by Brianna Crandall — April 4, 2011—The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published two new standards concerning solid state lighting, and updated its standards on busways and nonmetallic-sheathed cable.
With the publication of two new solid state lighting standards, NEMA establishes harmonized requirements and expectations for solid state lighting (SSL). Both are directed toward designers, manufacturers, and users of SSL products.
* NEMA SSL 1-2010 Electronic Drivers for LED Devices, Arrays, or Systems covers electronic drivers for SSL/light-emitting diode (LED) products. Electronic drivers use semiconductors to control and supply dc power for LED starting and operation. Topics covered include ratings, performance, and marking. SSL 1 also provides specifications guidance for electromagnetic immunity, audible noise, and efficiency calculations.
* NEMA SSL 6-2010 Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement—Dimming focuses on integrated LED lamps intended for retrofit into systems that previously used incandescent screw base lamps. The standard addresses dimming of these products and the interaction between the dimmer (control) and the bulb (lamp), and introduces requirements to help ensure good dimming performance and prevent damage to either component.
NEMA’s updated BU 1.1-2010 General Instructions for Handling, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Busway Rated 600 Volts or Less covers the proper handling, installation, operation, and maintenance of busway and associated fittings rated 600 volts or less. The revision provides additional information regarding environmental considerations, and updates the document’s references.
NEMA’s updated RV 2-2011 Application and Installation Guidelines for Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable and Underground Feeder and Branch Circuit Cable provides installers and code enforcement officials with comprehensive guidance on the proper application of nonmetallic-sheathed cable listed according to UL 719 and underground feeder and branch circuit cable listed according to UL 493. It covers critical installation issues, such as proper fitting assembly and stapling techniques, that maintain the mechanical integrity of the nonmetallic-sheathed cable system. The revision reflects changes to the National Electrical Code that took effect January 1, 2011, and the updated description of category “PWVX” as it appears in the 2010 UL White Book.
The contents and scope of each of the standards may be viewed, or a hardcopy or electronic copy purchased, from the NEMA Web site.
