DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is a non-profit organization that works to maximize efficiency, carbon footprint, and light pollution. DLC has created certifications for indoor and outdoor fixtures and Networked Lighting Controls (NLC). DLC regularly updates its requirements to stay current with new advancements and ensure the highest efficiency and quality of the listed products.
What is the Significance of DLC-Listed Products?
DLC-Listed products have increased energy efficiency and higher light quality. Additionally, certain utility companies will offer rebates for using DLC-Listed products. Check with your local organizations to see what incentives are available. DLC Standard Listings refer to the products that have met the technical requirements, and DLC Premium Listings meet an even higher standard of technical requirements. SSL (Solid-State Lighting) refers to the requirements for luminaires. Luna Technical Requirements are related to outdoor lighting and work to increase the visibility of the dark sky.
DLC can certify not only luminaires but also Networked Lighting Controls (NLC), which can be installed in LED fixtures. Using a smart app or remote, you can control multiple fixtures simultaneously, create light zones, and more. All the NLC5.1 Technical Requirements are listed here.
Check out our blog “Breakdown of DLC Certifications: DLC Listed, DLC and More” for more information on the different DLC listings, application process, and more important information.
What Are the Upcoming Changes With DLC V6.0?
Various updates are coming with the DLC SSL Version 6.0. Some of the most notable are listed below.
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Lighting Controls: The 6.0 version now contains ‘Controls Categories,’ which divides products up based on if they’re control ready, feature integral sensors, networked controllers, or both networked controllers and integral sensors. The ‘Controls Ready’ category refers to fixtures with integral control capability features where control accessories can be installed without making any alterations to the product or requiring additional materials. This new section will assist in dividing products based on their control capabilities and quicken incentive applications and review processes. Integral controls refer to sensors built into an LED that can adjust the amount of light output.
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Reduce Light Pollution: Updates the maximum CCT of outdoor fixtures to 5000K or lower. Retrofit kits, sports light fixtures, and gas pump canopy light fixtures are the exception (CCT of 5700K or less). Light pollution negatively affects ecosystems, disrupting natural plant and animal cycles, including human circadian rhythms. Installing DLC-listed fixtures is a great way to prevent excessive brightness and glare while reducing energy consumption.
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Mitigate Carbon Footprint: The efficacy thresholds are continuously increased for both standard and premium to minimize carbon footprints. Efficacy requirements are now set for all amber LED light products.
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Driver Requirements: DLC Premium has set new requirements for drivers to have an increased durability so they will operate as long as the luminaire and not cause malfunction or failure.
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Uniform Glare Ratings: Maximum UGR requirements are changing from V5.1. Instead of requiring all fixtures to meet a UGR requirement, UGR thresholds are only set for DLC Premium requirements for troffers.
LUNA (Dark Sky) Requirements (Luna V2): DLC 6.0 also includes updates to LUNA V2. These include the thresholds for Uplight Ratings, shielding, mounting options, the maximum lumen output, and more. DLC will also now allow Amber and low CCT fixtures to be submitted for the Luna classifications.
For the complete document with all the upcoming changes, check out the DLC Technical Requirements for LED Lighting: SSL V6.0 & LUNA V2.0.
What DLC Listed Products Do We Carry?
We carry various product types that are DLC Listed. Refer here for our list of NLC DLC Listed products. Most of our product types will have DLC Listed or DLC Premium Listed options. You can use the filters on the side of our product landing pages under ‘Standards and Certifications’ to search for products with a DLC Listing.
Our DLC-Listed products will feature the following logo:
Our DLC Premium products will feature the following logo:
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Using DLC Listed products helps you ensure your light fixtures have a high energy efficiency and light quality. If you have product questions or need assistance with selecting the right DLC luminaire for your application, reach out to our customer support team at 888-249-8166 or by filling out our contact form.
