Corrections Community

Looking for the required lighting both natural and artificial required in a cell. This is a county Jail looking to close off windows as they are a security risk ( escape) or reduce the size.

Thanks, Gary

The American Correctional Association Standards are:

4-ALDF-1A-14  "Light levels in inmate cells/rooms are at least 20 foot-candles in personal grooming areas and at the writing surface.  Lighting throughout the facility is sufficient for the tasks performed."

4-ALDF-1A-15  "All inmate rooms/cells provide the occupants with access to natural light. (Existing, renovation, addition only)

4-ALDF-1A-16  "Inmates in the general population who are confined in their rooms/cells for 10 or more hours daily have access to natural light by means of an opening or window of at least three square feet.  Inmates in the general population who are confined in their rooms/cells for less than 10 hours daily have access to natural light through an opening or window as described above or through an opening or window of at least three square feet between their room/cell and an adjacent space." (New construction only)

You can contact ACA (www.aja.org) for comments, protocols, and process indicators.  There may be modifications that can be made with security-grade products. 

Also good to note.

ACA defines access to natural light as "The capability to distinguish day from night." So the cell does not have to have a natural light window built in as long as they can look out of their cell and see natural light. Possibly through a window across the dayroom or through above skylights in the common areas.

Hope this helps.