User: Akten, Location: New York
Asked on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 9:04 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 9:19 am EDT
Question: Art 220.11 in NEC 2020 says that open porches shall not be included in floor area for Dwelling Unit in lighting calc based on Table 220.12. If a building is a “non-dwelling” unit with Open porch & Pavillion spaces, do we include the floor areas when using Table 220.12 for lighting calculation?
No, you generally would not include the open porch and pavilion spaces in a non-dwelling unit lighting calculation using Table 220.12.Here's the breakdown and why: NEC 220.11 (2020) Dwelling Unit
This section is specifically for dwelling units. It excludes open porches, garages, and unused/unfinished spaces from the floor area used for general lighting load calculations (based on Table 220.12).
NEC 220.12 General Lighting
Table 220.12 provides the "General Lighting Load by Occupancy." This table is used for both dwelling and non-dwelling units. However, the application of 220.11 is strictly limited to dwelling units.
Application to Non-Dwelling Units
Since 220.11 only applies to dwellings, you need to rely on the general instructions provided by the NEC (specifically section 220.3)The NEC is concerned with ALL accessible areas including "outdoor" areas such as open porches and pavillions. If the area is accessible and requires lighting, it is to be included in the area calculation.
In Summary
Dwelling Units
Exclude open porches, garages, and unfinished/unused spaces specifically because of 220.11.
2.
Non-Dwelling Units
Include open porches, pavillions, and similar outdoor areas when calculating the general lighting load using Table 220.12 because 220.11 doesn't apply to them, and all areas requiring lighting should be included.
Important Considerations
Local Amendments
Always check with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). They may have amendments to the NEC that could affect this interpretation.
Specific Use of the Space
Consider how the porch/pavilion is actually used. If it's a truly unused space, you might have a case for excluding it, but that would be a judgment call potentially requiring discussion with the AHJ. If the area is likely to have lighting installed, it needs to be factored into the calculation.
Energy Codes
Keep in mind that energy codes (like IECC) have separate requirements for lighting power density and control. Even if the NEC allows you to exclude an area for load calculation, the energy code might still require lighting and therefore factor into the energy budget.
Example:
Imagine a restaurant with a covered, open-air patio (pavilion). Even though it's technically "outside," it's used for dining, requires lighting, and therefore must be included in the floor area calculation for the general lighting load using Table 220.12.Therefore, in your scenario with a "non-dwelling" unit and open porch/pavilion spaces, include the floor areas when using Table 220.12 for the lighting calculation. Flag for review