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How to Prepare for Your Title 24 Lighting Inspection: A Step-by-Step Checklist

by | Jun 25, 2025 | Electrical Lighting, Lighting Inspection, Title 24 Testing

How to Prepare for Your Title 24 Lighting Inspection: A Step-by-Step Checklist

 

Ensuring compliance with California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards is a critical step in completing any residential or commercial construction or renovation project. One of the most frequently overlooked—but essential—phases of this process is the lighting controls acceptance inspection.

Whether you’re a general contractor, an electrical sub contractor, or end user property owner, preparing properly can save time, money, and unnecessary delays. Below is a detailed guide and downloadable checklist to help you get inspection-ready.

 

Why Proper Preparation Matters

Title 24 lighting inspections focus on verifying that installed lighting control systems—such as occupancy sensors, dimmers, and daylight harvesting controls—are functioning correctly and meet California Energy Code standards. Inspections that fail due to missing documentation or incomplete installations can result in rescheduling, added costs, and project delays.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare for Your Lighting Inspection

 

#1 Ensure All Controls Are Installed and Operational

  • Verify that all specified devices (e.g., motion sensors, dimmers, photosensors) are installed.
  • Check that lighting controls operate as intended in both automatic and manual modes.
  • Ensure proper zoning and load control based on your lighting plans.


#2 Label All Devices Clearly

  • Each device should be clearly labeled for function and area served.
  • Labels must match the plans and acceptance test forms.


#3 Provide Access to All Areas Being Tested

  • Unlock access panels, ceiling tiles, or locked rooms prior to the inspector’s arrival.
  • Ensure that ladders or lifts are available if controls are located in high or hard-to-reach areas.


#4 Verify Programming Settings

  • Double-check time delay settings, sensitivity levels, and daylight thresholds.
  • Ensure time clocks or schedules for automatic shut-off are set and functional.


#5 Have As-Built Plans Ready

  • Provide updated as-built drawings reflecting any field changes.
  • Plans should include control locations, wiring diagrams, and control sequence descriptions.
  • Have a copy of your electrical permit available for review.


#6 Complete Required Documentation

  • NRCA-LTI-02-A (Lighting Controls Acceptance Forms) must be fully filled out and signed.
  • Include manufacturer cut sheets for installed devices, if requested.


#7 Conduct a Pre-Inspection Test

  • Perform your own walkthrough or hire a commissioning agent to pre-test the systems.
  • This step often identifies simple issues that could cause inspection failure.

 

Tap/Click here to access our CLIENT INTAKE FORM and make preparation easy!


Final Tips for a Smooth Inspection

    • Schedule inspections only after all installation and programming are fully complete.
    • Make sure a knowledgeable representative is on-site to assist the inspector and answer questions.
    • Don’t forget: corrections typically require re-inspection, which can delay project close-out.

Need Help? Our certified National Lighting Contractor Association Inspectors (NLCAA) are available to review your system, advise on code compliance, and ensure your inspection is a success.

Contact us to learn more at 833-357-1600 or tap the Chat icon in the lower right. Our business hours are 5am to 6pm Pacific, Monday through Friday.