Analysis: LED lighting equipment is "light" or "lamps"

1 Overview

In the field of traditional lighting, the concept and definition of lamps and lamps are clear. Lamps and lamps have their own applicable product standards, supporting technical standards and application standards to regulate their product quality and safe use, and well solve the problems of matching and replacement of lamps and lamps. As long as the relevant standards are met, lamps produced by any manufacturer can be interchanged with those produced by any manufacturer. However, some seemingly simple questions have become puzzling after LED lighting devices (temporarily referred to as LED lighting fixtures before the definition of their attributes and definitions, the same below) have increasingly entered the traditional lighting field.

LED lighting fixtures have special optical characteristics and structure, some LED lighting fixtures have the typical characteristics of "lamps", some LED lighting fixtures have the typical characteristics of "lamps", and some LED lighting fixtures have both The characteristics of the "light" have the characteristics of a "luminaire". Before the distinction and connection of these characteristics are understood, it is difficult to determine that some definitions, terms, technical parameters, and product quality requirements for "lamps" and "lamps" in the field of traditional lighting are universally applicable to various types of LED lighting fixtures. Still partly applicable. Some of the definitions, terminology, technical parameters, or inconsistencies in some of the national, industry, alliance, or related publications, magazine articles, and enterprise product standards, product catalogs, and product profiles for LED lighting devices that have been introduced so far. There are quite a few contradictory places. Some standards simply follow the technical requirements in the field of traditional lighting and do not reflect the technical features of LED lighting. Through discussion of a seemingly simple question: whether LED lighting fixtures are "lamps" or "luminaires", it seeks to clarify the definition of different types of LED lighting fixtures and their corresponding product quality characteristics, and how to regulate different types of LED lighting fixtures. Make some suggestions for improvement.

2 "Lights" and "Lamps" in Traditional Lighting

Before discussing the differences and connections between the technical characteristics of LED lighting and the “lamps” and “lamps” in the traditional lighting field, it is necessary to review the “lamps” and “lamps” in the traditional lighting field.

So-called "lamps" (or light bulbs) are usually a common name for all types of electric light sources. It can sometimes represent a certain type of electric light source, such as incandescent lamps, low-pressure discharge lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, etc., which are commonly referred to, and sometimes it can represent an electric light source, such as tungsten incandescent lamps for general lighting. Double-end fluorescent lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, etc. Almost all "lamps" have two common features: they all have standardized lamp caps and are electrically connected through standardized lamp holders, such as tungsten filament incandescent lamps for general lighting, high pressure sodium lamps, etc. Screw base caps are commonly used (eg, E27, E40, ...) or socket caps (such as B22d, ...), double-ended fluorescent lamps, etc. usually use pin-type lamp caps (such as G13 ...). Since the lamp base and the lamp base are standardized, the lamps of the same type can be interchanged in conformity with the standard requirements; in addition to the lamps (such as spotlights, spotlights, etc.) specifically designed for meeting special requirements, most of the lamps are interchangeable. The emitted light of the lamp is uniformly and symmetrically distributed along the space. In the 1980s, because tricolor phosphors were successfully used in the field of illumination, the compactness of tubular fluorescent lamps became possible, resulting in a new type of light source (mainly structure) self-ballasted fluorescent lamps, defined in their product standards as: The lamps containing the lamp cap, the light source, and the devices necessary for the lamp to start up and maintain a stable ignition point, do not damage the lamps, and they are non-detachable.

This type of lamp has an innovative structure, but it still meets the two basic characteristics described above.

In the field of traditional lighting, almost all markets that have entered the circulation area have become electric light sources (lamps or light bulbs) for consumer products. Regardless of the type, there are relevant national standards and industry standards. Different manufacturers only need to produce according to the same product standards. The products meet the requirements of the relevant product standards. Although the quality will vary, the interchangeability should be no problem.

The so-called "luminaires" are defined in GB7000.1-2007/IEC 60598-1:2003 "Luminaires Part 1: General Requirements and Tests" as: "anything that can distribute, reveal, or transform light from one or more light sources An appliance, including all components necessary to support, secure, and protect the light source (but not including the light source itself), as well as the necessary circuit aids and devices to connect them to the power source Note: The use of monolithic non-replaceable emitters is considered As a luminaire, but not for the monolithic light source and the integral self-ballasted lamp. "The definition of the self-ballasted lamp is also included in GB7000.1 and it is necessary to mention it before proceeding to the following discussion. Self-ballasted lamp definition: “Parts that provide a lamp, a light source, and all the additional components necessary for the start and stabilization of the light source, unless permanently damaged, cannot be disassembled. Note 1: The source of the self-ballasted lamp is Cannot be replaced Note 2: The ballast components are part of the self-ballasted lamp, not part of the luminaire, and the self-ballasted lamp is discarded at the end of its service life.* Note 3: Self-ballasted lamps are considered as tests. Conventional light source. Note 4: For specific examples and more information see IEC 60972."

From the definition of lamps, the author thinks that the main points should be understood as follows:

1) Its main role as an appliance is to be able to change the distribution of light emitted by the light source used in the luminaire.

2) The light source does not include the light source itself, because the light source can be interchanged and replaced in the same light fixture.

3) In the definition of note "the use of monolithic non-replaceable emitters is considered as a luminaire, but the monolithic light source and the monolithic self-ballasted lamp are not tested." The definition of "integral non-replaceable emitter" is insufficient It is clear that this is the key to the confusion of the definition of LED lighting fixtures that will be discussed later. There is no "light emitter" used here instead of a light source. Obviously it does not only refer to the light source (regardless of whether it is monolithic) but it should include all of the components (or parts) of the above-mentioned fixture definition. The integral irreplaceability refers to all the components of the luminaire or to the monolithic luminaire or the monolithic self-ballasted lamp. It should be understood. If only the monolithic light source and the integral self-ballasted light are referred to, it is undisputed to regard the integral non-replaceable light emitter as a luminaire; but if it refers to all components including the ballast, such as the above-mentioned self-contained Why is the definition of a streamer not defined as a self-ballasted lamp?

GB7000.1 is equivalent to IEC60598-1:2003. This definition of lamps should be authoritative. GB7000 series lamps and lanterns national standards have altogether 19 parts, basically including the lamp used in all fields at present. The national standard of the GB7000 series of lamps and lanterns is characterized by the specification of the safety requirements of the lamps but does not involve the performance requirements of the lamps (photometric data). As mentioned above, a luminaire generally does not include a light source, and the lighting effects of using different light sources in the same luminaire may be completely different, and it is wise for the national standard not to specify the value of the performance parameter. However, in order to ensure the reliability and comparability of the test data, some measurement method standards for general performance parameters of the lamps have also been issued to guide and standardize the measurement of the general performance parameters of the lamps.

As mentioned above, in the traditional lighting field, the definitions of "light" and "luminaire" are clear, clear, and accurate, and the respective classifications are also clear and specific. There is no simple and ridiculous question of whether a lamp is a "light" or a "lamp".

3LED lighting apparatus

In recent years, the application of LED lighting devices in the field of traditional lighting has become increasingly widespread, and LEDs can be seen in various lighting applications. Due to its unique lighting function and structure and rapid development of LED device technology, it is difficult to form a unified product standard within a certain period of time. It is a problem plaguing the industry to refer to what standards or how to formulate applicable product standards to regulate various LED lighting devices. The resulting so-called standards are difficult to implement. "Gaogong LED" magazine even issued the "multiple standards introduced the industry confusion is still not over." The author believes that we can refer to the difference and connection between the lamp and the lamp in the field of traditional lighting as described above. First, we must make clear whether the LED lighting is a “light” or a “light” problem and define the correct definition of various LED lighting fixtures. And the category, the problem behind can be solved.

1) LED lighting fixtures with "light" characteristics

Taking the example of a double-ended LED fluorescent lamp that has begun to enter indoor lighting, the development direction of the double-ended LED fluorescent lamp is to replace the traditional double-ended fluorescent lamp (T8, T5). Its appearance, dimensions, lamp type, etc. are the same as double-ended fluorescent lamps (T8, T5), and the correlated color temperature (adjustable) and general color rendering index are similar to those of the double-end fluorescent lamps (T8, T5). It is generally divided into built-in power supply or external power supply. No matter what type you just need to change the electrical connection in existing lamps, it can replace the use of double-end fluorescent lamps (T8, T5) in existing lamps. This is a typical lamp, so it is appropriate to define a double-ended LED fluorescent lamp. Reference to the safety requirements of double-ended fluorescent lamps and to the particularities of the two-terminal LED fluorescent lamps: The electrical connection between the two-terminal LED fluorescent lamp pins and the lamp holder is different from that of the double-end fluorescent lamps; the power supply is built-in type and some metal cases are involved in heat dissipation (double The end fluorescent lamp has no exposed metal parts other than the lamp cap). Special regulations can be made to form a double-ended LED fluorescent lamp safety standard. Reference to the performance requirements of double-ended fluorescent lamps and to the particularities of the double-ended LED fluorescent lamps: The light characteristics of the LED itself determine that the light emitted from the double-ended LED fluorescent lamp is no longer symmetrically distributed in space, and the related parameters are measured. Special regulations can be made to form the performance requirements of double-ended LED fluorescent lamps.

2) LED lighting fixtures with lighting characteristics

Taking the LED table lamp currently widely used as an example, regardless of whether the light source part is not replaceable as a whole, it should be regarded as a movable lamp according to the definition of the aforementioned lamp. In order to ensure safety, GB7000.1-2007 has deleted the Category 0 classification in the lighting fixture category and removed the corresponding provisions of Category 0 in the relevant clauses. This means that it is no longer allowed to produce type 0 luminaires. However, a considerable part of the LED table lamp products is still class 0, and due to the need for heat dissipation, most LED lighting fixtures have a metal casing. Manufacturers of LED table lamps may not be aware of the new requirements of GB7000.1-2007. With the characteristics of lamps and lanterns, can be defined as whether the LED lighting fixtures of the lamps and lanterns are fully applicable to the GB7000 series safety standards? The answer is negative. The relevant reasons will be detailed later.

3) LED lighting fixtures with characteristics of lamps and lamps

How to define an LED lighting fixture that has both lamp and fixture characteristics, as mentioned earlier, is a simple issue that currently plagues the industry. There are different views in the industry and academia. It is not surprising that there are different views, and reaching consensus through full consultation is the basic principle that should be followed in standard setting. Due to various reasons, our standard government has come out of many doors. The above-mentioned voices of the "Gaogong LED" are very natural.

A definition adopted in LB/T001-2009 "Measuring Method for Integral LED Street Lights":

Integral LED street light is "a combined lighting source device for road lighting or street lighting, including one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source, including optical, mechanical, electrical and electronic components, LED and The lamps form a whole, and the LED is a non-removable and replaceable part of the lamp, which is referred to as an LED street lamp without causing any confusion, and is divided into two situations: a built-in controller (self-ballasting) and an external controller driving the work.

Combined with the subsequent clauses of this technical specification, it is clear that this specification defines the "integral LED street lamp" as "lamp (light source)". Just from the formulation of the article, this definition is also open to question.

1) "Combined illumination light source device" I do not know how to define. As long as this definition is clear, the fact that the "light" or "luminaire" is no longer important.

2) "LED and lighting form a whole, LED is a non-removable replacement part of the lamp" combined with the definition of the above GB7000.1 about lamps, this sentence has clearly demonstrated that "integral LED street lamp" is "lamp" Not "lights".

3) It is inaccurate to judge whether the self-ballasting is based on the installation method (built-in or external) of the controller in the lamp. For accurate definition of visible GB7000.1.

4) If the product truly conforms to the definition of self-ballasted lamp in GB7000.1, it is feasible to understand the "integral LED street lamp" as a self-ballasted lamp.

Why is it clear that the lamps have to be said to be lights? Combined with the follow-up content of the specification, the answer is clear. If it is defined as a lamp, some of the measuring instruments and measuring methods described later may be questioned, such as "LED reference controller", "standard LED street lamp" and so on.

To sum up, LED lighting fixtures or lamps are not a simple issue. Before this issue was clarified, technical regulations such as product standards or test method standards for various LED lighting fixtures were difficult to formulate.

4 suggestions

"Higher Industry LED" "Summary of Standard Test Methods for LED Street Lamps" was introduced. In terms of safety performance test methods: Guangdong Standard 9.2 Safety according to GB7000.1, GB7000.5, GB19510.1..., Safety Requirements for Shaanxi Standard 1.8 Safety Inspection Lamps According to GB7000.1, GB7000.5 ..., Shenzhen Standard 8.3 security general requirements according to GB7000.1, GB7000.5.

The safety requirements of 6.3 luminaires in GB/T 24827-2009 stipulate that the safety requirements of luminaires shall comply with the regulations of GB 7000.5.

When it comes to the safety requirements of LED lighting fixtures, either the lamps or the lamps and lanterns, the standards or specifications that the author can see, including the above listed, basically all refer to the GB7000 series of standards, and almost do not see that for LED lighting devices Special requirements. Is the LED lighting appliance product safety requirement fully applicable to the GB7000 series of standards?

1) Safety extra-low voltage is an important basis for the classification of lamps and lanterns against electric shock protection. Defined in GB 7000.1 as: "In the circuit isolated from the power supply by a safety isolating transformer or converter with a separate winding, between the conductors or between any conductor and earth, no more than 50 V ac effective voltage value Note 1: DC voltage values ​​are under consideration; Note 2: Assume that any transformer or converter operating at its rated supply voltage should not exceed this voltage limit, either at full load or no load."

Unlike conventional luminaires that use a separate winding of a safety isolating transformer or converter isolated from the power supply, in high-power LED lighting fixtures, an isolated driver is used, which is typically the rated supply voltage at the input of the isolated power supply. For the exchange of 220V, and the output is usually DC, high has nearly 100V. As mentioned above, the DC voltage value is under consideration. For example, the relevant standards for LED lighting fixtures do not make special provisions. How do you classify the LED lighting fixtures that are protected against electric shock? Although the value of DC voltage is being considered in GB7000.1, the internal voltage of the high-power LED lighting apparatus (aluminum substrate circuit) has reached a DC voltage of 100V. Due to the need of heat dissipation, the casing is mostly a reality of metal materials, what should be taken? Anti-electric shock guarantee measures to ensure safety?

2) The provisions concerning insulation resistance and electric strength in GB7000.1, especially the regulations on electric strength, should also be studied on the suitability of LED lighting fixtures. Is the test of driving power and light source (LED) combined or tested separately? Is it possible to apply the specified test voltage according to the provisions of GB 7000.1 between live parts of different polarity of LED lighting fixtures? What if there is an electrolytic capacitor between the live parts and the housing?

3) What about the durability test and thermal test item in GB7000.1 for LED lighting devices? In this chapter, only the tungsten wire incandescent lamps and gas discharge lamps are specified with the corresponding test conditions and parameters.

For LED lighting fixtures whose lighting principle and working circuit are completely different from tungsten incandescent lamps and gas discharge lamps, there are many special places for thermal characteristics. How to test, do not make full test verification and corresponding special regulations, the test can not be carried out.

It is suggested that the developers of all kinds of standards should make clear whether they are "lights" or "luminaires" for LED lighting fixtures. After a clear classification, the applicable reference standards can be selected and the related clauses can be quoted. References that can be used for general or general requirements should be used for reference. Do not define the terms and definitions that are applicable to this standard (or this specification). Caused by many standards in the nouns, definitions are not uniform phenomenon. At the same time, for the light, electricity, and thermal properties of LED lighting fixtures, certain special regulations must be made. We must not even read the reference standards carefully, and the relevant regulations have not been clarified. The establishment of standards is also not stealing.