## 7.3 Required Sign Lighting Controls

### 7.3.1 Indoor Sign Lighting Controls

§130.3(a)1

All indoor sign lighting other than exit sign lighting is required to be controlled with an automatic time-switch control or astronomical time-switch control.

These controls are required to meet the minimum requirements in §110.9 . See Section 7.2 of this chapter for information on the minimum requirements for lighting controls.

Sign lightings installed at healthcare facilities are not required to meet sign lighting control requirements in §130.3.

### 7.3.2 Outdoor Sign Lighting Controls

§130.3(a)2

Outdoor sign lighting is required to meet the following requirements as applicable:

A. All outdoor sign lighting is required to be controlled with one of the following options:

###### 1. A photo control in addition to an automatic time-switch control.

###### 2. An astronomical time-switch control.

These controls are required to meet the minimum requirements in §110.9. See Section 7.2 of this chapter for information on the minimum requirements for lighting controls.

EXCEPTION to §130.3(a)2A: Lighting for outdoor signs in tunnels, and for signs in large permanently covered outdoor areas that are intended to be continuously lit for 24 hours per day and 365 days per year.

B. All outdoor sign lighting that is ON both day and night shall be controlled with a dimmer that provides the ability to automatically reduce sign lighting power by a minimum of 65 percent during nighttime hours.

Signs that are illuminated at night and for more than 1 hour during daylight hours shall be considered ON both day and night.

EXCEPTION to §130.3(a)2B: Lighting for outdoor signs in tunnels and large covered areas that are intended to be illuminated both day and night.

### 7.3.3 Demand Responsive Lighting Controls for Electronic Message Centers

§110.12(d)

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) that have a connected lighting load greater than 15kW must that have demand responsive controls unless a health or life safety statute, ordinance, or regulation does not permit EMC lighting to be reduced. See Appendix D of this manual for guidance on compliance with the demand responsive control requirements.

Example 7-1

Question

Because the Energy Standards require sign lighting to be controlled by an automatic time switch control, will a sign on the inside of a mall be required to be turned off during the day?

Answer

No, the signs will not be required to be turned off during the day. The automatic time switch control will allow the owner/occupant to program their signs to be automatically turned on and off in accordance with their particular needs.