Continuing a push to maximize the efficacy of commercial lighting while promoting advances in quality of light, the DLC today announced that products that have not been updated to comply with the V5.0 Technical Requirements have been delisted from the Solid-State Lighting Qualified Products List (QPL). With this QPL update, over 120,000 products have had their listing status changed: approximately 50,000 had their classification adjusted from DLC Premium to DLC Standard, and almost 75,000 have been fully delisted.

The DLC previously postponed the original delisting date of December 31, 2020 in consideration of market disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the new delisting date of February 28, the DLC will allow products non-compliant with SSL V5.0 to remain searchable using the “Show De-Listed Products” filter on the SSL QPL search page.

Version 5.0 of the SSL Technical Requirements increases the efficacy requirements for QPL-listed products consistent with the pace of technology, without compromising the quality of light. V5.0 also includes new dimming requirements for all DLC Premium products– a change designed to increase energy savings by providing a gateway to controls utilization and improved user satisfaction.

The DLC adopted the V5.0 requirements amid recent technology advances and market shifts. As the LED market has matured over the past decade, a drive to reduce production costs in the face of mounting competition tended to sideline the importance of product quality aspects.  

By requiring dimming capability for Premium Products on the DLC’s SSL QPL, V5.0 also points the LED market in a more controls-friendly direction. Since LEDs installed now may operate for a decade or more, strengthening controllability requirements (such as dimming and integral controls for daylight and occupancy) at the time of installation locks in potential energy and cost savings for years to come.

Full SSL Technical Requirements V5.0 (and V5.1) details are explained in a previously-recorded DLC webinar.