LED Testing

General Safety Testing for Luminaries

• Marking
• Construction
• External and internal wiring
• Provision for Earthing
• Protection against electric c shock
• Resistance to Dust, Solid objective and Moisture
• Insulation Resistance and electric Strength.
• Creepage and Clearances distances
• Endurance and Thermal Test
• Resistance to Heat ,Fire and Tracking
• Screw Terminals
• Screwless terminals and Electrical Connections
 LM-79 TESTING LABORATORY IN INDIA
•It has a scope to test Solid state lightning luminaries for total luminous flux, efficacy, CCT,
CRI, color coordinates and LID.
•LEDs are boon to this contemporary epoch. It is widely used because of its innumerable
merits. Let us have a brief look at LED’s expediency to move further to discuss about the
Testing of luminaries as per LM 79.
•We can do the testing of your LED product against the different standard like LM 79 testing, IS
16106, IEC 60598-1, IEC 61347-2-13, IEC 62384, IEC62722-2-1, IEC 62031, IS
15885(part2/sec13), IS 16103, IS 16102, IEC 62612, and IEC 60969 etc.
•First and foremost, reason is its lastingness that is approximately 7 years for continuous use at
day and night. Another reason is the energy efficiency. LED is efficient to convert 90 %
of electrical energy to light energy with a little wastage in the form of heat energy produced
during operation. These are pocket friendly and give you relief while paying your electricity
bill.  Apart from it, is the durability. The use of  Semiconductors in LED make it more durable
as compared to Filament or neon gas lights .LED can resist high temp, jolt. Besides, LED are
environment friendly and safe to use. Because they are free from toxic chemicals and can be
totally recycled.
•In future LED is going to substitute incandescent lamp totally due to its list of benefits. All
industry and residential lightning is convinced to this technology and are implementing it by
replacing incandescent lamp with the LED. So, LED has an excellent future ahead.
 WHY LM-79 TESTING AND IS IT COMPULSORY?
• If You are a manufacturer or vendor and want to sell your product in the market. Then
you must be needed a test report of your product which will give all the parameters
electrical and photometric measurement issued by an NABL accredited laboratory .  LM
79 testing will give you a chance to improve your product by amendment in it if required.
So, Testing LED luminaries are a necessary task to be performed in this competitive
world.
• Of course, Yes! You must Go for LM 79 Testing, even on the usage of Tested LED in your
luminary. The LEDs are tested according to LM 80 which is a standard to test only LED’s.
But in Luminaries , LED is one of the components used in  luminaries. The other
components of luminary are electrical, some connections, LED’s, optical, thermal and
mechanical that make it a new product and requires testing as per LM-79 Testing which is
a standard to test SSL and test the LED luminaries for measurements. To be competitive
and for good business, you need to test your product as per LM 79,  as most of the
purchaser requires a test report and prefer to purchase Tested luminaries only.
• Now, it is clear LM 79 testing has a positive impact on the product. In brief, improvement
can be expected, quality enhancement, real picture performance criteria of the product,
help in enhancing business.
 SCOPE OF LM-79 TESTING
• It covers the LED based Solid-state lighting (SSL) goods  with control electronics and heat sinks
incorporated, that is, those devices that requires only AC main power or a DC voltage power
supply to operate. SSL products in the form of luminaries (fixtures incorporated light source) are
covered in LM-79 Testing. This standard describes the test methods for individual SSL products.
• It does not cover SSL products that require external operating circuits and external heat sinks
such as LED chips, LED packages and LED module. Even this document does not cover the fixtures
designed for SSL products sold without a light source and the performance rating of the product.
• LM-79 Testing provides us with the following parameters:
• 1. Electric parameters: Input Voltage , power, current , power factor, frequency
• 2. Photometry parameters: Luminous flux, Luminous Efficacy, Radiant power
• 3. CIE colorimetric parameters: chromaticity coordinates(x), chromaticity coordinates(y),
chromaticity coordinates(u’), chromaticity coordinates(v), chromaticity coordinates(v’),
Correlated color temperature(Tc), DUV Value, color rendering Index(Ra)
• 4. Light Intensity Distribution
 Approved Method For LM-79 Testing
• It will be interesting to know about the approved method of LM-79 Testing. For photometric
parameters Integrating sphere is required and for Light intensity distribution Goniophotometer is
needed. A lab having both the machines and valid accreditation with full scope has authority to
issue Test reports presenting all the parameters present in the report discussed above.
• Approved Method to do LM 79 testing:
• Procedure and conditions.
• Maintained ambient temperature is 25°±1 °C with limited air flow.
• Power supply AC waveshape limit to harmonic RMS of 3%.
• Voltage regulation to ±2 %.
• Seasoning and stabilization (discussed below).
• Testing orientation.
• Electrical setting.
• Instrumentation
 Detailed Understanding
• The total luminous flux (lumen) of SSL products shall be measured using an Integrating sphere or
a goniophotometer. The method may be chosen depends upon what is needed to be measured.
• For Small sized LED luminaries, the total flux and color measurements can be measured in
Integrating Sphere. There is no need of the dark room for installing Integrated sphere.
• The method of mounting can be the primary path for heat flow away from the device and can
affect measurements results significantly. The SSL under test must be mounted in integrating
sphere so that heat conditions through supporting objects causes negligible cooling effect. The
product may be held by support materials that has low heat conductivity like Teflon. Even the
supporting device does not disturb the air flow around the product. If any support is provided
with the SSL, then the product shall be tested with support structure attached.
• The SSL product under test shall be operated at rated voltage (AC/DC) according to the
specification of SSL. If the product has dimmable capability, measurements shall be performed at
maximum input power condition. If the product has multiple modes of operations including
variable CCT, measurement may be made at different mode of operation if necessary, and such
setting conditions shall be clearly reported. The integrated sphere owned by the ITC India Pvt is
having a Spectro-radiometer.
 Detailed Understanding
• LM-79 Testing with integrating sphere system: First of all, the size of integrating sphere should be
large enough to ensure that the measurements errors because of baffle and self absorption. ITC has
Integrating sphere with dia 2 m. The integrating sphere shall be equipped with auxiliary lamp
(quartz halogen lamp) for self absorption factor. Before operating the integrating sphere must be
calibrated against the reference standard lamp calibrated for total spectral radiant flux. No
seasoning is required for new SSL products. Before measurements are taken, the SSL product under
test shall be operated long enough to reach stabilization and temperature equilibrium. The time
required for stabilization depends on the type of SSL product under test. The time ranges from 30
min to 2 or more hours for large SSL. The ambient temperature is maintained. The stabilization is
judged when variation ( max- min) of at least 3 reading of the light output and electrical power over
a period of 30 min, taken 15 min apart, is less than 0.5 %. Even the stabilization time used for each
SSL must be reported.
• The software generates the Lm-79 Testing report providing all the parameters: total luminous flux,
CCT, CRI, color coordinates discussed above except the light intensity distribution (LID).
• LM-79 Testing with Goniophotometer system: Now ,For LID measurements  goniophotometer is
required,  which is generally used for relatively large size SSL products. It also provides the total
luminous flux in lumen as well. Dark room is required for installation of Goniophotometer with
temperature control. Working on goniophotometer is time consuming as compared to Integrating
sphere.
• The LM-79 Testing report generated in Goniophotometer will provides all parameters including LID.
 Detailed Understanding
• LM-79 testing requires complete luminaries testing on an absolute photometric basis. Typically
lighting products are evaluated on a relative photometric basis, where separate tests are done for
lamps luminaries. However, for solid state lighting products the LED lamps typically cannot be
separated from their luminaries. The absolute photometric testing required measures the light
distribution and light intensity of the complete luminaries.
• In recent times, the term LM-79 Testing laboratories have become part of our lighting lexicon and
have been treated in some cases as lighting program all its own. While many lighting programs
such as DLC and Energy Star reference LM-79 procedures, it is not in and of itself a lighting
program with specified requirements and pass/fail criteria.
• However, the term LM-79 Testing Lab has come to generally be recognized as two distinct tests –
a candela distribution test with an IES file, and an integrating sphere test for a standard color
(CCT, CRI, Duv, chromaticity coordinates).
 Special Testing and certification schemes
• LED testing As per IS 15885 (PART-2/SEC-13):2012
• This standard ensures Safety of Lamp Control gear for LED Modules. The control gear specified in this standard is designed
to provide constant voltage or current at Safety Extra Low Voltage or (HV) higher voltages. Deviations from the pure
voltage and current types do not exclude the gear from this standard.
• This includes insulation resistance, electric strength, creepage distances and clearance between primary and secondary
circuits, along with:
• SELV Safety Extra Low Voltage control gears
• Auto wound control gear
• Protection against electric shock
• Isolating control gears
• Separating control gears
• LED testing As per IS 10322 (PART 5/SEC-1): 2012
• This Indian Standard was adopted by the BIS after the draft finalized by the Illumination Engineering and Luminaires
Sectional Committee had been approved by the Electrotechnical Division Council. This standard covers the safety and
photometric requirements. This series consists of photometric requirements that have been incorporated, that specify
requirements for fixed general-purpose luminaires for use with a tungsten filament, tubular fluorescent, LED Lights, LED
modules and other discharge lamps.
• LED testing As per IS 16102 (PART-1):2012
• IS 16102 Testing and certification specifying the safety and interchangeability needs, together with the test methods and
conditions, required to show compliance of LED Products, LED lamps with integrated means for stable operation,
intended for domestic and similar general lighting purposes. This standard ensures that the products cause no danger to
the user or surroundings.
 Special Testing and certification schemes
• 16101: 2012 General Lighting – LEDs and LED modules – Terms and Definitions
• 16102(Part 1): 2012 Self- Ballasted LED Lamps for General Lighting Services Part 1 Safety
Requirements
• 16102(Part 2): 2012 Self-Ballasted LED Lamps for General Lighting Services Part 2 Performance
Requirements
• 16103(Part 1): 2012 LED Modules for General Lighting Part 1Safety Requirements
• 16103(Part 2): 2012 LED Modules for General Lighting Part 2 Performance Requirements
• 15885(Part2/Sec13): 2012 Safety of Lamp Control Gear Part 2 Particular Requirements Section 13
DC or AC Supplied Electronic Control gear for LED Modules
• 16104 : 2012 DC or AC Supplied Electronic Control Gear for LED Modules – Performance
Requirements
• 16105: 2012 Method of Measurement of Lumen Maintenance of Solid-State Light (LED) Sources
• 16106: 2012 Method of Electrical and Photometric Measurements of Solid-State Lighting (LED)
Products
• 16107(Part 1):2012 Luminaires Performance Part 1 General Requirements
• 16107-1:2012 Luminaires Performance Part 2 Particular Requirements Section 1 LED Luminaire
• 16108: 2012 Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems
 General Requirements for LED Tube Light Testing and Certification and Procedure
1. Classification for LED Tube Light Safety Testing as per IEC 60598-2-1
• Type of protection Class 0 excluded Class II
• Degree of protection Requirement: Ordinary IP20
• Luminaire suitable for direct mounting on normally flammable
surfaces.
• Luminaire not suitable for direct mounting on normally flammable
surfaces
• Luminaire for normal use
• Luminaire for rough service
 General Requirements for LED Tube Light Testing and Certification and Procedure
2. Marking for LED Tube Light Safety Testing as per IEC 60598-2-1:
• Mandatory markings
• Position of the marking
• Format of symbols/text
• Additional information
• Language of instructions
• Combination luminaires
• Nominal frequency in Hz 50/60 Hz
• Operating temperature
• Symbol or warning notice
• Wiring diagram
• Special conditions
• Metal halide lamp luminaire – warning
• Limitation for semi-luminaires
• Power factor and supply current
• Suitability for use indoors
• Luminaires with remote control
 General Requirements for LED Tube Light Testing and Certification and Procedure
• Clip-mounted luminaire – warning
• Specifications of protective shields
• Symbol for nature of supply
• Rated current of socket outlet
• Rough service luminaire
• Mounting instruction for type Y, type Z and some Type X attachments
• Non-ordinary luminaires with PVC cable
• Protective conductor current in instruction if applicable
• Provided with information if not intended to be mounted within arms reach
• Test with water
• Test with hexane
• Legible after test
• Label attached
 General Requirements for LED Tube Light Testing and Certification and Procedure
3. Construction
• Creepage distances and clearances
• Provision for earthing
• Screw terminals
• Screw less terminals and electrical connections
• External and internal wiring
• Protection against electric shock
• Endurance test and thermal test
• Resistance to dust, solid objects and moisture
• Insulation resistance and electric strength
• Resistance to heat, fire and tracking
 For Initial Performance
LM-79 LED Luminaire Photometric and Electrical testing
• Applies to complete LED luminaires and lamps
• Tests for total light output, distribution, color, power, etc.
• Useful for consumer comparison of initial performance
• Widely adopted for use by most rating and information programs
• Currently under revision
 For Long Term Performance and Reliability
• LM-80 LED Source Lumen Depreciation Testing
– Applies only to package, array, module components
– Works with TM-21 for lumen decay projection estimate
– Currently under revision
• TM-21 Projection of Source Lumen Depreciation
– Works with LM-80 data for lumen depreciation estimate
– Limited projection allowed
– Widely adopted (with LM-80) for use by most programs
 For Long Term Performance and Reliability
TM-26 Methodologies for Projecting Failure Rate of LED Packages
– Defines consistent methods for projecting catastrophic failure rates
– Along with lumen degradation projections (i.e., TM-21) provides
useful information on LED package reliability
– Can be used to help understand LED product reliability
– NEW and close to publication so not yet applied
 For Long Term Performance and Reliability
LM-82 LED Light Engines and Lamp Photometric and Electrical testing
at temperature
– Applies to complete LED Light Engines and lamps
– Tests for total light output, distribution, color, efficacy, etc. at a
specific temperature
– For use primarily for manufacturers of LED end products (lamps,
luminaires) to verify performance
– NEW (just published) and not yet widely applied
 For Long Term Performance and Reliability
NEMA SSL-7a Dimming SSL Luminaires with Phase Cut Dimmers
– First of hopefully several that help define effective dimming for LED
products
– For use primarily for manufacturers of LED end products (lamps,
luminaires) to verify performance
– NEW (just published) but not yet widely applied
 For Long Term Performance and Reliability
• LM-84 LED Light Engine and Lamp Lumen Depreciation Testing
– Applies primarily to “light engine” components
– Works with TM-28 for lumen decay projection estimate
– NEW and close to publication so not yet applied
• TM-28 Projection of Light Engine and Lamp Lumen Depreciation
– Works with LM-84 data for lumen depreciation estimate
– NEW and close to publication so not yet applied
 For Long Term Performance and Reliability
• LM-85, LED Reliability Tests
– Intended to provide consistent testing for package reliability
• LM-86 measurement of remote phosphor products
– Remote phosphor (compared to integral phosphor products have
different test issues
• S408-11 Optical Waveform Measurements
– Useful for flicker and similar measurement issues
• S412-13 Color Point Stability
– Useful in understanding color shift issues over time