NEMA Sets Minimum Performance for LED Retrofit Lamps
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published NEMA SSL 4 Retrofit Lamps: Minimum Performance Requirements. The objective of the standard is to provide suggested minimum performance levels for solid state lighting (SSL) products, specifically LED retrofit lamps.
This publication applies to integral LED lamps, which are defined as a lamp with LEDs, an integrated LED driver, and a base that meets appropriate American National Standards (ANSs) and is designed to connect to the branch circuit via a lampholder/socket that meets appropriate ANSs. The criteria applies to both integral LED lamps of non-standard form, and those intended to replace standard general service incandescent lamps, decorative (candelabra style) lamps, and reflector lamps.
From the standard:
Federal programs such as Energy Star set high performance goals to encourage growth of such products, but do not provide minimum acceptance criteria for products as a whole. Dozens, even hundreds of standards exist for illumination technology, and many of these may be applied to SSL if an examination is first made to determine correct application. This document seeks to call out, tailor and consolidate these performance parameters as able, either by reference or direct quote.
The contents and scope of SSL 4 may be viewed at online. A hard or electronic copy may be purchased for $45.
NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.
Source: www.nema.org