Introduction: The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has recently finalized the Technical Requirements Version 5.2 for Networked Lighting Control (NLC) systems. The new regulations are scheduled to take effect on August 3, 2026.
The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has recently finalized the Technical Requirements Version 5.2 for Networked Lighting Control (NLC) systems. The new regulations are scheduled to take effect on August 3, 2026.
Tina Halfpenny, Executive Director and CEO of the DLC, stated that this revision aims to expand the benefits of networked lighting. Key improvements include enhanced interoperability, standardized system configuration, and recognition of emerging capabilities such as integration with thermostats and HVAC systems. Additionally, the revision makes the DLC’s NLC Qualified Products List (QPL) more user-friendly for energy efficiency programs, manufacturers, building owners, and project designers.
Source: Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Key Updates
1. Lighting and HVAC Integration
NLC V5.2 officially recognizes and supports the integration of NLC systems with smart thermostats. This allows occupancy sensors within the lighting system to transmit occupancy data to the thermostat, automatically adjusting HVAC operations when a room is unoccupied to achieve additional energy savings. Data indicates that optimizing thermostat operation using occupancy data from lighting control systems can yield additional HVAC energy savings of 8% to 21%.
2. Standardized Configuration Reporting
To boost confidence among energy efficiency programs regarding the actual energy-saving performance of NLC systems, V5.2 requires systems to report their energy-saving configuration settings in accordance with the industry standard ANSI/NEMA C137.9. This ensures that NLC systems are configured as designed and that their energy-saving performance is quantifiable and verifiable, providing a clear basis for projects to qualify for incentives. 3. Optimizing the QPL Experience
The DLC has optimized the presentation of the NLC Qualified Products List (QPL) to streamline capability descriptions and enhance usability. This enables stakeholders—such as manufacturers, designers, and building owners—to more easily understand, compare, and select compliant NLC systems, thereby reducing the costs associated with product screening.
4. Expanding the Scope of Application
Version 5.2 extends the scope to include horticultural lighting control systems. Horticultural lighting control systems that meet the DLC’s NLC requirements and are capable of controlling both lighting and other building systems (such as HVAC) can now be listed on the NLC QPL, making them eligible for support from energy efficiency incentive programs.
To help the industry understand the new regulations, the DLC will host two webinars: one explaining the final release of NLC V5.2 and another providing guidance on its application.
Ezenkívül a DLC weboldala szerint a különböző NLC verziók technikai követelményeinek állapota a következő:
