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DMF's Commitment to Sustainability

Shining a light on sustainability

April 22, 2024

DMF’s Commitment to Sustainability

Shining a light on sustainability

April 22, 2024

DMF is dedicated to saving our earth through eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient design, recycled materials usage, waste reduction strategies, and a post-warranty refurbishment program.

Designed to the Most Rigorous Standards

Energy Efficiency – Based in California, all our products are LED and designed around the most stringent local mandates and energy codes, like Title 24 ensuring optimum energy efficiency.

Declare Listed, Red List Compliant Since 2020 – DMF was one of the first downlighting manufacturers to become Declare Listed and today all product SKUs proudly carry the Declare Label.

Sustainably Designed – We continue to be at the forefront of sustainable design. Universal, junction box-based housings are designed free of electronics ensuring a future-proof solution.

Manufactured for Optimum Performance

Non-Waste Sheet Metal – By design, all of our sheet metal punch outs and excess scrap metal are utilized for smaller components minimizing waste and cost.

Alternative Material Sourcing – Our H Series housings are manufactured in the United States out of PET plastic making them not only recyclable but incredibly lightweight, providing for more efficient transport.

Filling Orders, not Landfills

Recyclable Packaging – All DMF packaging is made of recyclable cardboard and additionally, any used packaging we receive is shredded and repurposed as filling for future packages.

Bulk Packaging – Available upon request to help you minimize job site waste.

End of Life & Long-Term Maintenance Commitment

90% Recyclable Components – All metal, steel & plastic components in our product are recyclable, additionally DMF will recycle your retired electronics free of charge if you send them back to our factory.

Post Warranty Refurbishment Program – Housings from our product can be reused to update spaces sustainably with little labor impact. You can be confident there will be new products that will support your upgrades for years to come. DMF is committing to circular product solutions, ensuring you have a solution for your fixture when it reaches the end of its life. For any product sold from 2024 and on, DMF’s refurbishment program will rework or offer a backwards compatible product 5 years after warranty to give you the most sustainable solution.

Insights Products Technical

Technical Bulletin: Fire-Rated Assemblies

Maintaining a fire resistance rating in compromised floor-ceiling material

March 5, 2024

Technical Bulletin: Fire-Rated Assemblies

March 5, 2024

What is a Fire-Rating?

Many people live in multi-family homes where individual living spaces are accessed via common corridors, stairways, and entry/exit doors. These common entry/exit passageways are constructed to provide approved levels of fire protection that enable occupants to safely exit the building in case of an emergency. DMF Lighting’s M Series, H Series, and DRD5S Series offer housing options with a two-hour fire rating, suitable for common entry/exit passageway applications when a fire rating is required. *Other fire barriers or methods of protection maybe utilized, such as a concrete structure or a sprinkler system.

See the following product codes for more information:
M Series: M4NCRF, M4NCSF, M4LTRF, M4LORF, M4LTSF, M4LOSF

H Series: H3FR, F4NC

DRD5S Series: F4NC

What is the IBC?

The International Building Code® (IBC), developed by the International Code Council (ICC), is a model building code adopted and used as a base code standard throughout most of the USA. The IBC® is a complex and lengthy document with comprehensive requirements. Chapter 7 on Fire and Smoke Protection Features is key, and in particular Section 714 Penetrations: The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through penetrations and membrane penetrations of horizontal assemblies and fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies. Penetrations of ceiling membranes are covered in Section 714.5 where subsection 714.5.2 Membrane Penetrations states: Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

How can a recessed fixture be installed without reducing the fire rating of the floor/ceiling assembly? The traditional approach is shown above.

Although this is an effective method, it requires the ceiling space to have boxed-out cavities, using the same fire-rated membrane material, to mount the recessed fixtures in. This approach adds significant costs and requires extra space above the ceiling plane that may not always be available.

The M Series, H Series, & DRD5S family, fire-rated housings provide a new method of achieving the same result and is shown above.

DMF fire-rated junction box solutions reduce installation costs significantly because they eliminate the requirement to create boxed-out cavities at the time of construction by utilizing one of the exceptions provided by subsection 714.5.2: Ceiling membrane penetrations of maximum 2-hour horizontal assemblies by steel electrical boxes that do not exceed 16 square inches (10,323 mm²) in area, provided the aggregate area of such penetrations does not exceed 100 square inches (44,500 mm²) in any 100 square feet (9.29 m²) of ceiling area, and the annular space between the ceiling membrane and the box does not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).

DMF fire-rated junction box solutions reduce installation costs significantly because they eliminate the requirement to create boxed-out cavities at the time of construction by utilizing one of the exceptions provided by subsection 714.5.2: Ceiling membrane penetrations of maximum 2-hour horizontal assemblies by steel electrical boxes that do not exceed 16 square inches (10,323 mm²) in area, provided the aggregate area of such penetrations does not exceed 100 square inches (44,500 mm²) in any 100 square feet (9.29 m²) of ceiling area, and the annular space between the ceiling membrane and the box does not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).

UL 514A Standard for Safety - Metallic Outlet Boxes

One of the many UL listings DMF M Series, H3FR, and F4NC housings has been granted is QCIT.E469361. This UL listing states that each of these housings is a qualified metallic outlet box or in IBC terminology, steel electrical box. UL’s Fire-resistance Ratings – ANSI/UL 263 BXUV.GuideInfo states in section III – Floor-Ceilings and Roof-Ceilings, sub-section 6 – Metallic Electrical Outlet Boxes, can be used in fire-rated floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies, as described below: Metallic outlet and switch boxes with metallic or nonmetallic cover plates may be used in floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies with ratings not exceeding 2 hours. These assemblies should have gypsum wallboard membranes. The metallic outlet boxes should be securely fastened to the joists and the opening in the gypsum board facing should be cut so that the clearance between the boxes and the gypsum board does not exceed 1/8 in. The surface area of individual boxes should not exceed 16 sq in. The aggregate surface area of the boxes does not exceed 100 sq in per 100 sq ft of ceiling surface. Note the requirement for the contractor to create a tight, not to exceed 1/8” cut-out in the gypsum wallboard to ensure the integrity of the fire-rated membrane.

More Than Just Fire-Rated

M Series, H Series, and DRD5S Families have been granted an unparalleled combination of other safety certifications, including Sound, Air-Tight, IC, and Wet Location ratings. You can be confident that DMF has a solution for you that is compliant in a wide range of installations.

Note: This Bulletin was originally published 07/10/2017 and has been updated to reflect the new product offerings.

Products

DMF and Lutron Partner to Offer Athena Wireless Node Integrations

February 29, 2024

DMF and Lutron Partner to Offer Athena Wireless Node Integrations

DMF is proud to announce the integration of the Lutron Athena Wireless Node across many of our M Series product offerings and participation in the 2024 Lutron OEM Advantage Program.

The new Lutron Athena Wireless Node is an ultra-small, wireless, integral fixture controller. Packed with technology and endlessly versatile, this tiny device can handle communications via DALI-2 with DALI Type 8, 0-10V, Clearn Connect Type X, and simplifies the set-up process with bluetooth.

Please review the product specification sheets for more information:

Available Now:

DCD Commercial Product Family (1500-3000 lm Non-IC Rated Solutions)

DCD3 Downlight

DCD4 Adjustable

Coming Soon:
M Series Commercial (750-3500 lm Non-IC Rated Solutions)

M Series Commercial Round Downlight

M Series Commercial Round Adjustable

M Series Commercial Square Downlight

M Series Commercial Square Adjustable

M Series Cylinders (750-3000 lm Solutions)

M Series Cylinder Wall Mount

M Series Cylinder Pendant Mount

M Series Residential (750-1500 lm IC Rated solutions)

M Series Residential Round Downlight

M Series Residential Round Adjustable

M Series Residential Square Downlight

M Series Residential Square Adjustable

M Series Multiples (750-3000 lm solutions)

M Series Multiples

Contact our team to discover the advantages of these integrations!

Learn more about Lutron Athena Node

News Products

Green Builder Recognizes H Series for Sustainability

DMF’s home downlighting solution named to 2023 Sustainable Products of the Year list

April 25, 2023

DMF Lighting is excited to have the H Series named in the Honorable Mentions of Green Builder’s 2023 Sustainable Products of the Year. The annual list recognizes prominent, enviro-friendly products while honoring companies that encourage sustainability and go above and beyond in manufacturing items through innovative technology.

The H Series brings downlighting with stellar efficiency and a sustainable design to the whole home. The downlight goes beyond standard efficacy requirements and is both California Title 24 JA8 compliant and ENERGY STAR qualified. Manufactured in the US, the housings are recyclable and free of non-sustainable, harmful toxins.

DMF Lighting is committed to better living, pushing us to design ever-more energy efficient lights and informing the materials we use to build our products.

Learn more about the H Series.

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Products Technical

X Series: Performance in a Small Package

See product renders and lighting performance of the X Series 2″ downlight and 3″ cylinder product families.

April 18, 2023

Our X Series line has been thoughtfully engineered to provide the minimal appearance of a 2” aperture, while still delivering the lighting performance of a 4” fixture. To give you a better idea of its light distribution and how you can use it for a variety of purposes, we put together conceptual spaces that we have modeled with X Series and X Series Cylinder.

Note: To best demonstrate the lighting’s effect, the spaces have minimal finishes, a neutral color palette, and no natural light. The fixture types are all 1000 lm, 3000K CCT. Some fixtures types are dimmed and noted as such in the description.

Corporate Brand Wall

20ft (6.1m) x 30ft (9.1m) x 12ft (3.66m) Ceiling Height

D1 | Spot – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDSWH
D2 | Wall Wash – Housing: X2NCR, Module: XMD10930WFT, Trim: X2TRDWWH

Corporate Lobby

Corporate Art

Conference Room

Office Huddle Room

Retail Space

Corporate Pantry

Hotel Guest Bathroom

Hospitality Space

Corridor 1

Corridor 2

Learn more about the X Series and X Series Cylinder.

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News Products

H Series Featured on The Build Show

Host Matt Risinger shows off some excellent mechanicals on a budget

March 8, 2023

Check out the latest episode of The Build Show where host Matt Risinger shows us around an in-progress project that’s near and dear to him — the home of one of his project managers. He provides tips on how to install an excellent mechanical system at the best possible cost, including utilizing DMF Lighting’s H Series 4″ modular downlights as a key part of that strategy.

Matt and his team start off with the HVAC system and start discussing electrical at the 18:28 mark.

Learn more about H Series — the lighting solution for the whole home.

About The Build Show

The BUILD Show is dedicated to building science and fine craftsmanship. Matt Risinger is a Builder in Austin TX who is passionate about High Performance Construction and his goal with every home he builds is for it to be a bit better than the last home. On this channel you’ll see him talking about Building Science, Insulation, Air Sealing, HVAC, Fresh Air, Healthy Buildings, Framing, Hidden Door, New Building Products, Reviews, and Tours of well built homes under construction.

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Products Technical

DRD Series Makes 2022 Best Products List

Architectural Record recognizes DRD + M Series as a product of the year winner

December 1, 2022

The editors of Architectural Record magazine have named the DRD + M Series as a winner of their Best Lighting Products of 2022.

Judged on the basis of innovation, function, sustainability, and aesthetics, the panel of architects and designers were impressed by the lighting solution’s modularity, performance, and high quality finishes. The DRD Series is designed to install into any application including sloped, wood and concrete ceilings, and is engineered for ultimate flexibility.

Architectural Record’s annual competition presents the best new luminaires and fixtures of the year. View the full list of winners.

Learn more about the DRD Series.

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Products Technical

M Series Options

A quick guide to all the options available for the new M Series

November 1, 2022

The all-new M Series Housings and Trims bring a host of new features, options, and improvements to our already stellar DRD Series. Here’s a breakdown of all the available options.

Round

Housing

Installation: New Construction, Remodel
Rating: Standard, Fire, Chicago Plenum, Concrete Tight
Specialty Options: Low-Profile, Double Housing, Emergency Lighting

Trim

Style: Round, Hyperbolic, Pinhole, Beveled Pinhole, Wall Wash, Flangeless, Decorative, Emergency, Dead Front
Finish: White, Black, Bronze, Clear Diffuse, Warm Diffuse, Custom

Square

Housing

Installation: New Construction, Remodel
Rating: Standard, Fire, Chicago Plenum
Specialty Options: Low-Profile, Emergency Lighting

Trim

Style: Square, Round on Square, Pinhole, Beveled Pinhole, Wall Wash, Flangeless, Decorative, Emergency, Dead Front
Finish: White, Black, Bronze, Clear Diffuse, Warm Diffuse, Custom

Learn more about the DRD Series.

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Featured Blog Post Products Technical

Our Award Winning Modules Just Got Better

With more options and a simpler installation, the M Series Housings and Trims redefine the DRD Downlighting System

October 5, 2022

The all-new M Series Housings and Trims bring a host of new features, options, and improvements to our already stellar DRD Series. Available in Round or Square, New Construction or Remodel, the housings install easier and more precisely, while refreshed trims pair the downlight with an even wider range of design aesthetics.

Rated E for Everything

M Series housings are designed to install nearly anywhere. Replacing our award-winning OneFrame and SquareFrame platforms, the 4″ housings feature even more ratings and installation options to comply with almost any building code.

Remodel Installation

The M Series Remodel Housing brings all the features of the OneFrame and SquareFrame housings to closed ceiling installations. Available in Round or Square, the housing installs simply — cut hole existing ceilings, insert housing and pop out spring clips.

No Space, No Problem

The compact M Series Housings adjusts for optimal fixture placement in crowded plenum space to accommodate ductwork, framing and plumbing. When even less space is available, the all-new Low Profile Housing requires less than 3″ of ceiling space.

Double Header

Transform the DRD Series into a recessed multiple with the new M Series Double Housing. Increase light output or direct light in multiple directions, all without visible hardware.

New Flangeless Trims

The M Series Flangeless Trims pair with our new Mud Plate, which are lighter, thinner, and easier to mud-in for the cleanest look possible.

In addition, the Flangeless Trims are redesigned for compatibility with wood and millwork surfaces. The new tension clips allow simple installation directly into cutouts created by standard routers or hole saws.

Wall Wash

Completely re-designed, the all-new Wall Wash Trims now offer the same aesthetic as a Beveled Round Trim for a more cohesive fixture-to-fixture design. The trim also reduces light loss to produce brighter, more efficient angled lighting.

More Finishes

In addition to White and Black, which return as the two most popular finishes, we’ve added Bronze, Clear Diffuse and Warm Diffuse options to provide a splash of color to the traditional finish. As always, Custom Color is available for all trims to match any vision.

With a range of new M Series options and increased light output up to 1500 lumens (some restrictions apply see spec sheet for details), the upgraded DRD Series continues to hit every lighting spec you may come across. This versatile solution with integrated TRIAC/ELV and 0-10V drivers keeps up with the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of projects.

Learn more about the DRD Series.

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Products

H Series

One-Minute Feature Videos

October 3, 2022

This four-part video series quickly covers the innovations that make the H Series a better, contractor-friendly residential product. Each video runs about one minute and covers one unique feature.

Trim

Housing

Natural Warm Dim

Brightness Switch

Finally, brilliant illumination and reliable performance are available in any space, for nearly any budget. To learn more about DMF Lighting and the H Series, please visit the H Series webpage or reach out to your DMF representative.

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