Egress Lighting: Navigating Building Code and Energy Requirements
California's Building Code supersedes its Energy Code. Per the building code, when a space or room is occupied, the entire path of egress from that space to the public way must be illuminated to at least 1 foot-candle (fc). Use of occupancy controls to reduce light levels during unoccupied periods is allowed, however, in low mode, lighting along the entire path of egress must remain at 1 fc or above.
More information may be downloaded below including relevant code sections, determinations published by the fire marshal, and relevant definitions.