Understanding DLC and DLC Premium Lighting Certifications

LiteSource  |  July 18, 2024  |  Agency News

When it comes to selecting lighting products, it’s essential to ensure that they meet specific performance and efficiency standards. For lighting specifiers, interior designers, facilities managers, and architects, certifications like DLC and DLC Premium play a critical role. Let's delve into what these certifications entail, the certifying body behind them, the differences between the two levels, and why they matter.

 

The Certifying Body: DesignLights Consortium (DLC)

 

The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality, energy-efficient lighting solutions in commercial spaces. DLC sets rigorous standards for lighting products and maintains a Qualified Products List (QPL) that professionals can trust when specifying lighting solutions.

 

Certification Process

 

The process to achieve DLC certification involves several steps:

  1. Product Testing: Manufacturers submit their lighting products to accredited laboratories for testing. These tests evaluate various performance metrics such as lumen output, efficacy, color quality, and lifespan.

  2. Application Submission: The test results, along with detailed product information, are submitted to the DLC for review.

  3. Review and Verification: DLC reviews the submitted data to ensure compliance with their standards. This includes verifying the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

Perfect for retail, commercial, and residential applications Once approved, the product is listed on the DLC QPL, signaling that it meets or exceeds DLC's performance criteria.

 

 DLC vs. DLC Premium

 

The DLC certification comes in two levels: DLC Standard and DLC Premium.

 

DLC Standard: This certification ensures that the product meets essential performance and efficiency criteria. It signifies that the product is reliable, energy-efficient, and suitable for commercial applications.

DLC Premium: This is a higher tier of certification that requires products to meet more stringent performance requirements. DLC Premium products must demonstrate superior efficacy, longevity, and controllability. They also need to have enhanced quality of light, such as better color rendering.

 

 Why Should You Care?

 

For professionals like lighting specifiers, interior designers, facilities managers, and architects, choosing DLC-certified products offers several benefits:

  1. Energy Savings: DLC-certified products are highly energy-efficient, which can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

  2. Quality Assurance: DLC certification is a mark of quality, ensuring that the products are reliable and perform as advertised.

  3. Incentives and Rebates: Many utility companies offer incentives and rebates for installing DLC-certified lighting products, providing financial benefits.
  4. Sustainability: Using energy-efficient lighting contributes to sustainability goals, reducing the environmental impact of your projects.

 

Choosing the right lighting products is crucial for the success of any project. DLC and DLC Premium certifications offer assurance of quality, efficiency, and performance, making them indispensable tools for lighting specifiers, interior designers, facilities managers, and architects. Understanding the difference between these certifications and can help you make informed decisions, ensuring that your projects benefit from the best lighting solutions available. Need more help? Give us a call. At LiteSource, we make lighting simple.

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