LED's be honest

LED’s be honest

In 2008 VSL was actively involved in making the industry and society aware of the importance of unambigious and correct performance data regarding LED’s. As a result of our work, for the year 2009 new Dutch legislation applies to the subsidy of LED light sources. Furthermore, many companies and organizations have asked us to characterize new LED sources, and our consultants have provided many with expert-advice on measurement methods; both in laboratories and in the field.

In 2009 the subject is even hotter than ever. During the first months of this year a growing number of companies have called upon our expertise and facilities. Clearly the awareness of the need for good measurements is increasing!

However, a recent VSL study on LED house-hold replacement lamps shows that still much remains to be done. Out of five LED replacement lamps that were purchased in different hardware stores, none specified their total light output in lumens. In all cases the lamp’s flux was specified as compared to that of a regular incandescent lamp. After measuring the actual flux of the LED sources, and their supposedly equivalent incandescent counterpart, it was found that the output of the LED sources was typically overrated by 300%. Such exaggerated performance of LED sources will lead to unsatisfied customers, and eventually harm the reputation of solid-state lighting.

Manufacturers, suppliers and buyers of LED sources that want facts instead of fiction, can contact Wouter Koek for more details (wkoek@vsl.nl).