Anyone know about lighting standards in apartment buildings?

Question

I live in an apartment building which has 2 underground car parking areas. These parking areas, and the internal lobbies, are all lit day and night with the usual flourescent tubes. One of the owners here, has the bright idea of "saving us money" by turning off all the lobby lights during the day, and half of the car park lights at all times.
Apart from the obvious safety issues, I'm sure that there must be legal requirements for lighting, which the builders would have followed when putting up the place. Does anyone know how I could access these guidlelines ? I've tried Google, but not knowing quite what to ask for, I'm not getting much luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

There are no legal requirements for lighting. There are some code issues and insurance issues. The life safety code (NFPA) states that there must be at least one footcandle of continuous exit egress lighting. This means there has to be a minimal amount of light to see to get out of a building in an emergency. Also, many insurance companies require a similar amount of light in order to accept liability in a claim where lighting is involved.

Source(s):

17 years in electrical engineering/lighting design

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks for your answer - I'd hoped that I could argue the point with my neighbour over this one ! But it seems that I'll just have to bluff him !

Answer 2

no body dont no. onley you know it.