Commercial & Industrial Lighting 2025: What’s Changing and How to Specify It Right

Updated: August 14, 2025

TL;DR: LED-first specs with DLC-listed luminaires and commissioned networked controls; dark-sky optics at 3000 K or lower outdoors; follow NEC 2023 Articles 410/725 and UL 1598/8750, with UL 924/NFPA 101 for emergency; plan for LED driver inrush and 0–10 V current limits; for PoE, check IEEE 802.3bt power budgets and LP cabling; lock in PSEG Long Island rebates before purchase; if you need parts now, start with LED high-bay lights.

Why this matters on the job

Miss a control requirement, pick the wrong optic, or ignore emergency rules and you eat callbacks, change orders, and delays. The trends below show what inspectors, utilities, and customers expect right now so you can finish faster, pass inspection, and keep costs tight. If you need parts while you plan, start with LED high-bay fixtures and area and site lighting from Revco, plus occupancy sensors and 0–10 V dimmers to lock down control strategies early.

Fundamentals

Modern commercial and industrial lighting is LED-based with controls built in or networked. LED performance depends on driver quality, thermal design, optics, and verified lumen maintenance using LM-80 test data with TM-21 projections [1][2]. Most utilities prefer products on the DLC Qualified Products Lists, with networked lighting controls (NLC) recognized for large savings when commissioned correctly [3][4][5]. For outdoor work, dark-sky friendly optics and warmer color temperatures are gaining traction through DLC LUNA and DarkSky guidance [6][7].

On safety and compliance, install per listing and labeling and follow the luminaire instructions. In the U.S., common end-product safety standards include UL 1598 for luminaires and UL 8750 for LED equipment [8][9]. Emergency lighting equipment and control devices are listed to UL 924 [10]. Electrical installations must comply with NEC 2023, with relevant articles including 110, 300, 410, 411, 600, 700, 701, and 725, among others. Always verify local adoption and amendments with the AHJ.

Code and compliance

• Listing and instructions. NEC 110.3(B) requires following listing and manufacturer instructions. UL 1598 covers the luminaire assembly. UL 8750 covers LED drivers, LED arrays, and control gear internal to lighting products [8][9]. UL 1598C applies when using LED retrofit kits in existing luminaires [11].

• Luminaires and retrofit kits. NEC Article 410 governs luminaires and lampholders. When retrofitting, use listed retrofit kits and follow the kit’s field-installed labels and instructions per UL 1598C [11].

• Emergency egress lighting. NEC Article 700 covers emergency systems. NFPA 101 requires emergency illumination along the egress path for 90 minutes with initial average 1 foot-candle and not less than 0.1 foot-candle at any point, with permitted reduction over time [12][13].

• Controls and Class 2 wiring. Dimming control circuits such as 0–10 V are often Class 2 power-limited circuits installed per Article 725, including separation rules in 725.136 when sharing raceways or enclosures with power conductors [14]. Some devices support only Class 1 control wiring; follow the device instructions and local requirements.

• Energy code. Energy codes such as IECC 2021/2024 or ASHRAE 90.1-2019/2022 drive occupancy sensing, automatic shutoff, and daylighting controls in many spaces. Check the adopted energy code for your project jurisdiction.

• Local programs and rebates. In Suffolk County, NY, PSEG Long Island’s commercial lighting and controls incentives run through 2025 with specific eligibility, submittal, and completion dates. NLC measures have defined incentives and may require DLC listing and minimum capabilities [15][16].

Local adoption note: New York jurisdictions may adopt different editions of NEC and energy codes on different dates. Always confirm editions and amendments with your AHJ before design and submittal.

Selection steps

Step 1: Confirm goals and constraints.
Define target illuminance, glare limits, schedules, ambient conditions, maintenance cycles, and security or machine safety visibility. For exterior areas, check dark-sky goals and neighbor light trespass limits. Identify utility rebate requirements early. If you need fast options, compare area and site lighting and wall packs with warm CCT and full cutoff optics.

Step 2: Choose listed product families.
Shortlist luminaires that meet UL 1598 and driver components that meet UL 8750 [8][9]. For retrofits, use UL 1598C kits [11]. For exterior dark-sky goals, prefer DLC LUNA-qualified options where practical [6]. For rebates, select luminaires and controls on the relevant DLC lists [3][6].

Step 3: Pick optics and CCT by application.
In industrial interiors, look for distributions that match aisle or open-area layouts. For exteriors, consider full cutoff distributions, back-light shields, and warmer CCTs; DLC LUNA and DarkSky guidance emphasize 3000 K or lower and proper shielding to limit uplight and glare [6][7].

Step 4: Lock in the control strategy.
Decide whether to use stand-alone sensors, 0–10 V control loops, DALI, or a networked platform. For large facilities, NLCs can deliver significant savings when designed and commissioned well [4][5]. For basic retrofits, integrate occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and 0–10 V dimmers with clear zoning.

Step 5: Verify electrical compatibility.
Check input voltage, driver inrush characteristics, harmonic current, 0–10 V control current, and short-circuit ratings. For PoE lighting, verify IEEE 802.3bt power budgets and thermal limits in cable bundles [17][18].

Step 6: Plan emergency and egress.
Select emergency lights and exit signs listed to UL 924 and lay out quantities to meet NFPA 101 performance levels [10][12][13].

Step 7: Document and submit.
For rebates, collect spec sheets, DLC listings, and control schedules before procurement. PSEG Long Island requires submittals by specific dates in 2025 [15][16].

Sizing and configuration examples

Example A: How many 0–10 V drivers can one dimmer or sensor control?

Assumptions:

• The 0–10 V controller can sink 30 mA on the control output (typical for some Lutron 0–10 V devices; check your spec sheet) [19].

• Each LED driver sources 0.5 mA on the 0–10 V loop. This is an assumption for method only. Always verify the exact current in the driver datasheet.

Math:

• Max drivers = Controller sink capacity ÷ Driver source current

• Max drivers = 30 mA ÷ 0.5 mA = 60 drivers

Design notes:

• Some controllers are rated 100 mA; some drivers source more than 0.5 mA.

• Keep loop wiring short and observe Article 725 for separation and classification [14].

• Split large zones across multiple control channels if needed. See lighting control accessories.

Example B: PoE lighting power budget with IEEE 802.3bt

Assumptions:

• PoE Type 4 port supplies up to 90–100 W at the PSE; available power at the luminaire is lower due to cable losses and standard limits [17][18][20].

• Each PoE-ready luminaire needs 38 W max.

• A 24-port PoE switch has a total PoE budget of 720 W.

Port-level check:

• One port can feed one 38 W luminaire within the Type 4 per-port limit.

• Do not exceed the switch’s total budget.

Switch budget:

• Max fixtures by budget = 720 W ÷ 38 W = 18 fixtures on that switch.

Design tips:

• Confirm cable rating and bundle heat rise. UL LP cabling helps with ampacity under PoE loads [18].

• Coordinate LLDP power negotiation and power-on sequencing with IT.

Example C: Quick high-bay count using the lumen method

Assumptions for a warehouse bay:

• Target average horizontal illuminance from owner’s spec.

• 26,000 lm high-bay, CU = 0.65, LLF = 0.80

• Area = 120 ft × 80 ft = 9,600 ft²

Delivered lumens per luminaire = 26,000 × 0.65 × 0.80 = 13,520 lm
Target 30 fc average:

• Required lumens = 30 × 9,600 = 288,000 lm

• Fixtures = 288,000 ÷ 13,520 ≈ 22 luminaires

Validate with a manufacturer layout. Adjust CU and LLF to real surface reflectances and cleaning schedules. Shop LED high-bay lights and add surge protective devices for driver protection.

Installation and wiring notes

• Follow the book. Install per listing and instructions. NEC 110.3(B) applies.

• Branch circuit and inrush. Coordinate LED driver inrush with breaker curves. Use manufacturer “max fixtures per breaker” guidance for MCBs [21][22].

• 0–10 V wiring class. Treat 0–10 V as Class 2 unless device instructions and AHJ require Class 1. Apply 725.136 for separation or reclassify per instructions [14].

• Daylight and occupancy zones. Keep zones tight. Use integral sensors for high-bays and unconditioned spaces. See occupancy sensors.

• Emergency egress. Use UL 924 listed equipment and aim to NFPA 101 performance levels [10][12][13]. See emergency lighting and exit signs.

• Outdoor dark-sky. Choose full-cutoff optics, warmer CCT, and dimming schedules. DLC LUNA and DarkSky guidance emphasize CCT ≤ 3000 K and shielding [6][7].

• Documentation for rebates. Capture DLC listing numbers, control narrative, and sequence of operations. PSEG Long Island deadlines apply in 2025 [15][16].

Testing, commissioning, and documentation

• Bench tests: Verify driver and control compatibility. Confirm 0–10 V range, default trims, and fail-safe states.

• Functional tests: For NLC, verify occupancy, vacancy, daylight, schedules, and high-end trim. Savings improve with the right strategy mix [4][5].

• Emergency tests: Perform functional and 90-minute tests and document results for NFPA 101 compliance [12][13].

• As-builts: Record fixture types, drivers, addresses, trim settings, and sequences.

Troubleshooting

• Flicker on dimming: Check compatibility, minimum load, and low-end trim.

• Breaker trips: Verify driver inrush and breaker curves; consider LED-rated MCBs [21][22].

• Outdoor glare or trespass: Re-aim, add shields, and confirm full-cutoff optics.

• Low emergency levels: Add heads or adjust aiming to meet NFPA 101 performance [12][13].

• Savings shortfall: Commission trims, sensor timeouts, and daylighting. Field studies show the mix matters [4][5].

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using non-listed parts in listed housings.

• Ignoring 0–10 V wiring classification and separation.

• Overlighting exteriors; skip shields and warm CCT and you invite complaints.

• Skipping commissioning.

• Ignoring inrush.

• Missing PSEG LI deadlines.

Parts to stock and related products

• High-bay luminaires: LED high-bay lights

• Area/site lighting: area and security lights

• Wall-mounted exterior: wall lights

• Controls: occupancy sensors, 0–10 V dimmers

• LED drivers: LED drivers and power supplies

• Emergency equipment: emergency lights and exit signs

• Surge protection: surge protective devices

Shop at Revco for local stock and delivery across Suffolk County.

When to call the AHJ or engineer of record

• Unclear control wiring classification or shared raceway.

• Marginal egress performance or unusual geometry.

• Large NLC-to-HVAC integrations.

• Hazardous locations or special occupancies.

• Strict dark-sky ordinances or neighbor complaints.

Safety disclaimer

This guide does not replace the NEC, NFPA 101, UL standards, energy codes, or manufacturer instructions. Verify editions and local amendments with your AHJ. Follow equipment labels and listings. When in doubt, stop and get a professional review.

FAQ

Q1: Do I need warm CCT outdoors to meet dark-sky goals?
Many programs and communities prefer 3000 K or lower, and DLC LUNA and DarkSky guidance point to warmer CCTs plus shielding to reduce skyglow and glare [6][7].

Q2: Do NLCs really save more than stand-alone sensors?
Field studies show portfolio-level savings near 47% on average when networked controls are planned, installed, and commissioned well. Results vary by site and strategy [4][5].

Q3: Is 0–10 V always Class 2?
Often, but not always. The equipment instructions and local code interpretation control. Follow NEC Article 725, including separation rules in 725.136, or reclassify per instructions and AHJ direction [14].

Q4: What about PoE lighting?
IEEE 802.3bt increases per-port power to 60–100 W at the PSE. You still have to manage switch budgets, cable heating, and commissioning. Use LP-rated cabling where appropriate and verify vendor limits [17][18].

Q5: What are the emergency lighting light level targets?
NFPA 101 requires 90 minutes of emergency illumination with initial average 1 fc and not less than 0.1 fc at any point along the path of egress, with allowed reduction over time [12][13].

Q6: How do I avoid breaker trips on LED retrofits?
Account for driver inrush and choose breakers suited for LED loads. Manufacturers publish guidance on “max fixtures per breaker” and breaker curves [21][22].

Q7: Are rebates still available on Long Island?
Yes, through 2025 with posted deadlines. Networked controls and LLLC have defined incentives and DLC listing requirements. Confirm current forms and due dates with PSEG Long Island before ordering [15][16].

Sources

[1] IES — “LM-80: Measuring Luminous Flux and Color Maintenance of LED Packages, Arrays and Modules” (standard overview/preview), retrieved 08/2025.
[2] IES — “TM-21: Projecting Long-Term Flux Maintenance of LED Light Sources” (standard overview/preview), retrieved 08/2025.
[3] DLC — Networked Lighting Controls resources and QPL overview, retrieved 08/2025.
[4] DLC/NEEA — “Energy Savings from Networked Lighting Control Systems” (field study; ~47% average portfolio savings), retrieved 08/2025.
[5] EC&M; LCA — summaries of NLC savings and strategy impacts, retrieved 08/2025.
[6] DLC — LUNA program overview and requirements, retrieved 08/2025.
[7] DarkSky — Approved Luminaires Guidelines (CCT ≤ 3000 K; shielding), retrieved 08/2025.
[8] UL — UL 1598 Luminaires scope summary, retrieved 08/2025.
[9] UL — UL 8750 LED equipment scope summary, retrieved 08/2025.
[10] UL 924 — Emergency lighting equipment listing context (manufacturer resource), retrieved 08/2025.
[11] UL 1598C — Retrofit kits scope and installer info, retrieved 08/2025.
[12] NFPA 101 — Egress illumination performance levels summarized (multiple technical references), retrieved 08/2025.
[13] OSHA 1910.37 — Exit route lighting and marking requirements, retrieved 08/2025.
[14] Mike Holt — Article 725 Class 2 circuit requirements and separation overview (education resource), retrieved 08/2025.
[15] PSEG Long Island — Business & Commercial Rebates page showing 2025 lighting program timelines, retrieved 08/2025.
[16] PSEG Long Island — 2025 Prescriptive Incentive Guide (NLC incentives and eligibility), retrieved 08/2025.
[17] Eaton/Tripp Lite — PoE overview with IEEE 802.3bt Types 3 and 4 and LP cable note, retrieved 08/2025.
[18] Skyworks white paper — Understanding IEEE 802.3bt power types and negotiation, retrieved 08/2025.
[19] Lutron — Maestro 0–10 V dimmer/spec, typical sink capacity context, retrieved 08/2025.
[20] Cisco; Juniper; Aruba — 802.3bt Type 3/4 port power capabilities and budgeting references, retrieved 08/2025.
[21] Eaton Bussmann — LED inrush and breaker selection guidance, retrieved 08/2025.
[22] ABB — Inrush current considerations for LED loads on MCBs, retrieved 08/2025.