Part L requires that energy efficient lighting be used in both domestic (Part L1) and non-domestic (Part L2) buildings. The regulations currently apply to all new buildings and refurbishments of over 100m² floor area. The document provides design information in the following areas for non-domestic buildings:
• Effective use of daylight
• Selection of lamp types
• Associated control gear and power factor correction
• Luminaire efficiency
• Use of lighting controls
The requirements can be met by selecting an efficient lamp, control gear and luminaire performance combination, along with lighting controls that make maximum use of daylight and avoid unnecessary lighting during times when spaces are unoccupied.
Lighting controls can be simply an increased use of switches, time clocks and photocells to turn luminaires on and off. More advanced solutions include using high frequency dimmable control gear linked to photocells to provide constant illumination and daylight linking. Intelligent luminaires, such as Intellect, provide a straightforward solution to providing lighting control with user selectable functionality.
It is strongly recommend that reference be made to the current edition of Approved Document L, to ensure compliance with the latest requirements. Full details of Part L can be found on www.communities.gov.uk.
By adding the following extension direct access to the latest building regulations
/planningandbuilding/buildingregulations |
Part B includes the fire safety requirements for emergency lighting and the use of thermoplastic materials. The impact on emergency lighting is covered in the Lighting Design Guide on page 441. Approved Document B2 defines the provisions that apply to the use of luminaire diffusers, which form part of the ceiling. It should be noted that surface mounted and suspended luminaires are not currently covered by the regulations.
Luminaire with diffusers must not be used in fire protecting or fire resisting ceilings, unless satisfactorily tested as part of the ceiling system.
The following information is provided on the limitation of use of thermoplastic (TP) materials in other ceiling types (except protected stairways):
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Diffusers classified as TPa construction have no restriction on extent of use |
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Diffusers classified as TPb construction have limitations on size, total area coverage and spacing between diffusers |
In areas with general ceiling types, except protected stairways, the requirements can be met most simply by specifying TPa classification diffusers when using recessed luminaires. TPb materials can be used, but will require careful reference to Part B and calculation to ensure the regulations are complied with in full. All recessed luminaires with diffusers in this catalogue have TPa classification materials as an option.
It is strongly recommend that reference be made to the current edition of Approved Document B, to ensure compliance with the latest requirements. Full details of Part B can be found on The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister website: www.communities.gov.uk.
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