- NEMA SSL 1-2010: Electronic Drivers for LED Devices, Arrays, or Systems
- NEMA SSL 6-2010: Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement—Dimming
SSL 1 Working Group Leader Tom Stimac of GE Lighting Solutions said: “SSL 1 is the first in a series of NEMA SSL standards aimed at setting the foundation for quality and performance of LED systems, specifically LED drivers. LED drivers are used in every system today and the ability to verify key performance and quality aspects will be pivotal in achieving high efficiency and quality LED lighting systems.”
SSL 6 has been produced by NEMA’s Lighting Controls and Solid State Lighting sections and focuses on integrated LED lamps intended for retrofit into systems that previously used incandescent screw-base lamps. The standard addresses dimming of these products and the interaction between the dimmer (control) and the bulb (lamp), and introduces requirements to help ensure good dimming performance and prevent damage to either component.
SSL 6 Working Group Leader Robert Nachtrieb of Lutron Electronics said: “SSL 6 is the first NEMA standard to tackle head-on the importance of dimming energy-efficient LED lamps that will replace incandescent bulbs. Building on the solid industry consensus we forged for SSL 6, NEMA will continue to develop standards for other applications of LED dimming.”
Robert Hick of Leviton, member of both sections and chair of the Solid State Lighting section, said: “NEMA’s development of these standards illustrates the lighting industry’s dedication to the streamlined design and manufacture of energy-efficient SSL technology. Standardization of evolving technology is essential to ensuring harmonization across brands, exceptional performance, and customer satisfaction. With future additions to this series, NEMA will continue to identify and eliminate gaps in guidance without discouraging innovation within the industry.”
A hardcopy or electronic copy of either SSL 1 or SSL 6 can be purchased for $50.
Other related NEMA standards and white papers include:
• SSL 3-2010: High-Power White LED Binning for General Illumination
• LSD 44-2009: Solid State Lighting – The Need for a New Generation of Sockets and Interconnects
• LSD 45-2009: Recommendations for Solid State Lighting Sub-Assembly Interfaces for Luminaires
• LSD 49-2010: Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement – Best Practices for Dimming
• LSD 51-2009: Solid State Lighting – Definitions for Functional and Decorative Applications
NEMA publishes educational guide to energy-efficient lighting
In related news, NEMA has unveiled “The 5 Ls of Lighting: The Consumer’s Guide to Choosing Energy-Efficient Lighting.” This educational guide to the transition to more energy-efficient lighting can be downloaded at www.lightbulboptions.org.
The 5 Ls of Lighting provides a brief overview of the fundamental information about the new lighting energy efficiency standards that roll out nationwide starting January 2012 and that began in California in January of this year. The five Ls in the title stand for location, lumens, light bulbs, label, and law.
“It is essential that consumers are provided with the correct information about the transition to more energy-efficient lighting,” said NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis. “There have been media reports about the lighting transition that have been inaccurate, and have caused confusion. We want to set the record straight, and The 5 Ls of Lighting does just that.”
This guide empowers consumers with the knowledge they need to take advantage of new light bulb technologies. It explains the implementation dates of the law and highlights the variety of light bulb options available. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is neither a ban on incandescent light bulbs nor a compact florescent lamp (CFL) mandate.
“This is a simple and clear tool to help consumers understand the lighting transition. The 5 Ls of Lighting is the master key for consumers to access the innovation that is provided in a variety of new technologies,” said NEMA Vice President of Government Relations Kyle Pitsor. “With expanded lighting options, consumers can use this tool to read package labels and differentiate among light bulb technologies to select the best option for their needs.”
Media, utilities, retailers, and government are encouraged to use the framework of The 5 Ls of Lighting to educate the American public about the transition to more energy-efficient lighting.
