The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) released a new installation standard designed to ensure 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," said Robert Hick, vice president of R&D Engineering, Leviton Lighting and Energy Solutions, and technical coordinator of ANSI C137.3.

ANSI C137.3-2017 can be purchased for $46 in hard copy or as an electronic download on the NEMA website.