Establishing Test Methods for LED Lighting
The shift to LED lighting has necessitated new standards and test methods to accurately measure performance. Several key organizations have established these methodologies:
- Illuminating Engineering Society (IES): An accredited Standards Development Organization (SDO) using American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved procedures. IES develops test methods for determining lumen output, light distribution, and lumen depreciation.
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): Establishes various standards and tests, including those for Ingress Protection (IP).
- International Commission on Illumination (CIE): Sets standards and test methods for lighting.
- Safety and Compliance Tests: Ensuring safety (UL/ETL) and compliance with radio frequency communication standards (FCC), often referencing ANSI and other standards.
Impact of LED Lighting on Optical Design
The transition to LED lighting revolutionized optical design. The absence of IR and UV light allows the use of plastic optical components, leading to diverse optical solutions. This has transformed the appearance of luminaires and enabled more precise light intensity distributions.
When these new luminaires entered the market, questions arose about the validity of existing lighting standards, which were defined during the era of fluorescent tubes and incandescent lamps. The changes in optical design, particularly for office lighting luminaires, have implications for discomfort glare perception and glare standards.
Adherence to IES Photometric Guidelines
All photometric testing, whether goniophotometric or spherical, is conducted in strict adherence to IES Photometric Guidelines and Recommended Practices.
Understanding IES Files
An IES file is a standardized data file expressing the light output of a luminaire as luminous intensity versus angle, along with descriptive and documentary test information. The acronym stands for the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). IES files, with the “.ies” extension, are used by lighting designers to model illumination performance in commercial lighting design programs. Commonly referred to as “photometric data” for a luminaire, these files are essential for accurate lighting design and assessment.
By adhering to these standards and utilizing precise photometric data, lighting designers can ensure that their designs meet the highest quality and performance criteria.
