IES Standard IES-LM-80 provides LED fixture manufacturers a method to measure lumen maintenance, which is essential in evaluating the efficiency and longevity of LED lighting. As LED technology advances, the industry approaches the theoretical efficacy limit of 300 lm/W, despite practical challenges that may prevent doubling current efficacy levels.
IES Standard IES-LM-80 provides LED fixture manufacturers a method to measure lumen maintenance. This measurement allows manufacturers to evaluate how the amount of light produced by an LED changes over time. Luminous efficacy, which is the measure of light output per unit of power consumed, is an important characteristic in assessing the efficiency of light bulbs. Through the evolution of lighting, LEDs have become the preferred standard due to their high efficiency and the savings in energy they offer compared to traditional incandescent bulbs and CFLs.
Understanding the lumen output allows consumers to compare the brightness of different light bulbs effectively. As technology has improved, the luminous efficacy of light sources has increased significantly, moving us toward the theoretical limit of 300 lm/W which represents a situation where no energy is wasted in the production of light. However, due to practical constraints, we might not expect to double the current efficacy levels in the near future.
So, luminous maintenance reflects the long-term value and efficiency of LED lighting, and thus measuring it is crucial for manufacturers adhering to the IES-LM-80 standard.