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  News
  

Recognized for Design Flexibility, Aesthetics and High Performance

DMF Lighting has been honored with a 2025 i+s magazine Product Innovation Award for its award‑winning X Series Cylinders, recognizing the product’s outstanding contribution to commercial interior design for design flexibility, aesthetics and high‑performance technology.

Presented annually by Interiors + Sources magazine, the i+s Product Innovation Awards celebrate exceptional products and systems that help architects, interior designers, and lighting specifiers create high‑performance commercial spaces. Selected by an esteemed jury of design professionals, winning products represent the most forward‑thinking solutions shaping the built environment today.

X Series Cylinders: Modular, High‑Performance Lighting Solutions

As part of DMF Lighting’s broader X Series lighting collection, the 3‑inch modular cylinder system is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern commercial interiors.

The X Series Cylinders are available in pendant, surface‑mount and ADA‑compliant wall‑mount configurations, offering unmatched flexibility across a wide range of applications including hospitality, workplace, education and retail environments.

Key features include:

• Field‑changeable optics, trims, and light engine modules
• Over one million configuration possibilities
• Onsite adjustability for late‑stage design changes or future reconfiguration

This modular approach allows lighting designers and specifiers to maintain consistency across an entire project while adapting to unique architectural conditions.

Precision Performance Meets Design Flexibility

Offered in 6‑1/2‑inch and 9‑inch lengths, X Series Cylinders deliver lumen outputs ranging from 750 to 1500 lumens, with downlight and fully adjustable LED light engine module options.  Adjustable models offer 360‑degree rotation and 45‑degree tilt, enabling precise aiming. An uplight option enables both direct and indirect illumination for enhanced visual impact.

High‑performance Cross Beam Total Internal Reflection (TIR) optics maximize light output while minimizing glare. Available beam distributions include:

• 25° Spot
• 40° Flood
• 60° Wide Flood
• Linear

All optics are field‑changeable, allowing specifiers to fine-tune during installation or late-stage design changes.

Advanced Lighting Controls and Integrated Technology

X Series Cylinders are offered in seven color temperatures, which includes Warm Dim and Tunable White. The cylinders also are available with a Turtle-Friendly option, supporting environmentally responsible design.

• Warm Dim: Smooth dimming from 3000K to 1800K
• Tunable White (DALI‑2): Adjustable ranges of 1800K–4000K or 2700K–6500K to support wellness, productivity, and circadian lighting strategies

Unlike traditional cylinder systems, the driver is integrated directly into the light engine module, enabling .1% dimming across static white, Warm Dim, and Tunable White configurations. This innovation simplifies installation and enhances serviceability.

Custom Finishes and Decorative Trims

Design flexibility extends to a wide range of interchangeable trims, including Snoot, Wall Wash, Standard, and decorative styles such as Floating, Hyperbolic, and Open. Decorative trims feature finely crafted acrylic with transparent and frosted visual elements.

Finish choices include White, Black, Brushed Aluminum, Bronze, and Custom RAL colors, allowing seamless integration into any interior design scheme.

Additional features include field‑cuttable pendant cord and stem lengths.

Supporting People, Spaces, and the Planet

The X Series Cylinders align with the broader mission of the i+s Product Innovation Awards, supporting inclusive, sustainable, and forward‑thinking design.

By combining architectural precision, advanced lighting technology, and modular flexibility, DMF Lighting empowers design professionals to push creative boundaries while prioritizing occupant well‑being and long‑term environmental impact.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Architectural Lighting

As the 2025 i+s Product Innovation Awards underscore the importance of innovation in shaping the future of commercial interiors, this recognition marks another milestone for DMF Lighting. With the X Series Cylinders, DMF continues to deliver lighting solutions that inspire confidence, creativity, and performance…project after project.

Read about the X Series Cylinders in i+s November/December issue.

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  News
  

Understanding and Embracing Lighting as a Strategic Asset

Strategic Lighting Upgrades Can Elevate Hotels from the Ordinary to the Extraordinary

In the world of luxury hospitality, lighting is far more than a technical detail — it’s a silent architect and a transformative force that shapes mood, influences behavior and defines the very essence of a guest’s experience — long before a single word is spoken or a service is rendered.

Why Lighting Matters: More Than Ambiance — A Strategic Investment

Lighting in hospitality is often underestimated, yet it is one of the most powerful tools in design. Lighting is no longer just a design choice; it’s an investment that influences energy efficiency, sustainability, operational costs and the integration of smart technologies.

From boutique properties to global portfolios, the moment a guest steps into the lobby, the interplay of light sets the tone for luxury, comfort and brand identity, while also supporting sustainability goals and reducing long-term costs.

For today’s hospitality leaders, lighting upgrades are not merely aesthetic choices; they are strategic investments that drive guest satisfaction and operational excellence. 

Memorable Experiences: The New Standard

Today’s guests expect technology and personalization in their hotel rooms, often seeking experiences superior to those at home. The ability to control every light with a single touch, or to enjoy thoughtfully designed lighting scenes, is now a hallmark of luxury hospitality. As the industry continues to innovate, lighting stands at the forefront, illuminating not just spaces, but the very essence of guest experience. 

Experts Perspectives

Personalization Creston’s Michelle Guss perspective emphasizes the importance of personalized lighting experiences. Modern control systems allow guests to tailor lighting to their needs — whether seeking relaxation or productivity — while public spaces like lobbies and restaurants benefit from dynamic lighting that transforms ambiance and supports brand standards. 

Technology & Sustainability DMF’s Samantha Orzel highlights the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting older hotels with today’s LED technology and that sustainability is not just about energy savings; it’s about making thoughtful choices during renovations that minimize waste and maximize long-term value. DMF’s modular product approach enables flexible upgrades, allowing hotels to adapt existing infrastructure with minimal disruption. 

Seamless Design Lighting designer Chip Israel shares that the best lighting is often invisible — seamlessly integrated into architecture, guiding guests through spaces and enhancing wayfinding. Israel stresses that quality matters, including color temperature, color rendering and glare control. These are all essential for creating memorable experiences. The “three rights” — the right amount of light, in the right location, for the right amount of time — summarize the philosophy behind successful lighting design. 

Collaboration and Best Practices

A recurring theme was the value of collaboration — bringing together lighting designers, manufacturers and hotel owners early in the renovation process to ensure compatibility and optimal outcomes. Site visits, model rooms and open dialogue help tailor solutions to each property’s unique character and needs. The experts encouraged hoteliers to leverage local talent and cutting-edge technology, making luxury experiences accessible not just in presidential suites, but throughout the entire property. 

Best Practices for Successful Renovations

1. Understand Your Client’s Needs:
   Successful renovations begin with a deep understanding of the client’s priorities. Surveys and feedback help uncover what guests truly value, even if they cannot always articulate it. Engaging a design expert ensures that both the artistic and scientific aspects of lighting are addressed, leading to repeat business and lasting satisfaction. 
2. Test with Model Rooms:
   Building a physical model room allows stakeholders to test and validate every detail, from fixtures to controls. This approach minimizes costly mistakes and ensures that the result meets expectations before scaling up to the entire property. 
3. Embrace Technology and Scalability:
   Modern solutions from Crestron and DMF Lighting offer scalable, wireless controls and modular fixtures that minimize downtime and future-proof properties. These technologies, once reserved for upscale suites, are now accessible for all guest rooms, enabling hotels to remain operational during renovations. 
4. Collaborate Early and Often:
   Every property is unique. Early collaboration among lighting manufacturers, controls specialists, designers and facility managers is essential. Site visits and joint walkthroughs reveal opportunities for customization and creative solutions, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration. 
5. Prioritize Guest Experience and Sustainability:
   Thoughtful lighting design enhances ambiance, supports energy efficiency, and allows for personalized control. The technologies discussed are applicable not just to guest rooms, but to spas, restaurants, and all hotel spaces, ensuring a cohesive and memorable environment. 

As expectations rise and technology advances, lighting stands at the forefront of hospitality innovation. It is no longer just about illumination — it is about crafting experiences, supporting sustainability and delivering on the promise of luxury.

By following these best practices of understanding needs, validating solutions, embracing technology, collaborating and prioritizing guest experience, hoteliers can illuminate their properties with confidence and creativity, delivering unforgettable stays for every guest.

Watch the ILHA Webinar

The ILHA webinar reminds that with thoughtful investment and expert collaboration, lighting can elevate every aspect of the guest journey.

To watch the ILHA webinar that explores how innovative lighting solutions are transforming hotel renovations and elevating guest experiences, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/cF-czzjbwSI. 

Connecting with the Experts

For those Seeking Guidance, the panelists offered direct contact options: 

Lighting Design Alliance: lightingdesignalliance.com or search for local experts via the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD

Crestron: Hotel@crestron.com

DMF Lighting: Hospitality@dmflighting.com 

ILHA webinar reminds that with thoughtful investment and expert collaboration, lighting can elevate every aspect of the guest journey.

To watch the ILHA webinar that explores how innovative lighting solutions are transforming hotel renovations and elevating guest experiences, visit

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  Technical
  

Understanding NEC 2020 mandates, UL testing standards, and the importance of proper installation for ceiling fan support

Why Fan-Rated Junction Boxes Matter

Ceiling fans place unique stresses on electrical boxes as ordinary boxes for lighting weren’t built to handle the vibration and movement of a fan. To ensure safety and compliance, only fan-rated junction boxes, tested and certified by UL and required by the National Electrical Code (NEC), should be used. 

NEC 2020 Requirements

The 2020 NEC mandates fan-rated boxes in any habitable room where a ceiling fan could be installed, even if no fan is present during construction. This prevents unsafe retrofits and ensures long-term safety.

Testing Standards (UL 514A)

Fan-rated boxes undergo rigorous static and dynamic load tests. They must support fans up to 35, 50, or 70 pounds, with clear markings indicating their capacity. Testing simulates real-world conditions, including imbalanced loads and loosened screws, to guarantee reliability. 

Box Ratings & Markings

Boxes are labeled by their tested weight limits (35, 50, or 70 pounds in the US and Mexico). In Canada, any fan over 16 kg must be independently supported. Screw types and installation hardware differ by country. 

Where Are Fan-Rated Boxes Required?

Fan-rated boxes are required in all habitable rooms except bathrooms, closets, hallways, and similar spaces. Exceptions include areas too close to walls or above certain countertops. 

Product Example: DMF’s F4NC Housing

DMF’s F4NC junction box meets UL 514A requirements and is rated for fixture support up to 50 pounds in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and for ceiling-suspended fan support up to 35 pounds and up to 16-inch joist spacing in the US and Mexico.

Additionally, the F4NC boasts STC/IIC Sound Rating, ASTM E283 Air Tight rating, and is code compliant for use in appropriate fire-rated assemblies for up to two hours.

The F4NC features a highly durable, universal bar hanger design, accommodating joist spacing from 14 to 24 inches  (up to 16 inches maximum joist spacing for fan-rated applications) — or even down to 8 inches with simple field modification. For secure installation, the F4NC is supplied with two #8-32 screws for fixture support and six pre-installed screws to fasten the bar hangers to joists. Note that for ceiling suspended fan support, the F4NC may be installed into wood joist or studs only and all 6 joist screws must be fastened.

DMF Product Solutions

F4NC Housing

For a deeper dive on fan-rated standards, testing, ratings and requirements, review the Fan-Rated Junction Boxes Technical Bulletin.