dlc logoWhen purchasing energy-efficient lamps and lighting fixtures, you may come across some that say "DLC Listed". However, you may be unclear what exactly that means.

Let's take a look at who the DLC is, what it means to be DLC listed, and the benefits of purchasing those lighting products.

 


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Who is the DLC?

The DLC stands for the DesignLights Consortium™ -- a partnership of energy efficiency stakeholders throughout the US and Canada that "promotes quality, performance, and energy efficient commercial sector lighting solutions."

There are currently 78 members of the Design Lights Consortium that include regional, state, utility and energy efficiency programs. Some of DLC's members include Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), Georgia Power, Alliant Energy, Hawaii Energy, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Efficiency Nova Scotia, and Electric Utility Marketing Managers of Texas. Additionally, they work with lighting manufacturers, designers, and other involved in the industry.

The Design Lights Consortium is actually a project of the Northeast Energy Efficient Partnership (NEEP) that was founded back in 1996. The nonprofit works to increase energy efficiency in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas of the US by reducing energy use in buildings, increasing the visibility of energy efficiency, and advancing knowledge and best practices.

 

What is a DLC Listing?

dlc qpl listedThe Design Lights Consortium was first used to educate lighting distributors about high performance T8 fluorescent lamps. Today, the DLC has turned its attentions to LED lighting because it became more available and increased its marketshare.

In 2010, the Design Lights Consortium launched its Qualified Products List (QPL). According to the global independent safety company UL, it features LED and solid state lighting (SSL) products that undergo tests at a DLC-approved lab and comply with "specific performance and energy efficiency criteria."

DLC has specific technical requirements that lamps and fixtures must meet for inclusion on the QPL. such as minimum efficacies and warranties, minimum light outputs, and minimum life rating.

If a product meets the Design Lights Consortium's criteria, it can be added to the QLP, which you can access and search online. Products are searchable by keyword, manufacturer, or criteria such as efficacy, wattage, CCT, CRI, category, dimming criteria, and much more.

As of September 2015, there are 140,249 products on the QPL. This includes outdoor and indoor luminaires, retrofit kits, and linear replacement lamps.

In July 2015, the Design Lights Consortium reportedly delisted 1,220 products due to misrepresentation, according to their Industry Update newsletter. These products employ screw bases, which under current requirements do not qualify. The QPL also shows a directory of delisted products, since consumers will want to avoid them.

 

What are the benefits to purchasing products listed on the Design Lights Consortium's QLP?

First of all, you can purchase LED lamps and fixtures listed on the QLP knowing they meet their high standards. This can give you a great peace of mind, because you know these products have undergone and passed rigorous testing.

Selecting a QPL listed product may also mean you are eligible for money-saving rebate from member utility companies! Contact your local utility company to see what type of rebates they offer for DLC compliant lamps and fixtures.

 


Let us know if you need assistance figuring out which DLC listed lamp or lighting fixture is best for you. Please give us a call at 1-800-983-1315 Monday-Friday 6AM-6PM. Or, fill out or contact form, and one of our lighting experts will be happy to help you. We will respond by the end of the next business day. On the other hand, if you want to shop now on ShineRetrofits.com, you can filter products by DLC listing.