New standards for LED fixtures

LEDs used for illumination are treated much differently than those used for decorative lighting. That's the thinking behind a new white paper from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The document, called LSD 51-2009 Solid-State Lighting—Definitions for Functional and Decorative Applications, illustrates and clarifies the differences between functional and decorative solid-state lighting (SSL) luminaires. It also and provides guidelines for the specification of the major qualities, performance criteria, and evaluation process needed for these products. NEMA says it is designed to provide useful information to the public, and may also assist the government and other groups in SSL specification development. The document comes from the NEMA Next Generation Lighting Alliance (NGLIA), the NEMA Solid State Lighting Section, and the American Lighting Association.

“LSD 51 opens a discussion regarding the harmonization of technology, energy efficiency, and aesthetics with regard to solid-state lighting luminaires,” said Jianzhong Jiao, PhD, chair of the SSL Technical Committee. “A goal of the document was to support the need for energy saving products without impeding future technological growth in the lighting industry. Furthermore, this document provides a basis of consistency and rationale for establishing new industry standards and government specifications relating to solid-state lighting applications.”