Category: Technical

Products Technical
No More Dead Weight
The DCD Series Housing was specifically designed to be smaller and lighter than traditional housings, making design and installation vastly simpler
February 4, 2020

Traditional commercial housings use a big, heavy black box to control light leaks. Measuring as much as 19″ long and 7″ tall, the bulky housings severely limit spacing options for lighting layouts and designs. Heavy boxes are also more costly to ship and more cumbersome during installation.

DMF Lighting revolutionized the commercial industry by decreasing the size and weight of the housing, allowing for more lighting layout options while also making it easier to install.

Smaller is better

Instead of a large box over the entire housing, the Adjustable DCD4 features a module mounted light shield to eliminate light leak. Far smaller and far lighter, the cold-fused shield takes up a fraction of the volume of a traditional can. The smaller size makes it more manageable to handle during installation. The lighter weight means reduced risk of sag.

The smaller size makes installation easier and helps prevent fixture movement below the ceiling.

Sturdy as ever

The DCD Series Housing is not only small, but strong as well. A stable housing makes sure adjustable module movements stay perfect. Specially-engineered, galvanized-steel bar hangers ensure the complete luminaire acts as a perfect single unit.

With a smaller housing that doesn’t sacrifice performance, the DCD Housings install quickly and ensure the aim stays steady.

Learn more about the DCD Series

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Products Technical
Designed to disappear
The ultra-sleek DRD5S was engineered to minimize its visual profile within the ceiling
July 10, 2019

The DRD5S Surface Mount LED Series is defined by its minimal, modern design. Even with four different shapes and sizes, the downlight is instantly recognizable by its slim, nearly frame-less profile.

Thin is in

Manufacturing and design are inseparable. The DRD5S utilizes precision machined die-cast aluminum for a thin, lightweight, yet sturdy molding. We experimented with different lens materials and thicknesses to get it as close to the LED board as possible. A single millimeter closer and the LEDs would become visible. This meticulous attention to detail is what created the thinnest surface mount LED in its class at just over half an inch in depth.

 

“What people expect from their light is always changing. At DMF we do the research, we stay on top of technology, and we understand what people want. Then we deliver on all those goals.”

–  Vince, Mechanical Engineer 

 

Edge to edge

Traditionally, surface mount LEDs feature robust trims to dissipate heat from the edge-lit LED optics. But we looked to redefine what a surface mount downlight looks like. By utilizing an LED board and innovative heatsink, we’ve nearly eliminated the flange all together. The unibody construction and snap-in lens eliminates any visible hardware or seams for a sleek, unified appearance. The lens practically blends into the body so the DRD5S can disappear into the ceiling.

See the light, not the fixture

The die-cast aluminum body and thin flange make the DRD5S beautiful to behold, but the surface mount is even more striking when it’s illuminated. The LED array produces a wide flood beam angle that gives the appearance of traditional recessed lighting. When lit, the DRD5S becomes nearly indistinguishable from a high-end recessed downlight.

 

The DRD5S Series is an engineering design achievement. The result of innovation, drive, and ingenuity. It’s another example of how DMF continues to push the boundaries of lighting design.

 

Learn more about the DRD5S Series.

 

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Products Technical
Game-changing Versatility
The ability to switch from a general to a directional in minutes makes the OneFrame System one of the most versatile downlighting solutions on the market.
March 5, 2019

The OneFrame System allows you to create diverse types of lighting using a small set of elements. By swapping out our modular components, you can radically alter your light without replacing the junction box, drastically reducing costs and labor. That means the people who inhabit your space get exactly the right light, even if their needs change.

General Downlighting

Use the DRD2 to evenly illuminate the entire room with beautiful efficient light.

 

Wall Wash

Use the DRD2 with a wall wash trim to evenly illuminate a wall surface.

 

Spot, Narrow Flood & Flood

Use the DRD2X to create more powerful and dramatic beam strengths with more focused optics.

 

Accent Lighting

Use the adjustable DRD4 for accent or task lighting and the flexibility for angled walls, distance aiming, and more.

 

One housing, multiple lighting options

Now creating layered lighting that meets the needs of your residential and commercial projects is as simple as combining the OneFrame with our exceptional modules and trims.

Learn more about the OneFrame System.

 

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Products Technical
Modular Makes More Possible
Combine our OneFrame Housing with the LED Modules and Trims of your choice to create the perfect light and look for your space.
November 27, 2018

The OneFrame System’s capabilities continue to grow as our engineers expand your options with new light modules and trim designs. And because they all fit in the OneFrame housing, not only can you ensure your perfect design today, but you can also alter your design anytime in the future by updating any light or trim element.

One housing, multiple downlight options

Choose the combination of trim shapes, styles and finishes that match your environment. Whatever your project, OneFrame can adapt to integrate seamlessly or accent the broader design.

Light distribution

Fully interchangeable light modules make the OneFrame System a complete and flexible downlighting solution. Each light module provides different capabilities for general, accent, and aimable lighting needs. The OneFrame Trims further customize your options. Some trims tighten or angle light, while others can highlight or blend design and decor intent. Decorative trims offer pleasant, ambient lighting. Create the lighting choice that perfectly pairs with your design vision.

Some possible combinations:

 

“We design each component in-house to work better together”

 

Whichever trim and module combination you choose, you can be sure they are built to the highest standards. All DMF modules use premium components, including integrated drivers and 90+ CRI, 2-step SDCM LEDs. In addition, our die-cast aluminum trims are built to last and in combination with stainless steel clips, ensure a seamless fit to the ceiling with no light leak. The trim’s Twist & Lock module integration simplifies both installation and future maintenance.

Learn more about the OneFrame System and our wide assortment of OneFrame Trims.

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To send feedback or learn more about our OneFrame Trims, please contact the DMF Lighting Marketing Team.

Technical
Shades of White

Enhance the tone of a room using lighting color temperature

October 4, 2018

Choosing a white light. Simple, right? But not all whites are the same. Generally, white light from a luminaire can be classified into one of three color tones: warm, neutral or cool. But there’s a little more about light color that you need to know.

Correlated Color Temperature

Objects change color as they are heated. They start off glowing a dull red and turn brighter as they get hotter. They progress from red to orange then white and finally blue. The temperature, measured in Kelvin (K) degrees, at which the object changes color is the basis for representation of a light’s color temperature.

A light’s correlated color temperature (CCT) is a more accurate expression of its color tones than simply warm, neutral or cool. Like the color of the glowing hot objects, the lower the temperature value, the warmer the light appears. Lights with a CCT less than 2700K appear warm and reddish while CCT levels of 5000K or more are cool and bluish. Color temperatures in between those values are generally neutral in color.

Which looks best?

While choosing a CCT is ultimately subjective, some CCT values traditionally pair better with certain applications and environments.

Lower CCT lights promote a relaxed and inviting ambiance, making them ideal for most living rooms and bedrooms. In addition, warm lights also pair well with classic, wooden designs. On the other hand, cool lights are often utilized in offices and hospitals as they are well suited for productivity. They also match well with modern, white aesthetics.

“Selecting the right color temperature can dramatically enhance the feeling and utility of your space.”

 

DMF Lighting color temperatures

Nearly all DMF Lighting light modules are offered in four color temperatures: 2700K, 3000K, 3500K or 4000K. They appear mostly neutral, with some warm tones for the lower values, and are the four most popular color temperatures so you can feel confident in your color temperature selection.

To learn more about CCT and how it can affect your project, contact the DMF Lighting team at info@dmflighting.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with everything that’s happening at DMF Lighting.

 

Products Technical
DRD2: Setting the Standard
Three years after its release, the DRD2 LED module’s groundbreaking design continues to impact the downlighting industry
September 17, 2018

With an intelligent design that makes it simple to install, maintain or replace, the innovative DRD2 revolutionized downlighting. It’s a design and concept others are still trying to replicate today.

The New Benchmark

When developing the DRD2, DMF engineers looked to create a compact LED downlight that could produce exceptional light at a price point unmatched in the industry. We sought to make it amazingly simple to install, maintain or replace. And that’s exactly what we accomplished.

DRD2 introduced a host of innovations to the downlighting industry. Its Twist & lock feature allowed for tool-free installations and seamless integration with multiple trim options. Combine that with an integrated driver for plug-and-play compatibility and it made installations simpler than ever. All while taking up far less space and using much less energy. It’s an LED module that’s perfectly balanced to give you everything you need.

Next level

The combination of exceptional lighting, flexible compatibility, and industry-leading value made the DRD2 our most successful product. But we didn’t stop there. Along the way, we upgraded the Cree® LED chip, further increasing its already stellar efficiency. Then, we introduced the Apex Series DRD2X, an architectural-grade version with enhanced optics for a precise, targeted beam of low glare illumination. And most recently, we leveraged our experience from engineering DRD2 to develop the adjustable DRD4 LED, which can install in our award winning OneFrame®, just like DRD2.

“At DMF, we believe in creating quality products by consistently investing in our innovation.”

 

Ahead of the Curve

As others try to catch up to DRD2, DMF is already hard at work developing future iterations and new related products. Our company’s products and culture both take shape in our in-house R&D lab. It’s our goal to always deliver exceptional performance and we cannot wait to unveil what’s next for DRD2.

Learn more about the DRD2

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News Technical
Three for Three
IES recognizes DMF Lighting for third consecutive year in 2018 Progress Report
August 28, 2018

For the third year in a row, the Illuminated Engineering Society (IES) names a DMF Lighting product to the annual Progress Report. And to make this year even more exciting, DMF has two products listed! The DRD4 Adjustable LED is recognized for its precise illumination and range of adjustability while DRD5S Surface Mount LED is included for its advanced design and beautiful light quality.

IES Progress Report

IES is the technical and educational authority on illumination. For over 100 years, it has communicated information on all aspects of good lighting practice to the lighting community. Each year, it publishes the IES Progress Report to acknowledge significant new advancements in lighting products, research, publications and design tools.

DRD4 Adjustable Recessed LED Downlight

The adjustable DRD4 brings ultimate flexibility to the OneFrame System. With an integrated driver, 20º, 30º, and 40º beam options, and field changeable accessories, the DRD4 delivers tool-free aimed and lockable light beams for today’s lighting designs.

DRD5S Surface Mount LED Downlight

The DRD5S redefines what’s possible for a surface mount downlight. Packed with technical breakthroughs, the ultra-thin DRD5S matches the elegance of a high-end recessed downlight. In addition, it’s more versatile because it can fit more applications, even those with limited plenum space.

Past DMF Award Winning Products

DRD5S Surface Mount
– Architectural SSL Product Innovation Award

OneFrame System
– Architectural SSL Product Innovation Award

OneFrame Deep Junction Box
– LFI Technical Innovation Award
– Architectural SSL Product Innovation Award
– IES Progress Report

OneFrame Deep Junction Box w/ Alt Dimming and/or EM Lighting
– IES Progress Report

News Technical
Winner Winner
Architectural SSL magazine names OneFrame System and DRD5S winners of 2018 Product Innovation Awards
August 23, 2018

It’s officially award season and DMF is racking up the accolades! Architectural SSL magazine has named both the OneFrame® System and DRD5S winners of 2018 Product Innovation Awards (PIA) in the downlights category. Honoring the most advanced LED fixtures, the OneFrame System was recognized for its innovate modularity and host of options. As for DRD5S, the publication was impressed by its attractive design and beautiful light quality.

Product Innovation Awards

Open to manufacturers of solid-state fixtures and components worldwide, the PIA awards recognize the most innovative LED and solid-state luminaires and fixtures on the market.

The Architectural SSL Product Innovation Awards reveal the criteria and characteristics of the technology that matters. One of the barriers hindering adoption of LED products is an uncertainty about the quality of products. Ultimately, the award winners represent a peer-recognized selection of quality products that the architectural and lighting design community can feel comfortable specifying.

OneFrame System

The OneFrame System represents the culmination of decades of engineering experience. We’ve made every element of this system to work seamlessly with the others. Each part is rigorously tested to ensure it’s built to last and performs up to our high standards. Most importantly, the OneFrame System creates a better experience for specifiers, building residents, and everyone in between.

DRD5S Surface Mount LED Downlight

The DRD5S redefines what’s possible for a surface mount downlight. Packed with technical breakthroughs, the ultra-thin DRD5S matches the elegance of a high-end recessed downlight. In addition, it’s more versatile because it can fit more applications, even those with limited plenum space.

Past DMF Award Winning Products

OneFrame Deep Junction Box
– LFI Technical Innovation Award
– Architectural SSL Product Innovation Award
– IES Progress Report

OneFrame Deep Junction Box w/ Alt Dimming and/or EM Lighting
– IES Progress Report

Insights Technical
Integrating Light and Architecture
Our in-house Applications Team can help bring your space to life with layered lighting effects calculations
June 21, 2018

One of the pioneers of architectural lighting, Richard Kelly changed the way the industry viewed light. To Kelly, it wasn’t about the fixtures but rather the created lighting effects. In his 1952 lecture, Lighting as an Integral Part of Architecture, he recognized three types of lighting effects as the core of lighting design: focal glow, ambient luminescence, and play of brilliants. He combined these effects to shape spaces and evoke a range of emotions.
 

Collaborating with renowned architects such as Mies van der Rohe, Louis Kahn, and Phillip Johnson, Kelly illuminated some of twentieth century’s most iconic buildings including the Seagram Building and Kimbell Art Museum.

“Lighting is both an art and a science.”

Shaping spaces with DMF

 
At DMF, our engineers use these principles as inspiration when designing products. But we take things a step further. Not only are we a leader in developing lighting products, we also support them with services not offered by other manufacturers.

We provide a lighting layouts service where our in house Applications Team creates fixture schedules for custom projects. It starts with one-on-one consultations with builders and architects to understand the needs of the project. Then, we use advanced 3D software to mock up spaces. We place fixtures based on IES photometric standards and determine a recommended lighting layout. We also offer emergency lighting photometric calculations to ensure rooms and corridors abide by NFPA regulations.

Contact our Marketing Team to learn more about how we can help you illuminate your project.

Technical
Technical Bulletin: Emergency Lighting and UL924

Proper performance of emergency light fixtures during power outages

May 21, 2018

Directly Controlled Luminaires

Customers always ask DMF Lighting about the additions to the 2014 and 2017 National Electrical Code®. The code details regulations regarding emergency lighting circuits, specifically Directly Controlled Luminaires. The 2014 edition added the following:

700.24 Directly Controlled Luminaires. Where emergency illumination is provided by one or more directly controlled luminaires that respond to an external control input to bypass normal control upon loss of normal power, such luminaires and external bypass controls shall be individually listed for use in emergency systems.

In the 2017 edition, ARTICLE 700.2 Definitions added the following:

Luminaire, Directly Controlled. An emergency luminaire that has a control input for an integral dimming or switching function that drives the luminaire to full illumination upon loss of normal power.

There are published magazine articles, if not read carefully, that suggest any lighting fixture that has a 0-10Vdc or digital control input and is used in an emergency lighting circuit, must be qualified to UL924, Underwriters Laboratories, Standard For Safety – Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment.

The key to understanding the NEC additions is the phrase direct control. Authorities want to ensure that a light fixture used in an emergency circuit will perform appropriately under emergency conditions. So with normal power lost, how does the light fixture respond to the external signal controlling the light level? One example of an unacceptable response would be a control signal from a dimmer set to zero during normal power operation and in emergency power mode the light fixture responds with no light output. Thus, the updates above ensure that this sort of emergency response does not happen. A light fixture that detects switching from normal to emergency power must provide sufficient light so people can respond.

 

 

Are DMF EM lighting systems directly controlled?


DMF Lighting provides EM – Emergency Lighting options with most of its light fixture housing types. These emergency light fixtures dim with triac/ELV, 0-10Vdc or more sophisticated digital signals. However, during emergency conditions, the dimmer does not control the light output. UL924 qualified emergency LED drivers detect the loss of power and switch control to battery power in emergency conditions.

The diagram below illustrates the typical EM battery backup system.

 

The detailed wiring diagram below illustrates that the emergency LED driver powers the LED LOAD using the AC LED driver input, in normal power mode, and with battery power in emergency mode.

Technical Bulletin: Emergency Lighting and UL924