Sustainability in lighting requires more than just LED light sources. It requires that luminaires be durable, repairable, and upgradable. Zhaga standards have been developed to standardize interface specifications for components of serviceable luminaires. Zhaga calls this framework “Circularity Lighting.”
While quality luminaires are designed for lifetimes of 50,000 to 100,000 hours, many connectivity platforms for luminaires become obsolete on much faster time scales. Communication protocols, sensor technologies and functions beyond lighting can change during the lifetime of a luminaire and completely new solutions can emerge. There are benefits to designing the connectivity components to be separate from light engines, with easy upgradability. Zhaga standards promote defined interfaces enabling supplementation, upgrading or replacement of components, at any time after installation of the luminaire. Zhaga books 18 & 20 enable intelligent interfaces between indoor and outdoor luminaires and sensor/communication modules.
Zhaga Books 24 & 25 enable near-field communication (NFC) programming of drivers and includes mobile NFC Readers with a Bluetooth interface. It allows maintenance and replaceability with a cross vendor harmonized method of NFC programming for in-field use.
Zhaga Books 21 & 26 describe standardized interfaces of linear LED modules which can be replaced by professionals in on-site installations. The corresponding logos on certified luminaires and LED modules indicate that the components are interoperable and work together as intended.
The Zhaga Consortium published a white paper, How Zhaga addresses Sustainability and the Circular Economy, which can be downloaded for free, here.
All images: zhagastandard.org
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