LRC Examines Mogul Base LED Replacement Lamps, Authors New Report

HID lamps represent 2% of all installed lamps but 26% of national lighting energy consumption. Mogul-base LED replacement lamps are now being marketed as energy-saving equivalents.

In response to a need to objectively evaluate available options, the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute began characterizing the market for and performance testing of mogul-base LED lamps designed as a retrofit option for multiple types of lighting applications, from high bay and post top to wall pack, yard light and cobra head.

LRC recently completed Phase 1 of the project, authoring a new report that provides details of the market characterization and pilot photometric testing of 18 representative mogul-base LED lamps alone and in luminaires. LRC also conducted a comprehensive survey of specifiers to identify key considerations for lamp selection and relevant luminaire performance characteristics for various lighting applications (e.g., light output, intensity distribution, size), to support the development of a performance testing plan, the results of which are also included in the report. Phase 2 is now underway, consisting of additional performance testing of mogul base LED lamps in representative luminaire types. The results of Phase 2 testing will be released as they become available.

LRC found that only 4 of the 18 lamps met the minimum DesignLights Consortium Qualified Products List criteria for retrofit kits when the lamps were placed in area lighting and roadway luminaires. The lamps tested in wall pack and high bay luminaires did not meet the applicable minimum efficacy criteria for retrofit kits.

Click here to download this free report.

Craig DiLouie

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