Self-certification and Energy Star Programs: Implications for the Lighting Industry
The 2010 US Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) investigation of non-lighting Energy Star® programs further confirms the necessity of maintaining highly accurate, independent testing requirements on acceptable Energy Star for Solid State Lighting application data, as well as a monitored application process. (Read GAO press release.)
The Energy Star for SSL program is now managed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instead of the Department of Energy (DOE), but remains consistent in its focus on lighting quality as opposed to simple lumen output. Marketable light performance in Energy Star for SSL is defined by the photometric distribution, color characteristics, and efficacy of the lighting fixture.
Historically, Energy Star program testing results have been allowed to be submitted through self-certification processes, (meaning the tests were performed in-house by the manufacturer or its component supplier.) In light of the GAO investigation, it is good news for SSL’s interested parties that many of the testing standards (such as LM-79) already require authentication by qualified independent laboratories through the CALiPER program.
On April 14, 2010 the EPA responded to the GAO’s challenge to authenticate application data across all Energy Star product categories. Because the DOE historically supported very high performance standards for Energy Star for SSL products, the implications of this news for the SSL category are less troublesome than for non-lighting categories. It is very likely that the EPA will enhance current requirements for the independence of the testing results it will accept, which increasingly will have to be issued by CALiPER-approved laboratories such as Lighting Sciences.
Energy Star for SSL Luminaire Tests
Lighting Sciences Inc. maintains the following simple table of Energy Star for SSL testing requirements for lighting fixture manufacturers, which we believe may offer some convenience to our friends in the industry.
Luminaire efficacy (lumens per watt, LM-79) – Mirror goniophotometer or integrating sphere
Intensity distribution (candlepower distribution at specified angles, LM-79) – Mirror goniophotometer
Zonal lumen density (lumen output in particular angular ranges, LM-79) – Mirror goniophotometer
Power factor test (electrical power) – Power factor meter
Off-state power (power usage in off mode) – Power meter
IES output file – Data file formatted to the Illuminating Engineering Society standard
Color tests:
Color Rendering Index (CRI, rendering of nine standard colors, LM-79) – Integrating Sphere with spectrophotometer
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT, Kelvin temperature, LM-79) – Integrating Sphere with spectrophotometer
Other tests:
Lumen maintenance (LED life – depreciation over time, LM-80):
Option 1: Component Performance, data normally obtained from LED manufacturer
Option 2: Luminaire Performance, Lighting Sciences tests at 0 and ≥6000 hours – Life test environment and integrating sphere
Temperature (power supply and LED temperatures, Addendum to ANSI/UL 1598) – Thermal test equipment and simulated test environment
Additional Tests
Within the Energy Star for SSL luminaires program, manufacturers may self-certify certain performance requirements. The EPA has the right to request documentation of these tests for luminaires submitted for Energy Star. It is Lighting Sciences’ understanding at this time that such reports will be required only if potential issues with a fixture are suspected, but it may be useful for manufacturers to consider these tests as well:
Color spatial uniformity (distribution of color at particular angles) – Goniophotometer with spectrophotometer
Color maintenance (change of color over lifetime) – Life test environment and integrating sphere
Output operating frequency (luminaire operating frequency) – Digital oscilloscope
Noise (volume of sounds emitted) – Noise meter
Minimum operating temperature (certification for outdoor fixtures only) – Environmental testing chamber
Electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (certification to FCC requirements)
Transient protection (certification per IEEE requirements)
Lighting Sciences Inc. facilitates Energy Star qualification by offering the most comprehensive photometric services in the industry, including all tests for LM79 as well as lumen maintenance/life testing of luminaires (LM-80).
If you have questions regarding qualifying SSL products for the Energy Star program, please contact LSI, call us at (480) 991-9260, or visit our website at www.lightingsciences.com.
About Lighting Sciences Inc.:
Lighting Sciences Inc. is a lighting test and measurement company offering photometric testing services, test equipment manufacturing, and illumination engineering consulting. Over the last three decades, LSI has published more than 150 technical papers and has received numerous industry honors from organizations such as the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE).
Lighting Sciences Inc. is the world’s most scientifically-advanced developer of photometric solutions. Whether its clients require equipment to build a lighting laboratory, or accurate independent testing services, LSI has earned a globally-recognized record of excellence in photometrics.
A CALiPER-approved Laboratory
This information is based on Lighting Sciences, Inc.’s interpretation of US EPA standards, which are subject to revision at any time.
Please defer to EPA documentation in the case of any questions which may arise.
