ESTA’s Technical Standards Program has published five standards in one batch — covering everything from permanently-installed DMX cabling to RDM firmware uploads to followspot position safety. If your shop deals in any of these areas, these are worth downloading. They’re free at tsp.esta.org.

The headliners for the entertainment lighting world: ANSI E1.27-2-2026 finally codifies requirements for permanently-installed DMX512 control cables — the kind buried in walls and conduit that nobody thinks about until something fails at showtime. And E1.37-4-2026 adds RDM File Transfer Control with firmware upload capability, including a clever low-memory transfer mechanism that works with RDM responders running buffers as small as 64 bytes. That last detail matters for older or resource-constrained fixtures on big rigs.

Also in the batch: E1.66-2026 for followspot positions erected for short-term use (structural, electrical, and personnel safety requirements — relevant to any touring show that rigs FOH spots on scaffolding or temporary structures), E1.62-2021 (R2026) reaffirming specs for portable platforms and staging, and ES1.5-2026, the newest in the Event Safety series, covering medical preparedness at events. One standard — E1.51-2024, covering portable power feeder cable systems for Canada — is currently in a 30-day limited public review, with comments due by August 10, 2026.

More from ESTA’s Technical Standards Program:

ESTA’s Technical Standards Program announces publication of five recently approved standards, now available for download at https://tsp.esta.org/freestandards. They are also available for purchase at the ANSI WebStore and at Accuris.

ANSI E1.27-2-2026, Recommended Practice for Permanently Installed Control Cables for Use with ANSI E1.11 (DMX512-A) and USITT DMX512/1990 Products

This standard addresses requirements for permanently installed cables carrying ANSI E1.11 and USITT DMX512 control signals.

ANSI E1.37-4-2026, Remote Device Management over DMX512 Networks – File Transfer Control with Firmware Upload capabilities

This document establishes the minimum requirements for RDM Controllers and RDM Responders to successfully support File Transfer Control (FTC) between them. It specifically provides a transfer mechanism that can be applied to memory limited Responders with transmit and receive buffers as small as 64 bytes, while allowing scalable improvements (a net reduction) in transfer times for Responders that have larger buffers.

ANSI E1.62-2021 (R2026), Minimum specifications for mass-produced portable platforms, ramps, stairs, and choral risers for live performance events

This standard addresses requirements for mass-produced portable platforms, stair units ramps, and choral risers used for events such as live drama, musicals, fashion shows, and concerts. It also covers railings provided as fall protection accessories for these units. It gives minimum payload and sideways force handling specifications. Custom platforms or complete stage systems are outside its scope.

ANSI E1.66-2026, Safety Standard for Followspot Positions Erected for Short-term Use in Entertainment Venues

This standard addresses safety requirements for followspot positions in or on structures erected for short-term use, and positions not covered by ANSI E1.28. It is applicable to followspot positions indoors and outdoors. It addresses structural, electrical, and personnel safety requirements associated with non-permanent followspot positions.

ANSI ES1.5-2026, Event Safety – Medical Preparedness

The latest publication in the Event Safety series, this standard provides guidance to assist in mitigating reasonably foreseeable physical and psychological health and safety hazards at events. It includes guidance on how to plan and provide medical support services, from initial setup to final disassembly of the event.

One standard now in limited public review

E1.51-2024, The selection, Installation, and use of Single-conductor Portable Power Feeder Cable Systems for use at 600 Volts Nominal or less, for the Distribution of Electrical Energy in the Television, Film, Live Performance and Event industries in Canada is now in limited, 30-day public review. Sections 2.2 and 4.2 have been revised, and the review considers only those revisions. Download the public review documents at https://tsp.esta.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php, and return any comments before the review period ends on 10 August 2026.

Download all five standards for free by visiting the ESTA Technical Standards Program free standards library.