A high-quality source of light

LED and OLED are the two technologies that are currently determining developments on the market for lamps and luminaires. Whereas the development of OLED is continuing to make progress, though it is not yet ripe for mass production, LED technology is finding a multiplicity of possible applications in an increasing number of fields. But one LED is not the same as the next LED: the quality of the products varies quite considerably. Consequently the VDE Institute has opened a test centre for photometry and spectrometry with a laboratory some 300 m² in size at its Offenbach site in order to provide users with practical guidance in this market, which is becoming increasingly confusing. “Our aim is to provide the necessary support for market participants. Thanks to our technical capabilities we are particularly well qualified to carry out performance tests on LED products,” explains Dietmar Gläser, director of the VDE test centre for the lighting industry. The spectrum of services ranges from measuring the luminous flux, the colour rendering index, the CIE distribution coefficients and the colour temperature, through to the evaluation of photobiological safety, as well as recording the light distribution curve and spatially resolved measurements of spectral distribution. The main focus is on testing the performance of LED products. These include LED fluorescent tubes, LED retrofit lamps, LED lamps, LED conversion kits and LED modules. The VDE Institute also offers product testing and certification for lamps, energy-saving lamps, ballast devices, sockets, converters for halogen light bulbs and other lighting components. Based on its testing in the area of LED, the VDE Institute is already awarding its “VDE Quality Tested” mark of approval. This covers all requirements in the fields of safety, EMC and performance, and is the distinguishing label for high-quality LED products. Download: