University of California Davis Facilities Management
Guide to California Lighting Regulations: Title 20
UCLA’s CSO Evening Escort Program
Readings:
A Procedure to Estimate the Energy Requirements for Lighting
Giuseppe Parise – Luigi Martirano – Luigi Parise
Sapienza, University of Rome
Abstract: The amount of the electrical energy used for the interior lighting of medium and large buildings is generally considerable. The European Standard EN15193 was devised to establish conventions and procedures for the estimation of energy requirements of lighting in buildings by an energy performance numeric indicator. This methodology is based on the three derating factors that consider the influence of the daylight exploitation, the occupancy behavior and, if present, of a constant illuminance sensor. The factors are evaluated by a statistical approach on the basis of general reference data tabulated by the same Standard, not considering more detailed parameters of the control system that can impact severely in the effective energy savings. The Standard methodology appears extremely useful for a preliminary evaluation. For a more accurate evaluation, this paper suggests an improvement of the procedure that considers the effective operation time and occupancy behavior, the type of control and lamps, the number of control groups, the technique of modulation (dimming or switching), and the delay in turning off. The suggested procedure is compared with the Standard one to highlight the improvements.
Related:
Energy performance of interior lighting systems
Topology of Continuous Availability for LED Lighting Systems
Financial Presentations & Webcasts
First Quarter 2026 Earnings Release | May 5, 2026
Here we shift our perspective 120 degrees to understand the point of view of the Producer interest in the American national standards system (See ANSI Essential Requirements). The title of this post draws from the location of US and European headquarters. We list proposals by a successful electrical manufacturer for discussion during today’s colloquium:
2026 National Electrical Code
CMP-1: short circuit current ratings, connections with copper cladded aluminum conductors, maintenance to be provided by OEM, field markings
CMP-2: reconditioned equipment, receptacles in accessory buildings, GFCI & AFCI protection, outlet placement generally, outlets for outdoor HVAC equipment(1)
(1) Here we would argue that if a pad mount HVAC unit needs service with tools that need AC power once every 5-10 years then the dedicated branch circuit is not needed. Many campuses have on-site, full-time staff that can service outdoor pad mounted HVAC equipment without needing a nearby outlet. One crew — two electricians — will run about $2500 per day to do anything on campus.
CMP-3: No proposals
CMP-4: solar voltaic systems (1)
(1) Seems reasonable – spillover outdoor night time lighting effect upon solar panel charging should be identified.
CMP-5: Administrative changes only
CMP-6: No proposals
CMP-7: Distinction between “repair” and “servicing”
CMP-8: Reconditioned equipment
CMP-9: Reconditioned equipment
CMP-10: Short circuit ratings, service disconnect, disconnect for meters, transformer secondary conductor, secondary conductor taps, surge protective devices, disconnecting means generally, spliced and tap conductors, more metering safety, 1200 ampere threshold for arc reduction technology, reconditioned surge equipment shall not be permitted, switchboard short circuit ratings
CMP-11: Lorem
CMP-12: Lorem
CMP-13: Lorem
Lorem ipsum
Public input on the 2029 Revision will be received until April 9th. Over the next weeks and months — typically meeting twice a day every Tuesday — we will pull forward our previous proposals and draft original proposals relevant to the education and healthcare electrotechnical infrastructure of educational settlements. Link to Proposed Reorganization.
NFPA 70 2029 Revision Mike Anthony IEEE and Standards Michigan public input April 2026
Photo at 2723 State Street Office*
Mike was part of the National Electrical Code Quarter Century Club but was at another conference and not able to receive the award at the June conference. University of Michigan support began in 1993. IEEE support began in 2014.
*New Office (a short walk across the street) starting October 1: 455 East Eisenhower, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Current Issues and Recent Research
Today we examine Second Draft transcripts of the Special Equipment Chapter 6 (CMP-12) and product inspection, testing and certification listings that appear Annex A (CMP-1).
Once every eighteen months we spend a week drilling into the National Electrical Code by submitting new proposals or comments on proposed revisions. Today we review the actions taken by the technical committees on the First Draft. Responses to committee actions will be received until August 26th.
Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources “Microgrids”







Information and communications technology (ICT) is a fast-moving economic space in which a mix of consensus, consortia and open-source standards form the broad contours of leading practice. ICT standards tend to follow international developments — more so than, say, fire safety standards which are more familiar to education facility leadership. All school districts, colleges, universities and university-affiliated health care systems have significant product, system, firmware and labor resources allocated toward ICT.
The Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) is a professional association supporting the advancement of the ICT community in all markets. This community is roughly divided between experts who deal with “outside-plant” systems and “building premise” systems on either side of the ICT demarcation (or Point-of-Presence). BICSI standards cover the wired and wireless spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. Its work is divided among several committees as shown in the landing page of its standards setting enterprise, linked below:
BICSI International Standards Program
Education communities are stewards of significant information and communication technology infrastructure. Accordingly, we track the development of BICSI 009 Data Center Operations and Maintenance Best Practices. This title provides requirements, recommendations, and best practices for the operation and maintenance of data centers including but not limited to standard operating procedures, emergency operating procedures, maintenance, governance, and management. Those comments are now being integrated into a revised standard to be released as soon as the restrictions of the pandemic are eased. For more information you may communicate directly with Jeff Silveira (jSilveira@bicsi.org)
As of this posting, all BICSI best practice titles are stable and current; though our recent communication with its leadership indicates that BICSI standards setting has been slowed by the pandemic.
A fair amount of content in BICSI standards are inspired by movement in safety concepts of the National Electrical Code; particularly on matters involving wiring, grounding and lightning protection. We maintain all BICSI best practice titles on the standing agenda of our Infotech 200 teleconference. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to the public. On this topic we collaborate with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee meets four times monthly in European and American time zones; also open to the public.
Issue: [19-30]
Category: Telecommunications, Infotech
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Michael Hiler
LEARN MORE:
Did you know BICSI offers a complete library of our award winning technical manuals and published standards? Available in print or electronic download, this set is a perfect resource for your company. Learn more: https://t.co/fzBA8hqve9 pic.twitter.com/y9duVe0fCG
— BICSI (@BICSI) December 15, 2018
Guide for the Joint Use of Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Facilities and Equipment
Abstract: This guide identifies the mechanisms and an analytic approach for developing consistent rules, agreements, and/or methodologies for the evaluation and inter-entity cooperation managing pole attachments on utility infrastructure that can contain both electric supply as well as communications wireline and wireless facilities.
The common safety codes and accepted good industry practices for joint use are referenced, including items such as clearances and strength/loading requirements, appropriate work rules during installation, maintenance and restoration, and general guidelines. The considerations within this guide can be used to help perform a detailed assessment of attachment installations where communications antennas and related wireline and wireless equipment are to be co-located on joint use structures.
Scope: This guide provides recommendations for the development of consistent guides, agreements, and/or methodologies for the evaluation and inter-company cooperation on managing pole attachments on Electric Utility infrastructure.
Allied non-profit organizations and unions play a critical role in training electricians, ensuring skilled, safe, and competent professionals. The National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers offer structured apprenticeship programs combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. We review the basics today at 15:00 UTC. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Michigan’s 2024 Public Act 172 amended the Skilled Trades Regulation Act, the state law governing licensing and regulation of electricians, plumbers and other skilled trades. Among the subjects addressed by the legislation are the number of apprentices who may work under the supervision of licensed journey or master tradespeople.
For electrical work, Article 7, MCL 339.5717, continues to permit a ratio of one journey or master electrician to no more than three registered apprentice electricians. The requirement applies on a jobsite basis, rather than across the overall workforce of an electrical contractor. The enforcing agency or the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for enforcing the ratio.
The provision illustrates an important distinction between technical standards and labor standards. The National Electrical Code and related technical documents establish requirements for electrical installations. Michigan skilled-trades law separately establishes requirements concerning the people permitted to perform that work and the conditions under which apprentices may participate.
For large institutional owners — including school districts, colleges and universities — these requirements affect not only electrical safety and workmanship but also apprenticeship opportunities, contractor staffing, project scheduling, maintenance operations and the long-term availability of qualified electrical workers.
August 26, 2025
Free Journeyman Electrician Practice Test 2025 Study Guide
United States national electrical trade standards prioritize safety, reliability, and economic efficiency in electrical systems. Governed primarily by the National Electrical Code upon which the University of Michigan has had a vote since 1996.
The NEC outlines requirements for wiring, equipment installation, grounding, and overcurrent protection to prevent hazards like electrical shocks, fires, and equipment failures. Compliance ensures safe operation in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Standards also promote energy efficiency, encouraging practices like proper insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy integration to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) further enforce safety through regulations and product certifications. Adherence to these standards minimizes risks, ensures system longevity, and supports economic benefits through reduced energy waste and maintenance costs, fostering a safe and sustainable electrical infrastructure.![]()
European Union electrical trade standards prioritize safety, interoperability, and economic efficiency across member states. Governed by the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU and harmonized standards from the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), these regulations ensure electrical equipment operates safely between 50-1000V AC or 75-1500V DC. Standards like EN 60335 address appliance safety, while EN 50110 outlines safe maintenance and operation practices. Compliance with CE marking requirements certifies adherence to safety, health, and environmental standards, facilitating market access.
For economy, the EU promotes energy efficiency through directives like the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, mandating efficient lighting, motors, and renewable energy integration to reduce consumption and costs. National regulations align with EU standards, ensuring consistency. These measures minimize electrical hazards, enhance system reliability, and support sustainability by reducing energy waste, fostering cost-effective, safe electrical infrastructure across the EU’s diverse markets.
Non-profit organizations and unions play a critical role in training electricians, ensuring skilled, safe, and competent professionals. Organizations like the National Electrical Contractors Association And unions such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Offer structured apprenticeship programs combining classroom instruction with hands-on training.
These programs cover electrical theory, National Electrical Code compliance, safety practices, and emerging technologies like renewable energy systems. Non-profits often provide certifications, scholarships, and continuing education to promote workforce development. Unions advocate for fair wages and safe working conditions, while their training centers emphasize practical skills, ensuring electricians meet industry standards and contribute to reliable, efficient electrical systems.
Join us today with the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Providing reliable internet to Alaska’s rural communities has long been a challenge. Now, members of #IBEW Local 1547 are readying to fix the problem for good, starting work on the Alaska Communications’ FiberOptic project later this year. https://t.co/cxwCug9Sfn pic.twitter.com/W0kNjYA6Kk
— IBEW (@IBEW) January 27, 2025
Calling all apprentices! Get ready for a day of inspiration, learning, & activities at Apprentice Appreciation Day at #NECA25. Connect with peers, hear from industry leaders, & take on challenges to help you build skills & advance your career. Learn more: https://t.co/Rhs3cgmhKR pic.twitter.com/sHLKWd57XD
— NECA (@necanet) July 29, 2025
Want the opportunity to give something back and help to build the next generation of the electrotechnical industry?#ECA #Skills Committee wants someone with #careers or local skills engagement experience to get in touch. Deadline – Friday 19 September: https://t.co/hljTXUg5PL. pic.twitter.com/WEG8JarB4r
— ECA – Electrical Contractors’ Association (@ECALive) August 20, 2025
IEEE Standards Association Public Review
Related Issues and Recent Research | Federal Legislation
This title sets the standard of care for construction, operation and maintenance of power and telecommunication infrastructure on the supply side of the point of common coupling. It is the first title to contemplate when weather disasters happen; with most public utilities bound to its best practice assertions by statute. Pre-print of Change Proposals for changes to appear in 2028 Edition will be available by 1 July 2025; with 24 March 2026 as the close date for comments on proposed changes.
Project Introduction for the 2028 Edition (2:39 minutes)
Changes proposals for the Edition will be received until 15 May 2024
Project Workspace: Update Data Tables in IEEE Recommended Practice for the Design of Reliable Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Electrical Resource Adequacy
NARUC Position on NFPA (NEC) and IEEE (NESC) Harmonization
The standard of care for electrical safety at high and low voltage is set by both the NEC and the NESC. There are gaps, however (or, at best “gray areas”) — the result of two technical cultures: utility power culture and building fire safety culture. There is also tradition. Local system conditions and local adaptation of regulations vary. Where there is a gap; the more rigorous requirement should govern safety of the public and workers.
The 2023 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)– an IEEE title often mistaken for NFPA’s National Electrical Code (NEC) — was released for public use about six months ago; its normal 5-year revision cycle interrupted by the circumstances of the pandemic. Compared with the copy cost of the NEC, the NESC is pricey, though appropriate for its target market — the electric utility industry. Because the 2023 revision has not been effectively “field tested” almost all of the available support literature is, effectively, “sell sheets” for pay-for seminars and written by authors presenting themselves as experts for the battalions of litigators supporting the US utility industry. Without the ability to sell the NESC to prospective “insiders” the NESC would not likely be commercial prospect for IEEE. As the lawsuits and violations and conformance interests make their mark in the fullness of time; we shall see the 2023 NESC “at work”.
Office of the President: Economic Benefits of Increasing Electric Grid Resilience to Weather Outages
Change Proposals are now being accepted from the public for revisions to the 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Safety Code® #NESC through 15 May 2024.
Learn more: https://t.co/jbxWtLPS6r pic.twitter.com/FRvZly1DoH
— IEEE Standards Association | IEEE SA (@IEEESA) April 11, 2024
“Science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world.”
– Isaac Asimov pic.twitter.com/IDl3dWLVgn— World of Engineering (@engineers_feed) February 26, 2024
Research Tracks:
Reliability of Communication Systems needed for the autonomous vehicle transformation
Standards:
Presentation | FERC-NERC-Regional Entity Joint Inquiry Into Winter Storm Elliott
IEEE Guide for Joint Use of Utility Poles with Wireline and/or Wireless Facilities
NESC Rule 250B and Reliability Based Design
NESC Requirements (Strength and Loading)
Engineering Analysis of Possible Effects of 2017 NESC Change Proposal to Remove 60′ Exemption
Joint Use of Electric Power Transmission & Distribution Facilities and Equipment
A Framework to Quantify the Value of Operational Resilience for Electric Power Distribution Systems
Technologies for Interoperability in Microgrids for Energy Access
National Electrical Safety Code: Revision Cycles 1993 through 2023
February 24, 2023
The new code goes into effect 1 February 2023, but is now available for access on IEEE Xplore! Produced exclusively by IEEE, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) specifies best practices for the safety of electric supply and communication utility systems at both public and private utilities. The bibliography is expanding rapidly:
NESC 2023: Introduction to the National Electrical Safety Code
NESC 2023: Safety Rules for Installation and Maintenance of Overhead Electric Supply
NESC 2023: Rules for Installation and Maintenance of Electric Supply Stations
October 31, 2022
The IEEE NESC technical committee has released a “fast track” review of proposed changes to fault-managed power system best practice:
CP5605 Provides a definition of new Fault Managed Power System (FMPS) circuits used for the powering of
communications equipment clearly defines what constitutes a FMPS circuit for the purposes of application of the NESC
Rules of 224 and 344
https://ieee-sa.imeetcentral.com/p/eAAAAAAASPXtAAAAADhMnPs
CP5606 Provides new definitions of Communication Lines to help ensure that Fault Managed Power Systems (FMPS)
circuits used for the exclusive powering of communications equipment are clearly identified as communications lines
and makes an explicit connection to Rule 224B where the applicable rules for such powering circuits are found.
https://ieee-sa.imeetcentral.com/p/eAAAAAAASPXpAAAAAFfvWIs
CP5607 The addition of this exception permits cables containing Fault Managed Power System (FMPS) circuits used for
the exclusive powering of communications equipment to be installed without a shield.
https://ieee-sa.imeetcentral.com/p/eAAAAAAASPXuAAAAAEEt3p4
CP5608 The addition of this exception permits cables containing Fault Managed Power System (FMPS) circuits used for
the exclusive powering of communications equipment to be installed without a shield.
https://ieee-sa.imeetcentral.com/p/eAAAAAAASPXvAAAAAGrzyeI
We refer them to the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee for further action, if any.
August 5, 2022
We collaborate closely with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee (IEEE E&H) to negotiate the standard of care for power security on the #SmartCampus since many campus power systems are larger than publicly regulated utilities. Even when they are smaller, the guidance in building the premise wiring system — whether the premise is within a building, outside the building (in which the entire geography of the campus footprint is the premise), is inspired by IEEE Standards Association administrated technical committees.
Today we begin a list of noteworthy changes to be understood in the next few Power colloquia. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting.
After "slipping a pole" in its revision cadence (owed to the circumstances of the pandemic) the 2023 NESC is rolling out for incorporation by reference into public safety laws relevant to education communities with #WiseCampus ambitions.@ieee_pes @IEEESAhttps://t.co/7EaTBgxa8X pic.twitter.com/jPvZNYzWBi
— IEEECampus (@IEEECampus) August 5, 2022
February 18, 2021
Several proposals recommending improvements to the 2017 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) were submitted to the IEEE subcommittees drafting the 2022 revision of the NESC. Some of the proposals deal with coordination with the National Electrical Code — which is now in its 2023 revision cycle. Keep in mind that that NESC is revised every 5 years at the moment; the NEC is revised every 3 years.
The original University of Michigan standards advocacy enterprise has been active in writing the NESC since the 2012 edition and set up a workspace for use by electrical professionals in the education industry. We will be using this workspace as the 2022 NESC continues along its developmental path:
The revision schedule — also revised in response to the circumstances of the pandemic — is linked below::
NESC 2023 Edition Revision Schedule*






The NESC is a standing item on the 4-times monthly teleconferences of the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities committee. The next online meeting is shown on the top menu of the IEEE E&H website:
We have a copy of the first draft of the 2023 NESC and welcome anyone to join us for an online examination during any of Power & ICT teleconferences. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting.
Business unit leaders, facility managers and electrical engineers working in the education facilities industry may be interested in the campus power system reliability database. Forced outages on large research campuses, for example, can have enterprise interruption cost of $100,000 to $1,000,000 per minute. The campus power system forced outage database discriminates between forced outages attributed to public utility interruptions and forced outages attributed to the university-owned power system. The E&H committee will convey some of the discipline applied by the IEEE 1366 technical committee into its study of campus power systems and, ultimately, setting a benchmark for the standard of care for large university power systems.
* The IEEE changed the nominal date of the next edition; likely owed to pandemic-related slowdown typical for most standards developing organizations.
Issue: [16-67]
Contact: Mike Anthony, Robert G. Arno, Lorne Clark, Nehad El-Sharif, Jim Harvey, Kane Howard, Joe Weber, Guiseppe Parise, Jim Murphy
Category: Electrical, Energy Conservation & Management, Occupational Safety
ARCHIVE: University of Michigan Advocacy in the NESC 2007 – 2017
The 2023 National Electrical Safety Code (#NESC) will be published this August. Stay tuned for new resources from #IEEE coming soon! Read about the upcoming changes here:https://t.co/VLXCNaf74S
— IEEE Educational Activities (@IEEEeducation) June 8, 2022
LEARN MORE:
P1366 – Guide for Electric Power Distribution Reliability Indices
University Design Guidelines that reference the National Electrical Safety Code
Today at 16:00 UTC we review best practice for engineering and installing the point of common coupling between an electrical service provider its and an purchasing — under the purview of NEC CMP-10.
Committee topical purviews change cycle-to-cycle. Here’s the transcript for today’s session: CMP-10 Second Draft Report (368 pages)
Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

The relevant passages of the National Electrical Code are found in Article 230 and Article 495. We calibrate our attention with the documents linked below. These are only representative guidelines:
University of Michigan Medium Voltage Electrical Distribution
Texas A&M University Medium Voltage Power Systems
University of Florida Medium Voltage Electrical Distribution
Representative standards for regulated utilities for purchased power:
Detroit Edison Primary Service Standards (Green Book)
American Electric Power: Requirements for Electrical Services
Pacific Gas & Electric Primary Service Requirements
The IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee curates a library of documents similar to those linked above.
Design of Electrical Services for Buildings
We are in the process of preparing new (original, and sometimes recycled) proposals for the 2026 National Electrical Code, with the work of Code Panel 10 of particular relevance to today’s topic:
First Draft Meetings: January 15-26, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina
Electrical meter billing standards are generally regulated at the state or local level, with guidelines provided by public utility commissions or similar regulatory bodies. These tariff sheets are among the oldest in the world. There are some common standards for billing and metering practices, including:
Michigan Public Service Commission | Consumer’s Energy Customer Billing Rules
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
Standards Michigan Group, LLC
455 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USA
888-748-3670