CLASP Project: LED Replacement Lamp Testing

CLASP Project: LED Replacement Lamp Testing

The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), an international nonprofit, partnered with CLTC to conduct laboratory testing of LED lamps currently available in the U.S. market. Data collected and analyzed in the course of testing helped the California Energy Commission develop a voluntary quality-based performance specification for screw-base LED lamps, with requirements for color characteristics and dimmability. CLASP and CLTC are also assisting the Energy Commission in developing a test methodology for measuring these quality characteristics.

During the course of this project, CLASP and CLTC engaged other organizations developing quality specifications and test methodologies for LEDs, including the U.S. ENERGY STAR program and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

This work helped establish the actual performance of currently available LED screw-base lamps and determined which specifications would support the market adoption of LEDs in California. Test results for actual performance were also compared to manufacturer statements of performance characteristics.

California utilities provided part of the funding for this project. As these utilities roll out efficiency incentives for screw-base LED lamps, the results of this testing will enable them to link incentives with better-performing products. Promoting those LED lamps that meet consumers' quality expectations in this way will help LEDs gain favor with consumers. This, in turn, will support the large-scale adoption of LEDs necessary to realize California's energy and climate goals.

Principal Investigator: Michael Siminovitch

Project Type