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LCA TV: Lighting Controls Academy Publishes Video Version of Introduction to Dimming Course

William Attardi on September 23, 2026

The Lighting Controls Academy has published a video version of its popular Education Express course EE103A: Introduction to Dimming, now available at YouTube. This course introduces the core concepts, applications, and coordination practices needed to understand, design, specify, and verify the successful operation of dimming systems in commercial buildings. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) advise clients about dimming options, 2) recognize and avoid common dimming problems, 3) utilize dimming various control strategies, and 4) identify documentation and commissioning steps. This course is registered and/or recognized by CALCTP, NLCAA, NCQLP (LC), NALMCO (CLCP), DLC, and the State of California. To gain education credit, click here to access the course and successfully complete the associated quiz at NEMA Academy. LCA TV: Lighting Controls Academy Publishes Video Version of Introduction to Dimming Course

Deep Dive: Fundamentals of Commercial Lighting Controls by Craig DiLouie

William Attardi on July 28, 2026

A good lighting design is incomplete without a good controls design. Lighting controls determine when the lights turn On, when they turn Off, how bright they are, which luminaires respond, the response to daylight or occupancy, and how occupants interact with the lighting in the space. Controls may be simple or highly sophisticated, but every control system can be defined by the same fundamentals: inputs, outputs, programming, communication, and sequence of operation. This content is written for those who already have a working knowledge of lighting and now need a foundation in lighting controls. Lighting controls may be as simple as a wall switch or as advanced as a networked system……… Lighting professionals focus on providing good lighting design that supports visibility, comfort, safety, appearance, and energy performance. Lighting controls determine how the lighting behaves. A lighting system without appropriate controls may provide the right amount of light, but not necessarily at the right time, for the right task, or in the way occupants prefer. Controls facilitate the lighting system response to people, schedules, daylight, energy goals, code requirements, and changes within the space. . Deep Dive: Fundamentals of Commercial Lighting Controls

DLC Releases Updated Networked Lighting Controls Technical Requirements

William Attardi on June 29, 2026

Reinforcing the role of lighting controls as the foundation for deeper energy savings through connected commercial lighting, the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) today finalized updates to its Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) Technical Requirements. NLC systems that apply for and meet the requirements are listed on the NLC Qualified Products List (NLC QPL), which is used by industry stakeholders to select and verify high-quality NLC systems. The NLC QPL is the only list of its kind that provides extensive, verified information on interoperability, cybersecurity, and data access for each system. Taking effect August 3, NLC V5.2 reflects feedback received from DLC members and lighting industry stakeholders during a public comment period that followed release of the first draft of the policy in March. For additional context, please see the DLC Blog. The DLC will host two webinars to provide more information on NLC V5.2. The NLC V5.2 Final Release Webinar highlighting key details of the technical requirements will take place on July 8 at 3 PM ET – register here. A second webinar at 1 PM ET on Aug. 3, NLC V5.2 Application Guidance, will focus on implementation of the new policy – register here.

Lighting Controls: From Code Compliance to Retrofits by Sean Grasby

William Attardi on May 1, 2026

When we talk about lighting controls, we often limit the conversation by focusing on how lights are turned on and off, or how to optimize lighting in various spaces to enhance productivity or conserve energy. While these are important things to consider, in reality, any conversation about lighting control systems should also include several other elements as well. When electrical contractors engage with customers about lighting controls, they should ensure that any conversations also incorporate code requirements, “future-proofing,” and whether a retrofit may be beneficial. Lighting Controls: From Code Compliance to Retrofits | EC&M

 Ensuring lighting controls meet code requirements

As energy codes become more stringent, contractors now need to collaborate with lighting designers, architects, and engineers to not only ensure the lighting design and performance fit the specific needs, but also to comply with industry codes. Clearly, this is no small task — in many cases, a trusted distribution partner can bring in the right expertise or handle much of the administrative burden on the contractor’s behalf.

 Key Takeaways

  • Ensuring lighting control systems meet industry standards such as ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, and NFPA 101 is essential for compliance and safety.
  • Future-proofing involves selecting adaptable, integrated lighting controls that support upgrades and system integrations like HVAC and BMS.
  • Retrofits offer a cost-effective way to upgrade lighting technology, improve efficiency, and reduce disruption compared to new construction projects.
  • Advanced controls like luminaire level lighting control (LLLC) optimize energy use and enable real-time environmental adjustments.

 

Decoding California’s Title 24, Part 6

William Attardi on August 26, 2025

Commercial building energy codes regulate the design of nonresidential buildings to minimize energy consumption. While the majority of U.S. states adopt model codes and standards, the State of California developed its own code: Title 24, Part 6 of the state’s Building Standards Code. The latest version was released in 2025 and will take effect January 1, 2026. Title 24, Part 6 covers residential, nonresidential, high-rise residential, and hotel/motel buildings. Title 24, Part 6 contains robust, detailed lighting and control requirements. It requires a broad range of controls to ensure general lighting is turned Off or reduced when not needed.  .  For lighting, a number of changes have been made, mostly adjustments and clarifications. Decoding California’s Title 24, Part 6

Memo: Clarifications to the NLC 2020 Report – 2025 update

William Attardi on February 22, 2025

 “Energy Savings from Networked Lighting Control (NLC) Systems With and Without LLLC”  Key updates include refined clarification of the definition of luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLC) used in the report, elaborated explanations on several important aspects of the control savings factors (CSFs), and distinguishing the calculation methodology between high-end trim savings and other control strategies (occupancy sensing and daylight harvesting). The memo emphasizes that the documented CSFs reflect average savings across a diverse set of projects, where optimal programming varied, and highlights considerations for small sample bias in evaluations. Building-specific CSFs and their limitations are explained, and the memo differentiates findings from a related redesign study to avoid misinterpretation. Lastly, an updated executive summary and errata sheet correct clerical errors, reaffirming that NLC systems with LLLC offer higher energy savings potential but encouraging ongoing updates as technology and datasets evolve.

TRAINING: How to Design a Lighting Control System by C. Webster Marsh and Craig DiLouie

William Attardi on December 31, 2024

Based on EE105: Lighting Control System Design, a new course in the Lighting Controls Association’s Education Express program provides detailed information about designing an effective lighting control solution. In Part 1 of this Lighting Controls System Design series, we learned about key documentation including the Content Intent Narrative (CIN), Sequence of Operations (SOO), and Owner Project Requirements (OPR). The next step in design development in Part 2, is to turn these requirements and conceptual design into a realized design. In Part 3 of this series on how to design a lighting control system, we will discuss installation and post-occupancy. You will learn about bidding, responding to questions from installers, reviewing submittals and defending your design, following-through with the installation of the equipment, functional testing, training essential staff, and ultimately ensuring the owner is satisfied. How to Design a Lighting Control System

The Creator of Baby Ruth Actually Sued Babe Ruth –The Baby Ruth candy bar was created by the Curtiss Candy Company in 1920 — the same year that baseball legend Babe Ruth hit a then-record 54 home runs. But the Great Bambino was irked that the company was selling a candy bar with such a similar name to his own without offering him any royalties. Rather than take the Curtiss Candy Company to court, the Sultan of Swat decided to make his own candy bar, and in 1926 he debuted Ruth’s Home Run bar. The Curtiss Candy Company responded by turning the tables and taking Ruth to court. They accused the slugger of trying to steal their trademark and capitalize on the success of their brand. In a 1931 deposition, Curtiss founder Otto Schnering insisted the candy was named after “Baby Ruth” Cleveland — the daughter of President Grover Cleveland.  He also attested that the company came up with the name in 1919 before the baseball player had become a household name and that the name was merely coincidental. While the validity of those claims is disputed to this day, the court nonetheless ruled in favor of the candy company, forcing Ruth to end his foray into the world of candy.