Lighting Thought Leadership

Safety and Functional Considerations for Retrofitting Fluorescent Luminaires for LED Lamp Replacement - NEW!

With the potential savings on maintenance and operating costs offered by lighting systems based on LEDs, many facilities are considering switching to this newer lighting technology. Unfortunately, upgrading lighting systems is not as simple as changing a light bulb. Facilities must consider fixtures, potential effects on the intended function of the lighting system being replaced, the performance requirements of the system, and be careful that safety is not compromised.

This UL white paper provides an overview of the issues related to the replacement of linear fluorescent lamps with LED lighting in commercial and industrial settings. Beginning with background information on the growth in the use of LEDs, the white paper identifies some of the technical challenges involved in retrofitting linear fluorescent luminaires with LED replacement lamps, and other potential impacts from such changes. The paper then offers a review of the current standards applicable to LED lamps, luminaires and retrofit kits. The white paper concludes with a list of additional issues facing builders, building owners and operators considering the retrofitting of linear fluorescent luminaires with LED replacement lamps.

 Click here to download the full technical white paper.

Assessing the Photobiological Safety of LEDs

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of products incorporating light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Their increased use has elevated concerns about potentially harmful photobiological effects that can result from even incidental exposure to LED light. In response to these concerns, today’s product safety standards now include specific testing requirements to evaluate and classify the photobiological risks associated with many types of LEDs. This UL white paper presents an overview of the structure and requirements of current photobiological standards for LEDs. Beginning with background information on the growth in the use of LEDs, the paper discusses the photobiological hazards associated with exposure to LEDs and other types of lamps. The paper then offers a detailed review of the current photobiological safety standards, IEC 62471 and IEC/TR 62471-2, including summary information on testing, exposure limits, and risk groups. The paper concludes with a look at potential future standards development efforts in this area, and compliance considerations for LED manufacturers.

 Click here to download the full technical white paper.

Emergency Lighting: Performance Expectations, Retrofit Implications and LEDs

This UL white paper provides an overview of issues and implications relating to the use of LED lighting technology in emergency lighting systems. The white paper begins with a review of the essential components of an emergency lighting system and discusses the performance requirements applicable to emergency lighting systems in public buildings as well as the specifications of UL 924, the Standard for Safety of Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment. The paper then addresses the specific technical challenges of retrofitting existing fluorescent lighting fixtures to accommodate the use of LED tubes and available options. The white paper concludes with considerations for architects, builders, building owners and building operators on the current and future use of LEDs in emergency lighting systems.

 Click here to download the full technical white paper.

Transitioning from Incandescent to CFL and LED Lighting: As Simple as Changing Bulbs?

In a move sparked largely by government incentives and increasingly lower costs, much of the developed world is transitioning away from traditional incandescent lights to more energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. However, questions regarding the proper use and function of these lights, along with related safety concerns, show the need exists to quickly reach manufacturer and consumer consensus on how to most effectively use this new technology to reap its full benefits.

Click here to download the full technical white paper.

Click here to download a complimentary on-demand webinar on CFL Lighting.