David Shiller

CORRECTION: NFPA published a Temporary Interim Amendment to the 2023 NEC that now allows some battery-only wall light switches IF they incorporate a positive means of notification of impending battery depletion. This Temporary Interim Amendment to the 2023 NEC can be found here. (updated May 15, 2024) The 2023 National Electric Code (NEC) has a [...]

California’s energy code, Title 24 2022, became effective January 1st, 2023. In it were new code requirements for indoor horticulture spaces, including grow light requirements. This was in part motivated by a large surge in energy use after the 2018 legalization of recreational cannabis in the State. Urban indoor grow facilities took off and energy [...]

The American Lighting Association (ALA) has shared information about a China tariff exclusion that has been reinstated by the Biden Administration. This exclusion for passive infrared (PIR) sensor luminaires could reduce tariffs on certain fixtures depending on the light source (socketed vs. integrated). As part of the Section 301 tariffs on goods imported from China, [...]

  Glass blocks have been utilized for many decades to create translucent walls or wall sections. However, glass block is not able to create loadbearing walls and is not a good insulating material. A group of Swiss researchers have developed a new aerogel-filled translucent brick that is both highly insulating and can create load-bearing walls. [...]

Designing for disassembly (DfD) refers to the practice of designing products or systems in a way that makes it easy to take them apart at the end of their useful life or for maintenance purposes. DfD is an important aspect of sustainable lighting and circular design. This design approach aids the recovery and recycling of [...]

Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are a technology that allows retailers to remotely update product prices and information displayed on shelves in real-time. ESLs have the potential to revolutionize the way retailers operate, but they also have significant implications for manufacturers: Increased price transparency: With ESLs, retailers can quickly and easily change prices on the shelves, [...]

States are increasing their spending on highways, streets, and bridge construction by 10% in fiscal year 2023. Four out of five states expect to increase this type of infrastructure spending in FY2023 over the previous year. Almost 75% of the increase is due to increased federal reimbursements to states. This includes early spending on IIJA [...]

The United States government and some allies are evolving and escalating the trade war with China. During the Trump administration, the trade war was characterized by increasing trade tariffs, most of which are still in place today, during the Biden administration. Now the trade war is escalating in new directions. FRIENDSHORING: In the past month, [...]

  Aquafire by Lumina Products gives a new meaning to “lighting a fire!” The company has perfected water vapor flames illuminated by colored LEDs. Aquafire generates a water vapor mist that is gently pushed with fans from the mist chamber to the top of the unit through a diffuser vent. The vapor is then backlit [...]