NEMA Publishes National Standard For Roadway and Area Lighting Equipment — Wireless Networked Lighting Controllers

February 20, 2019

ANSI C136.48-2018 defines the minimum requirements for wireless networked lighting controllers (NLC) intended for use with roadway and area lighting systems.

The core of any networked control system is the network of field devices, which are fundamentally producers and consumers of data that exchange information with each other in various ways. Field device networks always include controllers that turn on and off streetlight systems lights and perhaps adjust lighting lumen levels, as well as monitor performance, all according to an internal program. Controllers route data to and from gateways, which at minimum act as communication bridges to outside networks, but may also provide other system functions.

1.2 Field device networks are accessed and managed remotely by a central management system, which facilitates user interaction, typically through graphical user interfaces, and typically consolidates, and stores retrieved data.

These systems communicate to field device networks through one or more backhaul communication networks, which may take various forms (including wired and wireless).

Find out more about ANSI C136.48-2018: www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/American-National-Standard-For-Roadway-and-Area-Lighting-Equipment—-Wireless-Networked-Lighting-Controllers.aspx

NEMA also recently published ANSI C136.2-2018 American National Standard for Roadway and Area Lighting Equipment — Dielectric Withstand and Electrical Transient Immunity Requirements. Read more here: www.lightingdesignandspecification.ca/changing-scene/2666-nema-releases-revised-roadway-lighting-standard

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Residential Contractor’s Guide to Layering Light

    The Residential Contractor’s Guide to Layering Light

    Too often, lighting plans default to the basics: a central ceiling fixture here, a few recessed cans there. Functional? Sure. But memorable? Not even close. That’s where knowing how to layer light comes in — a deceptively simple design principle that adds depth, mood, and polish to every space. With a few strategic choices, you… Read More…

  • 60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    60-Watt vs 100-Watt Light Bulbs: Brightness & Wattage

    With the widespread use of LED light bulbs, the replacement and upgrade of different light bulbs have also made the concept of “equivalent wattage” more and more discussed. When comparing 60-watt vs 100-watt bulb, the wattage and brightness are the factors that need to be figured out first. Wattage is used to measure the energy consumption while many… Read More…


New Products