What is DLC?
Do you prioritize high light quality or energy efficiency for your light fixtures? If so, you might be interested in DLC-Listed products. DLC (DesignLights Consortium) is a non-profit that has created various certifications for light fixtures to promote energy savings. Companies don’t have to follow DLC certifications, but these guidelines help promote energy-efficient products and verify other factors, such as good light quality and minimal glare.
Different DLC Certifications
Updated Versions
Periodically DLC will review and update the guidelines. After getting feedback from different utility energy efficiency programs and stakeholders, DLC might adjust and release new versions. For example, they recently released the latest DLC 5.1 version.
DLC Listed Products vs DLC Non-Listed Products
A DLC-Listed Product is a luminaire or retrofit kit approved by the DLC that follows all applicable guidelines. Each product submitted to DLC for approval is carefully evaluated and reviewed to ensure it supports their mission of promoting energy efficiency and good light quality. All of the specifications for DLC-Listed products are in place to continue to increase light quality, controllability, and energy efficiency. The main goal of these characteristics, especially controllability, is to improve people’s everyday lives by having lights that can be adjusted based on mood, productivity needs, safety, and more. The energy efficiency guidelines are in place as part of their goal to reduce carbon emissions and reach a net zero future.
All of our products that are ‘DLC-Listed’ will feature the icon below.
A DLC-Non-Listed Product either does not follow DLC certification guidelines or someone hasn't submitted it for approval. Just because a product isn’t DLC-Listed doesn’t mean it is not energy-efficient or of good light quality.
DLC Premium
A DLC Premium classification has additional requirements and higher standards than a regular DLC-Listed requirement. Products listed as ‘premium’ have higher energy efficiency and greater light quality. Our DLC Premium products will have the logo below.
LUNA Technical Requirements
The Luna Technical Requirement pertains to outdoor lights. This certification ensures outdoor light fixtures provide sufficient lighting while avoiding light pollution. Some requirements include providing a warmer light, ensuring no uplight, and limiting the brightness of the light.
Network Lighting Controls
DLC also certifies various NLCs, or Networked Lighting Controls. These systems can control multiple smart fixtures through one network and promote energy efficiency. You can check which of our NLCs are DLC-Listed here.
Benefits of Having a DLC-Listed Product
Some energy companies offer cash incentives and rebates for those using specific DLC-Listed products. Check with your local utility companies to see what products they offer rebates for. Having a DLC-Listed product as a company or consumer will allow you to feel confident using an LED product with quality lighting and controllability. It will also save you money, not just on the rebates, but with energy savings over time.
What Does DLC 5.1 Require?
DLC 5.1 became effective on July 1, 2020. These guidelines continue to promote increased energy savings. Properly report the specifications of the products for approval. Existing DLC-certified products only remain certified if they were re-submitted and proved to meet the new requirements. For products to qualify for a DLC rating, they must have a UL or ETL certification and offer at least a 5-year warranty. .
This table provides more in-depth technical requirements for products to qualify with the new version. Some of the requirements are listed below.
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Match the minimum lumen output based on the fixture's general application: low output, mid output, high output, and very high output for outdoor lighting, or high-bay, low-bay, troffer, case lighting, interior directional, and linear ambient for indoor lighting. Each of these general applications also has a minimum lumens per watt they must comply with.
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Meet the beam angle requirements based on the fixture's purpose.
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Report if the product has any communication protocol.
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Be capable of continuous or step dimming (depending on the fixture type).
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Submit the product's BUG rating (backlight, uplight, and glare).
DLC 5.1 Premium
DLC 5.1 Premium identifies products that meet greater energy efficiency, color rendering, and lumen standards. Refer to the Technical Requirements pdf for more specific information on the premium requirements. We have listed some of the requirements below.
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Be continuously dimmable.
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Have at least 15 lumens per watt greater than the general standard.
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Meet the Uniform Glare Rating requirement, which varies based on fixture type.
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Have a driver that is expected to last at least 50,000 hours.
DLC Application Process
Complete the steps below to complete the application process to qualify a product with DLC.
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Fill out and submit your application.
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Wait for the initial review to be approved.
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Pay the fee through their website.
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Wait for the final comprehensive review of all documentation and your product to be completed.
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Verify if your product has been listed on the Qualified Product List.
Complete an application to keep products active when a new version of DLC Technical Requirements is effective. There is usually a deadline for submitting these applications following the new enactment. Use this list of eligible products to determine what products can be DLC-Listed.
