What is the LM-79 test methodology?

LM-79 prescribes the testing procedures and precautions including lab considerations, ambient conditions, electrical equipment and measurement equipment used for carrying out LED products testing. It specifies three test methods to perform the measurements as well as proper treatment and operating orientation of the luminaires being measured.

Why do we need it?

Due to the variety of LED products available in the market, there is a need to assess the quality and various parameters associated with lighting products. LM-79 data enables objective product comparisons and allows for evaluation relative to performance requirements.

How is LM-79 different from other test methods used for conventional lighting products?

Due to the unique thermal and electrical characteristics of LEDs, standard test methods using relative photometry, cannot measure the lumen output of LED light sources. The LM-79 test remedies this problem by using absolute photometry. (see below for clarification)

What is relative photometry?

Relative photometry is used for testing standard filament or fluorescent lamps. Lamps and ballasts are tested separately from luminaires. The final output is the luminaire efficiency, calculated by dividing the total lumen output of the luminaire by the product of the rated output of the lamps and the ballast factor.

Relative photometry reduces the volume of luminaire tests, as the specifier can mimic lamp data from existing tests.

What is absolute photometry?

Absolute photometry is used to directly measure the total lumen output of complete lighting systems including lamp, ballast, driver, thermal management and all other fixture components. The efficiency of an integrated LED luminaire cannot be calculated in a standard manner. Instead luminous efficacy is calculated by dividing the total light output produced by total input electrical power.

What are the LM-79 test outcomes ?

IESNA prescribes the following uniform parameters to present the data obtained during LM-79 testing.

What are the limitations of LM-79?

LM-79 specifies the parameters of individual products and the test data obtained cannot be used to evaluate similar products and carry out lighting calculations.LM-79 does not specify any sampling size. Not specifying the number of samples to be tested leads to manufacturers providing only one sample instead of providing more, thus increasing the vulnerability of lesser quality products.  

Is there a future scope for improvement in the LM-79 test?

Yes, inside the lab, the luminaires are tested under specified conditions. As soon as the product is installed in the field, the parameters change. The slightest difference in operating conditions can affect the performance of each or every part of the LED luminaire (LED chip, heat sink) Lighting companies are continuously trying to make the results as realistic as possible however, as LED lighting technologies are evolving at a very fast pace, LM-79 may become redundant.