As mentioned previously, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is combining the scope of the Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and Integral LED Lamps specifications into one technology-neutral Lamps specification.
EPA held a webinar on August 8, 2012 to describe some of the requirements of this Lamps Draft 2 specification. Following is a summary of some of the new electrical performance requirements. Please note that the following details are not finalized, but are provided for informative purposes to showcase draft details.
SIDE NOTE: EPA Program Manager for ENERGY STAR Eamon Monahan will be speaking at MET Labs’ Annual Global Product Compliance Seminar & Crab Feast in September. He will be providing an update on the ENERGY STAR Program. Register here.
Start Time
Starting time is defined as the time between application of power to the device and the point where the light output reaches 98% of its initial plateau.
Draft 2 of this specification adjusted the start time from 0.5 to 1 second. This was partially attributable to a conflict between decreasing the Start Time requirement while increasing the Rapid Cycle Stress Test requirement in Draft 1.
A start time test method was introduced in Annex D.
Run-Up Time
Run-Up time is defined as the time between the application of power to the device and the time when the light output first reaches a specified percentage of stable light output. This requirement is primarily based on the premise that the consumer expects quick response when using lamps.
Solid state products are now exempted from this requirement, while CFLs maintain the levels provided in Draft 1.
A run-up time test method was introduced in Annex E.
Power Factor
Draft 1 had listed a power factor of 0.7 for all lamps >5W. This has now changed as per lamp type. Draft 2 power factors are now:
- Residential CFLs ≥ 0.5
- Commercial CFLs ≥ 0.9
- Residential Solid State ≥ 0.7
- Commercial Solid State ≥ 0.9
Dimming
For the dimming requirement of the specification, the EPA is currently waiting on additional stakeholder input in the areas of:
- Dimming level
- Flicker
- Audible noise
- Compatibility
Transient Protection
Draft 2 made two changes to this requirement:
- There is now a new exemption for low voltage lamps
- Lamp base orientation language was removed from testing guidance
Electromagnetic & Radio Frequency Interference
Since FCC compliance is already required by law, reference to FCC requirements was removed from the specification.
Lamp Toxics Reduction
IEC 62554 was added as the test procedure reference for documenting the mercury content found in the product.
Lamp Base and Shape
A requirement for Lamp Base Dimensions and Tolerances was deleted from Draft 1. The requirement was considered redundant. Lamp base dimensions are already verified during electrical safety evaluation.
Lamp Shape Dimensional Requirements are now applicable to ANSI standard lamps only.
This new lighting specification and much more are sure to be discussed at the 2012 ENERGY STAR Products Partner Meeting for Lighting, Appliances, Water Heaters & Electronics being held from October 22–24, 2012 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Find out how to get ENERGY STAR testing or certification body services or product safety certification for lighting.
