Why LM-79 Testing is so important for LED outdoor lights

The requirement for uniform and standardized testing processes for LED has grown more common than ever before as the development of LED technology continues to increase and diversify.

The performance of an LED light or fixture is specified by LM-79, a standard. LM-79 tests are performed in a single instant and at a constant temperature. It thus provides no insight into how the DUT's performance could evolve over time or be influenced by changing environmental conditions.

Importance

Designers, specifiers, and producers of lighting fixtures all benefit from LM-79. It offers a standardized approach to evaluating LED lights and fixtures, allowing for fair and accurate comparisons across manufacturers and products. LM-79 test is very important for LED outdoor lights.

Scope of the LM-79

LED products with integrated control electronics and heat sinks qualify; they are gadgets that can run on either standard household current (AC) or a direct current (DC) voltage power source.

LM-79 relates to what light?

For LM-79 to apply, an LED light source must be used in its entirety, whether it is a bulb or a fixture.

Because LED light bulbs and fixtures usually include a driver and other gear (diffusers, reflectors, a body casing, a heatsink, etc.), electrical readings are taken at the point where the supply first enters the fitting (not entering the LEDs). Therefore, the term "circuit watts" is occasionally used to refer to the whole power usage of the fitting, not simply the LEDs.

The output from the fitting is what is being measured optically, therefore this is after any diffusers, reflectors, or other optical devices have been used. Since the brightness of the LEDs is affected by the lens and diffuser, we sometimes use the term "luminaire lumens" to refer to the total lumen output of the luminaire itself.

There is also called ies testing instead of LM-79 testing.