VDE Lighting Laboratory
Flickering
Light flicker and stroboscopic effects In addition to the well-known quantities by which light is judged, the importance of flicker behavior in LED lighting continues to increase in daily dealings with the overall topic of LED light. Light is also increasingly being investigated and evaluated in terms of its potential impact on people's well-being, for example in the field of HCL (Human Centric Lighting). Within this context, the flicker properties of lighting can also have an influence on well-being. For the evaluation of the flicker behavior and the stroboscopic effect, we have developed a test basis with associated certification option.
Photobiological safety
Electrical equipment, including luminaires, may only be placed on the market in the EU if it meets the basic requirements of applicable European directives. The term "blue light hazard" refers to the potential risk of photochemical retinal damage triggered by radiation, preferably in the wavelength range between 400 nm and 500 nm.
Control area for controlling the integrating sphere
Here, the first results can be viewed on the control PC.
Control range of rotating mirror photogoniometer
The rotating mirror is adjusted and started from here. The measurements can be followed from here. Our customers have the possibility to be present during the tests.
Human Centric Lighting (HCL) – Natural lighting dynamics
Light has a great influence on our well-being. The human biorhythm follows the lighting situations to which we are exposed during the course of the day. New lighting trends are designed to address this influence on the biorhythm. The aim of our new service, which is unique in the world so far, was to create a uniform approach for testing lamps and luminaires equipped with a system for HCL (Human Centric Lighting). The HCL criteria are verified by CIE S 026, DIN SPEC 5031-100 and other standards. The following test criteria are examined in this test: Testing photometric properties such as luminous efficacy, dimming range, color temperature range, color rendering index, color consistency, homogeneity, psychological glare, ratio of melanopic to photopic luminous flux, flicker, stroboscopic effect, energy efficiency class and photobiological safety.
Rotating mirror photogoniometer
This is a so-called far-field goniometer. At a distance of 21m, the illuminance is measured to then obtain the luminous intensity. In this way, the light distribution curve from the individual point light sources at a light source is measured and determined in a spiral.
Lighting – testing services for this at the VDE Institute
For consumers, quality means that their products are comprehensively safe. In addition, quality products are characterized by a long service life, durability and electromagnetic compatibility. With our certificates and marks, manufacturers document the reliable quality of their products to their customers and thus successfully set themselves apart from the competition. At the same time, the variety of standards and guidelines for placing existing and new products on the market in line with market requirements is difficult to navigate. As an internationally recognized service provider, we will guide you through the jungle of regulations and help you to bring your product to market safely and in a manner suitable for use. In the luminaire laboratory, light source assessments are carried out on white light.
Integrating sphere
The integrating sphere is a diffusely reflecting hollow hemisphere. The inner surface consists of a special reflecting layer (barium sulfate), in the surface of which a light exit opening is located at right angles to a light entrance opening. In front of the light entrance opening is the so-called radiation source. The integrating sphere produces a scattered radiation that is almost ideal for measuring the power or total luminous flux of various light sources without distorting the light characteristics.
