As early as January 1, 2005, states began adopting the 2005 National Electrical Code that includes requirements for indoor metal halide fixtures to be either enclosed or operate only with ANSI Type-O lamps. At Lithonia Lighting, we support this change and fully expect it to have a positive impact on metal halide lighting systems. We feel it is important as the market leader to embrace the new NEC standards and have prepared for immediate shipment of orders for indoor open-rated metal halide luminaires with protected lamp sockets and Type-O lamps.

Open luminaires with Type-S designated lamps have been, and continue to be, safe and effective in appropriate applications when manufacturer warnings and instructions are followed. Nonetheless, Type-O designated lamps in protected sockets conform to the new regulations and provide an enhanced containment barrier. Lithonia Lighting supports the new NEC guidelines as a way to make a good lighting solution even better.

Please refer to the links on this page for additional information regarding this important code change. These links include a description of the various Lamp Sockets, the NEMA Bulletin on changes to NEC 2005 impacting metal halide systems, an article from LD&A magazine, Frequently Asked Questions, NECA’s State Electrical Regulation summary, and a hyperlinked listing of State Regulatory Web Sites.