Networked Lighting Controls

Technical Requirements for NLC V5.2

Version 5.2August 3, 2026

This page includes information and policies related to the NLC V5.2 Technical Requirements, effective August 3, 2026.

Introduction

Adding networked lighting controls to LED lighting projects can increase energy savings, support more responsive building operations, and help lighting systems serve as a foundation for integrated building controls. As buildings become more connected and energy efficiency programs seek deeper savings from lighting and beyond, networked lighting controls offer an important pathway for coordinating lighting with other building systems.

The DLC’s Networked Lighting Controls Technical Requirements and associated Qualified Products List provide an essential resource for efficiency program administrators, manufacturers, designers, specifiers, distributors, contractors, and building owners to identify, compare, and select high-performing control systems for use in commercial, industrial, outdoor, roadway, and other eligible applications.

NLC V5.2 builds on the foundation of NLC V5.1 by recognizing emerging opportunities for NLC-HVAC integration, supporting greater confidence in energy savings through standardized configuration reporting, improving the usability and clarity of the QPL, and expanding eligibility to include horticultural control systems that meet DLC NLC requirements.

These updates reinforce the role of networked lighting controls as a platform for deeper energy savings, better system coordination, and more integrated building performance.

To identify, compare, and select qualified networked lighting control systems, visit the NLC Qualified Products List (QPL)

System Definitions & Eligibility

The NLC V5.2 Technical Requirements apply to networked lighting control systems associated with commercial and industrial buildings, roadways, and outdoor environments. For the purposes of these requirements, an NLC system is a collection of interconnected devices that enables lighting control strategies such as individual addressability, continuous dimming, zoning, high-end trim, occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting or photocell control, scheduling, scene control, energy monitoring, and related capabilities.

Luminaires, retrofit kits, and lamps are qualified separately under the DLC’s Solid-State Lighting/LED Technical Requirements and Qualified Products List. The NLC Technical Requirements apply at the system level, while the SSL Technical Requirements apply to luminaires and integral luminaire controls. These requirements are complementary and non-overlapping.

DC and PoE networked lighting control systems are eligible to be qualified in conjunction with the SSL Testing and Reporting Requirements for DC and PoE lamps, luminaires, and retrofit kits.

Building management systems and horticultural control systems that control networked lighting plus other building systems, such as HVAC, are eligible to be qualified as NLC systems and listed on the QPL, provided they meet all DLC requirements for NLC. At this time, the DLC does not claim to qualify HVAC-specific or horticultural-specific capabilities of these systems.

Each QPL-listed NLC system qualifies for one or more System Scopes based on its capabilities. Indoor system scopes include Room or Zone, Whole Building, Portfolio/Enterprise, and Structured Parking. Outdoor system scopes include Structured Parking, Area/Building Outdoor/Parking, Streetlight, and Roadway.

Full systems definitions & eligibility