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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 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

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, M4LPRF, M4LPSF

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 S Series Families have been granted an unparalleled combination of other safety certifications, including 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.

Insights News Technical

Living Building Challenge Compliant Since 2020

DMF downlights surpass international sustainability standards, helping clear the path towards multiple regulatory incentives

June 5, 2023

DMF Lighting is proud to have its LED Downlight System and Surface-Mount LED carrying the Declared Label and be Living Building Challenge compliant since 2020. The Living Building Challenge is an international sustainable building certification program. Similar to LEED, Green Globes, and other standards recognized by local, state, and international governments, it’s the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for buildings. People from around the world use its regenerative design framework to create spaces that give more than they take.

Living Buildings are:

Regenerative buildings that connect occupants to light, air, food, nature, and community.
Self-sufficient and remain within the resource limits of their site.
Create a positive impact on the human and natural systems that interact with them.

“An LBC certified building has to use construction materials – including lighting equipment – that do not contain certain toxins. Using an LBC Compliant product meets this mandate, eliminating adverse environmental, health, and social impacts.”

Benjamin Chen
Product Architect, DMF Lighting

DMF’s commitment to better living

Efficiency and sustainability are core values at DMF, pushing us to design ever-more energy efficient lights and informing the materials we use to build our products. Projects using DMF’s downlight system and surface-mount cylinders, are on the pathway to reaching the top classification of Living Certified.

LBC Red List Approved under the Declare program, DMF’s downlight and cylinders fulfill the disclosure credit requirements under LBC Materials Petal Imperatives in fostering a transparent materials economy free of certain toxins and harmful chemicals deemed non-sustainable. In addition, the Declare program is also an officially recognized compliance path in LEED v4 under the Building Product Optimization credit.

Regulatory Incentives

Developers who choose to become LBC compliant ensure the sustainability of their project, and may even qualify for certain regulatory incentives. “In Seattle, projects in certain zones with LBC certification could build up to 25% more floor area and height than regulations allow,” stated Chen. While in Miami Beach, LBC compliant projects may be eligible for a full rebate on mandated sustainability fees. Moreover, LBC certification increases a building’s long-term value, and makes it more desirable for clients interested in reducing their environmental footprint. Compelling incentive case studies can also currently be seen in Vancouver, Washington, Ohio, and Oregon.

Using non-LBC compliant products puts developers and designers at risk of including toxic materials in a project. By using LBC Declared and compliant products like DMF’s LED lighting solutions, projects are one step closer to pursuing the highest level of sustainability and regenerative design.

For more information on DMF’s Living Building Challenge compliance, please visit our Declare Products page.

Learn more about the International Living Future Institute.

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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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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

Note: This Bulletin was originally published on 11/01/22 and has been updated to reflect the new product offerings.

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, Pinhole, Wall Wash, Flangeless, Decorative, Emergency, Dead Front
Finish: White, Black, Bronze, Clear 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, Pinhole, Wall Wash, Flangeless, Decorative, Emergency, Dead Front
Finish: White, Black, Bronze, Clear Diffuse, Custom

Learn more about the M 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 Technical

Open Ceiling Lighting

Configure DMF’s DCC Cylinder System to meet the unique lighting challenges presented by open ceilings

August 8, 2022

Prevalent across office layouts, open ceiling designs have no drop ceilings. Instead, traditionally covered ceiling structures, HVAC systems and electrical are exposed to offer a distinct industrial design. Plus, the removed ceiling increases the height of the room to make it feel more spacious.

However, the exposed structure also presents a unique set of design challenges. While the goal is to create a modern, unfinished aesthetic, visible wiring and junction boxes can make an open ceiling look inadvertently messy if executed poorly. In addition, higher ceilings can make lighting more difficult as light must travel a further distance to the work surface. That’s where the DCC Cylinder comes in.

Custom Length

With dozens of options and over a million configurations, the DCC Cylinder is DMF’s most versatile product. One of the most popular options is customizing the length of the suspended pendants to match whatever your project needs. Available as a Stem or Cord Mount, the suspended cylinder length is among the longest in industry at up to 156″, illuminating even the tallest of spaces.

Junction Box Covers

In an open ceiling layout, the network of conduit powering the suspended cylinders is completely visible. And depending on the lighting layout, each cylinder can feature anywhere between one and four conduit branches. While the solid metal conduit and elbow connections can add to the industrial design, the junction boxes usually do not. So instead of unsightly junction boxes ruining an open ceiling, designers can opt to utilize junction box covers.

Compatible with octagon and square boxes, each junction box cover features interchangeable open and closed knockouts that can be configured to match the desired lighting layout. Available in the same finishes as the Cylinder itself, the junction box covers complete the look for Cylinders in open ceilings.

Emergency Lighting

In addition to junction box covers, the DCC Cylinder’s entire suite of features remain available in open ceiling applications, even Emergency Lighting. Featuring two ceiling mounted remote drivers, the EM cylinder illuminates and dims identically in standard operation. When the emergency LED driver detects the loss of normal power, it switches control to battery power in emergency mode.

Learn more about these and other options for the DCC Cylinder System.

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Products Technical

Protected From Every Angle

The DCC Cylinder System is now IP65 rated against solid objects and liquids from all angles

July 20, 2022

With a host of moisture protection options, including a gasket and protective lens, the DCC Cylinder System has always featured a UL Listed Wet Location option. These protections allow the Cylinder to install in high moisture areas such as restrooms or covered patios. Now, even more safe guards make it compatible with even wetter areas, including outdoors.

Enhanced Water Protection, Same Design

When our engineers set out to improve the DCC’s moisture rating, it was imperative that any modifications not compromise they Cylinder’s sleek, modern design. The new rubber gasket and water-tight wall connector remain completely hidden, while the added cap only shows as a subtle lip near the top of the Surface Mount Cylinder.

These enhancements underwent rigorous water testing, even going beyond what third-party accreditation organizations conduct. We let water pool on the surface of the Cylinder and even submerged them underwater. All this to ensure they continue to meet DMF’s highest standards.

IP65

In addition to UL Listed for Wet Locations, all of our Wet Rated Cylinders are now IP65 rated as well. Administered by the IEC, an IP65 rating equates to the highest protection against solid foreign objects and low pressure water jets from all angles.

As always, Wet Rated is available for the Surface, Stem and Wall Mount Cylinders. The new IP65 rating is being added to our existing UL Wet Rated Cylinders. No changes to ordering or pricing — you’ll now simply receive the new and improved Wet Rated Cylinders.

Learn more about these and other options for the DCC Cylinder System.

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Products Technical

Light It Up

The pendant uplight provides glare-free illumination at elevated levels while highlighting architectural elements

May 4, 2022

The DCC is now more versatile than ever. Its wide range of options, including mounting, beam angles, lumen outputs, finishes, trims and shades, provide brilliant illumination and beautiful design. We pushed this versatility even further with the Cord or Stem Mount Uplight, which provide a truly unique light distribution uncommon for pendant cylinders.

Looking Up

DMF started the uplight project to add more indirect light from our pendant. By adding another light source, you can increase the amount of light in a space by reflecting it back down to the surface. You get more light back down without increasing glare.

We asked lighting designers where they would put a pendant with an uplight, and they said “All over the place!”

People are focused on more comfortable lighting. They’re tired of getting blasted by LEDs and are willing to invest in an indirect light that will make their environment comfortable. Having efficient light fixtures and more comfortable ways of lighting a space using indirect lighting is definitely the future.

Shadowless Design

We developed our own UL certified support system that adds strength while limiting light loss. The unique propeller design channels the cord from the connector to the module, while delivering a shadowless stream of light.

A More Flexible Solution

The addition of a pendant uplight allows the DCC Cylinder to reach new heights. Combining glare-free illumination with the ability to highlight architectural elements replaces the need for unsightly troffers or linear fixtures.

And while linear fixtures efficiently provide direct and indirect lighting, pendants can be arranged in a less restrictive manner. This gives designers freedom to arrange fixtures and customize the space.

Ideal for high or exposed ceilings, the DCC Cord Mount Cylinder is a revolutionary solution for general and accent lighting from one light source.

Learn more about the DCC Cylinder series.

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