sources.
Are RIB® Relays certified for emergency lighting?
Yes. Functional Devices offers multiple RIB® models that meet UL924 and UL1008 requirements for safe, code-compliant performance.
Find a California Functional Devices distributor near you.