LED quality features
The LED market is growing at a very rapid pace; a wide range of products are on offer. The development and manufacture of high-quality LED systems require a great deal of expertise – which sadly does not go into every product on the market. Some products fail to meet the minimum safety and quality requirements. In many cases, shortcomings become apparent only after the items have been bought and installed. Cheap products disappoint not only in terms of light output and lighting quality but particularly in terms of lifespan.
However, poorly made LEDs, modules with insufficient insulation and poorly designed LED luminaires not only gamble away the advantages of LED technology. They can even present a real safety risk. But what are the actual features that distinguish a good LED?
This is what makes a good LED product:
- Optimal lighting quality with high luminous efficacy and balanced luminance that is harmless to the human eye
- Long life
- Minimal early failure rate (around two in a million LEDs) with manufacturer's warranty
- No problems obtaining a replacement with the same lighting quality features
- Effective and reliable heat dissipation that also prevents luminaires from overheating
- Good maintained illuminance
Electrical reliability Marks of conformity provide security
Recognised marks of conformity provide guidance for buyers:
- The ENEC mark (European Norm Electrical Certification) identifies products that are compliant with European safety standards. It is awarded in Germany by the VDE (Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker).
- The GS mark ("Geprüfte Sicherheit") is awarded in Germany by the VDE or TÜV.
- The EMV/EMC mark identifies luminaires and operating devices that are compliant with electromagnetic compatibility legislation.
More information on the subject of the quality of LEDs is found on the following pages of this Lighting Special:
