Building Code Glossary
High-efficacy Lamps: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IECC 2009 define high-efficacy lamps, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
High-efficacy lamps is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Compact fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps or lamps with a minimum efficacy of:” The IECC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009), Energy Efficiency (IRC 2009), Definitions (IECC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
High-efficacy Lamps — IRC 2009, Definitions:
Compact fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps or lamps with a minimum efficacy of:
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define High-efficacy Lamps, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | Compact fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps or lamps with a minimum efficacy of: |
| IECC 2009 | Definitions | Compact fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps, or lamps with a minimum efficacy of: |
Where high-efficacy lamps is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 2 |
| Energy Efficiency | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IECC 2009 | 1 |
| Residential Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about high-efficacy lamps, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
A minimum of 50 percent of the lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be high-efficacy lamps.
The terms high-efficacy lamps is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what high-efficacy lamps covers:
- Diameter — IRC 2009: Unless specifically stated, the term "diameter" is the nominal diameter as designated by the approved material standard.
High-efficacy Lamps: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IECC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Energy Efficiency (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Residential Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Diameter | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Diameter: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of high-efficacy lamps?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Compact fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps or lamps with a minimum efficacy of:” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Do the I-Codes define high-efficacy lamps the same way?
In the 2009 editions transcribed here, yes: IRC 2009, IECC 2009 carry the same wording, so the term means the same thing in each. Later editions do diverge on some terms, so confirm against the adopted edition rather than assuming the alignment holds.
Which parts of the code depend on high-efficacy lamps?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Commercial Energy Efficiency in the IECC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
Related pages
- Helical Pile: Building Code Definition
Helical Pile — IBC 2009 definition: Manufactured steel deep foundation element consisting of a central shaft and one or more helical bearing …
- Heliport: Building Code Definition
Heliport — IBC 2009 definition: An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for …
- Helistop: Building Code Definition
Helistop — IBC 2009 definition: The same as "heliport," except that no fueling, defueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of helicopters is …
- High-piled Combustible Storage: Building Code Definition
High-piled Combustible Storage — IFC 2009 definition: Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or …
- High-piled Storage Area: Building Code Definition
High-piled Storage Area — IFC 2009 definition: An area within a building which is designated, intended, proposed or actually used for high-piled combustible …
- High-rise Building: Building Code Definition
High-rise Building — IBC 2009 definition: A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the …