by Brianna Crandall — July 26, 2017 — The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) released a new installation standard designed to ensure minimal energy loss for POE lighting systems. The 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.
Power over Ethernet, or PoE, describes systems that pass electric power along with data on twisted pair Ethernet cabling.
According to NEMA, the energy efficiency of POE lighting systems 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 power source equipment and the powered device.
Robert Hick, vice president of R&D Engineering, Leviton Lighting and Energy Solutions, and technical coordinator of ANSI C137.3, explains:
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.
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. Those interested are urged to contact NEMA and to indicate their interest category and area of expertise.
ANSI C137.3-2017, American National Standard for Lighting Systems — Minimum Requirements for Installation of Energy Efficient Power over Ethernet (PoE) Lighting Systems, can be purchased for $46 in hard copy or as an electronic download on the NEMA Web site.
