Effective January 1, 2026, the final version of California's CEC 2025 Title 24 standard will be mandatory! All lighting products in newly constructed, expanded, or renovated buildings must be labeled "JA8-2025" or "JA8-2025-E" and registered in the CEC database. The old "JA8-2022" label will become invalid!
On July 7, 2025, the California Energy Commission (CEC) released the final version of the 2025 Title 24 building energy efficiency regulations. This is a revision every three years, optimizing the 2022 version with stricter energy efficiency requirements. Don't miss the compliance window!
Below is a detailed explanation of the main changes in lighting products between the 2025 and 2022 versions of the building energy efficiency regulations:
Change 1: Simplified Luminous Efficacy Testing
Specific testing methods for incandescent and fluorescent lamps have been removed.
Federally regulated light sources use 10 CFR 429 Subpart B & 430.23(gg);
Non-federal sources:
Incandescent/Reflector Incandescent: 10 CFR 430.23(r)
E26 CFL: 10 CFR 430.23(w)
General Purpose Fluorescent: 10 CFR 430.23(r)
Other Fluorescent: IES LM-9
LED: IES LM-79
Tested under full light output conditions!
Change 2: Start-up Time Test
Energy Star method removed, new JA8.7 section standard added. Start-up time = from power-on to continuous emission. Integrated controllers (such as sensors) can disable the test.
Change 3: Color Parameter Test
Incandescent/fluorescent testing also simplified.
Federal Standard: 10 CFR
Non-Federal Standard:
Incandescent/Reflector Halogen: IES LM-20
Reflector Incandescent: IES LM-45
Single Base CFL: IES LM-66
Change 4: Noise Testing
The noise testing method for Energy Star bulbs has been removed; a new noise testing method has been added to section JA8.8.
Change 5: Labeling Upgrade
Changed to "JA8-2025" or "JA8-2025-E". Lifespan testing requires DOE Appendix BB method; aging temperature ≥45°C±5°C is required for the -E label.
Change 6: Light Source Type Adjustment
Incandescent and fluorescent lamps have been removed from the light source type list.
Change 7: New Testing Section
Detailed explanation of JA8.7 (Start-up Time) and JA8.8 (Noise).
