The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published ANSI C136.41-2013 For Roadway and Area Lighting Equipment–Dimming Control Between an External Locking Type Photocontrol and Ballast or Driver. This standard describes methods of light level control between an external locking type photocontrol (or similar device) and a dimmable ballast or driver for street and area lighting equipment. […]


NEMA Publishes NEMA BL 3-2013 Dimming Ballast Energy Performance
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association recently published NEMA BL 3-2013 Dimming Ballast Energy Performance. This standard provides a methodology for applying existing test methods for program start ballasts to fluorescent dimming ballasts. It also provides a method to calculate ballast luminous efficiency (BLE) for fluorescent dimming ballasts. Information for proper lamp and ballast compatibility for […]

Last Chance for Commercial Buildings Deduction?
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 created the Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction (CBTD) to encourage owner investment in energy-efficient building systems. The CBTD establishes a special tax deduction rewarding investment in energy-efficient interior lighting, HVAC/hot water systems and building envelope, subject to a cap of up to $1.80/sq.ft. It’s an accelerated tax deduction, meaning […]

IEC Publishes New Ultra-Low Power Consumption Wireless Technology Standard
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has ratified a new standard–ISO/IEC 14543-3-10–for wireless applications with ultra-low power consumption pioneered by EnOcean. The standard can be downloaded from www.iso.org. The new standard is geared to wireless sensors and wireless sensor networks with ultra-low power consumption. It also includes sensor networks that utilize energy harvesting technology to draw […]

NEMA Publishes NEMA WD 7 Occupancy Motion Sensors Standard
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published NEMA WD 7 Occupancy Motion Sensors Standard. Previously published as a guide and not a standard, WD 7 promotes uniformity for the definition and measurement of characteristics relevant to the use and application of occupancy motion sensors. This standard covers the definition and measurement of field of […]

NEMA Publishes NEMA 410-2011 Performance Testing for Lighting Controls and Switching Devices with Electronic Drivers and Discharge Ballasts
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published NEMA 410-2011 Performance Testing for Lighting Controls and Switching Devices with Electronic Drivers and Discharge Ballasts. NEMA 410 provides guidance for the design and testing of lighting controls and switching devices to be used with electronic drivers, discharge ballasts, and self-ballasted lamps to assist in establishing and verifying compatibility between products. This standard has been expanded to encompass additional types of lighting technology, and numerous figures and test circuit diagrams and designs have been added. NEMA 410 may be downloaded free here. To find other NEMA lighting standards, click here.