What’s New In Commercial & Industrial Lighting: A Contractor’s Guide That Saves Time, Energy, and Callbacks

Updated August 14, 2025

TL;DR:
LEDs win on performance and savings. Pair quality drivers with the right optics and networked controls to hit code, earn rebates, and cut callbacks.

• Use occupancy, daylight, scheduling, and high-end trim; many rebates expect DLC NLC.

• Outdoor: choose cutoff optics and ≤4000 K; target DLC LUNA and dark-sky principles.

• Keep 0–10 V for simple zones; use DALI-2 or Bluetooth Mesh for zoning, tuning, and reporting.

• PoE and low-voltage are viable; coordinate with IT and follow NEC 725 and 300.22(C).

• Emergency egress needs UL 924 equipment and a 90-minute test.

• Hazardous locations require UL 844 listings and correct T-codes.

• New York is moving to NEC 2023 via the 2025 Uniform Code; verify local amendments and energy-code testing.

• Plan surge protection, label control wiring, and back up control settings.

• Close out with sequences, setpoints, screenshots, and acceptance forms to pass inspection and secure incentives.

• Handle spent fluorescent and HID lamps as universal waste in NY.

Why this matters on the job

New gear and tighter codes change how you design, bid, install, and maintain lighting. If you miss a control requirement or choose the wrong driver, you eat change orders, lose rebate dollars, and risk inspection failures. This guide shows what is changing now and how to apply it so you finish faster, pass inspection, and keep customers happy.

Early shopping if you need parts now: LED high-bay fixtures, area and security lights, occupancy sensors, 0–10 V dimmers, LED drivers, emergency lights and exit signs, surge protective devices.

Fundamentals

• LEDs now dominate. Performance depends on driver quality, optics, thermal design, and controls. Lumen maintenance is verified using LM-80 data and TM-21 projections. [12]

• Controls are moving to networked platforms. Expect occupancy, daylight, scheduling, task tuning, and energy reporting in one system. Many utilities incentivize or require DLC NLC qualification. [1], [2]

• Outdoor lighting is shifting to dark-sky-friendly designs. DLC’s LUNA program and IDA guidance reward lower CCT, controlled distribution, and curfews. [3], [4]

• Protocols are stabilizing. DALI-2 and D4i improve interoperability. Bluetooth Mesh is common for wireless retrofits. [5], [6]

• PoE and low-voltage options are growing. IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 supports up to 90 W per port. Coordinate with IT and NEC Article 725. [7]

• Emergency egress is smarter. Use UL 924 listed drivers, inverters, and emergency control devices that maintain life safety while allowing energy savings during normal operation. [8], [9]

• Hazardous areas. Select UL 844 luminaires and proper wiring for the area classification. [10]

• End-of-life rules. Fluorescent and HID lamps are managed as universal waste in New York. Follow storage, labeling, and shipping rules. [21], [22]

Code and compliance

Reference the NEC 2023 by Article and Section. Do not quote code text. New York State is moving to the 2025 Uniform Code that incorporates NEC 2023, with an effective date targeted for December 31, 2025. Confirm adoption and local amendments with your AHJ. [18]

Common Articles you will hit:

• 110.3(B) listing, labeling, and manufacturer instructions.

• 410 luminaires and retrofit rules; use listed LED retrofit kits per UL 1598C. [11]

• 404 switches and disconnects.

• 700/701/702 emergency, legally required standby, and optional standby systems. Coordinate emergency lighting controls with UL 924 gear. [8], [9]

• 500–506 hazardous (classified) locations; match listings and wiring methods. [10]

• 725 power-limited control circuits, plus 300.22(C) for plenums.

Energy codes drive control strategies and testing:

• IECC 2021/2024 and ASHRAE 90.1-2019/2022 require occupancy, time-switch, and daylight controls in most spaces, plus functional testing. [16], [17]

Life safety and workplace rules:

• NFPA 101 requires emergency illumination for egress. OSHA requires adequately lit and marked exit routes. [15], [14]

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.56 lists minimum construction illumination levels for temporary lighting and night work. [13]

Local adoption varies. Verify with the AHJ for Suffolk County and any village or town amendments. [18]

Selection steps

Step 1: Confirm code edition, utility program, and rebate path. For PSEG Long Island, review current 2025 updates and NLC incentives. [19], [20]

Step 2: Document use and risk. Note operating hours, mounting height, temperature, aisles, and any hazardous classification.

Step 3: Pick the optic and distribution. For outdoor, use cutoff optics and consider DLC LUNA to control sky glow. Check LED outdoor lighting and area and security lighting. [3], [4]

Step 4: Choose the driver and dimming. 0–10 V is simple. DALI-2 or Bluetooth Mesh gives better zoning and analytics. Verify low-end performance against IEEE 1789 guidance. See LED drivers. [5], [6], [23]

Step 5: Plan controls to satisfy code and rebates. Include occupancy, daylight, scheduling, and high-end trim. Networked systems may require DLC NLC listing. Sensors and dimmers: occupancy sensors and 0–10 V dimmers. [1]

Step 6: Coordinate emergency egress. Use UL 924 emergency drivers, inverters, or emergency lighting control devices. Functionally test for 90 minutes per life safety requirements. Emergency lights and exit signs. [8], [15]

Step 7: Verify listings and environmental ratings. UL 1598 for luminaires, UL 844 for hazardous locations, and surge protection where required. Surge protection. [11], [10]

Step 8: Pull the wiring correctly. Respect Article 725 for control circuits and 300.22(C) in plenums. Label 0–10 V.

Step 9: Close out with documentation. Provide sequences, setpoints, and acceptance tests for energy code and rebates.

Sizing and configuration examples

Warehouse high-bay retrofit with NLC

• 100 fixtures, 28 ft mounting.

• Before: 400 W MH at 455 W input.

• After: 185 W LED with occupancy and daylighting.

• 4,000 h/year, controls reduce on-time to 60%.

• Energy rate $0.18/kWh for illustration.

• Rebate path includes DLC SSL and DLC NLC if required by program.

Before energy: 455 W × 100 × 4,000 h = 182,000 kWh/year.
After energy: 185 W × 100 × 2,400 h = 44,400 kWh/year.
Annual savings: 137,600 kWh (~$24,768 at $0.18/kWh). Confirm networked-controls eligibility and complete functional testing for incentives. [1], [20]

Parking lot LED with curfew dimming and LUNA optics

• 20 heads; before 250 W HPS at 295 W input.

• After 110 W LED, DLC LUNA qualified, CCT ≤ 4000 K, cutoff optics.

• Dusk-to-dawn 4,200 h/year.]

• Curfew: 100% until midnight, 50% from 00:00–05:00 (≈40% of hours).

Before energy: 295 W × 20 × 4,200 h = 24,780 kWh.
After energy: 7,392 kWh/year.
Savings: ≈17,388 kWh. Use BUG and backlight limits to reduce spill light. [3], [4

Installation and wiring notes

• Follow manufacturer instructions and listing per 110.3(B).

• Set dimming low-end to avoid shimmer; verify against IEEE 1789 guidance. [23]

• Keep control wiring per Article 725 and 300.22(C) in plenums.

• Label zones and drivers. Back up networked settings.

• Use UL 844 products in classified areas; verify T-code and group. [10]

• Plan surge protection for outdoor and industrial drivers.

• Use UL 924 equipment and permitted emergency control devices for egress; test for 90 minutes. [8], [15]

Testing, commissioning, and documentation

• Perform functional testing required by IECC/90.1. Save forms and screenshots. [16], [17]

• Use the NECA 90 commissioning framework to structure start-up and turnover. [16], [11]

• Deliver a controls schedule with zones, scenes, sensor settings, daylight groups, and emergency interfaces.

Troubleshooting

• Flicker at low levels: raise minimum dim, switch drivers, or change control method; compare to IEEE 1789. [23]

• Sensors underperform: fix coverage, adjust timeouts and setpoints, recalibrate daylit zones.

• Failed acceptance tests: most misses are incomplete forms or unclear sequences. Plan early. [16]

• Retrofit kit issues: use listed UL 1598C kits and relabel the modified luminaire. [11]

• Emergency conflicts: verify emergency devices bypass normal controls as required. [9]

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring DLC listings when rebates require them. [1]

• Mixing Class 1 and Class 2 conductors without an assembly listing that allows it.

• Skipping plenum rules for control cable.

• Using non-listed retrofit parts. [11]

• Forgetting emergency sequences when adding advanced controls. [9]

• Installing high-CCT outdoor lighting where ordinances or standards require lower CCT and cutoff optics. [4]

Parts to stock and related products

• Industrial high-bays

• Area and security lights

• Occupancy sensors

• 0–10 V dimmers

• LED drivers

• Emergency lights and exit signs

• Surge protection

• Lighting contactors and HID relays

• Wire and cable

Shop at Revco for same-day pickup or fast delivery.

When to call the AHJ or engineer of record

• Emergency sequences with shared luminaires or unusual controls. [9]

• Hazardous locations and T-codes or dust layers. [10]

• Networked controls integrated with BAS across tenants.

• Outdoor lighting near property lines or wildlife areas. [4]

Safety disclaimer

This guide provides general, sourced guidance. Always verify the adopted code edition, local amendments, utility program rules, and the latest manufacturer instructions. Follow OSHA requirements for safe work practices and PPE. [13], [14]

FAQ

Q1: Can normal lights serve as emergency lights with advanced controls?
Yes, if paired with UL 924 equipment or listed emergency control devices that force the required egress level during power loss or alarm, and you pass functional tests. [8], [15]

Q2: Is 0–10 V good enough?
For simple zones, yes. For complex projects and rebates, DALI-2 or Bluetooth Mesh provides better zoning, tuning, and reporting. Check DLC NLC listings before purchase. [5], [6], [1]

Q3: Can I run control cables in plenums without conduit?
Only with plenum-rated cable and per NEC 300.22(C) and Article 725. Otherwise, use raceway.

Q4: What about PoE lighting?
IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 supports up to 90 W per port, which can feed some luminaires and sensors. Coordinate with IT and Class 2 considerations. [7]

Q5: How do I cut glare and neighbor complaints outdoors?
Use lower CCT, full cutoff optics, and curfew dimming. Look for DLC LUNA and follow IDA principles. [3], [4]

Q6: Are spent fluorescent and HID lamps regular trash?
No. In New York, manage them as universal waste under NYSDEC and EPA rules. Train staff and use a licensed recycler. [21], [22]

About Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply

Since 1978, Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply has been helping professionals bring their projects to light—literally. As a go-to source for lighting and electrical products across Long Island, NY and nearby areas, we specialize in supporting contractors, builders, and industry experts with practical solutions and dependable service. Whether it’s a complex commercial build or a simple residential upgrade, we’re here to make sure you have what you need, when you need it.

Sources

[1] DesignLights Consortium — “Networked Lighting Controls” — https://www.designlights.org/lighting-controls/ — Retrieved 08/2025.
[2] UtilityGenius — “Mid-2024 Lighting Controls Rebate Update” — https://blog.utilitygenius.com/mid-2024-lighting-controls-rebate-update — Retrieved 08/2025.
[3] DLC — “LUNA Technical Requirements for Outdoor Lighting” — https://www.designlights.org/luna/ — Retrieved 08/2025.
[4] International Dark-Sky Association — “Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting” — https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/lighting-for-citizens/five-principles/ — Retrieved 08/2025.
[5] DALI Alliance — “DALI-2 and D4i Overview” — https://www.dali-alliance.org/dali/dali2.html — Retrieved 08/2025.
[6] Bluetooth SIG — “Bluetooth Mesh for Lighting” — https://www.bluetooth.com/learn-about-bluetooth/technology/mesh/ — Retrieved 08/2025.
[7] IEEE — “802.3bt Standard” — https://standards.ieee.org/standard/802_3bt-2018.html — Retrieved 08/2025.
[8] UL — “UL 924 Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment” — https://www.ul.com/services/ul-924 — Retrieved 08/2025.
[9] EC&M — “NEC 2023 Emergency Systems Overview” — https://www.ecmweb.com/ — Retrieved 08/2025.
[10] UL Standards — “UL 844 Luminaires for Hazardous Locations” — https://standardscatalog.ul.com/standards/en/standard_844_13 — Retrieved 08/2025.
[11] UL — “Understanding UL 1598 / LED Retrofit Kits” — https://www.ul.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/CS604906_UL_1598_5th_edition_Brochure_EN_Final.pdf and https://standardscatalog.ul.com/standards/en/standard_1598c_1 — Retrieved 08/2025.
[12] DOE / EERE SSL — “LED Luminaire Lifetime: LM-80/TM-21 Guidance” — https://www.energy.gov/eere/ssl/articles/led-luminaire-lifetime-recommendations-testing-and-reporting-0 — Retrieved 08/2025.
[13] eCFR — “29 CFR 1926.56 Illumination” — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1926/subpart-D/section-1926.56 — Retrieved 08/2025.
[14] OSHA — “1910.37 Exit Routes” — https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.37 — Retrieved 08/2025.
[15] NFPA Journal — “Verifying the emergency lighting and exit marking” — https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/nfpa-journal/2020/07/01/nfpa-101-july — Retrieved 08/2025.
[16] EnergyCodes.gov — “2021 IECC Lighting Control Highlights” — https://www.energycodes.gov/ — Retrieved 08/2025.
[17] EnergyCodes.gov — “Standard 90.1-2022 Determination” — https://www.energycodes.gov/sites/default/files/2024-02/Standard_90.1-2022_Final_Determination_TSD.pdf — Retrieved 08/2025.
[18] NY Dept. of State — “2025 Uniform Code and NEC 2023 Adoption Timeline” — https://dos.ny.gov/ — Retrieved 08/2025.
[19] PSEG Long Island — “Commercial Efficiency Program Updates 2025” — https://www.psegliny.com/businessandcontractorservices/businessandcommercialsavings/commercialefficiencyrebateprogram — Retrieved 08/2025.
[20] BizSave — “2025 Prescriptive Incentive Guide” — https://bizsave.pseg.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2025-Prescriptive-Incentive-Guide-V1.0.pdf — Retrieved 08/2025.
[21] NYSDEC — “Hazardous Waste Lamps” — https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/waste-management/solid-waste-types/hazardous-waste-lamps — Retrieved 08/2025.
[22] US EPA — “Universal Waste” — https://www.epa.gov/hw/universal-waste — Retrieved 08/2025.