Z10 Is the Future of Smart Outdoor Lighting — Meet Long-join’s Plug & Play Solution for the U.S. Market
Introduce
As outdoor lighting in North America shifts toward smarter, more modular systems, one new standard is quickly gaining momentum — Z10 interfaces. Unlike the bulky traditional NEMA sockets, Z10 is compact, easy to install, and designed to work seamlessly with 0–10V dimming for intelligent light control.
At Shanghai Long-join Electronics, we’ve been at the forefront of photocell and lighting control innovation for more than 20 years. Our Z10-compatible products make it easier for LED luminaire manufacturers, contractors, and municipalities to adopt future-proof outdoor lighting without compromising performance or compliance.
What Is Z10 and How Does It Work?
Z10 is a mechanical and electrical interface standard developed for the U.S. outdoor lighting market. Z10 borrows from the Zhaga concept used in Europe. It is finely tuned to North American install needs and safety standards.
Think of Z10 as a plug. It links the light fixture to smart add-ons like a photocell, a motion sensor, or a wireless control module. It’s compact and low-voltage. It lets makers add advanced lighting controls without using much space at all.
Key Features of Z10:
Feature | Why It Matters |
Compact form factor | Fits modern slim-profile LED fixtures |
Low-voltage (typically 24V DC) | Safer handling and simpler wiring |
0–10V dimming support | Enables adaptive brightness control |
Weather-resistant | Suitable for street lighting and outdoor installations |
This means a photocell for street light applications can be integrated without extra complexity — saving time for installers and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Why Is Z10 Becoming the New Standard in Outdoor Lighting?
The lighting industry is moving toward modular and interoperable designs. Z10 is part of that shift. Traditional NEMA sockets have served the market for decades, but their size and high-voltage limitations make them less suitable for today’s slim, efficient, and connected LED luminaires.
Why Z10 Is Gaining Popularity:
- Space-saving— ideal for compact luminaire designs
- Lower installation costs— fewer components and less wiring
- Future-proof— supports smart city upgrades without major retrofits
- Energy savings — works seamlessly with dimming and scheduling controls
Cities, utility companies, and manufacturers of photocells are now adopting Z10 as part of their smart outdoor lighting strategies.
What Products Does Long-join Offer for Z10?
At Long-join, we provide a complete range of Z10-compatible components — all tested for UL compliance and built to handle tough outdoor conditions.

JL-700M — Z10 4-Pin Receptacle
Looking for a reliable way to connect your photocell or sensor to an LED luminaire? The JL-700M is a compact, 4-pin receptacle designed specifically for Z10 systems.
- Provides 0–10V dimming control wiring
- IP65 waterproof rating for outdoor durability
- Easy top or side mounting options
- Compatible with photocontrolsfor precise dusk-to-dawn operation

JL-770W — Enhanced Z10 Receptacle
Need something more rugged? The JL-770W offers a UV-resistant housing, high-reliability contacts, and optional aluminum mounting brackets.
- 4-pin interface with dimming support
- Perfect for street lighting outdoorenvironments
- Built for photocell LED street light integration
JL-711G — Z10-Compatible Smart Photocell
- Integrated light photocell sensorfor dusk-to-dawn control
- Supports 0–10V dimming outputfor smooth brightness adjustment
- IP66 waterproof rating
Why Does 0–10V Dimming Matter for Outdoor Lighting?
If you’re upgrading to Z10, you’re probably thinking about energy efficiency. That’s where 0–10V dimming comes in.
This dimming method lets the luminaire’s brightness adjust smoothly from full power to a lower level — either based on time schedules, photocell lighting sensor readings, or remote commands.
Benefits of 0–10V Dimming in Outdoor Lighting:
Benefit | Impact |
Energy savings | Reduced power use during low-traffic hours |
Extended lifespan | Less stress on LED components |
Better light quality | Prevents glare and improves visibility |
Smart integration | Works with DALI or D4i drivers for advanced control |
When paired with a dusk to dawn photocell sensor, your lights turn on only when needed — cutting energy waste significantly.
How Does Z10 Compare to Traditional NEMA Sockets?
Feature | Z10 | NEMA |
Size | Compact | Larger |
Voltage | Low-voltage (24V DC) | High-voltage (120–277V AC) |
Dimming support | Built-in 0–10V | Usually requires extra components |
Installation | Faster, simpler | More wiring complexity |
Future compatibility | Designed for smart lighting | Limited upgrades |
If you’re planning to transition to smart street lighting or photocell control systems, Z10 offers a smoother path forward.
Why Should You Choose Long-join for Z10-Compatible Solutions?
Our Advantages:
- 20+ years of photocontrol R&D
- UL, CE, ISO certified
- Factory-direct supply for faster delivery
- OEM/ODM customization for photocell sensor LED street lightprojects
- 30+ patents in intelligent lighting control

Who Benefits the Most from Z10 Technology?
Z10 isn’t just for big city infrastructure — it’s for anyone looking to simplify outdoor lighting control.
Key Beneficiaries:
- LED luminaire manufacturersneeding compact, reliable connectors
- Contractorsinstalling new outdoor light sensor switch systems
- Municipalitiesupgrading to photocell street light control for energy savings
- Smart city developers building integrated lighting networks
How to Get Started with Long-join’s Z10 Products?
If you’re ready to explore Z10 for your next project, we can provide:
- Detailed datasheets for JL-700M, JL-770W, JL-711G
- Samples for testing in your fixtures
- Engineering support for integration and compliance
Contact Long-join today to discuss your Z10 needs. Our team is here to make your outdoor lighting smarter, simpler, and more future-ready.
Conclusion
Z10 isn’t just a trend — it’s a smarter, leaner way to build photocell control systems for the future. With compact design, built-in dimming, and compatibility with emerging smart technologies, it’s set to replace traditional NEMA sockets in many applications.
Long-join delivers proven Z10 solutions. All UL compliant and backed by 20 years of photocell lighting innovation. If you make luminaires, run city lighting, or install smart outdoor systems, Z10 helps. You get better efficiency, flexibility, and stronger performance.
External Links:
●https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/index.html
●https://www.philips.com/global
●https://www.northern-connectors.co.uk/news/what-is-an-ip-66-waterproof-rating
●https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoRa
●https://www.digi.com/solutions/by-technology/zigbee-wireless-standard
●https://www.zhagastandard.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=340:zhaga-enables-iot-upgradeable-outdoor-led-lighting-fixtures&catid=22
●https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector
●https://www.ul.com/services/certification