Title 24 Explained: NRCA-LTI-04-A and Demand Response Lighting Controls

As California continues to lead in energy efficiency standards, Title 24 of the California Energy Code plays a pivotal role in ensuring new construction and major renovations meet stringent performance criteria. One of the more nuanced—but increasingly important—aspects of this code is the requirement for Demand Responsive (DR) Lighting Controls, verified through Acceptance Testing using the NRCA-LTI-04-A form.

This blog post provides a polished, professional look into what the NRCA-LTI-04-A entails, when it must be used, and how building professionals can ensure compliance through successful testing and documentation.

NRCA-LTI-04-A is the official Lighting Controls Acceptance Test form used for verifying the functionality of Demand Responsive Lighting Systems under California’s Title 24, Part 6. These systems are designed to automatically reduce lighting power in response to signals from a utility or energy management system, typically during peak demand periods.

The form is completed by a certified Acceptance Test Technician (ATT) to confirm that installed systems meet code requirements.

The form is mandatory under the following conditions:

• The building is nonresidential, high-rise residential, or a hotel/motel.
• Lighting systems include automated demand response controls.
• The system must be capable of reducing lighting load by a minimum of 15% during demand response events.
• The controls are integrated with an Energy Management Control System (EMCS) or similar automation platform.

It is a permit closure requirement, meaning that projects cannot be signed off without the successful completion and submittal of this form.

Certified ATT technicians use a combination of manual override, software interrogation, and real-time event simulation to confirm the lighting system responds appropriately to demand response signals. They evaluate:

• System communication protocols (e.g., OpenADR)
• Load shedding capability
• Manual override restrictions
• Sequence of operations

While NRCA-LTI-04-A focuses on demand response, projects often overlap with daylight dimming zones. Testing ensures the lighting reduces appropriately during daylight hours and additionally dims when a DR signal is received. Systems must be clearly configured to distinguish between automatic daylight response and demand response triggers.

The following documents must be completed and submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or code official:

• Completed NRCA-LTI-04-A form
• Control system specifications and sequence of operations
• Site-specific DR event logs or test results
• System calibration and commissioning records

To reduce risk of failure during the ATT testing process:

1. Integrate DR capabilities during the early design phase, not post-installation.
2. Choose lighting control systems with certified OpenADR or DR compatibility.
3. Coordinate closely with EMCS vendors and integrators to ensure communication is reliable.
4. Perform pre-testing before scheduling ATT inspections to catch misconfigurations early.
5. Train on-site staff on how to trigger and monitor DR events during the test.

Meeting Title 24 requirements for Demand Responsive Lighting Controls doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the role of the NRCA-LTI-04-A form and what’s expected during acceptance testing, project teams can plan proactively, reduce costly delays, and ensure their lighting systems are fully code-compliant and energy-efficient.

Proper documentation, thorough testing, and strategic design integration are your best tools for success.