When selecting commercial lighting fixtures, you need to consider factors such as brightness, energy efficiency, light distribution, color temperature, and lifespan. Most importantly, you also need to confirm whether the products are certified to ensure they meet performance standards.
Two certifications you’ll likely encounter are DLC Listed and DLC Premium. Although both are awarded by the DesignLights Consortium (DLC), they represent different performance thresholds for commercial LED lighting. This guide explains what each certification means to help guide your next lighting project.
What Is a DLC Listed Fixture?
A DLC-listed fixture is a commercial LED lighting product that meets the baseline performance requirements established by the DLC. The DLC is an independent nonprofit organization that evaluates commercial lighting products against rigorous technical criteria before adding them to its Qualified Products List (QPL).
To earn DLC Listed certification, manufacturers must submit their products for independent testing against the DLC’s performance requirements. Depending on the fixture category, products generally must:
- Achieve efficacy levels of approximately 100 to 170 lumens per watt or higher.
- Maintain at least 90% of their light output (L90) over tens of thousands of operating hours.
- Provide a minimum color rendering index (CRI) of 70 for most commercial applications.
- Include a minimum five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The DLC also evaluates light distribution, electrical performance, driver reliability, and product safety.
Another major advantage is rebate eligibility. Many electric utility companies require products to appear on the DLC Qualified Products List before customers can receive energy efficiency incentives. As such, choosing DLC-listed fixtures can help reduce both installation costs and energy consumption.
What Is a DLC Premium Fixture?
Every DLC Premium product is also DLC Listed, but it must meet higher efficacy requirements and stricter technical criteria established by the DLC. These fixtures often incorporate higher-quality LED chips and advanced optical systems that improve light distribution. They also dissipate heat faster. This reduces stress on electronic components, extending fixture life and lowering maintenance requirements.
DLC Premium is ideal for facilities with demanding operating schedules, including manufacturing plants, distribution centers, airports, logistics hubs, refrigerated warehouses, hospitals, and other environments where lighting may operate 16 to 24 hours each day.
Upgrade Your Commercial Lighting with Confidence
Neither certification is universally better. The right choice depends on your operational goals. If your priority is replacing outdated fixtures with reliable, efficient products that satisfy industry standards and qualify for most rebate programs, DLC Listed fixtures are an ideal option for you.
However, if your facility has long operating hours and high energy consumption, investing in DLC Premium fixtures can generate greater savings over the lifetime of the lighting system.
At Commercial Lighting Industries, we supply quality commercial LED lighting, including DLC Listed and DLC Premium fixtures for warehouses, offices, manufacturing facilities, healthcare buildings, retail spaces, schools, parking garages, and other commercial environments. Our team can help you procure the right fixture and even design custom lighting solutions based on your budget and lighting needs. Give us a call today.
Gabriella Halcovich is the National Account Manager at Commercial Lighting Industries, specializing in commercial lighting solutions for hospitality, restaurant, retail, and architectural projects nationwide. She partners with architects, interior designers, and developers to deliver lighting that brings spaces to life.
