Certifications
DLC Certified Lighting
DLC-Listed. Rebate-Ready.
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What DLC Certification Means
DLC is a non-profit organization that maintains a Qualified Products List (QPL) of LED lighting products meeting specific performance criteria — including efficacy (lumens per watt), light quality, and other technical benchmarks. Unlike a safety certification, it's primarily an efficiency and performance benchmark used by utility companies to determine rebate eligibility.
Many utility-sponsored energy efficiency rebate programs require DLC certification (or DLC Premium, a higher performance tier) as a condition of rebate eligibility for commercial and industrial LED lighting upgrades.
DLC vs. Safety Certifications (UL, ATEX, IECEx)
This certification addresses a different concern than safety certifications:
- DLC verifies energy performance and efficiency, primarily relevant for utility rebate eligibility.
- UL, ATEX, IECEx, and similar certifications verify electrical and hazardous-location safety compliance.
A fixture can — and often should — carry both a safety certification and DLC certification, since they address entirely separate requirements.
Where DLC Certification Matters
- Commercial and industrial LED retrofit projects — facilities pursuing utility rebates for lighting upgrades
- Facilities in regions with active utility efficiency programs — rebate eligibility often requires DLC-listed products
- Budget-conscious lighting upgrades — qualifying products can significantly offset project costs through rebates
Confirming Rebate Eligibility
Rebate programs and eligibility requirements vary by utility and region — some require standard listing, others require the higher DLC Premium tier. Confirm specific program requirements with your local utility before finalizing a fixture selection intended to qualify for rebates.