With the popularity of LED lighting industry, there are thousands of led light manufacturers. And how to choose the proper and qualified manufacturers, will be a problem for many international buyers. The recent statistics reveal that a third of surveyed LED floodlights were found to be non-compliant. This raises the need to verify the safety and quality to explore the lighting suppliers.
Ensuring Quality and Safety in the LED Lighting Market: As customers, it is essential to find a way to proper LED lighting suppliers. While the market is flooded with options, not all products meet the required standards.
In the absence of clear guidance, the best way to tell whether a supplier is qualified is to check their available tests. No matter what LED lights you are buying, below is 7 must have test reports you need to check.
1.Safety Certificate Of Compliance
A Safety Certificate of Compliance for LED lights refers to the official document issued by a recognized certification body or authority. It approves that the LED lights have undergone strict testing and comply with safety standards and regulations.
The process of obtaining a Safety Certificate of Compliance typically are as following: First need to do a test to evaluate their electrical safety, insulation, protection against electric shock. The tests should be conducted by accredited laboratories .
2.LM79 Test Reports
The LM-79 test is a test to measure and evaluate the lighting performance of LED lights. It is conducted in accordance with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) LM-79 standard, which provides guidelines for the electrical and photometric measurements.
The main purpose of the LM-79 test is to assess the light output, energy efficiency, color characteristics, and other relevant parameters for lighting fixtures. The test provides objective and comparable data for clients and lighting professionals to make decisions.
During the LM-79 test, the following measurements are typically performed:
2.1 Electrical Power: This measures the power/wattage for the LED lights source.
2.2 Luminous Flux: This measures the total lumen output for the whole fixture.
2.3 Luminous Efficiency: This calculates the efficiency of the LED light. The formula for lumen efficiency is that the total lumen output divides the wattage. It indicates how effectively the LED light converts electrical power into visible ligh
2.4Photometric Distribution: This evaluates the light distribution pattern of the LED light source in different directions. It provides information about the beam angle and light intensity at various angles.
3.LM80 Test Reports
The LM-80 test is a standard test to evaluate the lumen maintenance and depreciation of LED light sources. It is conducted in accordance with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) LM-80 standard, which provides guidelines for measuring and reporting the long-term performance of LED packages, arrays, and modules.
The purpose of the LM-80 test is to see how the light output of LED light sources changes over an certain period, typically up to 6,000 hours or even up to 50000hours. This test helps verify the lumen depreciation of LED lights, providing valuable proof about their long-term performance and reliability.
During the LM-80 test, LED light sources are subjected to related authorities. Measurements are taken periodically to track the changes in light output over time. The test typically involves the following steps:
3.1 Stabilization: The LED light sources are initially operated for a specified period for stabilization of the thermal characteristics, which also ensures consistent operating conditions during the test.
3.2 Light Output Measurements: Luminous flux measurements are taken at , typically 1,000-hour increments, throughout the duration of the test.
3.3 Temperature Monitoring: The temperature of the LED light sources is continuously monitored to ensure that they are operated within specified temperature ranges. Temperature will affect the performance and lumen maintenance of LED.
3.4 Data Analysis: The collected data will decide the lumen maintenance characteristics of the LED light sources. This includes calculating the lumen depreciation rate and calculate the expected lumen maintenance for extended period, like 36,000 hours or more.
4.IP Test Report
An IP (Ingress Protection) test report for LED lights provides information on the level of protection the light fixture offers against the intrusion of solid particles (like dust) and liquids (such as water). The IP test assesses the LED light’s resistance to these external elements and assigns it an IP rating, which is indicated by a two-digit code.
The IP rating consists of two numbers. The first digit represents the level of protection against solid particles, while the second digit indicates the protection against liquids. Each digit has a specific range of values that correspond to different degrees of protection.
The IP test report typically includes the following details:
4.1 IP Rating: The report specifies the IP rating obtained during the testing process. For example, an IP65 is a high level for waterproof and dust proof level. And IP67 is very high level and the fixture can be used under water.
4.2 Test Methodology: The report describes the testing procedures to evaluate the LED light’s resistant level to solid particles and liquids.
4.3 Solid Particle Protection: This section is to test the resistance to solid particles, such as dust and debris. It shows what is the size of particles that the light can withstand, and whether it is completely protected.
4.4 Liquid Ingress Protection: This section focuses on the LED light’s resistance to water. It shows the level of protection against various types of water exposure, ranging from dripping water to powerful water jets or even submersion in water for specific durations.
The IP test report is very important when evaluating the environmental durability and suitability of LED lights. It helps clients to determine whether the LED light can withstand challenging conditions, like wet location, dusts.
5.IK Test Reports
An IK (Impact Protection) test stands for the mechanical impacts level for light fixtures. The IK test shows the LED light’s ability to withstand impacts against mechanical impact.
The IK rating is consist of two digit numbers, similar to the IP rating. The first number indicates the level of protection against impacts from solid objects, while the second number represents the energy level for impact withstand.
The IK test report typically includes the following details:
1. IK Rating: The report specifies the IK rates after the test. For example, an IK08 rating indicates that the light fixture can withstand impacts at the level of 5 Joules.
2. Test Methodology: The report shows the testing procedures. It outlines the equipment used, the types of objects and the number of impacts applied and the energy levels.
3. Impact Resistance: This section shows the LED light’s ability for impact from different objects, such as tools, rocks, or other heavy objects. It specifies that how much the light can resist impacts and whether it will have any damage or deformation after testing.
The IK test report is important for assessing the durability and reliability of LED lights, especially when the light fixtures may be exposed to potential impacts or vandalism. It helps clients to verify whether the LED light can qualified enough in demanding environments.
6.High Temperature Test Reports
The high-temperature test for LED lights is to evaluate the performance and reliability of LED light fixtures in high temperature conditions. This test helps to analyze how the LED lights perform at high temperatures, such as those encountered in certain operating environments or during extended periods of use.
During the high-temperature test, the LED light fixtures are tested at different temperatures for a specified duration. The test conditions may vary from different requirements and standards. Common parameters assessed during the test include:
1.Temperature Levels: The LED light fixtures are exposed to high temperatures, often above their normal operating range. If the lights are used in very special hot place, we also can adjust the testing temperature.
2. Light Output and Efficiency: The test monitors the light output of the LED light fixtures under high-temperature conditions. This helps verify the changes in lumen output, color rendering, or overall performance that may occur due to high temperature.
3. Electrical Performance: The electrical performance of the LED light fixtures, including power consumption, voltage/current characteristics, and any changes in electrical parts under high-temperature conditions.
4. Thermal Management: The test may also evaluate the effectiveness of the LED light’s thermal management system. This helps ensure that the light fixture can manage the heat release efficiently.
7.Conclusion
While the LED lighting market presents a wealth of options, it is crucial to navigate this terrain carefully to avoid potential pitfalls. The prevalence of non-compliant LED floodlights underscores the importance of conducting thorough research, relying on customer feedback, and considering warranty and after-sales support. By prioritizing safety and quality, consumers can make informed decisions and enjoy the benefits of reliable and efficient LED lighting solutions.