LED lighting is a fast developing technology that is becoming more popular as people begin to appreciate the advantages it provides, such as energy efficiency, equipment longevity and lower electricity bills. However, it has also become apparent that poor quality installation of LED lighting systems could cancel out these advantages and result in inadequate lighting, failure to meet lifetime performance expectations or even interference (with other equipment) from poor systems integration.
Ben Papé, chair of the IET Technical Committee on LED Lighting Systems, said, ‘LED lighting is becoming more commonplace and therefore better understanding is needed, alongside introduction of minimum standards for good installation practice. A Code of Practice will benefit the industry and also build confidence in this technology for contractors and customers.
The new Code of Practice covers all the key issues in the delivery and lifecycle of LED lighting installations – including performance, safety, and lifetime as well as detailing key compatibility considerations – as part of a systems approach to the installation and maintenance of this important technology.
Topics covered will include lighting design, drivers, circuits, physical considerations, commissioning, inspection and maintenance. The aims of the document, specified by the IET Standards Technical Committee 2.3 on LED Lighting Systems, are to provide confidence to users as a minimum standard for LED lighting systems installation, and also to provide useful guidance on the application of LED lighting systems to installers, maintainers, operators and systems managers.
On 9th April 2014, the IET will be hosting the inaugural IET Built Environment Sector Summit: Lighting, where attendees will receive a copy of the Code of Practice as part of their delegate fee.