Lighting Certifications

As a consumer, there is a lot of information to figure out regarding lighting. When it comes to certifications, it can be confusing to figure out the various ratings. Here are the basic lighting certifications you need to know to help you choose the right solution for your needs.

1. DLC

This is one of the most important lighting certifications you need to know. DLC stands for Design Lights Consortium. This regulating body oversees LED lights on performance matters such as color rendering indexes, lumen output, longevity of the solution, and other factors. While most LED solutions are required to be DLC rated, you should still make sure prior to purchase to ensure a high-quality solution.

2. UL

UL certifications are also used to denote high quality that has been rigorously tested to meet industry standards. This certification means the product meets industry safety guidelines as set forth by Underwriters Laboratories. It can also be used to denote a fixture that can be used in damp or wet locations when specified. While UL is more commonly seen in outdoor fixtures, it can also be used to denote high quality in an indoor fixture as well.

3. CEE

This certification stands for Consortium for Energy Efficiency. Commonly used for commercial applications, this stamp of approval means a fixture has been thoroughly tested to ensure it is an energy efficient solution. For example, certain states require businesses to only install fixtures that are CEE rated to ensure a better choice for the planet.

4. Energy Star

When looking at residential ratings, Energy Star is probably the one you are most familiar with overall. While you may be more familiar with this certification on appliances, it is also a rating for light bulbs to help consumers make better choices for the planet. When you see the Energy Star certification on a light bulb, it means it will burn anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 hours as the minimum. This makes this rating worth seeking out for consumers because it means you will need to change bulbs less often which is good for your wallet and the environment.