Monthly Tidbits of Current Market Trends and Developments
Split Personalities: Navigating Half-Controlled Outlets
In 2025, both New York State and New York City adopted the 2024 IECC. The updated codes reduce allowed lighting wattages (C405.3.2), expand daylight zone controls requirements (C405.2.4), and apply energy code controls and wattage requirements to historic buildings with very few exceptions (C501.5). While these do make lighting control systems more complicated, these provide a natural evolution of previous standards.
However, a new code section has arrived: Controlled Receptacles
In offices, workstations, conference rooms, and other similar spaces, 50% of outlets must be controlled by a sensor or timeclock. This automatically cuts power to devices like lamps, fans, and heaters when no one is around. Design teams can choose how to achieve this, but the goal is to stop wasting energy in empty spaces and applies equally to remodels and new buildings (C405.13)
- In enclosed offices and conference rooms, using split-wired receptacles may be best; One plug receives constant power and the other is tied to the room’s occupancy sensor. The sensor toggles power alongside the lights while keeping one outlet always active.
- For workstations, pre-wired furniture makes splitting individual outlets difficult. Instead, each cubicle will have one full “always on” receptacle and one “fully-controlled” receptacle. These can be managed by a set schedule or the area occupancy sensors controlling the lighting.
The new code became effective on March 30, 2026. As no state or city amendments have been adopted to modify these provisions, the current requirements remain the standard for energy code compliance. While always-on equipment like fridges and copiers are exempt, workstation PCs are not. Employees should use “controlled” outlets for non-essentials and “constant-hot” outlets to avoid accidental shut-offs of critical equipment.