Technical Requirements V4.4
The first draft of Solid-State Lighting Technical Requirements V5.0 has been released, and comments are now closed. V5.0 will continue to accelerate broad scale energy savings by improving the quality of light and controllability of DLC listed products.
Please review the FAQs page for additional policy clarifications.
Jump to requirements for:
*Under the next revision to the efficacy requirements (V5.0), DLC intends to split the “very high” outdoor lumen bin from the “high” lumen bin, and set unique efficacy requirements for each bin.
**Products seeking qualification in the DLC Premium classification will be required to pass an L90 ≥36,000 hours, as evaluated using TM-21. This requirement is in addition to the L70 requirements of the DLC Standard classification.
***Luminaires may not qualify for DLC Premium using “Specialty: ______” as the Primary Use designation.
Table 2: Retrofit Kit Requirements
Please click here for testing requirements specific to retrofit kits.
*Under the next revision to the efficacy requirements (V5.0), DLC intends to split the “very high” outdoor lumen bin from the “high” lumen bin, and set unique efficacy requirements for each bin.
**Retrofit Kits and Replacement Lamps must be tested inside luminaires, per the policies for those products. See Testing and Reporting Requirements for Retrofit Kits, Linear Replacement Lamps, Screw-base Replacement Lamps, and Four Pin-Base Replacement Lamps for CFLs for details.
***Products seeking qualification in the DLC Premium classification will be required to pass an L90 ≥36,000 hours, as evaluated using TM-21. This requirement is in addition to the L70 requirements of the DLC Standard classification.
****Retrofit Kits applications must designate one of the Primary Use designations listed.
Table 3: Lamp Requirements
Please click here for testing requirements specific to linear replacement lamps.
Please click here for testing requirements specific to screw-base replacements for HID lamps.
Please click here for testing requirements specific to four pin-base replacement lamps for CFLs.
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*Under the next revision to the efficacy requirements (V5.0), DLC intends to split the “very high” outdoor lumen bin from the “high” lumen bin, and set unique efficacy requirements for each bin.
**Retrofit Kits and Replacement Lamps must be tested inside luminaires, per the policies for those products. See Testing and Reporting Requirements for Retrofit Kits, Linear Replacement Lamps, Screw-base Replacement Lamps, and Four Pin-Base Replacement Lamps for CFLs for details.
***Replacement Lamps are not eligible for the DLC Premium classification at this time.
Table 4: Light Output and Zonal Lumens Distribution
|
|
Primary Use Designation |
Minimum Light Output (lm) |
Zone/Spacing Criteria |
ZLD/SC Nominal Requirement |
ZLD/SC Tolerance |
ZLD/SC Requirement w/ Tolerance |
| A | Outdoor Pole/Arm-Mounted Area and Roadway Luminaires | 1,000 | 0-90° | 100% | -1% | ≥99% |
| 80-90° | ≤10% | +3% | ≤13% | |||
| B | Outdoor Pole/Arm-Mounted Decorative Luminaires | 1,000 | 0-90° | ≥65% | -3% | ≥62% |
| C | Outdoor Full-Cutoff Wall-Mounted Area Luminaires | 300 | 0-90° | 100% | -3% | ≥97% |
| 80-90° | ≤10% | +3% | ≤13% | |||
| D | Outdoor Non-Cutoff and Semi-Cutoff Wall-Mounted Area Luminaires | 300 (0-90° zone)*** |
80-90°*** | ≤10%*** | +3% | ≤13% |
| E | Bollards | 500 | 90-110° | ≤15% | +3% | ≤18% |
| >110° | 0% | +3% | ≤3% | |||
| F | Parking Garage Luminaires | 2,000 | 60-80° | ≥30% | -3% | ≥27% |
| 70-80° | ≤25% | +3% | ≤28% | |||
| G | Fuel Pump Canopy Luminaires | 2,000 | 0-40° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% |
| 40-70° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% | |||
| H | Landscape/Accent Flood and Spot Luminaires | 250 (<1,000) | 0-90° | ≥85% | -3% | ≥82% |
| I | Architectural Flood and Spot Luminaires | 1,000 | 0-90° | ≥85% | -3% | ≥82% |
| J | Stairwell and Passageway Luminaires | 750 | 0-90° | ≥85%‡ | -3% | ≥82% |
| K | Wall-wash Luminaires | 575 | 0-90° | ≥60%‡‡ | -3% | ≥57% |
| L | Track or Mono-Point Directional Luminaires | 250 | 0-90° | ≥85% | -3% | ≥82% |
| M | Vertical Refrigerated Case Luminaires-center | 100 lm/ft | 10-90°† | ≥95%† | -3% | ≥92% |
| N | Vertical Refrigerated Case Luminaires-end | 50 lm/ft | 10-90°‡‡ | ≥95%‡‡ | -5% | ≥90% |
| O | Horizontal Refrigerated Case Luminaires | 100 lm/ft | 0-90° | ≥95% | -3% | ≥92% |
| P | Display Case Luminaires | 50 lm/ft | 0-80° | ≥95% | -5% | ≥90% |
| Q | 2x2 Luminaires for Ambient Lighting of Interior Commercial Spaces | 2,000 | SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| R | 1x4 Luminaires for Ambient Lighting of Interior Commercial Spaces | 1,500 | SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| S | 2x4 Luminaires for Ambient Lighting of Interior Commercial Spaces | 3,000 | SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| T | Linear Ambient Luminaires w/ Indirect Component | 500 lm/ft | 90-150° | ≥35% | -3% | ≥32% |
| U | Direct Linear Ambient Luminaires | 375 lm/ft | 0-60° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% |
| V | High Bay Luminaires for Commercial and Industrial Buildings | 10,000 | 20-50° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% |
| W | Low Bay Luminaires for Commercial and Industrial Buildings | 5,000 (<10,000) | 20-50° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% |
| X | High Bay Aisle Luminaires | 10,000 | 20-50° | ≥50% | -10% | ≥40% |
| 0-20° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% | |||
| Y | Retrofit Kits for Outdoor Pole/Arm-Mounted Area and Roadway Luminaires | 1,000 | 0-90° | 100% | -1% | ≥99% |
| 80-90° | ≤10% | 3% | ≤13% | |||
| Z | Retrofit Kits for Outdoor Pole/Arm-Mounted Decorative Luminaires | 1,000 | 0-90° | ≥65% | -3% | ≥62% |
| AA | Retrofit Kits for Large Outdoor Pole/Arm-Mounted Area and Roadway Luminaires | 1,000 | 0-90° | 100% | -1% | ≥99% |
| 80-90° | ≤10% | 3% | ≤13% | |||
| AB | Retrofit Kits for Full-Cutoff Outdoor Wall-Mounted Area Luminaires | 300 | 0-90° | 100% | -3% | ≥97% |
| 80-90° | ≤10% | 3% | ≤13% | |||
| AC | Retrofit Kits for Parking Garage Luminaires | 2,000 | 60-80° | ≥30% | -3% | ≥27% |
| 70-80° | ≤25% | +3% | ≤28% | |||
| AD | Retrofit Kits for Fuel Pump Canopy Luminaires | 2,000 | 0-40° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% |
| 40-70° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% | |||
| AE | Retrofit Kits for 2x2 Luminaires for Ambient Lighting of Interior Commercial Spaces (all Primary Use designations) | 2,000 | SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| AF | Retrofit Kits for 1x4 Luminaires for Ambient Lighting of Interior Commercial Spaces (all Primary Use designations) | 1,500 | SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270⁰ | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60⁰ | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| AG | Retrofit Kits for 2x4 Luminaires for Ambient Lighting of Interior Commercial Spaces (all Primary Use designations) | 3,000 | SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| AH | Retrofit Kits for Direct Linear Ambient Luminaires | 375 lm/ft | 0-60° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% |
| AI | Retrofit Kits for High Bay Luminaires for Commercial and Industrial Buildings | 10,000 | 20-50° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% |
| AJ | Retrofit Kits for Low Bay Luminaires for Commercial and Industrial Buildings | 5,000 (<10,000) | 20-50° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% |
| AK | Four-Foot Linear Replacement Lamps (T8, T5: all Primary Use designations)†† |
In luminaire:
2 lamps: 3,000 3 lamps: 4,500
4 lamps: 6,000
Bare Lamp: 1,600 |
SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| AL | Four-Foot Linear Replacement Lamps (T5HO: all Primary Use designations) | In luminaire: 3 lamps: 7,500 4 lamps: 10,000 6 lamps: 15,000 Bare Lamp: 3,200 |
ZL: 20-50° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% |
| AM | Two-Foot Linear Replacement Lamps (all Primary Use designations)†† | In luminaire: 2 lamps: 1,350 3 lamps: 2,000 4 lamps: 2,700 Bare lamp: 800 |
SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| AN | U-Bend Replacement Lamps (all Primary Use designations)†† | In luminaire: 2 lamps: 2,500 3 lamps: 3,750 Bare lamp: 1,400 |
SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% | |||
| AO | Three-Foot Linear Replacement Lamps (all Primary Use designations)†† | In luminaire: 2 lamps: 2,200 Bare lamp: 1,200 |
0-60° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% |
| AP | Eight-Foot Linear Replacement Lamps (all Primary Use designations)†† | In luminaire: 2 lamps: 6,000 Bare lamp: 3,200 |
0-60° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% |
| AQ | Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps in Outdoor Pole/Arm-mounted Area and Roadway Luminaires | In luminaire: 1,000 |
0-90° | 100% | -1% | ≥99% |
| 80-90° | ≤10% | 3% | ≤13% | |||
| AR | Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps in Outdoor Pole/Arm-mounted Decorative Luminaires | In luminaire: 1,000 |
0-90° | ≥65% | -3% | ≥62% |
| AS | Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps in Outdoor Full Cut-off Wall-mounted Area Luminaires | In luminaire: 300 |
0-90° | 100% | -3% | ≥97% |
| 80-90° | ≤10% | 3% | ≤13% | |||
| AT | Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps in Parking Garage Luminaires | In luminaire: 2,000 |
60-80° | ≥30% | -3% | ≥27% |
| 70-80° | ≤25% | +3% | ≤28% | |||
| AU | Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps in Fuel Pump Canopy Luminaires | In luminaire: 2,000 |
0-40° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% |
| 40-70° | ≥40% | -3% | ≥37% | |||
| AV | Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps in High Bay Luminaires for Commercial and Industrial Buildings | In luminaire: 10,000 |
20-50° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% |
| AW | Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps in Low Bay Luminaires for Commercial and Industrial Buildings | In luminaire: 5,000 (<10,000) |
20-50° | ≥30% | -10% | ≥20% |
| AX | Vertically-Mounted Four Pin-Base Replacement Lamps for CFLs | In luminaire: 575 (1-lamp configuration) Bare lamp: 675 |
ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% |
| AY | Horizontally-Mounted Four Pin-Base Replacement Lamps for CFLs | In luminaire: 800 (2-lamp configuration) Bare lamp: 675 |
ZL:0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% |
| AZ | 2G11 Base Replacement Lamps for CFLs | In luminaire: 2 lamps: 1,350 3 lamps: 2,000 Bare lamp: 1,900 |
SC: 0-180° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 |
| SC: 90-270° | 1.0-2.0 | ±0.1 | 0.9-2.1 | |||
| ZL: 0-60° | ≥75% | -3% | ≥72% |
*** Lumen output and efficacy are evaluated considering the light output in the 0-90° zone only. See non-cutoff wall-mounted area luminaires details below.
† Bilateral, symmetric light distribution on two hemispheres
‡‡ One-sided, single hemisphere light distribution
‡ Bilateral for surface-mounted units, single hemisphere for corner-mounted units
†† For Type C linear replacement lamps, light output requirements out of the luminaire are dependent on the number of lamps in the kit. See Testing and Reporting Requirements for Linear Replacement Lamps for more details.
Power Factor and Total Harmonic Distortion Requirements
In addition to the specific requirements above, all DLC-qualified luminaires must have a power factor of ≥0.9, and a THDi of ≤20%. This applies to every category listed in the above Technical Requirements Table V4.3. Qualified products must meet the requirements in their worst-case loading conditions.
In all cases, testing must be provided at the worst-case performance among a product’s different operating modes, as the Technical Requirements for each category are minimum performance requirements. Due to design complexities of SSL luminaires and the many variables that could affect each performance metric with a minimum requirement, it is difficult to prescribe what worst case will be for all situations. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to identify the worst-case operating mode of the product for each performance metric requirement and provide the appropriate test data. The DLC always reserves the right to ask for details of how worst-case was determined, including supporting engineering analysis and test data supporting the selection, as deemed necessary.
Our understanding of the technology has led us to expect certain operating modes and design choices to be the worst cases. Power factor and THD are commonly seen to be worst case at 277V, while photometrics (specifically efficacy) are commonly worst case at 120V. This is not necessarily true for all luminaire designs, so a manufacturer may submit independent test data for a different operating mode if it is accompanied by a technical rationale and supporting data (independent or in-house) demonstrating that what was tested is in fact the worst case. If testing is not conducted according to the expectations described above, DLC reviewers will ask for the testing at the expected worst case operating modes, or a technical rationale with supporting data for an alternate worst case operating mode for both electricals (power factor and THD) and photometrics.
Alternately, if the voltage inputs for a product include 347V and/or 480V options, manufacturers will be expected to provide a rationale for how worst-case was determined, or test data at all voltages if a rationale cannot be provided for a particular operating mode.
When submitting applications for products using universal drivers, be sure to test at the appropriate operating mode for both photometric and electrical measurements. Please note that the DLC requires the current THD (“THDi” or “ATHD”) performance, not voltage THD.
The manufacturer may test only the light engine-electrical component system when conducting power factor and THD tests (for products with light engines that are separable from the housing).
Table 5: Tolerances
Table 5 presents tolerances that apply to all metrics listed in the above in Technical Requirements Table V4.3. These tolerances are referenced in the ENERGY STAR® Manufacturer’s Guide. For zonal lumen tolerances specific to each Primary Use designation, please refer to Table 5.
FAQ: How are tolerances applied to the requirements?
| Performance Metric | Tolerance |
| Light Output | ±10% |
| Luminaire Efficacy | -3% |
| Allowable CCT | Defined by ANSI C78.377-2015† |
| CRI | -2 points |
| Power Factor | -3% |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | +5% |
† ANSI C78.377-2015 also referred to for Duv and (x,y) chromaticity coordinates tolerances for indoor categories.
For any performance metrics that are measured as a percentage, corresponding tolerances refer to percentage points. For example, a power factor requirement of ≥ 0.90 (i.e. ≥ 90%) with a -3% tolerance implies a functional requirement of ≥ 0.87 (i.e. ≥ 87%). For performance metrics that are not measured as a percentage, the tolerance is a percentage of the required value. For example, for a minimum efficacy requirement of 60 lm/W with a -3% tolerance, the functional requirement is 58.2 lm/W (i.e. 60 – 3% = 58.2).
Measured temperature from the ISTMT
According to ENERGY STAR Manufacturer’s Guide for Qualifying Solid State Lighting Luminaires – Version 2.1, the measured temperature from an ISTMT has a tolerance of ≤ 1.1°C or 0.4%, whichever is greater due to thermocouple tolerance. This may change the appropriate In-Situ case temperature (Tc,°C) to enter into the ENERGY STAR TM-21 calculator. For example, a measured In-Situ case temperature of 86.1°C may be entered as 85°C to comply with an 85°C case temperature data set from the LM-80 report.
Table 6: Allowances
Table 6 presents allowances that apply to products with specific features, in specific categories. Additional information will be incorporated in this section as allowances are defined. To participate in the discussion around the development of these allowances, please contact info@designlights.org.
| Feature or Performance Metric | Allowances to Efficacy |
| CCT: ≤3000K, >2700K | -3% |
| CCT: ≤2700K | -5% |
| CRI*: Ra≥ 90 (*must also conduct TM-30 testing and report results; see below for TM-30 guidance) |
-5% |
Allowances within Table 6 are not cumulative. For example, a 2700K, 90 CRI product will only be granted a 5% allowance total, not 10%.
See the full Allowances Policy here.
Lumen Maintenance Requirements
DLC expects that manufacturers provide the most up-to-date LM-80 report available for the LED package/module/array used within the product. It is the submitting manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure they have received the most up-to-date LM-80 report from the LED manufacturer for each application. Additional data that improves the projection accuracy cannot be ignored simply because it shows worse performance.
The DLC has two options for demonstrating lumen maintenance compliance.
-
Lumen Maintenance Option 1
Using component-level performance through the TM-21 protocols, which leverage the LM-80 performance and in-situ temperature of the LED device. -
Lumen Maintenance Option 2
Using luminaire-level performance through TM-28 protocols, which leverage the LM-84 test performance. More information is available in the Application Instructions. Due to the length of this type of testing, it is recommended that the submitter reach out to applications@deisgnlights.org to ensure the testing will align with DLC Testing and Reporting Requirements before beginning any testing using the LM-84 method.
LM-80 Applicability
The DLC refers to current ENERGY STAR Program Guidance Regarding LED Package, LED Array and LED Module Lumen Maintenance Performance Data Supporting Qualification of Lighting Products when determining applicability of LM-80 data for submitted products.
L70 Evaluation
The DLC relies on the results from the ENERGY STAR TM-21 Calculator for evaluating compliance with the lumen maintenance requirements. For products that have sufficient LM-80 data to project to 50,000 hours per the TM-21 limits of projection rules, the calculator must show a L70 of 50,000 or more. In the current version of the ENERGY STAR calculator (dated 6-18-2018), this is shown in cell I42 when “70” is entered into cell I35.
For products where the DLC required lumen maintenance period is longer than the TM-21 projection method allows, the DLC will evaluate the lumen maintenance percentage at the end point for the allowed projection period. The necessary lumen maintenance minimums, which result from solving an exponential decay function for 50,000 hours, are presented in Table 7 for common end-points <50,000 hours. Refer to Table 7 for TM-21 projection requirements based on LM-80 reports less than ~8,500 hours of testing for a sample size of ≥20, or LM-80 reports based on less than ~9,500 hours of testing for a sample size of ≤19. In the current version of the ENERGY STAR calculator, this means that cell I41 must show at least the value in the table below when cell I40 is set to the appropriate time interval, based on the allowable projection period for TM-21.
Table 7: Option 1 TM-21 Projected Lumen Maintenance Requirements
| Projection End Point | Required Lumen Maintenance for 50,000 Hour Products |
| 33,000 | ≥79.03% |
| 36,000 | ≥77.35% |
| 38,500 | ≥75.98% |
| 42,000 | ≥74.11% |
| 44,000 | ≥73.06% |
| 48,000 | ≥71.01% |
| 49,500 | ≥70.25% |
| 50,000 | ≥70.00% |
L90 Evaluation for Premium Products
Products applying for DLC Premium must meet an additional lumen maintenance requirement of L90 ≥36,000 hours. The DLC relies on the results from the ENERGY STAR TM-21 Calculator for evaluating compliance with the lumen maintenance requirements. The results in the ENERGY STAR TM-21 calculator must show a lumen maintenance value of no less than 36,000 in cell I42, when cell I35 is set to 90, to meet the Premium lumen maintenance requirement. There are no provisions for shorter projection periods for this L90 requirement; to qualify for Premium there must be sufficient LM-80 data to project to at least 36,000 hours per TM-21 rules.
LM-84 and TM-28
Option 2 is to conduct luminaire-level testing according to the LM-84-14 test standard and apply the TM-28-14 projection methodology. For Option 2, the DLC uses a pass/fail threshold for lumen maintenance compliance. The projection from TM-28 must project to at least 6,000 hours and the lumen maintenance projection at the projection end point must be consistent with an L70 of ≥50,000 hours for standard products and an L90 of ≥36,000 hours for premium products. If choosing Option 2 for lumen maintenance determination, please contact the DLC at info@designlights.org.
Tolerances
When applying the lumen maintenance in accordance with these protocols, the DLC applies a tolerance of 5% to drive currents tested under LM-80, and a 1.1°C to the temperature measured in ISTMT results.
Additional Guidance on LM-80 Data Limitations
In general, full LM-80 results are necessary for DLC qualification. However, manufacturers may submit products using an LED package/module/array where limited LM-80 data is available if the following conditions are met:
- The LED package/module/array is a successor package/module/array to a previous generation package/module/array according to ENERGY STAR® Program Guidance Regarding LED Package, LED Array and LED Module Lumen Maintenance Performance Data Supporting Qualification of Lighting Products.
- The manufacturer provides the complete (≥6,000 hours) LM-80 of the previous generation LED package/module/array.
- The manufacturer provides at least 3,000 hours of LM-80 data of the successor LED package/module/array.
- The successor package/module/array data demonstrates better performance at 3,000 hours than the previous generation LED package/module/array data at 3,000 hours.
- The manufacturer provides the remaining 3,000 hour successor LED package/module/array data when available.
Additional Guidance on LM-80 Tc Locations
Consistent with guidance from ENERGY STAR®, while there may be several acceptable locations to measure the temperature of the LED package/module/array (collectively referred to as the TMPLED), the TMP in the ISTMT must match the TMP used during the LM-80. If the ISTMT TMP does not match the LM-80 TMP in the original submission material, DLC staff will look for the applicant to provide one of the following options:
- Provide an LM-80 of the board or module, where the TMP is monitored/measured at the same TMP used in the ISTMT.
- Provide an ISTMT measuring the TMP of the hottest LED in the product at the same TMP used in the LM-80.
If neither of the above is possible, and the LED TMP is not accessible, DLC staff will work with the manufacturer to obtain information that explicitly describes the relationship between the board TMP and LED TMP. However, this information will be reviewed on a case by case basis, and may not be sufficient to appropriately verify compliance with the lumen maintenance requirements for all applications.
Requirements for Multiple LEDs
Products employing multiple types of LEDs are eligible so long as the construction, types and quantities of the LED packages/modules/arrays are known.
For products using multiple LED types, including color-tunable products, an LM-80, ISTMT, and TM-21 projection will be needed for each type of LED present in the product. As per normal thermal testing rules, ISTMTs must be conducted on the hottest LED of each type. This ISTMT should measure the applicable TMP of the hottest LED for each type present.
To qualify, the product must demonstrate compliance with the lumen maintenance requirements for each LED present.
LM-80 reports and associated TM-21 projections should be included for each type of LED. Each LED must demonstrate the necessary L70 of the category the product is seeking qualification under, per the DLC lumen maintenance rules. Each LED must demonstrate the required L70 of ≥50,000 hours.
Products where variable numbers of LEDs are dynamically chosen, and therefore the precise construction of any given product is not defined, are not eligible. Policy development for appropriate evaluation of this type of product is under consideration.
Driver Spec Sheet & ISTMT Requirements (Premium Only)
As part of the DLC Premium application process, manufacturers need to provide the following:
- Test report from a lab that meets the DLC’s Laboratory Requirements for ISTMTs. The report must include the measured temperature from the TMPps.
- A picture of the TMPps location with an arrow indicating the thermocouple attachment point.
- Documentation from the driver manufacturer that indicates the maximum case temperature for which the driver is designed to last ≥50,000 hours, as well as the TMP location it designates for thermal testing.
- Custom and integrated drivers must provide Documentation equivalent to that required for drivers from third-party vendors. Manufacturers must supply documentation indicating the maximum acceptable temperature for the driver for 50,000-hour life, as well as the TMP to be used during thermal testing and evaluation.
The luminaire passes the driver ISTMT requirements if the measured temperature at the TMPps is less than or equal to the allowable operating temperature specified by the power supply manufacturer. Drivers shall be tested in-situ under steady-state operating conditions, with case temperature measured at the designated TMP.
One or more additional thermocouples are attached to the power supply/driver at the TMPps. For off-the-shelf remote power supplies, manufacturers typically provide a measurement location (case temperature designated by a “dot” adjacent to a (tc) symbol) for warranty purposes. In situations where the TMPps is not designated by the manufacturer, or where power supplies are integrated with the LED package(s), array, or module(s), luminaire manufacturers should identify the TMPps to be used for warranty purposes. Note that this includes situations where the driver/power supply is not purchased from an outside vendor, and where the driver/power supply is integrated into the luminaire or lamp.
The thermocouple tolerance shall conform to ASTM E230 Table 1 “Special Limits” (≤1.1⁰C or 0.4%, whichever is greater).
UL 1598 testing may be used for the ISTMT report if the lab that conducted the test meets the DLC’s laboratory requirements for ISTMT.
Per the Premium Requirements, custom and integrated drivers must provide equivalent driver spec sheet documentation as drivers from third-party vendors. This also applies to private labeled drivers where the private labeler does not market the private labeled driver and therefore does not have a public-facing driver spec sheet for the driver. Equivalent driver spec sheet documentation must include information on the rated driver performance, including but not limited to: input and output characteristics, the maximum case temperature for which the driver is designed to last ≥50,000 hours, TMP location, as well as the specific driver model number. Reviewers may ask for additional driver information.
Safety Certification
Single Product, Family Grouping, and Product Update Applications:
- All products are required to submit a compliance certificate from an approved safety certification organization relevant in the United States or Canada. This compliance document shall bear the manufacturers name and will be proof that the products listed have been investigated by the safety organization and found to be in compliance with the standards listed on the certificate. The name of this document varies by safety organization, however, is commonly referred to as a Certificate of Compliance or Authorization to Mark.
- During the application process, manufacturers will be required to digitally sign an agreement confirming that the safety documentation they are providing with the application covers ALL models they wish to be listed on the QPL and that the products being sold will bear the proper markings from the safety organization.
Note: If, after qualification, the safety documentation gets updated so that any model number(s) listed on the QPL are no longer covered by the original safety certificate, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to submit the revised documentation so that the DLC records can be updated accordingly. Failure to do so may result in the product and any associated family members or private labels of the product being delisted.
Private Label Applications:
- All products are required to submit a compliance certificate from an approved safety certification organization relevant in the United States or Canada. This compliance document shall bear the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) name and will be proof that the products listed have been investigated by the safety organization and found to be in compliance with the standards listed on the certificate. The name of this document varies by safety organization, however, is commonly referred to as a Certificate of Compliance or Authorization to Mark. If the submitted compliance certificate is different from the one on file from the OEMs submission to the DLC, the OEM must update their records prior to the private label submission being formally processed.
- In addition to a compliance certificate from the OEM, the private labeler must also submit a compliance certificate from an approved safety certification organization which bears the private labelers name and unique file number.
- All products are required to submit a Multiple Listing correlation sheet issued by the approved safety organization which cross references the OEM model numbers with private label model numbers.
- During the application process, manufacturers will be required to digitally sign an agreement confirming that the safety documentation provided covers ALL models they wish to be listed on the QPL and that the products being sold will bear the proper markings from the safety organization.
Verification of Model Numbers:
The DLC will be performing a limited review of the safety documentation being submitted by the manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify that ALL of the model numbers that are being submitted for qualification be covered by the safety certification documents. If the model numbers being submitted are found to not have been covered by the safety certification documents that were originally submitted, the models will be removed from the QPL and further action may be taken, if necessary.
TM-30 (Optional)
IES TM-30-15 is a document approved by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) that describes a method for evaluating light source color rendition. The method encompasses several individual measures and graphics that complement one another and provide a comprehensive characterization of how the light will affect the color appearance of objects. The three highest-level components of the system are the Fidelity Index (Rf), Gamut Index (Rg), and the Color Vector Graphic. Starting with the V4.0 Technical Requirements, the DLC will allow reporting of Rf and Rg for products on the QPL. At this time, these are optional metrics, and are not required for listing. To list these metrics for products on the QPL, using the official Excel version of the TM-30 calculation tool offered with the IES standard is required. Either basic or advanced versions of the Excel tool will be accepted. For more information on IES TM-30-15, please go to http://energy.gov/eere/ssl/tm-30-frequently-asked-questions.
Additional Guidance for Products Seeking Qualification under the "Specialty" Primary Use Designation
This designation has been developed as an additional tool for the DLC and its Member programs to employ in seeking to identify high-quality, energy-saving LED luminaires in commercial and industrial applications for certain niche applications for which the DLC has not yet developed a specific Primary Use designation.To prevent the "Specialty" designation from being a loophole to get around requirements in other categories, the DLC will employ a number of principles in evaluating products submitted with this classification, including the following:
- Products with a Specialty designation must meet the intention of the broader category and general application group under which they are designated. For example, products seeking qualification with a classification of Outdoor-Low Output-Specialty: _____ must be intended for use in outdoor applications.
- Products with a Specialty designation must meet the minimum performance specifications of the broader category under which they are designated. This includes minimum light output, efficacy, CCT, CRI, L70, THD, and PF requirements.
- Products with a Specialty designation must specify the end-use for which they are intended. For example, products that are intended to be used for stadium lighting that seek qualification under the specialty designation must indicate on the application form that their intended use is "Specialty: Stadium Lighting". DLC staff will monitor terminology and may make minor modifications to descriptor terms to ensure consistency (for example "Specialty: Stadium Lighting vs. "Specialty: Stadium Luminaire"). Changes in descriptor terms will be made in consultation with the applicant.
- The DLC retains the right to deny access to the Specialty designation for any product it does not believe meets the intention of the designation. Judgment on eligibility will be at the sole discretion of the DLC program staff.
Products with a Specialty designation are not eligible for DLC Premium classification.
Products seeking qualification on the QPL that would like to identify themselves as suitable for Hazardous Locations using the Specialty designations must provide documentation to demonstrate the appropriateness of their products for Hazardous Locations. Refer to the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Hazardous Location Lighting for additional details.
Additional Guidance for Reporting Requirements
In addition to designating a Primary Use and meeting Zonal Lumen Density requirements, manufacturers submitting to the DLC need to indicate whether their products are capable of dimming and/or field-adjustability. Refer to the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Dimmable and Field-Adjustable Products for additional details.
For products that are Color Tunable, manufacturers must indicate which of the following sub-categories applies: White-Tunable and/or Warm-Dimming. For white-tunable products, manufacturers must submit appropriate LM-79 reports according to the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Color-Tunable Products and report measured CCT (K), power consumption (W), lumen output (LM) and input control signal applied. The DLC may revise the color tunable testing requirements to align with any future industry standards published with full bodied supporting data. For Warm-Dimming products, manufacturers must submit a single LM-79 report performed at the maximum setting of the dimming input control.
Manufacturers submitting products to DLC Premium will also need to indicate whether the product can be ordered with integral controls (occupancy sensors or photo sensors). The DLC will evaluate a manufacturer’s claims of integral controls capability by ensuring that these features are clearly identified on the product specification sheet. DLC reviewers may check web listings and other marketing materials and reserve the right to request additional information to demonstrate integral controls capability if product specification sheets are not sufficient.
Requirements for Non-Cutoff and Semi-Cutoff Wall-Mounted Area Luminaires
In Technical Requirements Table V4.3, non-cutoff and semi-cutoff wall packs are eligible under this Primary Use designation, distinct from full-cutoff wall packs. For non-cutoff and semi-cutoff wall packs, light output, efficacy, and zonal lumen distribution requirements are evaluated based on the lumens in the 0-90° zone only, rather than total lumens produced by the luminaire. The lumen output for these products must be ≥300 lm in the 0-90° zone; the “efficacy” calculations will include only lumens in the 0-90° zone, divided by the total wattage; and the zonal lumen requirement of ≤10% light output in the 80-90° glare zone will be calculated by dividing the lumens in that zone by the lumen total in the 0-90° zone. Please note that while whether a product passes the requirements is based on the lumens in the 0-90° zone only, the general application (low, mid, high, or very-high output, and associated efficacy requirements) is determined based on the full light output from the product.
Requirements for Flood and Spot Luminaires
For Architectural and Landscape/Accent Flood and Spot Luminaires products, manufacturers must declare the NEMA Beam Classification of their luminaire in the 0-180⁰ and 90-270⁰ planes. The DLC will verify these claims against the IES files provided.
Table 8: NEMA Beam Classification
| NEMA Beam Classification | Beam Spread Range |
| 1 | 10-18° |
| 2 | 18-29° |
| 3 | 29-46° |
| 4 | 46-70° |
| 5 | 70-100° |
| 6 | 100-130° |
| 7 | ≥130° |
Requirements for Wall-Wash Luminaires
The zonal lumen criteria for this Primary Use is that ≥60% of the lumens must be produced in the “forward” hemisphere, toward the wall.
Requirements for Stairwell and Passageway Lighting
The DLC requires that products in the Stairwell and Passageway Lighting Primary Use designation meet one of the following conditions:
- Luminaires that include integral controls for occupancy sensing and bi-level dimming.
- Luminaires that operate off remote occupancy sensors, including wireless options, where a remote sensor(s) is sold packaged together with a luminaire(s) under a single model number or ordering code.
- Luminaires that operate off remote occupancy sensors, including wireless options, where the luminaire and sensor are sold separately, but the luminaire has features enabling communication with a remote sensor(s).
Documentation must be provided to demonstrate compliance with one of the options above, including clear documentation of at least bi-level dimming functionality (required), and communications ability (if applicable). Features must be designated clearly in the model number. Manufacturers must also declare whether the unit is intended to be surface-mounted or corner-mounted. All performance requirements in Technical Requirements Table V4.3 refer to the full power operating mode.
Requirements for Linear Ambient Luminaires
For the purposes of family grouping, linear ambient luminaires that are available as continuous runs:
- End cap variations are not considered optical variations for family grouping and listing purposes. These product variations may be included within a given product model number or listing as bracketed options or wildcard characters.
- Continuous runs are considered to be multiple linear ambient luminaires connected end-to-end without breaks;end caps are defined as the finish piece applied to the either end of a continuous run.
- End caps must be less than 3” in width. End caps that do not meet these requirements will be considered performance-affecting and may not be included in bracketing for a given model number.
DLC Retrofit Kit Testing and Reporting Requirements
The DLC will accept QPL applications for SSL retrofit kits for the Primary Use designations listed in the Technical Requirements Table. Retrofit kits falling outside of one of the Primary Use designations listed will not be accepted. The testing and reporting requirements described in the link below are intended to subject the retrofit kits to real-world thermal conditions to assure confidence in lumen maintenance. For more information, please refer to the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Retrofit Kits.
DLC Linear Replacement Lamp Testing and Reporting Requirements
The DLC will accept QPL applications for linear tube-style products intended to replace fluorescent lamps in this category. The testing and reporting requirements described in the link below are intended to evaluate the performance of the lamp itself and its performance in reference troffers, the most common application. For more information, please refer to the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Linear Replacement Lamps. Note that this category covers all LED tubes, including those that are direct replacements for fluorescent tubes and those that require modifications to the existing luminaire (such as bypassing the existing ballast). Linear replacement lamps are eligible for the DLC Standard classification only.
DLC Screw-Base Replacement Lamp Testing and Reporting Requirements
The DLC will accept applications for screw-base replacement products intended to replace HID lamps in these categories. The testing and reporting requirements described in the link below are intended to evaluate the performance of the lamp installed in specific end-use applications. For more information, please refer to the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Screw-Base Replacements for HID Lamps. Note that this category covers only Type B and Type C replacement lamps, and qualifies only products in specific end-uses. Replacement lamps are eligible for the DLC Standard classification only.
DLC Four Pin-Base Replacement Lamp Testing and Reporting Requirements
The DLC will accept applications for four-pin (i.e. G24q/GX24q and 2G11 base) replacement lamps. At this time, G24q/GX24q and 2G11 UL Type A lamps, and 2G11 UL type B, C, or A-B lamps are included. G24q/GX24q base UL Type B lamps (designed to operate directly using line voltage) and UL Type C products (designed to operate utilizing a non-integral driver), as well as products with other bases (including two pin products), remain under consideration for future development.
The testing and reporting requirements described below are intended to subject the lamps to conditions found in typical luminaires in order to assure confidence in performance. For more information, please refer to the Testing and Reporting Requirements for Four Pin-Base Replacements Lamps for CFLs. Note that this category covers only Type A replacement lamps (lamps that are direct replacements for CFLs and do not require bypassing the CFL ballast). Replacement lamps are eligible for the DLC Standard classification only.
Multiple CCTs
If your product family includes variations in performance other than CCT (including wattage, light output, light distribution, etc.), you must submit in accordance with the family grouping policy.
If applying for multiple CCT variations, note that the testing must be conducted on the worst case variation (likely the lowest CCT); colorimetry data for the highest CCT variation (LM-79 section 12 measurements) from an accredited lab must also be included.
Colorimetry data is required to verify that all additional CCT variations included in a Single Product Application meet the CCT requirement. If the manufacturer cannot provide the reviewer this information, the reviewer can qualify only the model number for which test data has been provided until test data is available for the additional CCT variations.
Products that use more than one CCT of a given LED are eligible. As with the general multiple-LED-types policy, LM-80 and ISTMT testing must be provided that covers both LEDs. If the LEDs are covered by the same LM-80, only the hottest LED overall will need to be tested. Please note, that DLC normally expects that, if other parameters are equal, lower CCT will be hotter than higher CCTs.
LEDs with more than one CCT that are dynamically controlled for purposes of color-tuning must meet the requirements of the Color Tuning Policy.
CCT Requirements
DLC has maximum CCT requirements that are listed in the Technical Requirements based on PUD. DLC also verifies the performance of a product family at the minimum and maximum CCT within the family. LM-79 testing on the min and max CCT are required to validate performance and ensure the CCT is with the approved ANSI bin standard tolerances.Testing Constraints
DLC understands that in some scenarios, products that are required to be tested may not physically fit within the testing apparatus needed to conduct testing. This is often seen with 8-foot linear-type luminaires that do not fit in standard goniophotometers, though other restrictions may exist. In the event that a product is identified as requiring testing for a DLC application, but cannot be tested due to the constraints of the testing equipment, DLC will need to understand and collect the following information:- Specific reasons why the product in question cannot be tested.
- A proposal from the manufacturer on how to evaluate the performance of the product. Proposals must be technically sound and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the product’s construction and performance affecting variables.
- Rationale for why the proposal is representative of the product’s performance.
Proposals, once complete with the details mentioned above, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by DLC program management. Please provide this information ahead of submitting an application as proposals need to be approved prior to allowing the use of alternate data within an application. This will help ensure application reviews are completed as efficiently as possible. As always, DLC reserves the right to require additional information, and manufacturers should be prepared to provide documentation that addresses concerns that arise.
Development of standard procedures for evaluating performance of products that are too large for testing equipment is on the DLC policy development wishlist. DLC welcomes proposals for standardizing this process and should be sent to info@designlights.org.
Warranty Requirements
The DLC requires a minimum warranty period of 5 years on all products listed on the QPL.
The warranty must cover the complete luminaire or retrofit kit/replacement lamp when applicable.
Note that the “luminaire” includes light source, housing, heat sink, power supplies and other electrical components, optics, and any other components of the luminaire.
Warranty documentation must clearly explain the terms and conditions associated with the warranty.
Warranties that only cover certain components of the luminaire or retrofit kit/replacement lamp are not sufficient to meet the requirement. Warranty statements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the DLC reserves to right to seek additional clarification if necessary.
Warranty terms and conditions can vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. The DLC explicitly defines a warranty period of 5 years and does not have specific requirements for warranty claim terms other than those listed above. The DLC does not verify or validate a manufacturer’s terms, conditions or process for customer warranty claims. The DLC does not monitor field failure rates of qualified products, or policy warranty redemption or history among manufacturers. Industry stakeholders are urged to review warranty terms and conditions as part of the purchasing decision process.