December 29, 2025, China Lighting Network Report (2483 views)
Introduction: Starting January 1, 2026, the final version of California's CEC 2025 Title 24 building energy efficiency standard will become mandatory. At that time, all lighting products used in newly constructed, expanded, or renovated buildings must bear the "JA8-2025" or "JA8-2025-E" label and complete registration in the CEC database. The old "JA8-2022" label will officially become invalid.
On July 7, 2025, the California Energy Commission (CEC) officially released the final version of the 2025 Title 24 building energy efficiency regulation. This regulation is revised every three years, and this version further optimizes the 2022 version, imposing stricter energy efficiency requirements on lighting products. Relevant companies need to pay close attention to the compliance window to ensure their products meet the new regulations.
The following are the core changes in lighting products between the 2025 and 2022 versions of the Building Energy Efficiency Regulations:
Change 1: Simplified Luminous Efficacy Testing Methods
Specific testing methods for incandescent and fluorescent lamps have been removed, and a unified testing standard has been established: Federally regulated light sources adopt 10 CFR 429 Subpart B & 430.23(gg); for non-federally regulated light sources, incandescent/reflector incandescent lamps comply with 10 CFR 430.23(r), E26 compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) comply with 10 CFR 430.23(w), general-purpose fluorescent lamps comply with 10 CFR 430.23(r), other fluorescent lamps comply with IES LM-9, and LED light sources comply with IES LM-79. All tests must be performed under full light output conditions.
Change 2: New Start-up Time Testing Standard
The original Energy Star testing method has been removed, and a new section JA8.7 has been added to clarify start-up time testing requirements. The new regulation defines "start-up time" as the duration from when the product is powered on to when it emits continuous light; if the product is equipped with integrated controllers such as sensors, this start-up time test can be disabled.
Change 3: Optimized Color Parameter Testing Requirements
The color parameter testing methods for incandescent and fluorescent lamps have been simplified: Federally regulated light sources continue to use the relevant 10 CFR standards; for non-federally regulated light sources, incandescent/reflector halogen lamps comply with IES LM-20, reflector incandescent lamps comply with IES LM-45, and single-lamp compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) comply with IES LM-66.
Change 4: Updated Noise Testing Methods
The original noise testing method using Energy Star bulbs has been removed, and a new dedicated noise testing standard has been added to section JA8.8, further standardizing the testing process and judgment criteria.
Change 5: Upgraded Product Labeling Requirements
Product labeling has been uniformly upgraded to "JA8-2025" or "JA8-2025-E". Among these changes, products labeled "JA8-2025-E" must meet specific conditions: lifespan testing must use the DOE Appendix BB method, and the aging test temperature must reach ≥45°C±5°C.
Change 6: Adjusted Range of Light Source Types
Incandescent and fluorescent lamps have been removed from the list of light source types, further focusing on the application and promotion of high-efficiency and energy-saving light sources.
Change 7: New Specialized Testing Chapters
Two new specialized testing chapters, JA8.7 (Start-up Time) and JA8.8 (Noise), have been added, providing detailed explanations of the testing scope, procedures, and judgment criteria (start-up diagram omitted).