NEMA Standard Reduces Energy Loss for Power over Ethernet Lighting Systems

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) unveiled a new installation standard intended to certify minimal energy loss for power over Ethernet (POE) lighting systems.

ANSI Accredited Standards Committee on Lighting Systems published ANSI C137.3 American National Standard for Lighting Systems—Minimum Requirements for Installation of Energy Efficient Power Over Ethernet (POE) Lighting Systems. NEMA serves as the secretariat for the standard. 

The energy efficiency of a POE lighting system depends on three elements: power source equipment (PSE) efficiency, powered device (PD) efficiency, and cable energy losses. This standard specifies cable and installation practices to limit the electrical energy losses of the cable between the PSE and the PD. 

“ANSI C137.3 provides the much-needed standardization of cable requirements for use by installers of PoE lighting systems. It ensures that POE Lighting will provide high-energy efficiency in every building installation that is complying with this standard,” says Robert Hick, vice president of R&D Engineering, Leviton Lighting and Energy Solutions, and technical coordinator of ANSI C137.3. 

NEMA’s Lighting Systems Division, as the secretariat of ANSI’s ASC C137 for Lighting Systems, is looking for industry experts in the User and General Interest categories to participate in standards development activities. Contact NEMA at [email protected] if you are interested. Please indicate your interest category and your area of expertise.