The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published NEMA LSD 64-2014 Lighting Controls Terminology. This white paper, which was originally published in 2012, was updated to clarify terminology related to daylight responsive controls.

NEMA LSD 64 defines terminology related to controls for lighting systems for non-residential and residential applications. The goal of LSD 64 is for NEMA definitions to ultimately be used as the definitive reference for codes, standards, and legislation. This will eliminate the creation of new meanings for already defined terms, will minimize misapplication of controls terminology, and will eliminate the need for customized glossaries and terminology sections.

This document was developed by reviewing every known description for lighting control terminology, and represents ultimately agreeing upon best definitions. The working group reviewed definitions from documents such as American Society of Heating and Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers standards, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Handbook, NEMA guides, and all energy codes in use at the time, including California Title 24.

NEMA LSD 64-2014 may be downloaded at no cost on the NEMA website.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia. Its 400-plus member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Total U.S. shipments for electroindustry products exceed $100 billion annually.