Lighting ●From previous page Checklist:
Don’t be taken in by the impressive sounding performance claims printed on the packaging of low cost imports.
today that are being sold with completely falsified or imaginary photometric and life data. It’s time to get the proverbial head out of the sand and sort the wheat from the chaff! Most reputable LED and lighting manufacturers conduct their own reliability tests using external laboratories. At the very least, such testing should be done at raised ambient temps to ensure LEDs and drivers
don’t over heat – as has always been done for traditional fittings. Life tests will also ensure that LEDs last in line with the spec sheet. There are now commonly accepted LED
photometric and life test methods. Currently, the LM-80 standard confirms (or otherwise!) the long-term performance of the LED itself. It specifies how LED manufacturers and lighting manufacturers should test LED components to
●Look for established manufacturers who are able to offer a full line of CE/ROHS tested LED solutions with guaranteed lifetimes. There are many spurious lumen claims made by cheaper alternatives that offer only two or three year warranties. ●Consider the intended application and environmental factors – there may be potential thermal management considerations. ●Ensure correct installation – with LED retrofits always bypass the ballast. ●Look for lamps with internal surge protection to handle surges and spikes in cases of poor power supply quality. ●Check the colour temperature and CRI of the lamp; high colour temperatures are often offered as that shows higher lumen outputs.
determine their performance over time. The LM80 standard means that the LED has been tested using an internationally accepted methodology. Then, the LM79 standard details precisely how the total lamp should be tested and produces real, reliable data such as lumen output and efficacy. It really is that easy to produce honest and reliable performance data. As a global manufacturer of retrofit LEDs, Light Efficient Design always makes sure documentary evidence of product testing – during and after manufacture – is readily available, along with other certifications such CE and RoHS.
Wholesalers should also expect a manufacturer to further satisfy them on the quality and reliability of their products. In the case of retrofit LEDs, check with them about manufacturing techniques such as use of conformal coating for added protection from vibration, dust, humidity; approach to cooling and fan design; ability to operate with enclosed fittings; if the ballast needs to be re-used or not. Check, too, on the duration and terms of the
Light Efficient Design always makes documentary evidence of product testing readily available, along with certifications such CE and RoHS.
warranty being offered. Three years or under is somewhat dubious. A reputable LED lamping solution should be expected to last at least five years and the warranty should match this. In summary, wholesalers should try to make it their business to do more through closer investigation and evaluation of LED product reliability, output, and lumen performance. Insisting on evidence of LM 79 and LM80 data is a good start will help us all to outlaw those low quality LED imposters!
www.led-llc.com
Testing a LED product and obtaining reliable data is not that difficult. But many wholesalers appear too busy or trusting, or both, to bother;
despite numerous products on the market today that are being sold with completely falsified or imaginary photometric and life data.
36 | electrical wholesalerMay 2018
www.ewnews.co.uk
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