Top 7 Title 24 Lighting Mistakes Contractors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

When a California project fails its Title 24 lighting inspection, it’s almost always for the same handful of reasons. These common mistakes cost contractors thousands in callbacks, wasted labor, and—worst of all—schedule delays. The good news? Every one of these mistakes can be prevented with proper planning and qualified acceptance testing support.

Here are the seven most common Title 24 lighting compliance mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Incorrect or Missing Lighting Control Programming

Controls that don’t trigger correctly, sensors set to the wrong timeout, or commissioning that was skipped altogether—these are the most common causes of failure. Proper programming MUST match the approved plans and Title 24 requirements.

2. Installing the Wrong Type of Sensor

Contractors sometimes install a sensor that appears correct but doesn’t meet the specific code requirement for that space. For example, vacancy sensors are required in many locations where occupancy sensors are mistakenly installed.

3. Missing or Incorrect Documentation

The NRCA forms are not optional. They are required and must match what is installed. Missing signatures, mismatched model numbers, or incomplete forms lead to instant rejection.

4. Daylighting Zones Not Set Up Properly

Daylighting controls are one of the most misunderstood aspects of Title 24. Installers often place sensors incorrectly, skip calibration, or assume daylighting doesn’t apply when it actually does.

5. Multi-Level or Continuous Dimming Not Functional

Even if fixtures are installed correctly, controls must be able to adjust light levels per Title 24 requirements. A single-level system will never pass.

6. Plug-Load Controls Missing or Bypassed

Plug-load controls must shut off power to receptacles in specified spaces. Many contractors overlook this requirement entirely.

7. Waiting Too Long to Schedule Acceptance Testing

This is a costly mistake. Testing should be scheduled before the final inspection so issues can be fixed ahead of time—not on the day of the inspection.

Avoid the problems that delay most projects. Schedule your Title 24 lighting inspection today and ensure your project passes smoothly the first time. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you avoid mistakes and delays.

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