Lighting products may present hazards if not properly designed and constructed. These hazards include fire, electrical shock, and physical injury. To reduce these risks, nationally accredited safety standards specify testing and construction requirements for lighting equipment. These safety standards are developed in a consensus process by technical panels composed of diverse stakeholders including safety experts, product experts, product users, and regulators. Lighting product safety standards are primarily developed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) in the United States, and The CSA Group (CSA) in Canada.  

In both countries, wiring regulations are enforced to help ensure safe installation and use of electrical equipment. In the United States the National Electrical Code (NFPA-70)[i] applies, while the Canadian Electrical Code Part I, Safety Standards for Electrical Installations (CSA C22.1)[ii], applies in Canada. Both specify that luminaires (lighting fixtures) must be certified compliant with the appropriate safety standards.

It is apparent that there is a robust system in place to help ensure lighting safety. This system depends on products being certified.  Without this certification, the product you buy may be hazardous.

Presentation by Terry McGowan, fIES, LC, Director of Engineering, American Lighting Association

UVC germicidal devices:

What consumers need to know

We have listed links to further reading on UV-C light. These are technical articles recommended by Terry McGowan, Dir. of Engineering, American Lighting Association.

Suddenly there is a growing interest in germicidal lighting. A quick look online or at manufacturers’ literature and websites shows a proliferation of germicidal lighting equipment from permanently installed luminaires to portables, including light wands and screw-in germicidal bulbs, all designed to decontaminate objects, materials or surfaces.