Title 20 Compliant Guide: California Lighting Regulations
Written by Cory PetersonLast Updated Jan 12, 2026
Published on Nov 30, 2020
The California Energy Commission (CEC) was established by the Warren-Alquist Act in 1974. At the time, growing energy demand in the state led to the need for a modern energy policy to reduce the environmental impacts and costs of existing systems.
The CEC remains the official energy policy and planning agency for the state, continuing to promote its seven core responsibilities through legislation. Some of its most notable work includes Titles 20 and 24, which mandate energy efficiency standards for businesses. Business owners can reduce costs by installing energy-efficient lighting that follows this legislation, with benefits felt throughout the community.
Read on for our guide to Title 20 regulations in California for facility managers and electricians. Follow these guidelines to help ensure your next installation meets compliance requirements.
Important Disclaimer: Regulations change frequently. Always verify current Title 20 requirements with the CEC and consult with qualified professionals before making compliance decisions. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Understanding Title 20
Title 20 establishes appliance efficiency regulations for consumer electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. It sets minimum efficiency levels for a wide range of products in both residential and non-residential buildings.
Any product covered by the program must be registered with the CEC before it can legally enter the market and be sold in California.
This registration process includes listing the product in the California Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System (MAEDBS). As a lighting manufacturer, retailer, importer, distributor, installer, or contractor, you are responsible for confirming that your products are Title 20 compliant. The CEC emphasizes that every member of the supply chain plays a role in ensuring compliance.
Title 20 Lighting Requirements
Title 20 affects three main lighting categories: small-diameter directional lamps (SSDL), state-regulated LED lamps (SLED), and general service lamps (GSL). These products must pass testing and performance requirements to be listed in MAEDBS and achieve Title 20 compliance.
Universal LED Lamp Requirements
All LED lamps covered under Title 20 must meet these baseline requirements:
- Power factor greater than 0.7
- If dimmable, must dim to 10% with reduced flicker and noise less than 24dB at both 100% and 20% output
- Must produce white light with correlated color temperature (CCT) between 2200K and 7000K
Title 20 Compliance Categories
Title 20 ensures that lighting products sold in California meet energy efficiency standards set by the California Energy Commission. This reduces waste from discarded bulbs and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
The program facilitates a gradual transition to efficient LED technology from existing halogen, incandescent, and CFL bulbs. Title 20 regulations are updated periodically, such as the 2018-19 amendments that added two tiers of standards and new requirements for product certification and quality.
State-Regulated LED Lamps (SLED)
This category includes lamps with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) GU-24, E12, E17, or E26 base types. It also covers LED lamps designed for retrofitting existing recessed can housings that contain these base types.
SLED requirements apply when the lamp is dimmable, has a color temperature lower than 3000K, and produces more than 310 lumens (E26 base) or 150 lumens (E12 and E17 bases) compared to its incandescent equivalent.
- Minimum Efficacy: 80 lm/W (lumens per watt)
- Minimum Compliance Score: 297 (calculated based on efficacy, power factor, and other performance metrics)
- Minimum Rated Life: 10,000 hours
- Standby Power: 0.2 watts maximum
State-Regulated General Service Lamps (GSL)
GSL are omnidirectional lamps with E26-style bases, including incandescent, LED, or CFL bulbs.
- Minimum Efficacy: 45 lm/W
- Minimum Compliance Score: None required
- Minimum Rated Life: 1,000 hours
- CRI (Color Rendering Index):
- 80 or greater for non-modified spectrum lamps
- 75 or greater for modified spectrum lamps
State-Regulated Small Diameter Directional Lamps (SSDL)
SSDL are commonly found in hospitality, museum, and retail track lighting applications. These directional lamps (non-tubular) have a diameter of 2.25″ or less and can be halogen, incandescent, or LED technology. They typically operate at 12, 24, or 120 volts.
- Minimum Efficacy: 80 lm/W (or 70 lm/W with a minimum compliance score of 165)
- Minimum Rated Life: 25,000 hours
Title 20 vs Title 24: Key Differences
While Title 24 regulates how new buildings are constructed and maintained, Title 20 covers the products installed in these buildings (plus retrofits of existing structures).
Important distinction: Meeting Title 20 standards does not automatically ensure Title 24 compliance. Products require Title 20 approval before entering the market, but they must also be evaluated for Title 24 requirements before installation in new construction or major retrofit projects.
Verifying Compliance
To confirm a product’s Title 20 compliance status:
- Check the CEC’s MAEDBS database for product registration
- Review product documentation for Title 20 certification
- Consult with manufacturers or suppliers about compliance status
- Work with qualified lighting professionals familiar with current regulations
About The Author
Cory Peterson is Vice President of Marketing & Sales Operations at LED Lighting Supply where he focuses on improving customer experience and revenue operations. Cory writes about commercial & industrial lighting, along with topics important to contractors and facility managers. In his free time, Cory enjoys traveling, snorkeling, exercise and cooking.
