Category: Technical

Products Technical
Essential Safety: Why Fan-Rated Junction Boxes are Required

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

February 19, 2026

Essential Safety: Why Fan-Rated Junction Boxes are Required

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.


Products Technical
Performance Decorative Lighting Application Guide

High Aesthetics, High Performance with Decorative Pendants and Trims

February 9, 2026

Performance Decorative Lighting Application Guide

High Aesthetics, High Performance with Decorative Pendants and Trims

Performance Decorative Lighting masterfully blends striking aesthetics with advanced technical capabilities, empowering designers to create spaces that are both visually captivating and highly functional. This harmonious integration ensures that style never comes at the expense of performance, allowing every environment to shine with both beauty and purpose.

 

Key Highlights & Benefits

Design Flexibility & Sustainability

Lighting products that feature a modular systems offer effortless customization, allowing you to refresh the ambiance of any space by simply replacing decorative components.

 

These interchangeable elements enable cost-effective updates, ensuring the core lighting infrastructure remains intact — saving both time and money.

Enhanced Performance

Decorative elements like trims and shades improve lighting performance by increasing shielding and diffusion, reducing glare and enhancing visual comfort.

Solving for Style & Space Pendant Lighting

 

Pendants are versatile, seamlessly fitting into various lighting designs and layouts to provide focused, low glare illumination. An ideal solution for spaces where recessed fixtures can’t fit including shallow plenums and open ceilings, pendants provide the essential downlight layer, while also offering an optional layer of indirect light (uplight), adding depth and ambiance to a space.

 

DMF has introduced highly configurable Decorative Pendants with Shades with a diverse array of silhouette options to suit any design preference. The newest additions to the company’s 3-inch aperture X Series and 4-inch aperture M Series cylinder collections, the 15 decorative performance pendants are offered in three complimentary shade designs (Wide, Medium and Narrow) and in multiple lengths, giving designers distinctive solutions for architecturally demanding indoor and outdoor spaces.

 

Decorative Pendants Performance Benefits

 

The pendant’s decorative shades improve comfort by effectively extending the edge of the fixture, which increases the shielding angle, providing a higher level of visual comfort. By shielding the viewer from the direct light source, shades mitigate unwanted glare, resulting in a more comfortable and better-quality lighting experience.

 

Shielding Angle Study

 

The study of the 3-inch Decorative Pendant with Shades reveals the remarkable efficacy of cutoff angles in providing substantial shading, eliminating light spill and glare. Utilizing a tight-beam Narrow Spot (NS) optic, the overall lumen output and beam remain highly effective. Additionally, there is a slight concentrating effect, which increases the center beam candlepower.

Note: Photometric data provided is for 1000 lumens, 3000K module equipped with a NS Optic and a white finish. The accompanying photographs depict cylinders in a black finish, positioned approximately 9 to 12 inches from the rear wall, to effectively illustrate the beam and cutoff angle.

 

Decorative Pendants Photometric Performance

 

The adjacent tables demonstrate how cylinder shades

influence both total lumen output and beam angle across

various shade profiles and optic combinations.

It is important to recognize that increasing the shielding angle may diminish overall light output—this effect is especially pronounced with the Narrow Shade when paired with broader beam spreads.

 

Choice of Optic

For Narrow shades, the Narrow Spot (NS) and Spot (SP) optics are the most effective, offering minimal light loss.

When utilizing the Medium or Wide Shade profiles, there is greater flexibility to employ a wider optic if needed.

Note: Photometric data provided is for 1000 lumens, 3000K module in a white finish. Black finishes further reduce output by approximately 1%. Items shown in ORANGE denote shade-optic combinations with diminishing returns in terms of beam spread, which are not recommended combinations.

 

Decorative Pendant Applications

 

DMF’s Decorative Pendants with Shades deliver focused, low glare downlighting, available in a diverse array of silhouette options to complement any design aesthetic.

 

Expertly merging high-performance illumination with exceptional shielding, these pendants are ideally suited for:

 

Task Lighting: Perfect for illuminating countertops, reception desks and workstations.

 

Hospitality Spaces: Elevating the ambiance of hotels, bars and dining areas by creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

 

Open Offices: Offering stylish, controlled illumination that ensures a low-glare, productive work environment.

Decorative Downlight Trims

 

DMF’s M and X Series decorative trims introduce an elevated sense of style and visual intrigue to any space. Crafted from optical-quality acrylic and available in finishes ranging from frosted to clear, these trims are thoughtfully designed to interact with light in captivating ways. Their versatility makes them especially well-suited for low ceilings, compact areas, and environments that benefit from wide, soft illumination.

 

Below-Ceiling Intrigue: Each trim features an acrylic element that sits below the ceiling plane, capturing light and adding depth.

 

Custom Translucency:

Choose from varying levels of translucency —from fully frosted to clear to control the light effect.

 

Uninterrupted Beam:

The X Series Round Decorative Trims are fully open to the optic, allowing the beam of light to travel completely uninterrupted while still adding a decorative accent.

 

Decorative Trim Applications

 

Low Ceilings: 

The high diffusion and somewhat decreased center beam candle power make these trims great for low ceiling applications where wide beam spreads are needed to adequately cover a space.  

 

Tight Spaces:

These decorative trims also cast a higher percentage of light up walls, making tighter spaces such as powder rooms and corridors feel brighter and more expansive, especially when there isn’t space for dedicated wall washing or accent lighting.

 

Decorative Focal Points:

Reception desks, display areas, and shelving units can be transformed by the distinctive aesthetic of decorative trims, elevating ordinary spaces into striking visual features.  

 

Spas, Beauty Salons & Gyms

In settings where patrons may recline and gaze upward, decorative trims offer significant benefits. The lower center power, combined with higher diffusion and beam spread, can

significantly reduce disability glare from looking towards light sources.

 

For more information including detailed information on the Decorative Trims photometry, please reference our Performance Decorative Lighting Application Guide.

 

 

Products Technical
Wall Washing

 Benefits, Techniques and Solutions of Wall Washing

September 10, 2025

Wall Washing

Benefits, Techniques, and Solutions of Wall Washing

From creating evenly illuminated spaces and high levels of visual comfort, to crafting visual interest and architectural intrigue, lighting designers face many challenges when approaching a project.

 

Wall washing is a commonly used lighting technique in a designer’s toolkit that provides a versatile solution to many common design challenges.

 

The Benefits of Wall Washing Include:

 

 

Here are Some Wall Washing Uses + Techniques.

Indirect Lighting

Uniformly lighting walls can add an additional layer of indirect lighting and increase the perceived brightness of a room, defining architectural space, and helping to orient the inhabitants in the room.

Grazing Textured Walls

A steeper angle of wall washing can help to accentuate feature walls or walls with natural texture, such as stucco or brick.

 Featured Artwork & Wall Murals

Wall washing can provide even illumination for mural walls or walls where placement of artwork may continually change.

 

Corridors

Corridors can benefit immensely from wall washing. The high degree of perceived brightness that comes from illuminated vertical surfaces creates the perception of a more open space.

 

DMF Product Solutions

 

Wall Wash/Sloped Ceiling Trim

 

Our next generation of wall wash and sloped ceiling trims offer a versatile, modular solution, compatible across the entire range of M Series fixed downlights. High performance optics provide increased lumen output and a flatter field, allowing for up to a 1:2 or even 1:3 setback/spacing ratio, meaning you can achieve even wall washing with fewer fixtures than before.

 

Our optics have increased thermal performance, expanding compatibility to all lumen packages in the M Series Commercial and Residential lines. These trims are interchangeable with our full range of M Series downlights and standard trims, so your designs can remain nimble and adaptable to changes, even after housings have been roughed in.

 

For information on appropriate wall washing fixture spacing and placements, as well as layout examples, please refer to our Wall Wash Application Guide.

Products Technical
Marine-Grade Lighting

Best Practices When Choosing Lighting Fixtures for Marine and Coastal Environments

August 21, 2025

Marine-Grade Lighting

Best Practices When Choosing Lighting Fixtures for Marine and Coastal Environments

Marine and coastal environments are harsh on buildings due to airborne salt, wind, and humidity. Salt water becomes aerosolized when ocean waves break, causing premature decay in metal materials. To ensure durability and normal service life for lighting fixtures in these environments, it is recommended to specify marine-grade trims and fixtures.

 

Lighting fixtures in coastal regions should comply with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA), AAMA 2605 standard for wear and corrosion resistance. AAMA 2605 sets some of the highest standards for protective metal coatings, which are most suitable for marine environments.

 

Specifically, Section 7.8.2, Salt Spray Resistance, is crucial for marine-grade finishes. Test samples are scored to expose aluminum and subjected to a 4,000-hour, 5% salt solution spray test, as defined by ASTM B 117.

 

When evaluating lighting fixtures, choose products with verifiable marine-grade claims based on these tests.

 

Where are Marine-Grade Finishes Required?

While the highest levels of salt spray are closest to shore, accelerated corrosion can occur up to five to 10 miles inland. For installations within 10 miles of the coast, marine grade, IP-rated fixtures should be used for proper protection and longevity. 

 

In regions with extreme weather and environmental conditions, corrosion may occur even further inland than 10 miles. The strongest example would be isthmuses, surrounded by ocean, like the southernmost parts of Florida. Since there isn’t a comprehensive source of corrosion data by geographic region, it’s best to consult local building professionals and examine levels of corrosion in older buildings to identify high-corrosion areas.

Metal Corrosion & Marine-Grade Lighting Finishes

Lighting fixtures use metals like aluminum and steel for housings, trims, and major components. Aluminum is popular for trims and bodies but faces challenges in marine environments. When exposed to air and water, raw aluminum alloys form a protective oxide layer, which is sufficient in most interior or mild climates, but salt and moisture cause galvanic corrosion. This occurs when a more negatively charged metal transfers electrons to a positively charged one via an electrolyte. Marine conditions create this electrolytic solution, making aluminum alloys with elements like copper problematic. Manufacturers must protect metal parts from galvanic corrosion to ensure fixture longevity.

 

For long-lasting light fixtures, marine-grade finished aluminum is an excellent choice. Two main processes achieve marine-grade finishes: epoxy-based powder coating and marine anodizing (hard anodizing). Alternatively, brass or stainless steel, which are naturally corrosion-resistant, can be used, though these are mostly used for landscape lighting.

Epoxy-Based Powder Coating

Powder coating provides a durable, corrosion-resistant finish for aluminum fixtures. This process uses electrostatically charged paint particles that are magnetically attracted to the substrate, ensuring even application. The coated substrate is then cured in an oven, creating a robust finish.

 

Epoxy-based powder coating offers even higher abrasion and corrosion resistance. Epoxies, made of a resin and a hardener, form a rigid, cross-linked structure when mixed, providing excellent durability and flexibility. This makes them suitable for areas with extreme thermal changes as they prevent cracks in the finish due to underlying metal expansion or contraction.

 

The process starts with extensive surface preparation, including mechanical cleaning and chemical treatments for optimal adhesion. An epoxy primer is applied, followed by a super-durable polyester powder coat finish. Once cured, this results in a UV-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and flexible finish that withstands extreme and corrosive conditions.

Anodized Aluminum

Anodizing submerges metal in an acid-electrolyte solution and applies an electrical current through the substrate, creating a controlled oxide later that is relatively durable and corrosion-resistant. Standard anodizing forms a 12-micron thick layer, suitable for indoor or non-marine exterior applications, but can wear quickly and is susceptible to scratching and corrosion.

 

Hard anodizing creates a thicker 25-micron layer using a stronger acid bath and higher electric current density, resulting in greater abrasion resistance and durability. It’s suitable for marine-grade applications and industrial uses requiring high wear resistance.

 

However, both processes involve harsh chemicals, higher costs, skilled labor, and variability in color consistency. Anodized aluminum may also be susceptible to UV damage and color fading, and its metallic appearance may not be ideal for architectural-grade lighting trims.

Non-Aluminum Marine-Grade Fixtures

Some manufacturers use metals other than aluminum for marine-grade durability, with brass being the most common. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, forms a protective patina when oxidized, preventing corrosion but changing the fixture’s appearance over time. Raw brass initially has a high shine and yellowish color, but in marine environments, it typically develops a light green patina. This change may be desirable for some installations but bothersome for others due to its unpredictability.

IP65+ Rated Marine-Grade Fixtures

Marine-grade lighting fixtures should be IP rated to protect internal components from humidity, moisture, and salt. They should achieve at least an IP65 rating, meaning they are fully dust-tight and protected against water jets. For more details, refer to DMF’s IP Ratings Technical Bulletin.

DMF’s Marine-Grade Products

DMF Lighting has select products that can be configured with marine-grade trims or finishes, all of which comply with AAMA 2605-05, Section 7.8.2 and achieve a minimum rating of IP65.

  • M Series IP/Marine Grade Trim
    • M Series recessed downlighting family features a wide range of specification options. The newest IP/Marine Grade trim offers superior durability for corrosive, marine environments. Available for the round downlight in both black and white colors, the marine-grade finish utilizes a super durable epoxy-based power coat finish and additionally achieves an IP66 and IK10 rating with its fully sealed and impact resistant front lens. Look for the “IP” part code under the trim selection for the standard round downlight.
  • X & M Series Marine Grade Cylinders
    • X & M Series Cylinders offer a massive array of options for exterior lighting applications, from pendant, surface mount and wall mount cylinders. Utilizing the same light engine modules from their counterpart downlight families, these marine-grade cylinders are finished in the same manner as the Marine Grade/IP trim and achieve an IP65 rating, appropriate for use in fully exposed, uncovered exterior applications. For full information on DMF Lighting’s Marine Grade cylinders, see the X Series & M Series Cylinders Marine Grade specification sheets.

For more information, please review the Marine-Grade Technical Bulletin.

Products Technical
Wildlife-Friendly Lighting

A Guide to Responsible Outdoor Lighting Practices

June 19, 2025

Wildlife-Friendly Lighting

A Guide to Responsible Outdoor Lighting Practices

Artificial light at night (ALAN) refers to the use of electric light sources in outdoor spaces. As cities and infrastructure grow, ALAN is used for various applications, from lighting roadways and parking lots for safety to illuminating architecture. While safety is crucial, ALAN has created problems for wildlife that have lived under natural light at night (moonlight and starlight).

 

ALAN disrupts sleep cycles, displaces wildlife from their habitats, disrupts migration patterns and breeding rituals, and alters hormone production. To combat these effects, wildlife-friendly lighting standards advocate for specific fixtures, design principles, and lighting control methods to minimize disruption to wildlife and their natural environment.

 

Wildlife Lighting Standards Recommendations

There are several organizations that establish and promote wildlife-friendly lighting standards and one of the most prominent is the International DarkSky Association (IDA), an independent organization offering certification and educational resources. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are key government agencies that provide guidelines and resources for wildlife lighting. They are the most referenced for sea turtle-friendly lighting and bird-friendly lighting, and they have developed the Wildlife Lighting Certification Program to ensure lighting practices are safe for wildlife.

International DarkSky Association

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are key government agencies that provide guidelines and resources for wildlife lighting. They are the most referenced for sea turtle-friendly lighting and bird-friendly lighting, and they have developed the Wildlife Lighting Certification Program to ensure lighting practices are safe for wildlife.

Aside from the five principles, IDA has a few other core functions, including the DarkSky certification program and DarkSky Approved program, as well as education and outreach. The IDA also works as a resource to aid in crafting ordinances and legislation for municipalities to help combat the growing problem of light pollution. 

IDA’s Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting 

A guide to assist lighting professionals when designing exterior lighting, these simple principles are intuitive and relatively easy to implement and can have an enormous impact when applied correctly to reduce light pollution and maintain dark skies and healthy habitats for wildlife. 

 

Many guidelines, like “Low Level” and “Targeted,” are subjective. Testing and mockups in the field can help determine what is “Low Level” in the context of the project site. For example, a 4-watt luminaire may be appropriately bright in a city park but too bright in a rural residence.

DarkSky Approved Program

The DarkSky Approved program provides third-party approval for products, lighting designs and projects, ensuring that they meet necessary requirements that abide by Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting.

When searching for outdoor luminaires, the DarkSky Approved seal can help guide the fixture selection for projects that need to meet any DarkSky requirements. DarkSky approved fixtures can be found with the DarkSky Approved Seal on manufacturers cut sheets or through the DarkSky Database. Full program requirements can also be found in the DarkSky Approved Luminaires Guidelines. 

Turtle-Safe Lighting 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages fish and wildlife resources for their safety and the good of the community. One large part of the FWC’s programs is establishing turtle-safe lighting practices. 

 

Turtle nesting seasons typically run from May through October in Florida. As hatchlings leave their eggs, they must make the trip back to the ocean across the beach where they were laid. Their natural means of navigation is following the naturally blue moonlight, which is brightest on the water horizon. Traditional ALAN can disturb this process, so turtle safe lighting ordinances have been implemented to protect this journey and save turtle lives. The most important aspect of turtle safe lighting is the use of no blue wavelength light (shorter than 560nm). 

 

The FWC’s Wildlife Lighting Certification Program helps identify lighting fixtures which meet requirements for turtle-safe lighting. Additionally, the DarkSky Approved program also has their own specific DarkSky Sea Turtle Sensitive Approved program, which has nearly identical standards.

Bird-Friendly Lighting Standards

Bird populations worldwide are highly susceptible to the negative impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN). Eighty percent of North American birds migrate overnight, relying on magnetoreception to detect Earth’s magnetic poles. Studies show that high levels of blue spectrum light can impair this sense, disorienting birds and causing them to fly in non-migratory directions.  

 

In urban areas, blue spectrum light traps birds in “bubbles” of artificial light, leading to collisions, exhaustion, and mass-mortality events, especially on foggy or low cloud ceiling nights when birds fly lower than normal. 

 

The standards and strategies set by DarkSky and the FWC sea turtle program are similar to bird-friendly lighting recommendations. Turning off unnecessary lighting is the most effective solution, especially during spring (April-May) and fall (August-October) migration seasons and on cloudy or foggy nights. Additionally, if birds become trapped in bright light, turning lights off for 15 to 20 minutes can help them escape. Automatic timers can create breaks if monitoring is not feasible. To reduce light pollution from interiors, close blinds, shades, or curtains at night, or use window tinting. 

Bird-Friendly Lighting Ordinances

Bird-friendly lighting ordinances are often grouped with bird-friendly building ordinances. Architects and designers can use construction materials, glazing, and lighting to create safer environments for birds.  

 

In the U.S., these ordinances are mostly managed by local municipalities. Notably, Maui County recently enacted stringent requirements for bird and wildlife-safe lighting, including outdoor fixtures emitting no more than 2% of light from the blue spectrum (400nm-500nm), no uplight, and full fixture shielding. For more information on other ordinances, refer to The Yale Bird-Friendly Building Initiative’s national database. 

DMF’s Wildlife-Friendly Lighting Solutions

DMF offers a variety of fixtures that are both DarkSky approved and turtle-sensitive for recessed downlighting and cylinder applications. Approved fixtures are limited to certain configurations. 

  • DarkSky Approved 
    • Luminaires cannot include decorative trims and must be 3000K CCT or lower. 
    • M Series Residential (4-inch aperture) and X Series recessed downlights both offer configurations. 
    • M Series and X Series Cylinders have configurations. Cylinders must be downlight (direct only), without any uplight. 
    • Look for the DarkSky Approved seal on DMF specification sheets for approved fixtures.
  • Dark Sky Approved Turtle Sensitive 
    • DMF turtle-friendly lighting fixtures come in 300 lumen output, specialty CRI and Turtle & Wildlife Friendly (TF) spectrum.
    • M Series Residential and X Series Recessed downlights are both available in turtle sensitive configurations.
    • M Series and X Series Cylinders are also available in TF configurations, in downlight configurations only.  

Note that DMF Turtle and Wildlife Friendly fixtures are not currently listed as FWC Certified but are designed within the required specifications and are certified DarkSky Approved Sea Turtle Sensitive.

 

To review the Wildlife Lighting Technical Bulletin, which includes references, click here. 

Technical
IP Ratings
April 16, 2025

IP Ratings

What is an IP Rating and why have IP Ratings?

An Ingress Protection Rating, or IP Rating, grades the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust and water and the ease in which individuals can access potential hazardous parts within the enclosure. Used widely in the industry, it provides a standardized method to evaluate/test a device’s resistance to environmental conditions and the suitable environment for the device, or lighting fixture.

 

The numerical rating consists of two numbers, the first digit [zero (0) to six (6)] refers to the protection against solid objects and the second numeral rates the protection against water [zero (0) to nine (9)]. In both cases, zero (0) represents no protection.

 

In some instances, the numeral position may contain the letter X, indicating no data/testing to specify ingress protection. IP Ratings may also contain a third supplemental digit, which indicates additional protection or testing conditions. This is more commonly seen in industrial equipment and enclosures, not typically in luminaire IP Ratings.

 

When evaluating IP Ratings for lighting fixtures, the ratings help to evaluate the appropriate environmental conditions that the luminaire can withstand since environments can vary greatly. Think of interior spaces such as bathrooms, covered porches, or fully exposed exteriors , all these spaces have different levels of exposure to contaminants and water.

 

The most common IP Ratings for exterior luminaires include IP65, which indicates a fully dust-tight lighting fixture that is also protected against water jets, and IP68, also indicating a fully dust-tight product but can also be fully submerged in water, such as in a pool or pond.

 

IP Ratings give the user and specifier the confidence that the product will not prematurely fail because of intrusion from dust or water and help determine if a fixture is safe for use in that environment.

 

DMF Lighting offers several fixtures with IP Ratings that can be used in exterior applications with frequent exposure to water and harsh elements. Those fixtures include:   

  • M Series Commercial Downlights – The M Series Commercial Vandal Trim features a gasketed seal and IK10 (impact-rated) lens that offers IP66 level protection when installed in an appropriate ceiling. Available in both round and square standard trims, look for the “VP” option at the end of the trim product code.

VP = Vandal Proof/IP66  

  • M Series Cylinders & X Series Cylinders – These cylinders are highly configurable with up to 14+ million possible combinations. Each have options for IP65-Rated Pendant, Wall Mount, and Surface Mounted versions. When building your configuration, look for the water droplet next to the options that will fulfill an IP65 Rated option:

 

Numeral Definitions

For a deeper dive into IP Ratings, including the rigorous testing procedures and the differences between IP Ratings versus UL Listings, check out our Technical Bulletin.

Technical
TM-30

Get insight into TM-30 for DMF’s products

December 13, 2024

TM-30

See the TM-30 Reports for our products below

What is TM-30?

 

TM-30, developed in 2015 by the Illumination Engineering Society (IES), is an advanced method for measuring the color rendering capabilities of light sources. It addresses the limitations of the older Color Rendering Index (CRI) by providing a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation of how well a light source renders colors.

 

TM-30 is particularly beneficial in environments where precise color rendering is essential. It allows designers and lighting professionals to make more informed decisions, ensuring that the chosen lighting enhances the desired colors and ambiance of the space.

2700K to 4000K

M Series Residential, Downlight750-1250 lm 1500 lm
M Series Residential, Adjustable750-1000 lm
M Series Commercial, Downlight750-1250 lm 1500-2000 lm 2500-3500 lm
M Series Commercial, Adjustable750-2000 lm 2500-3500 lm
X Series, Downlight750-1250 lm 1500 lm
X Series, Adjustable750-1000 lm

Warm Dim
3000K-1800K

M Series, Downlight & Adjustable1000 lm
X Series, Downlight & Adjustable1000 lm

T1 Tunable LED
4000K-1800K

M Series, Downlight1000 lm
M Series, Adjustable1000 lm
X Series, Downlight1000 lm
X Series, Adjustable1000 lm

T2 Tunable LED
6500K-2700K

M Series, Downlight1000 lm
M Series, Adjustable1000 lm
X Series, Downlight1000 lm
X Series, Adjustable1000 lm

To learn more about TM-30, click here.

Technical
Technical Bulletin: Splash Zone Safe

 Lighting the Way to the Splash Zone: Understanding ANSI/NSF 2 Standard

June 27, 2024

Technical Bulletin: Splash Zone Safe

 Lighting the Way to the Splash Zone: Understanding ANSI/NSF 2 Standard

As industry professionals—lighting designers, architects, or others involved in the commercial and industrial lighting industry—we are continually faced with a myriad of standards and regulations. Among these, the National Sanitation Foundation’s (NSF) “splash zone” standardization is one way to evaluate implications on lighting design and application in food-related environments. DMF Lighting, in its commitment to quality and safety, has met ANSI/NSF 2 standard suitable for splash zone use with modules, trims, and cylinder extrusions in the matte white or matte black finish across all product series.

The Importance of Splash Zone Standards

Why should the lighting industry concern itself with a standard seemingly geared towards food equipment? The answer is simple—our products are pervasive, illuminating environments from offices to industrial plants and, importantly, food processing areas. In these settings, luminaire lenses and trims are potentially exposed to the same environment as food processing equipment, making ANSI/NSF 2 standards relevant to our industry. ANSI/NSF 2 splash zone standards underscore a luminaire’s capability to withstand and function optimally under specific conditions. Earning this certification also highlights a product’s adherence to stringent quality and safety criteria, providing reassurance to clients that the lighting equipment can sustain sanitary conditions vital in areas like commercial kitchens, food processing plants, and other similar environments. 

Measuring up to the Standard 

The process of obtaining ANSI/NSF 2 listing for splash zone use is comprehensive and rigorous. It involves several stages including product testing, material analyses, plant audits, and product-system conformity assessments. The testing phase ensures that the product surfaces can endure high-humidity environments and frequent washing without compromising its performance or the safety of the environment. The materials used are scrutinized for their resistance to corrosion and their ability to prevent microbial growth.

 

For luminaires, the standards specifically assess only those elements exposed below the ceiling – the lens design, durability, ingress protection ratings, and fixture construction. The fixtures should be designed such that they do not accumulate dust, dirt, or food particles. The lenses should be shatter-resistant to prevent contamination risks in case of breakage. These measures ensure the luminaire is easy to clean, minimizes bacterial growth, and can withstand routine cleaning without functional degradation. 

Conclusion

In summary, while the notion of “splash zones” may seem quite specific to food equipment, its implications significantly influence the lighting industry. Our understanding and adherence to these standards not only foster the development of safer, higher quality products but also elevate the standards of the environments our products illuminate.

 

At DMF, we are the guiding light, illuminating the path for our clients in a manner that is efficient, sustainable, and safe. The ANSI/NSF 2 Standard, with its specific provisions for splash zones, helps ensure we stay true to this objective, shaping our creations to meet not just the lighting needs, but also the hygiene and safety demands of the spaces we enhance. 

To learn more about typical use cases and examples, click here.

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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

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.

 

20% Aluminum Reuse Policy – 20% of the diecast aluminum parts used in our light fixtures are recycled to provide a sustainable footprint while at the same time ensuring we are not sacrificing the integrity of the material or performance.

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.

Technical
Technical Bulletin: Fire-Rated Assemblies

Maintaining a fire resistance rating in compromised floor-ceiling material

March 5, 2024

Technical Bulletin: Fire-Rated Assemblies

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.