When it comes to lighting, one of the more commonly misunderstood terms is “DLC-listed.” What does it mean? What does it tell you about a lighting product? When should (or should not) a DLC listing factor into your decision to purchase a lighting product?
Read on to find answers to these common questions.
What is the DLC?
In short, the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is an organization that sets performance standards for light fixtures and lighting retrofit kits. In a sense, they are to lighting what UL is to electronics, BIFMA is to furniture, and NHTSA is to cars.
According to the DLC website, they’re “…a non-profit organization improving energy efficiency, lighting quality, and the human experience in the built environment. We collaborate with utilities, energy efficiency programs, manufacturers, lighting designers, building owners, and government entities to create rigorous criteria for lighting performance that keeps up with the pace of technology.”
NOTE: It’s important not to confuse the DLC with Energy Star. While both organizations rate products on energy efficiency, Energy Star is a separate program that was started by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is a DLC listing?
A DLC listing means that a specific product has been tested to deliver superior energy efficiency.
DLC-certified lighting fixtures generally offer higher lumens per watt (LPW). The higher the LPW, the more energy is converted into usable light (and the less energy is lost to heat and other inefficiencies). What this means to the end-user is lower electric bills.
You can visit https://qpl.designlights.org/solid-state-lighting to search for DLC-listed lighting products.
What is a DLC “Premium” listing?
Introduced in 2020, the “DLC Premium” classification “…is intended to differentiate products that achieve higher energy savings while delivering light quality and controllability performance that exceed DLC Standard requirements.”
What this means is that in addition to superior energy efficiency, a Premium-listed product will offer:
- Excellent quality of light (e.g., accurate color rendering, even light distribution)
- Low glare (glare causes fatigue that can hamper productivity)
- Longer product life
- Accurate, continuous dimming
You can visit
https://www.designlights.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DLC_SSL-Technical-Requirements-V5-1_DLC-Premium_07312021.pdf to read about DLC Premium requirements in detail.
Should you avoid non-DLC-listed products?
While it is true that a DLC listing helps ensure a certain level of performance, it doesn’t mean a lighting solution without the DLC’s stamp of approval is inherently inferior. In many cases, it may simply mean the product is new and hasn’t had enough time to make it through the DLC testing process.
So, while it is a good rule of thumb to choose DLC-listed products, the lack of a DLC listing doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.
When should you definitely choose a DLC-listed product?
In a word: rebates.
Oftentimes, a DLC listing is a requirement to receive a rebate from your utility company. In some cases, a Premium listing is required.
In fact, between 70% and 85% of rebates require DLC-listed products to qualify.
So, if your goal is to maximize savings on your utility bill, a DLC listing is well-worth seeking out.
You can visit https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/financial-incentives to find rebates in your area.
Want to learn more? Planning a large-scale lighting installation in your commercial facility? Contact our lighting pros by calling 866-454-1629.
FAQs
Maybe you've seen that label around – "DLC listed" or "DLC approved." What does that mean and how is that designation handed out? DLC stands for DesignLights Consortium, and if a lighting product has earned certification from that organization, it signals a high level of energy efficiency.
What is the difference between DLC listed and certified? ›
A DLC listing means that a specific product has been tested to deliver superior energy efficiency. DLC-certified lighting fixtures generally offer higher lumens per watt (LPW). The higher the LPW, the more energy is converted into usable light (and the less energy is lost to heat and other inefficiencies).
What is the DLC standard? ›
DLC, or DesignLights Consortium, is a standards organization that works to improve the efficiency of commercial and industrial lighting. The DLC is a non-profit organization that is responsible for setting the standards for lighting products that are eligible for listing on the DLC Qualified Products List (QPL).
What does DLC stand for in electrical? ›
DLC, or Design Lights Consortium, is a program that promotes the quality, performance, and energy-efficiency of commercial lighting solutions.
What is DLC codes? ›
What is DLC? DLC, or downloadable content, refers to additional content gamers download for video games after their initial release. This content may include new levels, characters, weapons, or skins.
How do you explain what a DLC is? ›
abbreviation for
downloadable content: additional content that can be purchased online and added on to a video game, as to enhance its features: expansion ( def 9 ). If you buy the DLC, you'll have access to the new weapon packs. I had more fun playing the DLC than the game itself.
What is the difference between DLC listed and Energy Star? ›
DLC lights are similar to Energy Star lights, but they are more specific to commercial and industrial applications, such as LED flood lights, parking lot led retrofit, or other metal halide LED replacement.
How do I know if I have a DLC? ›
DLC owned by your account can be viewed and managed in your library a few different ways. From the DLC installation and management menu you can see what DLC you have for the game and whether if it's been installed.
What does DLC qualified mean? ›
The DLC Qualified Products Lists are the largest verified lists of high-performing and energy-saving LED lighting solutions in the world. Qualified products undergo thorough vetting and review by DLC experts to ensure they meet our rigorous energy and quality requirements.
Where does DLC stand for? ›
Downloadable content (DLC) is additional content created for an already released video game, distributed through the Internet by the game's publisher.
DLC approved products have been tested and verified. They meet the highest industry standards for quality and efficiency. That will give the customer peace of mind about having these LED lighting fixtures in their facility. Better Lighting Quality.
What is a DLC used for? ›
The data link connector (DLC) is the multi-pin diagnostic connection port for automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles used to interface a scan tool with the control modules of a given vehicle and access on-board diagnostics and live data streams.
Why use DLC? ›
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are popular as a result of their superior properties such as high hardness and lower coefficient of friction. The DLC coatings have broad applications due to their multifunctional properties.
What are the electrical properties of DLC? ›
The results of the resistance measurements showed that all coatings conducted direct current. It was observed that higher doping element concentrations led to lower resistance of the contact. DLC – DLC contact also produced higher conductivity measurements compared to DLC – Steel contact.
Is DLC the same as Energy Star? ›
Energy Star is typically used for consumer products, DLC is used for commercial products. There are no products that have both ratings, only one or the other. There is no overlap between the two. For example, recessed lighting is within the jurisdiction of Energy Star; therefore, DLC does not rate this type of product.
What does DLC supported mean? ›
Downloadable content (DLC) is additional content created for an already released video game, distributed through the Internet by the game's publisher.
How do I know if DLC is installed on my switch? ›
From the Main Menu of your Nintendo Switch, locate the tile for your game and press [+] on your controller. Select [Software Information] > [Nintendo eShop]. Scroll down to [Downloadable Content] and select [View All Items]. Here you will see all owned DLC listed.
