Color accuracy is of the highest priority in the courtroom.
Guidelines for site illumination are specified in Chapter 6.
GSA will provide fixtures with accurate color rendition,
Lighting in parking areas must allow for identification of
and avoid the use of metal halide fixtures. The use of
vehicle color, and the design should avoid the use of low-
indirect pendant-mounted fluorescent fixtures provides
pressure sodium fixtures.
good soft diffuse general lighting in a courtroom;
Emergency lighting for courtrooms and security areas,
complemented with recessed concentrated light sources
to include USMS detention facilities, will have built-in
at: the judge's bench; the witness box; and attorneys'
batteries plus emergency generator service.
tables. Lighting levels must consider the impact of
Areas that require battery back up in the event of power
courtroom finishes.
failure to maintain camera and direct visual surveillance
An override switch will be located at the judge's bench
include:
and at the courtroom deputy clerk station to allow
Vehicular Sallyport;
instantaneous over-ride of all dimming controls in an
emergency.
Prisoner Sallyport and Movement Corridors;
Detention Cell Block areas;
The following lighting controls can be specified,
depending upon the size of the courtroom, lighting
Communications Center;
arrangements, and lamp types:
Prisoner Processing areas;
A more complex lighting installation consisting of local,
Squad Room;
wall, box-type, electronic, silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR)
Public Reception Rooms;
dimmers; or
Prisoner-Attorney Interview room;
Remote electronic dimmers with pre-set lighting
Court Holding Cell Areas;
arrangements, for large courtrooms with high ceilings.
Judge's Chambers;
Control of lighting is the responsibility of the courtroom
Interconnecting door from Public Corridors to Controlled
deputy clerk or another designated court officer and
Corridors;
should be operated with a key. Light switches will not be
Command and Control Center; and
accessible from the spectator seating area or witness box.
Provision of integrated electronic controls should be
Courtrooms
considered with pre-set lighting schemes having integrated
controls for: shading devices at windows and skylights;
Audio/Visual Requirements in U.S. Court Facilities
plus controls for presentation screens (if provided by
All audio/visual design and technical infrastructure
the Courts). The controls should allow varying levels of
requirements are indicated in the Administrative Office
light to suit the needs and desires of the courtroom
of the United States Courts (AOUSC) Publication:
participants.
Courtroom Technology Manual. Other than limited
Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps should not
infrastructure and a basic sound system, requirements
be used in areas that contain sensitive security devices,
are funded by the Judiciary.
or special equipment that is sensitive to electronic
interference, such as ALD infrared emitters.
289
DESIGN
STANDARDS
FOR
U.S.
COURT
FAC I L IT I E S
9.7
Electrical Systems
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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