LED Lighting IES Testing: Complete Guide for Manufacturers

I. What is LED Lighting IES Testing?

LED lighting IES testing is a systematic evaluation of an LED product's optical performance, light distribution characteristics, and lumen maintenance based on standards developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Its core purpose is to provide quantified data for assessing lighting effectiveness, energy efficiency, and product lifespan.

Key Standards

International:

• IES LM-79 (Photometric testing method)
• IES LM-80 (Lumen maintenance testing)
• CIE 127 (Luminous flux measurement)

Chinese:

• GB/T 24824-2019 (LED module testing)
• GB/T 29293-2012 (LED downlight performance)

Certification-related:

• EU CE (EN 62717)
• North America ENERGY STAR (IES LM-79+LM-80)

Applicable Products

• Residential: LED downlights, ceiling lights, track lights, table lamps
• Commercial: LED spotlights, panel lights, grille lights, jewelry lights
• Outdoor: LED street lights, floodlights, garden lights, tunnel lights
• Specialty: LED grow lights, emergency lights, explosion-proof lights

II. What Does LED Lighting IES Testing Measure?

1. Basic Optical Performance

• Luminous flux (lm): Measures total light output
• Efficacy (lm/W): Indicates energy efficiency (typically ≥120lm/W for downlights)
• Color rendering index (Ra/R9): Measures color accuracy (Ra≥90, R9≥50 for premium applications)
• Color coordinates and CCT: Ensures color temperature stability (deviation ≤5%)

2. Light Distribution Curve Testing

Visual representation of light intensity distribution:

• Polar coordinate distribution curves
• Rectangular coordinate distribution curves
• Isolux curves

Practical value: Identifies "dark zones" and helps optimize optical design.

3. Lumen Maintenance Testing (LM-80)

Accelerated aging testing to predict product lifespan:

• Test conditions: temperatures (25°C/55°C/85°C), humidity (60%±10%), current (rated/1.1×rated)
• Results: Predicts L70 lifespan (time to 70% initial luminous flux)

III. Why LED Lighting IES Testing is Essential

1. Product optimization: Identifies design flaws and reduces R&D costs
2. Customer trust: Provides authoritative data for both B2B and B2C markets
3. Risk mitigation: Uncovers potential lumen depreciation issues before market release

IV. How to Choose an IES Testing Laboratory

Five key evaluation criteria:

1. Accreditation: CNAS/CMA dual recognition
2. Equipment: International-standard testing equipment
3. Technical expertise: Professional engineering team
4. Turnaround time: Ability to meet urgent testing requirements
5. Industry experience: Proven track record in LED testing

V. GTG Testing Group Services

GTG offers comprehensive IES testing with:

• Complete project coverage without subcontracting
• Transparent progress tracking with video monitoring
• Post-report support with data interpretation
• Flexible cooperation models (single tests, annual contracts, on-site sampling)

Contact Information

• Website: www.meidetest.com
• Hotline: 13925582920
• Address: No. 11, Headquarters Second Road, Songshan Lake, Dongguan, Guangdong