Lighting can carry various certifications and quality marks, which indicate that the fixture meets certain quality standards, safety requirements, and environmental friendliness. These certifications are important for ensuring the reliability, durability, and safety of lighting. Here are the main types of lighting certifications:
1. CE marking
The CE marking indicates that a product complies with the health, safety, and environmental regulations established by the European Union (EU). It is mandatory for many product categories marketed in the EU, including lighting.
- Meaning : The product complies with EU directives and standards.
- Application : Lighting sold in the EU must often have a CE marking.
- Examples : LED lamps, fixtures, lamps in the European market.
2. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
The RoHS (Restrictions on the Use of Hazardous Substances) certification is a European directive that restricts the use of hazardous substances in electronic and electrical equipment, including lighting.
- Meaning : The product does not contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBBs (polybrominated biphenyls), and PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers).
- Application : Lighting that complies with RoHS standards is safer for health and the environment, both in production and waste disposal.
3. ENERGY STAR
The ENERGY STAR certification is an energy efficiency label awarded to products that meet strict energy consumption standards, such as lighting.
- Meaning : The product is energy efficient and helps save energy, resulting in lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Application : Primarily assigned to LED lamps , low energy lamps , and lighting applications that offer significant energy efficiency.
4. TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein)
The TÜV certification is a quality mark from an independent German organization that inspects and certifies products based on technical safety and functionality.
- Meaning : Lighting that carries the TÜV quality mark has been tested for safety and meets strict quality standards.
- Application : Commonly used for industrial and commercial use , as well as security lighting and outdoor lighting .
5. GS quality mark (Geprüfte Sicherheit)
The GS mark stands for "Tested Safety" and is a German certification that indicates that a product has been tested and meets safety standards in Germany and Europe.
- Meaning : The product has been tested for safety and meets legal safety requirements.
- Application : It is commonly used for household lighting and consumer lighting .
6. IP rating (Ingress Protection)
The IP rating indicates a lighting fixture's resistance to dust and water . The rating consists of two digits: the first digit indicates protection against dust and the second digit indicates protection against water.
- Meaning : The higher the numbers, the better the protection against harmful elements.
- Application : Luminaires used outdoors, in damp areas or industrial environments require a higher IP rating (e.g. IP65 or IP67 for outdoor lighting).
7. UL Certification (Underwriters Laboratories)
UL certification is a globally recognized safety mark, primarily in North America, that indicates a product meets UL safety standards .
- Meaning : Lighting that carries the UL mark has been tested for electrical safety, fire hazards, and other safety hazards.
- Application : It is commonly used for electrical fixtures and lighting systems marketed in the United States or Canada .
8. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
FSC certification is awarded to products containing wood or other renewable raw materials , and guarantees that these materials come from well-managed forests.
- Meaning : The product is made from responsible wood sources , which protects the environment.
- Application : Lighting applications that contain wood, such as lampshades , fixtures , and decorative lighting .
9. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
BREEAM is a certification system for sustainable buildings and the environment . It takes into account various factors, including energy consumption, water management, and the ecological impact of building design and lighting.
- Meaning : Lighting used in buildings with BREEAM certification helps reduce environmental impact .
- Application : Often seen in sustainable building projects and green buildings .
10. LM-79 and LM-80
The LM-79 and LM-80 are test methods used to measure the performance of LED lighting, specifically in the areas of light output , efficiency , and lifespan .
- LM-79 : Measures the light output and electrical properties of LED lighting.
- LM-80 : Measure the lifespan and light degradation of LED chips.
These certifications indicate that a product meets the performance and quality requirements for LED technology.
11. KEMA-KEUR
KEMA-KEUR is a Dutch quality mark that indicates that a product meets safety standards and quality requirements in electrical engineering .
- Meaning : The product complies with the safety and quality standards of KEMA (Inspection Institute for Electrical Installations).
- Application : Particularly relevant for installers and the electrical industry .
12.WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
The WEEE Directive is a European law that regulates the disposal of discarded electronic equipment. The certificate indicates that the lighting has been recycled responsibly .
- Meaning : The product complies with the requirements for responsible waste management of electronic equipment.
- Application : Lighting that needs to be recycled after use.
Conclusion
The various lighting certifications offer important guarantees regarding safety , quality , energy efficiency , and environmental impact . When purchasing lighting, it's important to pay attention to these certifications to ensure that the products meet the necessary standards and regulations. Choosing certified lighting not only helps guarantee reliability and safety but also contributes to the product's durability and energy efficiency .