LED Quality Assurance - How to determine what is ture (2)

Can a conventional source do the job just as well? LED lighting is all the rage, offering a high degree of novelty and “cool” to building projects. But, in many cases, it is simply not warranted. There is nothing magic about the LED bulbs, which is, ultimately, just another light source. And as such, the LED must prove its value against incumbent technologies.

Fluorescent, for example, is fighting hard to retain its dominance in commercial buildings. Today’s fluorescent lighting systems are proven, reliable, well understood, highly efficient, controllable and offer rated life up to 10,000 hours.

Ceramic metal halide is also an effective competitor in applications requiring strong intensity from a highly compact light source. Systems as small as 15W, with a form factor approaching low-voltage fixtures, deliver strong punch with high efficacy and long life.

Of course, cost is a major issue here. If an LED lamp is only somewhat better, we must ask if it is worth the premium. The LED product must prove its value by clearly being a better choice.

LED lighting is not cheap. This is a get-what-you-pay-for time in the market for LED technology. Good LED products are highly engineered and, therefore, carry a premium.

Caveat emptor is Latin for “Let the buyer beware.” Industry product testing standards, such as LM79, have been around long enough for reputable manufacturers to be on board; ask for the results of this testing. Ask for details on color quality and life ratings. If the manufacturer cannot back up its claims, it is asking you to accept a higher degree of risk. Ask for demos, try products out and test them for yourself.

If the project has special needs, the manufacturer should be able to demonstrate that it can satisfy them. For example, if the spot light will be dimmed, the LED spotlight must not only be dimmable, but specifically be listed as compatible with the given control. If punch is important, pay attention to center-beam candlepower. If color is important, look at CRI and color temperature, and consider testing the product firsthand. If the product will be used outdoors, ensure that it is specifically built and rated for outdoor use.