by Don McLean | Feb 26, 2015 | LED, Lighting, Study
Though not a certified test lab, DMD have assembled test equipment to better evaluate LED luminaires. DMD have developed a sophisticated mounting system which will be used to view luminaires in their operating positions. This allows DMD to review, assess and evaluate the various optical systems and lighting technologies in their shop. Suppliers provide luminaires and DMD would review the optical system and its effects in a dark environment at various mounting heights. Other testing include spray tests via a power washer, along with a review of the luminaire driver electrical characteristics under various states of loading. Loading states include under voltage events, over voltage events and various levels of dimming. We use volt meters, ammeters, oscilloscope, power factor meter and light meters while we vary input voltages/light output and measure results. As LED’s are new this analysis and testing is key in defining and comparing LED performance and uncovering possible issues. We are also assessing voltage drop impacts on LED luminaires given the variable input voltage range. DMD also has an operational LED test road which consists of LED luminaires equipped with an adaptive lighting system on the roadway outside their office where lights can be dimmed to various states as well as monitored for faults. This allows for review of the effects of dimming on an actual roadway. The system can be reviewed and assessed by those interested in an adaptive system. LED and adaptive lighting systems represent a large investment. LED and adaptive technologies continue to advance and develop therefore DMD saw the need to step up their abilities to better assess, specify and select products...
