In the field of street light controllers, the ANSI C136 series of standards ensures the safety, compatibility and efficiency of various components. ANSI C136.10 and ANSI C136.41 are important standards.

This article will introduce in detail the contents of these two standards, their differences, which types of users need ANSI C136.41 certification, whether ANSI C136.10 certification is no longer required after obtaining ANSI C136.41 certification, and which products of Zhejiang Leadtop Electric Co., Ltd. have certifications for both standards.

What are ANSI C136.10 and ANSI C136.41?

ANSI C136.10:

• This standard defines the socket and electrical interface requirements for street light controllers (photocontrol) and is applicable to conventional photocontrols.

• The standard covers the design, performance and testing requirements of conventional photocontrols and sockets to ensure their compatibility and functionality in conventional lighting control applications.

Scope of application:

• 3-wire photocontroller: needs to comply with ANSI C136.10 standard to ensure that its electrical characteristics and mechanical interface meet the needs of traditional lighting control.
• 3-wire NEMA socket: needs to comply with ANSI C136.10 standard to ensure that it can be properly connected with the 3-wire photocontroller and provide reliable lighting control functions.

ANSI C136.41:

ANSI C136.41 standard ensures the compatibility and reliability of smart photocontrollers and sockets by specifying the interface, electrical characteristics, communication protocol, mechanical requirements, environmental durability, safety and electromagnetic compatibility of smart street light control systems in detail. This standard is crucial for smart city and advanced street light control system projects to ensure that street lights can be integrated into the smart city framework.

Scope of application:

• Intelligent photocontroller

5-wire photocontroller: Added dimming function, able to adjust light brightness as needed to achieve energy saving and optimize lighting effects

7-wire photocontroller: With more advanced intelligent functions, including multi-level dimming, fault monitoring and data communication, supporting more complex intelligent lighting control systems

• Intelligent photocontroller socket

5-wire NEMA socket: Supports dimming function, compatible with corresponding 5-wire photocontroller, and provides an interface for advanced lighting control

7-wire NEMA socket: Designed for the most complex intelligent control system, supporting comprehensive intelligent functions and data communication needs

The main differences between ANSI C136.10 and ANSI C136.41

• Scope and application:

ANSI C136.10 is limited to traditional conventional three-wire photocontrollers and sockets.

ANSI C136.41 covers five-wire and seven-wire intelligent photocontrollers and sockets, supporting more advanced functions.

• Functionality:

ANSI C136.10 covers basic switch control based on ambient light.

ANSI C136.41 includes additional smart features such as dimming, remote control, and monitoring.

• Communication protocols:

ANSI C136.10 does not cover communication protocols because it is used for basic control.

ANSI C136.41 specifies the communication protocols and data transmission requirements required for smart control systems.

What types of customers do photocontrol factories need ANSI C136.41 certification?

Customers who need ANSI C136.41 certification are usually involved in smart city projects or advanced street lighting systems. These customers include:

A. Municipal departments that upgrade to smart street lighting systems.

B. Utility companies seeking more efficient and controllable lighting solutions.

C. Urban infrastructure development companies that need to integrate with Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

D. Organizations that reduce energy consumption through advanced lighting control functions.

Does ANSI C136.41 certification mean that you don’t need to do ANSI C136.10?

No, obtaining ANSI C136.41 certification does not replace ANSI C136.10 certification. This is because each standard covers different aspects and functions:

A.ANSI C136.10 is still necessary to ensure compliance of the basic mechanical and electrical interfaces of basic conventional photocontrols.

B.ANSI C136.41 is for smart controllers and systems, adding requirements for smart functions.

If the product needs to be used in smart lighting applications in the future, it may need to comply with both standards.

What products of Linktour are certified to both ANSI C136.10 and ANSI C136.41?

At Linktour Lighting Solutions, we are committed to providing products that comply with multiple industry standards. Some of our products that comply with both ANSI C136.10 and ANSI C136.41 include:

Smart Photocontrol Sockets: 5-wire and 7-wire configurations, our sockets meet the requirements of both standards, ensuring flexibility and compatibility in a variety of lighting systems. For example, our LT605-5/7P NEMA Socket, shorting Cap, NEMA Base LT100B etc.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between ANSI C136.10 and ANSI C136.41 is critical for anyone involved in street lighting systems, especially as the industry moves toward smarter, more integrated solutions.

While ANSI C136.10 covers the basics, ANSI C136.41 addresses the needs of modern intelligent lighting systems. At Linktop Lighting Solutions, we proudly offer products that meet both standards, ensuring our customers can meet current needs and adapt to future technological advances.