Development of an ENERGY STAR Program for
Seasonal Decorative Light Strings
Second Stakeholder Meeting Summary Report
Toronto, Ontario; June 27, 2006
Prepared for:
Natural Resources Canada
Prepared by:
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
August 2006
ENERGY STAR
HIGH EFFICIENCY
HAUTE EFFICACITE
-------
Second Workshop Report
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Workshop Materials 2
2.1. Workshop Agenda 2
2.2. Documents Distributed at the Workshop 3
3.0 Workshop Discussion and Decisions 5
3.1. Patent Issues 5
3.2. Market Assessment 6
3.2.1. Market Overview 6
3.2.2. Value Proposition for Customers 7
3.2.3. Product Quality Issues 8
3.2.4. Product Lifetime 9
3.3. Overview, Inspection and Power Test, Over-Voltage Test 9
3.4. Lifetime Test 11
3.5. Lamp Intensity Test 11
3.6. Accelerated Weathering Test 12
3.7. Review of Documents 12
3.8. Remaining Issues / Next Steps 13
4.0 Workshop Materials Appendix 15
4.1. ENERGY STAR® PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR DECORATIVE LIGHT STRINGS TEST
Procedure, Draft Version 1.1.1 15
4.2. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings
Eligibility Criteria, Draft Version 1.1.1 22
4.3. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Main
Presentation from the Workshop 28
4.4. BC Hydro Proposed ENERGY STAR® Testing Criteria Workshop
Presentation 70
i
-------
Second Workshop Report
1.0 Introduction
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) continues its work to develop an ENERGY STAR test
procedure and qualification criteria for seasonal decorative light strings. Compared to
incandescent decorative light strings, other technologies, such as light emitting diodes (LED),
offer energy savings, lower energy consumption during peak hours, longer operating life, high
durability, and reasonable payback on the initial investment.
Building on the progress from a one-day stakeholder meeting on this same subject in March
2006, NRCan convened a series of technical committee conference calls to discuss critical issues
raised at the March workshop, and revise the draft test procedure and qualification criteria. This
second meeting re-convened the stakeholders from the March 2006 workshop to review the
revised document and discuss next steps. Approximately twenty-five manufacturers, retailers,
and government and utility representatives attended and participated in the review of the draft
ENERGY STAR qualification criteria and test procedure. The list of workshop attendees below
includes both people who participated in person in Toronto and who phoned-in.
Steven Altamura, Seasonal Specialties LLC
Jenny Flores, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Bob Goldschleger, Universal Lites
Isabelle Guimont, Energy Star/NRCan
Nina Gupta, GREENLITE Lighting Corporation
Gary Hamer, BC Hydro
Ryan Hannink, Navigant Consulting, Inc.
John Hayes, Holiday Creations
Jose Luis Hernandez, Canadian Standards Association
Kerry House, Home Hardware
John Kiru, TABIA
Pierrette LeBlanc, NRCan
Joe Lincoln, Everstar Merchandise
Ted Marlow, Marlow & Associates
Conan O'Rourke, LRC
Brian Owen, FIRSTeam - LEDesignWorks
Charles Parker, Carillon Decorative Products Inc
Jim Ruxton, Pharos Innovations
Rachel Schmeltz, EPA Energy Star
Michael Scholand, Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Anthony Tassone, Underwriters Laboratories
Wayne Tucker, Classic Displays
Michael Vladimer, Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Jerry Yu, LEDUP
This report summarizes the workshop, providing copies of the workshop presentations, the draft
documents reviewed and a summary of the discussions.
1
-------
Second Workshop Report
2.0 Workshop Materials
The purpose of this meeting was to reconvene the stakeholders from the March 2006 workshop
to discuss and review the draft revised test procedure and qualification criteria that the technical
committee had been developing. The workshop agenda was designed around a careful review of
language in each of the critical sections of the two documents, to enable discussion on the draft
proposal.
2.1. Workshop Agenda
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Second Plenary Meeting
Doubletree International Plaza Hotel
655 Dixon Rd, Toronto, M9W 1J3
June 27, 2006
Registration
Welcome and Overview of Progress to Date
Pierrette LeBlanc - Natural Resources Canada
Introductions and Opening Statements
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Overview of Seasonal Decorative Light String Market
Michael Vladimer - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
COFFEE BREAK
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Overview, Inspection and Power Test,
Over-Voltage Test
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Lifetime Test
Conan O'Rourke - Lighting Research Center
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Lamp Intensity Test
Conan O'Rourke - Lighting Research Center
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
8:30-9:00
9:00-9:15
9:15-9:30
9:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:00
11:00-11:20
11:20-12:00
2
-------
Second Workshop Report
12:00-1:00 LUNCH
1:00-l :45 Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Accelerated Weathering Test
Gary Hamer - British Columbia Hydro
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
1:45-2:30 Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Review of Documents
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
2:30-2:45 COFFEE BREAK
2:45-4:00 Final Discussion Points and Next Steps
4:00 ADJOURN
2.2. Documents Distributed at the Workshop
This workshop was convened to discuss a draft test procedure and qualification criteria (version
1.1.1 of both documents). Following on from a decision at the March 2006 workshop, a
technical subcommittee was formed (all participants were volunteers) to discuss the test
procedure and qualification criteria in a series of weekly conference calls. The output from this
process was to be revised versions of both documents, which would then be reviewed by the
second plenary meeting of all the participating stakeholders.
Due to vacation schedules and other conflicts, not all members of the technical committee were
able to participate in every call over the intervening period between the March and June
workshops. Therefore, the draft documents presented in the appendix to this report should not be
seen as consensus products from the technical committee. Rather, they are drafts that were
developed in a tight timeframe to enable discussion and evolution of the concepts. The sections
of the draft documents that are highlighted in yellow indicate those parts of the documents that
may be considered particularly controversial and subject to review.
In the appendix to this report, all the hand-outs provided at the workshop are included:
A. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Test Procedure,
Draft Version 1.1.1
B. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Eligibility
Criteria, Draft Version 1.1.1
C. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Master
Presentation from the Workshop
D. BC Hydro Proposed ENERGY STAR® Testing Criteria Workshop Presentation
One of the critical outcomes from this workshop was a decision to conduct testing of samples of
decorative light strings to determine if the tests being considered are appropriate, and if the
3
-------
Second Workshop Report
durations / requirements of those tests need to be modified. In response to this request, NRCan
worked with the technical committee in the weeks following the workshop to both revise the
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings (creating version 1.2)
and develop a test protocol which would provide data from which to make decisions on the test
procedure and program requirements.
4
-------
Second Workshop Report
3.0 Workshop Discussion and Decisions
This section of the report summarizes the workshop discussion and identifies the main issues that
were raised and discussed at the workshop. As stated earlier in this report, the workshop was
primarily structured around a review of the draft test procedure and qualification criteria for
ENERGY STAR. The workshop did however include a discussion on patent issues as they relate
to the ENERGY STAR program and a brief market assessment presentation.
3.1. Patent Issues
A stakeholder expressed concern to NRCan about the requirements contained in draft version 1.1
of the qualification criteria for ENERGY STAR. Some of the requirements in the previous draft
were patented or had patents pending. NRCan spent some time at the start of the workshop to
assure stakeholders that ENERGY STAR does not knowingly set requirements for qualification
that are patented or have patents pending. When this issue was brought to NRCan's attention,
immediate action was taken - the criteria in question were discussed on the next technical
committee conference call and NRCan issued a letter which clearly stated the objectives of this
initiative and that no qualification criteria would knowingly be included that involved patented
technology. A copy of the letter appears below.
TO: Members of the Committee for the Development of ENERGY STAR Criteria for
Decorative Light Strings
DATE: June 19, 2006
Dear Members:
In recent days, there has been communications amongst members regarding patent and
intellectual property issues on decorative light string products sold in Canada. Clearly, this is a
concern for some of you and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) would like to respond.
As stated in the workshop meeting held in March 2006, the ENERGY STAR program is based on
certain principals (Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website at:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=prod development.prod development index)
In order to qualify a product category to the ENERGY STAR program, we need to establish that:
"Energy efficiency can be achieved with several technology options, at least one of which
is non-proprietary"
This being said, there cannot be a "proprietary" hold on product categories within an
ENERGY STAR program that would give a manufacturer sole access to qualify to the
criteria established by the committee.
The criteria and performance specifications for a category of product is developed through the
consensus process and it is expected that participants will take these issues seriously and
collaborate with program requirements voluntarily if required. If the process we are currently
undergoing does not satisfy the principal of non-proprietary technology, the program for
5
-------
Second Workshop Report
decorative light strings would be suspended and reviewed. This would be a very unfortunate
outcome that we want to avoid, and I am sure you do too.
At the present time NRCan and EPA are looking into this matter carefully. In the meantime, we'll
continue business as usual.
Sincerely,
Pierrette LeBlanc
Standards Engineer
Natural Resources Canada
3.2. Market Assessment
Navigant Consulting gave an overview presentation on some initial findings from a Market
Assessment in Canada on seasonal decorative light strings. The slides from this briefing
presentation can be found in the Appendix of this report. The presentation had four sections - 1)
Market Overview, 2) Value Proposition for Consumers, 3) Product Quality Issues and 4) Product
Lifetime.
3.2.1. Market Overview
While the market assessment is not yet complete, eleven manufacturers of seasonal decorative
light strings that incorporate light emitting diode (LED) technology were mentioned in the
overview: 3H & Co.; AVH Supply, Inc.; Blachere Illumination; Bortex Industry Company, Ltd.;
Congolm, Inc.; Holiday Creations; LEDUp; LUXLITE; Mobiltech; NOMA and Pharos
Innovations, Inc. The market assessment, which included interviews with representatives from
many of these companies, found that decorative LED light strings are distributed through three
main channels - retail chains, on-line sales, and electrical wholesalers (primarily for the
commercial sector).
During the interviews, manufacturers identified the broad range of products that are
commercially available today that incorporate energy-efficient LED lamp technology. Figure 1
below shows many of these shapes, and they are manufactured in a variety of colours. Some of
the colours offered include: purple, blue, green yellow, gold, orange, red, white and multi-
coloured strings. This matrix of lamp shapes and colours leads to a very large number of
catalogue models that would otherwise need to be qualified for ENERGY STAR. This issue -
the burden of manufacturers - was raised at the workshop later in the day as well, and is the
subject of on-going study.
6
-------
Second Workshop Report
C6 ("Strawberry"), C7, and C9
s
'i » ~
1
#
1
G12 ("Raspberry")
Novelty: Trees, stars, etc.
Figure 1. Decorative LED light strings come in a wide variety of shapes and colours.
3.2.2. Value Proposition for Customers
A cursory review of retail prices found that LED light string prices vary with colour, but
generally, LED light strings are approximately 2 to 8 times more expensive than mini-
incandescent light strings. This price premium was identified by those interviewed as the
primary barrier to more broad market adoption of this technology.
To overcome the affordability barrier, electric utilities in Canada and the United States have
sponsored two different types of market transformation programs - exchanges/rebates and large
pilot projects. Several utilities were identified that do exchanges, whereby customers who bring
in a string of incandescent lights are given a string of LED lights. Additionally, there is one
utility which provides a $4 instant rebate coupon towards the purchase of a seasonal LED light
string. Concerning the large-scale pilot projects, one utility was identified which was working
with their local municipality to cover half the cost of those holiday displays that incorporated
LED lights. Other utilities were identified which donated LED light strings for large lighting
projects.
A review of the industry literature was conducted, and the major points highlighted as the unique
selling points or value proposition for decorative LED strings were identified as follows:
• Brighter colour, will not fade
• Energy saving - up to 90%
• Indoor/Outdoor use
• Rugged, no glass to break
• Cool to the touch
• Lower risk of fire or shock
• Stackable or end-to-end
• Easy and flexible installation
• 200,000 hour lamps
7
-------
Second Workshop Report
• Guaranteed, UL listed
• Advanced technology
In conducting the market assessment, stakeholders were asked about typical residential sector
applications. The main applications identified relate to the holiday season (December / January),
and center around the decoration of trees, houses and entryways. Lights are typically operated
30 to 45 days per year for 6 to 8 hours per day. A secondary application was identified as
ambiance decoration of patios and decks during the summer months, where lights would
typically operate 45 to 90 days per year for 4 to 5 hours per day.
In the commercial sector, the primary applications are related to holiday displays at commercial
establishments (which includes retail and office establishments). Concentrated in the December
/ January time-frame, decorative strings of LED lamps are typically operated 45 to 60 days per
year for 6 to 12 hours per day. Secondary applications relate to non-seasonal decorative lighting
(e.g., white mini-lights in ficus trees in shopping malls). These installations typically operate
year-round (365 days per year) for the duration the establishment is open (12 hours per day).
The experts interviewed indicated that when making a purchasing decision about decorative light
strings, the primary considerations are generally purchase price (dominant consideration,
particularly for residential sector), energy-efficiency (particularly in Canada), product durability
and long operating lifetime, and technological edge (new product designs / fads). Another, lesser
consideration mentioned by the experts, was brightness of the lamps themselves.
3.2.3. Product Quality Issues
Decorative LED light stings, like decorative incandescent light strings, are subject to the same
safety requirements of CSA / UL. These requirements are: Canadian Standards Association
CSA-22.2 No.37-M1989 (R2004) Christmas Tree and Other Decorative Lighting Outfits and
Underwriters Laboratories UL 588-2004, Standard for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative
Products.
LED light strings have been questioned in the past whether they are sufficiently bright for
decorative purposes. Those experts interviewed felt that LEDs are sufficiently bright for the
applications where they are used, even though some lamp shapes have lower light emission than
incandescent lights. The majority of consumers use light strings for decoration only and are
generally satisfied with brightness.
With respect to colour, LED lights have stronger colours than incandescent lights. White LEDs
can have a blue tint (high CCT), which can draw some complaints, as consumers are used to
incandescent white ("warm white", CCT -2800 K). Colour consistency has improved in recent
years, with better colour binning techniques (sorting lamps into groups of similar light colour).
The issue of patented technology was raised here as well, as certain aspects of LED technology
in decorative light strings are patented, and therefore could not be a criterion for ENERGY
STAR program qualification. Patents were identified for "keyed" lamp-holders to prevent
installing lamps backward, polarized plugs and end-connectors and AC-powered LED light
strings without a transformer. Pending patents were identified for strings with one or more series
8
-------
Second Workshop Report
blocks must be connected in opposite polarity to reduce THD and a lamp-holder that is moulded
to the LED lamp / decorative cover. These are all issues that must be kept in mind when
establishing the ENERGY STAR qualification criteria.
3.2.4. Product Lifetime
All stakeholders at the workshop, and those interviewed for the market assessment, agreed that
the LED lights in decorative light strings will have a much longer lifetime than the lifetime of the
light string as a whole. For the market assessment, a calculation was performed which found that
at the end of the typical useful life of an LED light string (3 to 7 years), the LED lamps
themselves have only utilized 5% of their estimated life. This estimate was based on an
assumption that the LED string is used 45 days per year and 8 hours per day, where LED light
lifetime in decorative light strings range from around 20,000 to 50,000 hours - 20 times longer.
The wiring harness is was frequently cited as the factor most likely to cause failure of the string,
particularly with aging and environmental exposure.
Case studies found that the product lifetime of LED light strings compares favourably to
incandescent light strings. Return rates for LED light strings are at or below those for
incandescent light strings - generally less than a 2% return rate for LED light strings (compared
to a 3% return rate for incandescent light strings), as cited by manufacturers, distributors, and
retailers. For utilities interviewed, there was less than a 0.1% return rate reported by utilities /
municipalities that conduct light string exchanges (11 sets returned out of 21,100 sets distributed
for three different utilities / municipalities).
There was, however, a large recall of a certain type of decorative LED light string in 2005
increased the overall return rates involving the recalled product. The strings were recalled
because the product posed a shock and fire hazard due to a manufacturing defect that could lead
to overheating and melting. A second highly visible problem with lifetime occurred at a recent
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights installation. At this project, the municipality experienced
significantly higher failure rates than other installations. The problems at the Winter Festival
were attributed to water mist from the falls and power spikes.
3.3. Overview, Inspection and Power Test, Over-Voltage Test
The slides accompanying this presentation / discussion can be found in the appendix of this
report. This section focused on two tests that were in the Test Procedure - the Inspection and
Power Test and the Over-Voltage Test.
This section started by reviewing four definitions that were pertinent to these two tests -
Decorative Light String, Series Block, Input Power and Maximum Watts per Lamp. The
workshop participants reviewed the definition for a decorative light string, and had no
modifications at this time, so the definition was not changed. The workshop participants felt that
the series block definition numbers in example statement "a 50-lamp light string could have two
25-lamp series blocks connected in parallel" should be changed from 50 and 25 to 70 and 35, as
that was felt to be more common for these light strings. All other parts of the definition were
unchanged. The participants felt that the definition of input power needed clarification only for
powe adaptors that can accommodate multiple strings of lamps. Thus, a sentence was appended
9
-------
Second Workshop Report
to the end of the definition that reads: "For power adaptors that can accommodate multiple
strings, the input power shall be measured with the rated maximum number of strings attached."
Finally, for the term maximum watts per lamp, the stakeholders had two modifications. First,
they did not believe the word 'maximum' was necessary, as the procedure will calculate the
actual watts per lamp, irrespective of whether it's a maximum or not. Second, the participants
wanted clarification on how watts per lamp might apply to adaptors that could accommodate
multiple strings. Therefore, a parenthetical statement was added to the definition that reads; "(or
strings, in the case of power adaptors that can accommodate multiple strings). The final versions
of the definitions for these terms can be found in version 1.2 of the draft test procedure and
eligibility criteria, published after the workshop.
The technical references in both the test procedure and eligibility criteria were reviewed and
approved by the group. In addition to these, two other reference documents were identified and
have now been added to draft version 1.2. These two references are:
• Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage CIE 127-1997, Measurement of LEDs
• Illuminating Engineering Society of North America IESNA TM-16-05, IESNA Technical
Memorandum on Light Emitting Diode (LED) Sources and Systems
For the Inspection and Power Test, the following changes were made to the requirements:
• Modify 'count lamps per string' to 'count lamps per string and ensure this is consistent
with the packaging label'.
• Merge the requirements to 'check lamps type: sealed or plug-in. If plug-in, the
socket/lamp must have a marking or polarizing socket to enable correct insertion of
replacement lamps' with 'check that plug-in diodes, resistors, etc. cannot be incorrectly
swapped with spare lamps.' Modify language to remove 'polarizing socket', as polarized
refers to plugs intended for a wall socket, not the small socket in which a decorative lamp
is inserted.
• Modify the power measurement test to clarify what's being measured and account for
power adaptors that can accommodate multiple light strings. Previously, the document
simply said "Measure power and current at 120 volts ±2% RMS AC. Calculate the
power per lamp." In the revised draft, the paragraph reads: "Measure input power and
current at 120 volts ± 2% RMS AC. For systems with power adaptors that can
accommodate multiple light strings, the input power should be measured with the rated
maximum number of strings attached. Calculate the input power consumed per lamp
operated. The input power consumption per lamp should not exceed 0.1 watts." This
final requirement - not to exceed 0.1 watts - is subject to change, but is used in version
1.2 as a placeholder.
• Add a requirement that if lamp lifetime is stated on the packaging, the claim should be
25,000 hours or more.
10
-------
Second Workshop Report
• Add a requirement that before any testing begins, the decorative light string is operated
for a 24 hour "seasoning" period. The duration of the seasoning period is subject to
change, based on the findings of the tests being conducted at the Lighting Research
Center on actual samples of decorative light strings.
An issue was also raised with respect to how to define a light set or a lamp as inoperative. In the
draft version 1.1.1 of the test procedure, inoperative was defined as "... a voltage drop of >60
volts or < 0.5 volts RMS AC across any one lamp." This issue was discussed in the plenary
session, and then it was decided that this issue would be better decided by the technical
committee with a proposal brought back to the plenary session at the next meeting.
3.4. Lifetime Test
The slides accompanying this presentation / discussion can be found in the appendix of this
report. Conan O'Rourke of the Lighting Research Center initiated discussion of this session, by
reviewing a proposal of a possible lifetime test for decorative light strings. This test involves
assembling the string into a testing bundle, conducting an initial light measurement in an
integrating sphere, operating the lamps for 1000 hours and conducting a second light output
measurement. This proposal was generally well received by the participants, who rightly noted
that 1000 hours of operation represents approximately four holiday seasons of regular usage by
consumers (residential sector). Thus, sustaining good light output over this time period is
important.
The group briefly discussed what the maximum acceptable percentage degradation in light
output and number of failed lamps should be in order to qualify for ENERGY STAR, but then
decided this issue would be better to discuss once an initial round of testing was completed on
samples of decorative light strings. Therefore, the placeholder values were removed with the
understanding that the plenary group will decide these levels at the next plenary meeting, when
test data is available for review.
3.5. Lamp Intensity Test
The slides accompanying this presentation / discussion can be found in the appendix of this
report. This section was also initiated by Conan O'Rourke of the Lighting Research Center, as
he presented an overview of light and light intensity measurements. The language in the draft
test procedure document version 1.1.1 which is shown in the slides was not reviewed by all
members of the technical committee. Due to travel schedules and conflicts, not all participants
were available for the final conference call when much of the approach for the lamp intensity test
was developed. For this reason, all the text associated with the intensity test was highlighted in
yellow, to signify that this test might be controversial and did not reflect a consensus view point
of the technical committee.
A discussion ensued on the value of lamp intensity, and how the measurement of specific points
of light emission may not be appropriate for all lamp shapes, particularly festive new shapes such
as pumpkins, snowmen and so-on. Concern was expressed about the cost of these
measurements, both in labour and equipment cost. Concern was also expressed in the level of
11
-------
Second Workshop Report
rigor being assigned to measuring light intensity of a product that is not related to safety and has
no safety applications or requirements. Discussion around what should be the appropriate level
of intensity, given that the viewing angle for a consumer can vary substantially in the diversity of
field applications.
Ultimately, through the discussion, the group reached a consensus that this test was not a critical
test to conduct at this time, and the issue of lamp intensity was one that would be left to the
discretionary eye of the end-user. Manufacturers firmly believe that if consumers to not find the
decorative light strings to be sufficiently bright, they will be returned.
3.6. Accelerated Weathering Test
The slides accompanying this presentation / discussion can be found in the appendix of this
report. This section was initiated by Gary Hamer of BC Hydro, who developed the test
procedure for the BC Hydro market transformation program for decorative seasonal light strings.
Gary's presentation centered on discussion of the accelerated weathering test, which is
conducted with the assistance of an ASTM G154-05 testing chamber. His presentation contained
photos and he gave a detailed explanation of the process and what they had done a few years ago
when testing products for his program.
The group agreed that the accelerated weathering test was pertinent, and should remain in the test
procedure and qualification criteria documents. A change was noted that the document should
only require this test for decorative strings that are labelled for outdoor use only. In other words,
those strings labelled for indoor use could qualify for ENERGY STAR without having to be
subjected to the accelerated weathering test.
There existed uncertainty around how many cycles of the ASTM accelerated weathering test
(Cycle 7 of Table X2.1 in ASTM G154-05) the strings should be subjected to, and what amount
of accelerated weathering that would represent in the real world. It was decided by the group
that there should be some testing of actual product, initially for 10 consecutive iterations and
then a review of the impact both on light output and failed lamps should be made. This testing is
now being conducted by BC Hydro, and the results will be presented at the next meeting.
3.7. Review of Documents
This final session of the workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review other
sections of the test procedure and eligibility criteria documents. These sections did not relate to
a test or particular eligibility criteria, but included discussion on the inclusion of an
acknowledgements section, an overview / purpose statement at the start of the document, and
requirements for safety, warranty, packaging, testing requirements, effective date and the
possibility of revising the procedure in the future. In general, there were not many significant
changes to these sections, as most of them were based on boilerplate language from other
ENERGY STAR documents. A decision was made, however, to remove the acknowledgements
section of the document, as when adopted, the document is meant to represent broad consensus
support for the ENERGY STAR program established.
12
-------
Second Workshop Report
3.8. Remaining Issues / Next Steps
The following is a list of some of the issues and unresolved items that were raised by the
workshop participants and will continue to be studied in the coming months.
1. Ensure that all requirements are not patented or subject to any patent pending. All
participants working on the development of the test procedure and qualification
criteria will strive to ensure that none of the eligibility requirements are patented or
have a patent pending.
2. The technical committee will continue to work on the definition of a failed LED
lamp. This issue, while seemingly simple, actually requires careful development of a
clear method by which technicians who are conducting the test can determine whether
an LED lamp or series block has failed.
3. Conduct testing - inspection and power test, over-voltage test, lifetime test and
accelerated weathering test - on actual decorative seasonal light strings. These actual
tests will assist both in refining the test procedure requirements for these four tests,
and in developing appropriate qualification criteria for participation in the ENERGY
STAR program.
4. Following testing and a careful review of the test data, establish an acceptable
percentage light degradation and number of failed lamps after 1000 hours of
operation.
5. Following testing and a careful review of the test data, establish an acceptable
percentage light degradation and number of failed lamps after 10 cycles of ASTM
G154-05.
6. NRCan will continue to study the issue of testing burden, as this could prove a
significant barrier to program participation for some manufacturers. At the
workshop, questions were raised such as: how many samples should be tested? Can
one fitting/diffuser/lens represent many Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) numbers? Is
there a way to limit the number of needed tests? Can a baseline unit be used? How
representative of the population are the tests conducted?
7. The issue of the wattage limit per lamp may need refinement. Workshop participants
identified the fact that some LED-based holiday light strings have lamps that contain
more than one LED die. In larger form factors (e.g., C-9), several die may be
necessary to achieve the appropriate level of brightness or to add a functionality such
as changing light color. With a maximum of 0.1 watts per lamp, some designs that
contain multiple dies per lamp may be prevented from qualifying (even though they
consume significantly less energy than their incandescent counterparts). The group
may need to consider different lamp wattages for different shapes (C7, C9). The
group may also need to consider defining the term lamp or perhaps light sources to
13
-------
Second Workshop Report
allow for multiple LED die per lamp.
In addition to the request for conducting testing of actual lamps, there was a group
consensus view that NRCan should conduct some focus groups to evaluate the
decorative LED light strings and provide input both on how to improve the product
and what criteria the ENERGY STAR program should emphasize with respect to how
consumers will use the product. NRCan agreed to look into this issue.
The group is considering holding its next meeting in Toronto in November 2006,
when the rush for the 2006 holiday season has passed, and thus the plenary meeting
will have a higher level of participation.
14
-------
Appendix
4.0 Workshop Materials Appendix
4.1. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Test
Procedure, Draft Version 1.1.1
15
-------
Appendix: Draft Test Procedure, v. 1.1.1
£
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Test Procedure
Draft Version 1.1.1
Section 1. Scope
Section 2. References
Section 3. Tests Performed
Table of Contents
Section 4. Acknowledgements
16
-------
Appendix: Draft Test Procedure, v. 1.1.1
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Test Procedure
Draft Version 1.1.1
1. Scope: This document describes the test procedure that a candidate decorative light string shall
undergo to determine eligibility for ENERGY STAR® certification, as specified in ENERGY STAR®
Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Eligibility Criteria Draft Version 1.1.1. This
procedure includes tests that assess both the energy-efficiency and quality of decorative light strings,
and is comprised of the following:
• Inspection and Power Test,
• Over-Voltage Test,
• Lifetime Test,
• Lamp Intensity Test, and
• Accelerated Weathering Test.
2. References: The following list includes documents used and/or referenced in the development of
this draft test specification.
I. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Eligibility Criteria Draft
Version 1.1.1, June 2006. Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Canada.
II. ASTM G 154 - 05, Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure
of Nonmetallic Materials. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA.
III. CIE Publication 84-1989, The Measurement of Luminous Flux. Commission Internationale de
I'Eclairage (CIE). Bureau Central de la CIE, Vienna, Austria.
17
-------
Appendix: Draft Test Procedure, v. 1.1.
Tests Performed: The following tests shall be performed on decorative light strings to determine
eligibility for participation in the ENERGY STAR® program. All strings tested must undergo the
inspection and power consumption test, however different sets of strings may be used for the
remaining tests. Record all measured and calculated values in the test report.
3.1. Inspection and Power Test
The steps in this test shall be conducted for all strings tested by this test procedure.
3.1.1. Count lamps per string.
3.1.2. Check lamps type: sealed or plug-in. If plug-in, the socket / lamp must have a marking
polarized socket to enable correct insertion of replacement lamps.
3.1.3. Check that plug-in diodes, resistors, etc. cannot be incorrectly swapped with spare
3.1.4. Measure power and current at 120 volts ± 2% RMS AC. Calculate the power per lamp.
3.2. Over-Voltage Test
Strings will be energized at 132 volts RMS AC for one hour and examined for failure (i.e., light
sets become inoperative, defined as a voltage drop of > 60 volts or < 0.5 volts RMS AC across
any one lamp). Count the number of failed lamps and calculate the failed lamps as a
percentage of total lamps on the string.
3.3. Lifetime Test
A decorative light string shall be tested for maintaining light output as described below. In
summary, light strings will be prepared for testing, mounted in an integrating sphere and
measured for light output. The assembly shall then be operated for 1000 hours and a second
measurement of light output recorded. The 1000 hours of operation does not have to be
performed inside the integrating sphere; the only requirement is that the lamps in the testing
assembly remain in the same orientation to each other, such that any self-adsorption or
interference losses in the initial light output measurement will also be present in the second
measurement. The steps to follow for conducting this test are outlined below.
3.3.1. Assemble the decorative light string into a
lamps.
configuration for testing. The strings shall be
bundled together so that all lamps are directed
18
Figure 1. Sample Test Setup
-------
Appendix: Draft Test Procedure, v. 1.1.1
outward. The assembly shall be made as compact as possible and shall be taped
together to maintain the relative positioning of the lamps throughout the test. Figure 1
shows a possible test set-up to conduct a maintained light output test.
3.3.2. Operate the assembly in this configuration for a 24 hour (± 1 %) "seasoning" period.
3.3.3. Insert the assembly into an integrating sphere and measure the light output following the
guidelines for conducting measurement of light output in an integrating sphere contained
in CIE Publication 84-1989, The Measurement of Luminous Flux.
3.3.4. Keeping the testing assembly intact (i.e., do not remove the tape, or move any of the
lamps), operate the assembly for 1000 hours (± 1 %) continuously. This period of
operation (41 days, 16 hours) may be conducted using a test bench facility (i.e., not inside
the integrating sphere), provided that none of the lamps in the assembly have been moved
relative to each other.
3.3.5. Conduct a second measurement of the light output in an integrating sphere, following the
same procedure in step 3.3.3 above.
3.3.6. Count the number of failed lamps (as per section 3.2) and record the failed lamps as a
percentage of total lamps on the string.
3.3.7. Calculate the percentage reduction in light output of the second measurement relative to
the first measurement.
3.4. Light Intensity Test
On a string of decorative lamps that has been seasoned (per step 3.3.2), select three non-
consecutive lamps on the string and record the position of the lamp on the string relative to the
input plug (e.g., lamp #5, #20, #32). Lamps selected shall all be of the same colour and shall be
tested with diffusers installed. Light intensity measurements shall be taken on each of these
lamps at either a 30°, 60°, or 90°,viewing angle, ±2° of mechanical center as shown in Figure
2A. Measurements shall be taken at the selected viewing angle at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° (±2°)
around the circumference of the lamp, and averaged together for the measured lamp as shown
in Figure 2B. The three lamps shall then be averaged together to determine the average initial
light intensity for the tested string.
19
-------
Appendix: Draft Test Procedure, v. 1.1.1
Figure 2A. Side view Figure 2B. Top view
3.5. Accelerated Weathering Test
This test is intended to assess degradation of the wire insulation, iamp mounting sockets with
lamps and/or lamp diffusers. This test may be conducted on the same lamp strings that were
tested in section 3.4. In summary, this test involves taking an initial light intensity measurement
(section 3.4). The string is then subjected to ASTM G154-05 accelerated life testing which
involves UV light exposure, water spray and condensation. Next, the string and lamps are
inspected for failure and a subsequent light intensity measurement is taken and compared to the
initial measurement. The steps to follow for this test are outlined below.
3.5.1. Determine the average intensity of lamps on a string of decorative lights per the
procedure outlined in section 3.4. Alternatively, manufacturers can simply use the same
strings of lamps that were tested in section 3.4 for the Accelerated Weathering Test.
3.5.2. The string of lights shall be subjected to the exposure conditions contained in Cycle 7 of
Table X2.1 of ASTM G154-05, which includes 8 hours of UV light (340 nm at 1.55
W/m2/nm) at 60°C, 0.25 hours of water spray, and 3.75 hours of condensation at 50°C.
The strings shall be mounted in the chamber so that the lamps and/or diffusers are
exposed to the UV light, and the wire and lamp couplings are exposed to the UV light and
the water spray and condensation as much as possible. The lamp strings shall be
operated for the duration of this test. The number of cycles of this test have yet to be
determined, but for this draft test procedure, ten consecutive iterations of Cycle 7 are
required.
3.5.3. The light string shall then be removed from the ASTM G154-05 testing chamber and
inspected for any cracking or breakage in wire insulation. The number of failed lamps (as
per section 3.2) shall be counted and recorded as a percentage of total lamps on the
20
-------
Appendix: Draft Test Procedure, v. 1.1.1
string.
3.5.4. If the string is operable, a second lamp intensity measurement shall be taken on the
same three lamps using all the same angles that were used by the technician in step
3.5.1.
3.5.5. Calculate the percentage reduction in light intensity of the second measurement relative
to the first measurement.
4. Acknowledgements
Special thanks to members of industry, government, and research laboratories for volunteering their
time to develop this Test Procedure:
Organization
Name
3H and Company Ltd.
British Columbia Hydro
Canadian Standards Association International
Fiber Optic Design
LEDUp Enterprises, Inc.
Lighting Research Center
Powertech Labs
David Weiss
Gary Hamer
Dejan Lenasi
David Allen
Jerry Yu
Conan O'Rourke
Bruce Neilson
21
-------
Appendix: Draft Eligibility Criteria, v. 1.1.1
4.2. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings
Eligibility Criteria, Draft Version 1.1.1
22
-------
Appendix: Draft Eligibility Criteria, v. 1.1.1
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Eligibility Criteria
Draft Version 1.1.1
Table of Contents
Section 1. Definitions 2
Section 2. Reference Standards 3
Section 3. Qualifying Products 3
Section 4. Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products 3
Table 1. Product Characteristics and Specifications for Decorative Light Strings 4
Section 5. Product Approval 4
Section 6. Warranty 4
Section 7. Packaging 5
Section 8. Testing Criteria 5
Section 9. Effective Date 5
Section 10. Future Specification Revisions 5
m
ENERGY STAR
23
-------
Appendix: Draft Eligibility Criteria, v. 1.1.1
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Eligibility Criteria
Draft Version 1.1.1
Below is the product specification (Draft Version 1.1.1) for ENERGY STAR® qualified decorative light
strings. A product must meet all of the identified criteria if it is to be labelled as ENERGY STAR® by its
manufacturer.
The intent of the ENERGY STAR® initiative in this product category is to reduce seasonal peak electricity
consumption by encouraging consumers to use quality, energy-efficient decorative strings of lights.
1) Definitions:
A. Decorative Light String - String of lamps used for a decorative purpose. The lamps may be
replaceable or sealed into the lampholder.
B. Series Block - A number of lamps connected in series, or utilizing a series connection. Additional
series blocks can be added to the circuit (or light string) utilizing parallel connections (e.g., a 50-
lamp light string could have two 25-lamp series blocks connected in parallel).
C. Intensity - A photometric measurement of light output at defined viewing angles and spatial
coordinates, specified in terms of millicandela (mcd).
D. Maintained Light Output - The light output of a lamp as a percentage of its initial light output after
a 1000-hour testing period.
E. Viewing Angle - The angle at which photometric light intensity is measured, at a defined number
of degrees from mechanical center, ±2 degrees.
F. Input Power - The total, or system, power used by the decorative string during operation,
measured in watts, including transformers, adaptors, etc.
G. Maximum Watts per Lamp - The input power divided by the number of lamps on the decorative
24
-------
Appendix: Draft Eligibility Criteria, v. 1.1.1
light string.
2) Reference Standards: ENERGY STAR® qualified decorative holiday strings must comply with the
applicable safety standards and relevant clauses from the Canadian Standards Association,
Underwriters Laboratories and any other applicable global standards organizations, unless the
requirements of the ENERGY STAR® specification are more restrictive. Relevant standards include,
but are not limited to:
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
CSA-22.2 No.37-M1989 (R2004) Christmas Tree and Other Decorative Lighting Outfits
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
UL 588-2004, Standard for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products
3) Qualifying Products: In order to qualify for the ENERGY STAR® label, a decorative light string must
meet the definition in Section 1.A and the specification requirements provided in Section 4, below.
4) Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products: Only those products that comply with
the requirements of Section 2 and meet the following criteria in Table 1 may qualify for ENERGY
STAR®. All measurements must be conducted according to the "ENERGY STAFf Program
Requirements for Decorative Light Strings, Test Procedure, Draft Version 1.1.1."
25
-------
Appendix: Draft Eligibility Criteria, v.l.
Table 1: Product Characteristics and Specifications for Decorative Light Strings
Test
Requirement
Inspection and Power Test
For removable / plug-in lamp type strings
Lamps must be marked or keyed.
Lifetime claim
25,000 hours (or 'long-lasting').
Maximum watts per lamp
0.1 watts.
Over-Voltage Test
<5% of lamps failed.
Lifetime Test
Light output from string should not have
degraded by more than 30% and <5% of
lamps failed.
Light Intensity Test
Violet
< 420 nm
200 mcd
Average light intensity of lamps tested (including
Indigo
421-460 nm
250 mcd
diffusers) at viewing angle of 30°, 60°, or 90° ±
Blue
461-495 nm
300 mcd
2° of mechanical center. Intensity must meet or
Green
496-540 nm
350 mcd
exceed the threshold values for the colour
Yellow
541-580 nm
300 mcd
emitted.
Orange
581-630 nm
300 mcd
Red
> 631 nm
300 mcd
White
n/a
500 mcd
Accelerated Weathering Test
Average light intensity from three lamps
tested should not have degraded by more
than 15% and <5% of lamps failed.
5) Product Approval: Strings labelled for exterior use as portable decorative lighting shall be CSA
UL approved for exterior use.
6) Warranty: All decorative light strings shall be offered with a minimum 3-year warranty against all
product defects.
26
-------
Appendix: Draft Eligibility Criteria, v. 1.1.1
Packaging: The packaging containing the product shall specify:
Product's suitability for use indoor and/or outdoor,
Number of LED lamps,
Total lighted length of string in appropriate metric and SAE units, and
Wattage of light string.
The light string should be labelled with the following information:
Certification agency,
Rating for indoor or outdoor use, and
Maximum number of light strings that can be connected end to end.
Testing Criteria: In order to qualify their products for ENERGY STAR®, manufacturers are required
to test their decorative light strings using the "ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings, Test Procedure, Draft Version 1.1.1." These tests must be conducted by a
third-party laboratory approved by Natural Resources Canada. Manufacturers are invited to submit
names and qualification criteria of candidate testing laboratories to Natural Resources Canada.
Effective Date: The date that a manufacturer begins to qualify products as ENERGY STAR® will be
defined as the effective date of the agreement.
Future Specification Revisions: ENERGY STAR® reserves the right to change the specification
should technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or the
environment. In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification will be arrived at through
stakeholder discussion and consultation.
27
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
4.3. ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Decorative Light Strings Main
Presentation from the Workshop
ENERGY STAR®
Program Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Second Plenary Meeting
Hosted by Natural Resources Canada
Doubletree International Plaza Hotel
Toronto, Ontario
June 27, 2006
1
Today's Agenda
8:30-9:00
Registration
9:00-9:15
Welcome and Overview of Progress to Date
Pierrette LeBlanc - Natural Resources Canada
9:15-9:30
Introductions and Opening Statements
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
9:30-10:00
Overview of Seasonal Decorative Light String Market
Michael Vladimer - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
10:00-10:15
COFFEE BREAK
2
28
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Today's Agenda
10:15-11:00
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Overview,
Inspection and Power Test, Over-Voltage Test
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
11:00-11:20
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Lifetime Test
Conan O'Rourke - Lighting Research Center
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
11:20-12:00
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Lamp Intensity Test
Conan O'Rourke - Lighting Research Center
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
12:00-1:00
LUNCH 3
Today's Agenda
1:00-1:45
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Accelerated
Weathering Test
Gary Hamer- British Columbia Hydro
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
1:45-2:30
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria: Review of Documents
Michael Scholand - Navigant Consulting, Inc.
2:30-2:45
COFFEE BREAK
2:45-4:00
Final Discussion Points and Next Steps
4:00
ADJOURN 4
29
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Chronology of Events
Date
Event
-2003
BC Hydro launches a provincial incentive program to promote
Decorative Light Strings
-2005
NRCan and U.S. EPA initiate work evaluating Energy Star
requirements for Decorative Light Strings
March 6, 2006
Meeting in Toronto to review draft test protocol
(BC Hydro/Power Tech) and eligibility criteria (v. 1.0)
April - June,
2006
Weekly conference calls with technical experts reviewing test
protocol issues
June 27, 2006
NRCan convenes second meeting in Toronto to review
revised draft test protocol and eligibility criteria (v. 1.1.1)
5
Technical Committee
Company
Technical Expert
3H and Company Ltd.
David Weiss
British Columbia Hydro
Gary Hamer
Canadian Standards Association International
Dejan Lenasi
Fiber Optic Design
David Allen
LEDUp Enterprises, Inc.
Jerry Yu
Lighting Research Center
Conan O'Rourke
Powertech Labs
Bruce Neilson
• Held five Technical Committee conference calls
• Typically discussed one test method issue per call
• Participation was good, but not all members were able to participate
in every call
• Due to tight timeframe, final product does not represent consensus
view of the Committee
30
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
ENERGY STAR® Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Overview of Seasonal
Decorative Light String Market
Michael Vladimer
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Preliminary Market
Assessment for
Decorative Light
Strings
Office of Energy Efficiency
Natural Resources Canada
June 27, 2006
Doubletree International Plaza Hotel
Toronto, Canada
nAvigant
CONSULTING
£F
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
1801 K Street, NW
Washington D.C, 20006
www. na vi gantconsultin g. corn
31
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
A
Caveats
There are two important issues to mention up-front.
1. Several commercially available products are shown or may be
mentioned in this presentation. These are for discussion and
illustrative purposes only, and should not be viewed as an
endorsement by NRCan or Navigant Consulting.
2. The material presented in these slides is a work in progress. These
slides represent an interim deliverable, and NCI is continuing to work
on this assessment. Any comments, corrections or guidance you can
offer are very welcome.
nAvigant
CONSULTING j
Table of Contents
1
Market Assessment Objectives
| 2
Market Overview
3 [
Value Proposition for Consumers
Product Quality Issues
Ml
Product Lifetime
nAvigant
32
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Market Assessment Objectives
V J
The objectives of this work are centered around understanding the
market for decorative light strings.
1. Prepare a product database of decorative LED light strings currently
offered in North America
- Identify manufacturers and importers
2. Interview manufacturers, retailers, and distributors about the quality of the
products on the market
Brightness, lifetime, colour and colour consistency
3. Identify the qualities of decorative LED light string products that
consumers consider important
Also, look at common applications, usage patterns, and general
price information
,, nAvigant
CONSULTING
Table of Contents
/>
nAvigant
1
Market Assessment Objectives
2
Market Overview
3
Value Proposition for Consumers
a
Product Quality Issues
Ml
Product Lifetime
12
33
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Market Overview Manufacturers
m
n
Eleven manufacturers identified so far, with one identified as having the
majority of the market share.
• Manufacturers identified include:
3H & Co.
LEDUp
AVH Supply, Inc.
LUXLITE
Blachere Illumination
Mobiltech
Bortex Industry Company, Ltd.
NOMA
Congolm, Inc.
Pharos Innovations, Inc.
Holiday Creations
• Holiday Creations is the manufacturer with the majority of the market
share in the decorative LED light string market in Canada and the
United States
13 nAvigant
CONSULTING
Market Overview Distribution channels
Decorative LED light strings are distributed through three main channels -
retail chains, on-line sales, and electrical wholesalers (commercial).
• Most Common Distribution Channels for Decorative LED Light Strings
Distribution Channel 1 Distribution Channel 2
Manufacturer
Manufacturer
a
Distributor I Importer
Distributor I Importer
~
~
Retail Store
U
v
Consumer
Consumer
Distribution Channel 3
Manufacturer
Distributor I Importer
I
Electrical Wholesaler
Commercial Consumer
nAvigant
CONSULTING
34
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Market Overview Lamp shapes
Decorative LED light strings come in a wide variety of lamp shapes.
C6 ("Strawberry"), C7, and C9
M5 ("Mini-lamps")
Icicle Lights
4F 4
i _
m
#
0
G12 ("Raspberry")
n!
Novelty: Trees, stars, etc.
Rope Lights
nAvigant
CONSULTING
Market Overview Co ours
7]
Decorative LED light strings come in a wide variety of colours, comparable
to the colours of incandescent light strings.
• LED lamps come in a wide variety of colours
- Purple
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Gold
- Orange
- Red
- White
- Multi-coloured strings
ft
,, nAvigant
CONSULTING
k r> a
35
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Market Overview Price
1
The price of LED light strings varies with colour, but all LED light strings
are 2 to 8 times more expensive than mini-incandescent light strings.
$40
$35
$30
Q $25
<
o
•JT $20
o
a. $15
$10
$5
$0
~ Blue LED
¦ Red LED
A While LED
x Mini Incandescent
A
~TT~
~
A
~
t
20
40 60 80
Number of Lamps per String
17
100
120
nAvigant
CONSULTING
I I
Market Overview Energy usage
t
Hi
i
LED light strings use less energy than comparable incandescent light
strings. On a power per lamp basis, LEDs consume less than 0.1 watts.
~ LEDs
x Mini hcandescents
o C7 Incandescents
+ C9 Incandescents
Q.
E
S
o
£L
0.1
0.01
100 150
Number of Lamps per String
nAvigant
CONSULTING
36
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Market Overview Market transformation programs
Utilities in Canada and the United States have sponsored two different
types of market transformation programs.
• Incandescent for LED light string exchanges
- 1 incandescent light string for 1 LED light string
- Hydro Mississauga
- 2 incandescent light strings for 1 LED light string
- Toronto Hydro, Hydro One, Pacific Gas & Electric, Niagara Falls
Hydro
- An incandescent light string for a $4 instant rebate coupon towards
the purchase of a seasonal LED light string
- BC Hydro
• Large-scale lighting projects
- Paid half the cost of municipal holiday displays using LED lights
- Nova Scotia Department of Energy
- Donation of LED light strings for large lighting projects
- Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Niagara Falls Hydro, Pacific Gas &
Electric, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
19 nAvigant
CONSULTING
Table of Contents
dm
1
Market Assessment Objectives
Market Overview
3
Value Proposition for Consumers
4
Product Quality Issues
¦
Product Lifetime
nAvigant
37
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Value Proposition Overview
/-
V
Kj
L_
Key points often highlighted when selling strings of LED holiday lights.
• Brighter colour, will not fade
• Energy saving - up to 90%
• Indoor/Outdoor use
• Rugged, no glass to break
• Cool to the touch
• Lower risk of fire or shock
• Stackable or end-to-end
• Easy and flexible installation
• 200,000 hour lamps
• Guaranteed, UL listed
• Advanced technology
Value Proposition Residential applications and usage patterns
A
Decorative liaht strinas are qenerallv used in the residential sector for
holiday decoration.
• Residential sector applications
• Main applications are related to the holiday season (December /
January)
• Decoration of trees, indoors and outdoors
• Decoration of house eaves and entryways
• Lights are typically operated 30 to 45 days per year for
6 to 8 hours per day
• Secondary application is for ambiance decoration of patios and
decks during the summer months
• Lights typically operate 45 to 90 days per year for 4 to 5 hours
per day
22 nAvigant
CONSULTING
Raspberry G12 LED Light Strings
Antique ( ondletight LEO
Bulbs
LED bulbs bom brighter with more wvuj colors that
resist fading
Supaf-tong lasting bulbs: 200,000 hour life
No glass bulbs to break, coo! to the touch
3.5 "> spacing between bulb?
UL Listed (What's this?)
Cord colj
cold
nAvigant
CONSULTING
38
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
A
Value Proposition Commercial applications and usage patterns
7
Decorative liaht strinas in the commercial sector are primarily used for
holiday displays to attract customers.
• Commercial sector applications
• The main applications are related to holiday displays at commercial
establishments (which includes retail and office establishments)
• Concentrated in the December/January time-frame, typically
operating 45 to 60 days per year for 6 to 12 hours per day
• Secondary applications are related to non-seasonal decorative
lighting (e.g., white mini-lights in ficus trees in shopping malls)
• These installations typically operate year-round (365 days per
year) for the duration the establishment is open (12 hours per
day)
nAvigant
CONSULTING j
Value Proposition Consumer considerations
/>
7
Experts interviewed indicated the primary considerations that consumers
look for in decorative light strings are purchase price, energy-efficiency,
durability/lifetime, and technological edge.
• Primary considerations
- Purchase price (dominant consideration, particularly for
residential sector)
- Energy-efficiency (particularly in Canada)
- Product durability and long operating lifetime
- Technological edge (new product designs/fads)
• Minor considerations
- Brightness
24 nAvigant
CONSULTING
39
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Table of Contents
Market Assessment Objectives
Market Overview
Value Proposition for Consumers
Product Quality Issues
Product Lifetime
nAvigant
CONSULTING
Quality Safety standards
« V
Decorative LED light stings, like decorative incandescent light strings, are
subject to the same safety requirements of CSA / UL.
• Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
- CSA-22.2 No.37-M1989 (R2004) Christmas Tree arid Other Decorative
Lighting Outfits
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- UL 588-2004, Standard for Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Products
nAvigant
CONSULTING
40
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
A
Quality Brightness
7
LED lights are considered sufficiently bright for decorative purposes, even
though some lamp shapes have lower light emission than incandescent
lights.
• The majority of consumers use light strings for decoration only and are
satisfied with brightness
- Feedback from consumers in response to utility exchange programs and
retail store research indicates consumers are satisfied with the
brightness of LED light strings
• Some consumers use a mix of LED and incandescent mini-lights for colour
effects
• A few consumers attempt to use decorative light strings for general
illumination applications and are not satisfied with the brightness
nAvigant
CONSULTING j
Quality Colour and colour consistency
f
The range of LED colours is very good and the colour consistency of LED
light strings has been improving.
• Colour
- LED lights have stronger colours than incandescent lights
- White LEDs can have a blue tint (high CCT), which can draw some
complaints, as consumers are used to incandescent white ("warm
white", CCT -2800 K)
• Colour Consistency
- By binning different colours together, colour consistency problems within
strings are rare
- Problems with colour consistency between strings can be more of a
problem (even with light strings from the same company)
nAvigant
CONSULTING |
41
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Quality Intellectual property / legal issues
/-
V
*
1
m
Certain aspects of using LED technology in decorative light string
applications are patented, and therefore cannot be a criterion for Energy
Star qualification.
• Patents that we are aware of exist for:
- "Keyed" lampholders to prevent Installing lamps backward
- "Keyed" lampholders are not required by UL 588
- Polarity can be indicated using alternate means
- Polarized plugs and end-connectors
- AC-powered LED light strings without a transformer
• Pending patents that we are aware of exist for:
- Strings with one or more series blocks must be connected in opposite
polarity to reduce THD
- A lampholder that is molded to the LED lamp / decorative cover
nAvigant
Table of Contents
AA
1
Market Assessment Objectives
I 2
Market Overview
3
Value Proposition for Consumers
a
Product Quality Issues
IL
Product Lifetime
nAvigant
42
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Product Lifetime True lifetime versus LED lifetime
The LED lights in decorative light strings will have a much longer lifetime
than the lifetime of the light string as a whole, with the LED lights using
only 5% of their useful life by the end of the life of the light string.
• Estimates of the true lifetime of a LED light string range from 3 to 7 years
(highly dependent on usage pattern and environmental conditions)
• Assuming usage of 45 days per year and 8 hours per day, the total
lifetime ranges from 1000 to 2500 hours of use
• Estimates of the LED light lifetime in decorative light strings range from
around 20,000 to 50,000 hours - 20 times longer
• Assuming usage of 45 days per year and 8 hours per day, LED
lights will have used only 5% of their useful life by the end of the
true life
• The wiring harness is often cited as the factor most likely to cause failure
with aging and environmental exposure
nAvigant
CONSULTING
Product Lifetime Rough payback calculation (versus mini)
Simple payback for a string of LED lamps versus a mini incandescent
string becomes more attractive as annual operating hours increase.
Cost assumptions:
LED string (2 Watts) = C$15
Mini incandescent string (20 Watts) = C$5
Electricity = C$0.10/kWh
Days per
Year
Hours
(hr/day)
Savings
(kWh/yr)
kWh Savings
($CAD/yr)
Payback
(Years)
30
6
3.2
$0.32
30.9
45
6
4.9
$0.49
20.6
45
8
6.5
$0.65
15.4
60
12
13.0
$1.30
7.7
365
12
78.8
$7.88
1.3
nAvigant
CONSULTING
43
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Product Lifetime Rough payback calculation (versus C7)
The simple payback for a string of LED lamps versus a C7 incandescent is
much shorter.
Cost assumptions:
LED string (2 Watts) = C$15
C7 incandescent string (125 Watts) = C$10
Electricity = C$0.10/kWh
Days per
Year
Hours
(hr/day)
Savings
(kWh/yr)
kWh Savings
($CAD/yr)
Payback
(Years)
30
6
22.1
$2.21
2.3
45
6
33.2
$3.32
1.5
45
8
44.3
$4.43
1.1
60
12
88.6
$8.86
0.6
365
12
538.7
$53.87
0.1
nAvigant
CONSULTING
Product Lifetime Case studies 1 of 2 (general conclusions)
Case studies reveal that the product lifetime of LED light strings compares
favorably to incandescent light strings.
• Return rates for LED light strings are at or below those for incandescent
light strings
• Generally less than a 2% return rate for LED light strings (compared
to a 3% return rate for incandescent light strings), as cited by
manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
• Less than a 0.1% return rate reported by utilities / municipalities that
conduct light string exchanges (11 sets returned out of 21,100 sets
distributed for three different utilities / municipalities)
nAvigant
CONSULTING
44
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Product Lifetime Case studies 2 of 2 (exceptions)
Case studies also revealed some problematic installations.
• A large recall of a certain type of decorative LED light string in 2005
increased the overall return rates involving the recalled product
• Failures of recalled product were frequent and often spectacular
• Recalled product posed a shock and fire hazard
• Manufacturing defect led to overheating and melting
• Failure rates are highly dependent on the usage pattern and environment
• Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights installation experienced
significantly higher failure rates than other installations
•Mist and power spikes cited as contributors to the high failure
rates
nAvigant
CONSULTING
Tab e of Contents
1
Market Assessment Objectives
2
Market Overview
9
Value Proposition for Consumers
D
Product Quality Issues
I5
Product Lifetime
nAvigant
CONSULTING
45
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Comments and Feedback
~ >
Please provide further comment and input for this Market Assessment
directly to Navigant Consulting.
• Thank you for your time and attention this morning.
• Please be reminded, this presentation is a work in progress.
• More information about the market and the value proposition for
consumers is requested by July 10th.
• Contact directly:
Michael Vladimer, Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Tel: (202) 481-7323
Fax: (202) 973-2401
Email: MVIadimer@navigantconsulting.com
nAvigant
ENERGY STAR® Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria:
Overview, Inspection and
Power Test, Over-Voltage Test
Michael Scholand
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
46
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Test Procedure - Scope of Coverage
1. Scope: This document desct.Nes the test picce-lure that a candidate ifrrorasve liqht stimf?
sliill undergo to determine piiqil ihtv for ENERGY STAR' certification a*. specified in
ENERGY STAR^'.x/iam R^q'tirenienta fo> Dn.r.uti Lignt Stimj'j Ekfhshty C'lte'U D'(''t."iue T^'
• LiVttnieTe?!,
• Lti'rit. tntens^v Test and
• Ameleui'^t vVeiithennsj Test
39
Qualification Criteria - Select Definitions
1) Definitions:
¦??
A Deroiawe Light Sfnry - vnrvj or lamps uswd k-r a nec Gia*ivu purpose TttP hmr« itwt,
he Rplaceab'e or sealed nln th° lamnholdw
B Spites Block - A numUei of lamps cnnm":'*! n c utitaxt a swms connect.,m
Additional sern»^ blocks can be adcW to the Giant iui Ihjti! str t\0 «!i'ctvi j dltef t
F Inrut Powet - Th" total oi iysteru oowei used by the decorative stung dining operation
measured in watts trcltrtny tfansfomwrs. adapters, etc.
G Maximum Watfe par lamp - The input powet divided by the number of lamps on the
decorative light string
40
47
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Test Procedure - References
2. References: The following list includes documents used and or referenced in the
development of tins eliaft test specitication
I ENERGY STAR5 Ptogtam Requtiements fc: Decorative Light Strings El:gibiMv «..i;!ena
D^att \'eision 1 I ), June 20Uaiatui> fc: UV
Exposure of Ncmmtallic Muteimsj ASTM inter'atonal West CotisMiockea PA, USA
ili CiE Publication 84-1!;^9, Hie Weustien*^ of lutrmous p»ux Comnns^rn
i(i?e!n Relevn.tt standards im Mbve FtxMlts
42
48
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Qualification Criteria - Requirements
3) Qualifying Products: In oidtf to -juabt> ter tm ENERGY STAR" label., a Jscoiative light
stnng roust tneet tlw iltfimlioii in Section I A and tlw weuftcattoit ieqairan»ente (jiovi'd tn
5ec!ioii-t bPtort
4) Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products: Oily tho** pinducts that
comply wt!h the twprenwnh of Settlor, 1! , e ti !<* Oi.ifl
V"' ttofi ! I '
Test Procedure - Inspection and Power Test
3. Tests Performed- Th« TuIw.tm !^>(s he ^ifor wd n»ti dtKUJtiie rah* ^tutxis fc»
iielfimme cliqibiiil\ fui p iitr-f'itwi >t>B> CNER« A STAR1" p'uti.irt Al! strwjs Mfxi must
tjiiflHiqo 'hf insvlic a >kM j> r.vw c-irMiniitiisr1 ho.wv^r iWmhiI vts n* Miiikis rn ti bp
u^ul (iii 'lie "«iiuiriii«j W-. R-» unl ill me ivjittl anil ialt.il iMJ v tlups -n tm5 <"bt r^, it
3.1. Inspection and Power Test
TI w step? t't tins test it-all be cuxiucfed for all strings tested by this test procedure.
; 1 ( mint 'amispt- ^ni'o
: 1 J Check 'cim-vs t\[ c s^alfrt or |4« in *1 jilup hi tli* •vxkft 1 rnr must have i
nidihnq'« puliiEed boiktr to etvuM >i"if -nseitujp at i^jteHment 'jfPf;
* l < hettvMolf no m fliiidP<; rw.iji5; wc t«inut l>e in* 'irwctlv swai^dth
•+y" kitnp'j
i 1 4 M*-e (.on-" and rui'yil at I.® vol's ± 2% RMS AC. 1 ^itailat^ the po.w rw
1 tttin
44
49
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Qualification Criteria - Inspection and Power Test Requirements
Table 1: Product Characteristics and Specifications for Decorative Light Strings
Test
Requirement
Inspection and Power Test
For removable / plug-in lamp type strings
Lifetime claim
Maximum watts per lamp
Lamps must be marked or keyed.
25.000 hours (or long-lasting').
0.1 watts.
Test Procedure - Over-Voltage Test
3.2. Over-Voltage Test
Strings will be energized at 132 volts RMS AC for one hour and examined for failure
(i.e., light sets become inoperative, defined as a voltage drop of > 60 volts or < 0.5 volts
RMS AC across any one lamp). Count the number of failed lamps and calculate the
failed lamps as a percentage of total lamps on the string.
46
50
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Qualification Criteria - Over-Voltage Test Requirements
Table 1: Product Characteristics and Specifications for Decorative Light Strings
Test
Over-Voltage Test
Requirement
r>°! o> idinps
47
ENERGY STAR® Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria:
Lifetime Test
Conan O'Rourke
Lighting Research Center, RPI
Michael Scholand
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
51
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Lifetime (Reduction in Light)
• LEDs tend to reduce light output over time
• Evaluate light output overtime
• Look for large effect
- Protect against some SLED strings that may be
overdriven or the use low quality LEDs
• Suggest evaluating what is currently on the
market prior to adding to the spec
search Center
Lifetime (Reduction in Light)
• Depreciation test procedure
- Use existing lighting standards as a guide
• IES LM-45, LM-66 or CIE 84-1989
- Seasoning - need to determine how much is needed
• suggest 12 hours
- Measured initially (after seasoning) and at 1000 hours
- Use an integrating sphere with a spectroradiometer
- Evaluate using radiometric/photometric results
- Determine criteria for passing
• suggest 50% of initial output
iearch Center
52
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Lifetime (Reduction in Light)
Suggest evaluating whole
SLED string
- Simplifies measurement
- Repeatable positioning for
initial and 1000-hr
measurements could lead to
large differences for
individual LEDs
- If there are broad
depreciation issues we look
at the next step
mOQS fcnccthic Folvcid-irilc lfi^jru^ Troy, M - All Piyfe fciirvsd
®Renss
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Test Procedure - Lifetime Test
3.3. Lifetime Test
A decorative light string shall be tested for maintaining light output as described below
In summary, light strings will be prepared for testing, mounted in an integrating sphere
and measured for light output. The assembly shall then be operated for 1000 hours and
a second measurement of light output recorded. The 1000 hours of operation does not
have to be performed inside the integrating sphere; the only requirement is that the
lamps in the testing assembly remain in the same orientation to each other, such that
any self-adsorption or interference losses in the initial light output measurement will also
be present in the second measurement. The steps to follow for conducting this test are
outlined below.
Test Procedure - Lifetime Test
3.3.1. Assemble the decorative light string into a
configuration for testing. The strings shall be
bundled together so that all lamps are directed
outward The assembly shall be made as
compact as possible and shall be taped together
to maintain the relative positioning of the lamps
throughout the test. Figure 1 shows a possible
test set-up to conduct a maintained light output test.
3.3.2. Operate the assembly in this configuration for a 24 hour (± 1 %) "seasoning"
period.
3.3.3. Insert the assembly into an integrating sphere and measure the light output
following the guidelines for conducting measurement of light output in an
integrating sphere contained in CIE Publication 84-1989, The Measurement of
Luminous Flux
54
M
Figure 1. Sample Test Setup
54
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Test Procedure - Lifetime Test
3 ?• 4 Keepini! th* tertry a&semNv intact tin, do not remove the or move any of
tnel.vifKj oi^'aNf'ie ;oi lot1!'houis(± ' l..| continuously This
fi^iio(or optialtci i4l dav^ h> ioi«rs|m.ty ne conduced ustini a pt^gtabng jji-tewi |>to\i"! d tfvjt r.mo c.t ;!«- uwys m
tne asseml.'y have je^n mifv«i -Hotiw to ¦=}< It ottiei
J C Conduct a sncord measurement of 'he kjM '"utpu; in an integrating sphere,
Tiillowmu thfl same i»'Te,iit,»j in <«p|> i i '• -irwv'w
? i Count tlv number u* railed lamps ito ;m y?rtici ,3 2: and lecucl the »ai>ed L'imns
as n £•<*¦( e-ifrw o* total l.imps on trie st-ing
" Caiijlatt trie jwh entaqe reduction in I ght rtiitput o" the sftro.nl mpicufemwrt
iel stive to tfu fust measurement.
55
Qualification Criteria - Lifetime Test Requirements
D. Maintained Light Output - The light output of a lamp as a percentage of its initial light
output after a 1000-hour testing period.
Table 1: Product Characteristics and Specifications for Decorative Light Strings
Test
Requirement
Lifetime Test
Lnjhl outj ii it !i '-'i '1 «iQ "-hould not tuve
ijegiatM t>v rwo than jhkJ - o"
lamps fallen,
_—
56
55
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
ENERGY STAR® Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria:
Lamp Intensity Test
Conan O'Rourke
Lighting Research Center, RPI
Michael Scholand
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
Brightness Test
• There may be a need to ensure that there is a
minimum amount of light from the SLEDs
• Still need to determine appropriate method to
evaluate
• Current thinking
- Test individual LEDs
- Use an integrating sphere
- Use existing lighting standards as a guide
• IES LM-45 and LM-66
iearch Center
56
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Brightness
• The subjective attribute of any light sensation
giving rise to the perception of luminous
magnitude, including the whole scale quantities of
being bright, light, brilliant, dim, or dark.
(IESNA Lighting Handbook)
• One of the basic psychological dimensions of light.
It varies primarily with physical intensity.
(Sensation and Perception Schiffman)
search Center
mOQS fcnccthic Folvcid-irilc lfi^jru^ Troy, M - All Piyfe fciirvsd
®Rensselaer
Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum can be
divided into smaller and smaller
bands, or expressed as a continuous
function of wavelength (or frequency)
Units: W/nm
Visible Light
It ! 1 I I I ¦
400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750
Wavelength (in nanometers)
|Ptotal=JP(^
= area under curve
4^4
XRjys Wnavlota
Gamma Rays
nfrared
Noontime Sunlight
ncandescent
® Rensselaer
ii;20CJ5 ¦F'.erKsaKiesr'Polytechnic JrucicLte. Trcft, NY 121 o0 U3A - All r'.icjhb i'.&ztwA
57
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Some LED Spectra
LED Spectral Outputs
400 450
500 550 600 650
Wavelength (nm)
700 750
mOQS fcnccshsc Folvcid-irilc lfi^jru^ Troy, M ^Mi LKA - All Piyfe fciirvsd
®Rensselaer
Some LED Spectra
LED
Current
(mA)
LED
Voltage
(V)
LED
Power (W)
Luminous
Flux (Im)
Efficacy
(Im/W)
Radiant
Energy (W)
Peak
Wavelength
(nm)
X
y
Blue
350
3.2083
1.12
11.1
9.9
0.154
466.37
0.130
0.071
Cyan
350
3.2254
1.13
29.4
26.1
0.054
526.72
0.214
0.706
Red
350
2.1665
0.76 |
27.8
36.6
0.156
635.68
0.699
0.301
Yellow
350
2.8148
0.99
18.1
18.3
0.038
599.14
0 602
0.397
White 350mA
350
3.3824
1.18
31.0
26.2
0.102
455.09
0.303
0.306
Lighting
Research Center
Slue
O/an
Yellow
White
480 580 680 780
wavelength (nm)
® Rensselaer
'.scans d
©^S-f'.9rBsaia3f:Polvtsdirilc {&&&&} T&A ^ ~
58
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Physical Measures of LED Color
Peak wavelength
Full width half max (FWHM)
Center wavelength
Centroid wavelength
Dominant wavelength
Color purity
esearch Center
o.s wavelength [nm]
mOQS fcnccthic Folvcid-irilc lfi^jru^ Troy, M - All WghcJ teiervsd
®Raiss(3laer
Spectrum
Locus
Blackbody
Locus
;M Yellowish'
Purple Boundary
CIE 1931
Chromaticity
Space
®Renssdat;r
search Center
Yollowtsf-
LGreen
Velio*
Green.
Bluish
Green
Purplish
P-nH :
Red N
Purple
59
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Properties of the Chromaticity Diagram
•3 520 nm
InGaN LED 525 nm
(green)
InGaN LED 505 nm
(blue - green)
InGaN LED 498 nm
(blue - green)
InGaN LED 450 nm
(blue)
C1E
o
Illuminant
(White li
400
AlInGaP LED
590 nm (amber)
AllnGaP LED
605 nm (orange)
AllnGaP LED
615 nm (red-orange)
AllnGaP LED
626 nm (red)
lamut area of possible
colors using these three
LEDs_
x- axis
mOQS fcnccthic Folvcid-irilc lfi^jru^ Troy, M - All WghcJ Reserved
Brightness of Saturated Colors
Saturated colors, especially
deep reds and blues,
appear brighter than
photometric measurements
imply
v5«o Contours of enhanced
brightness factors
tearch Center
^MST'.«tfis5da^'Poh/tsc^#ilc"iri3^«6 Troy, tM i2iciCi USA - All pjghbft&sarved
60
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Brightness of Saturated Colors
InGaN LED 525 nm
(green)
InGaN LED 505 nm
(blue - green)
InGaN LED498 nm'
(blue - green)
InGaN LED 450 nm
(blue)
520 nm
AlInGaP LED
590 nm (amber)
AlInGaP LED
605 nm (orange)
AlInGaP LED
615 nm (red-orange)
AlInGaP LED
626 nm (red)
400
jr - axis
mOQS fcnccthic Folvcid-irilc lfi^jru^ Troy, M - All WghcJ teiervsd
Luminous intensity
• Near field photometry issues
- Intensity is used to describe point sources - LEDs are
not point sources - no inverse square law
- Mechanical axis £ optical axis
- Difficult to locate the position of the light source
• CIE recommended the following geometry
/LED r; | Photometer
/ Circular apwtiirc n®
^ \ area = 100 mm2
d= 100 mm
316 mm
Result is called Average
LED Intensity
Figure 1 - Schematic diagram of CEE Standard Conditions for
the measurements of Averaged LED intensity
search Cent
®Renssdat;r
61
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
®Rfaiss<2laer
TifS^WiSSSSSJOSA - AlhPJjjric
Measuring LED Intensity
Small devices may
allow short test
distances, but watch
out for optics!
Lighting
Research Center
®Renssdat;r
^eO£(6-f'.9risaiaiir'P9^scrffilc -Irisia&fc& Trot-N i2i'8Q USA - All Rights ftasarved
62
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Integrating Sphere Measurements
• Real spheres are not perfect J
- Reflectance is not spectrally flat
A1 'i
- Baffles and light source degrade
uniform sphere wall illuminance
It ,
• Limits the size of test sources
• Substitution method is used
mWL
- LED reading is calibrated by reading
of known standard lamp
Spectroradlomeler
• Corrections for self absorption
A N
necessary for accuracy
- Self absorption factor = 0LED/ Oempty
L£0=Pr )
®Raissdaer
Test Procedure - Lamp Intensity Test
3.4. Light Intensity Test
On a string of decorative lamps that has been seasoned (per step 3 3 2), select three
non-consecutive lamps on the stnng and record the position of the lamp on the string
relative to the input pluq (e a . lamp #5. £20. #32) Lamps selected shall all be of the
same colour and shall be tested with diffusers installed Light intensity measurements
shall be taken on each of these lamps at either a 30°, 60°, or 90°,viewing angle, ±2° of
mechanical center as shown in Figure 2A Measurements shall be taken at the selected
viewing angle at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° (+2°) around the circumference of the lamp,
and averaged together for the measured lamp as shown in Figure 2B The three lamps
shall then be averaged together to determine the average initial light intensity for the
tested string.
Figure 2B. Top view
63
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Qualification Criteria - Lamp Intensity Test
C. Intensity - A photometric measurement of light output at defined viewing angles and
spatial coordinates, specified in terms of millicandela (mcd).
E. Viewing Angle - The angle at which photometric light intensity is measured, at a defined
number of degrees from mechanical center, ±2 degrees.
Table 1: Product Characteristics and Specifications for Decorative Light Strings
Test
Requirement
Light Intensity Test
Violet
< 420 nm
200 mcd
Average light intensity of lamps tested (including
Indigo
421-460 nm
250 mcd
diffusers) at viewing angle of 30°, 60°, or 90° ±
Blue
461-495 nm
300 mcd
2° of mechanical center. Intensity must meet or
Green
496-540 nm
350 mcd
exceed the threshold values for the colour
Yellow
541-580 nm
300 mcd
emitted
Orange
581-630 nm
300 mcd
Red
> 631 nm
300 mcd
White
n/a
500 mcd
73
ENERGY STAR® Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria:
Accelerated Weathering Test
Gary Hamer
British Columbia Hydro
Michael Scholand
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
74
64
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Test Procedure - Accelerated Weathering Test
3.5. Accelerated Weathering Test
This test is intended to assess degradation of the wire insulation, lamp mounting sockets
with lamps and/or lamp diffusers. This test may be conducted on the same lamp strings
that were tested in section 3.4. In summary, this test involves taking an initial light
intensity measurement (section 3.4). The string is then subjected to ASTM G154-05
accelerated life testing which involves UV light exposure, water spray and condensation.
Next, the string and lamps are inspected for failure and a subsequent light intensity
measurement is taken and compared to the initial measurement The steps to follow for
this test are outlined below
3.5.1. Determine the average intensity of lamps on a string of decorative lights per the
procedure outlined in section 3.4, Alternatively, manufacturers can simply use
the same strings of lamps that were tested in section 3.4 for the Accelerated
Weathering Test.
3.5.2. The string of lights shall be subjected to the exposure conditions contained in
Cycle 7 of Table X2.1 of ASTM G154-05, which includes 8 hours of UV light (340
nm at 1.55 W/m!/nm) at 60°C, 0.25 hours of water spray, and 3.75 hours of
condensation at 50"C. The strings shall be mounted in the chamber so that the
75
Test Procedure - Accelerated Weathering Test
lamps and/or diffusers are exposed to the UV light, and the wire and lamp
couplings are exposed to the UV light and the water spray and condensation as
much as possible. The lamp strings shall be operated for the duration of this
test The number of cycles of this test have yet to be determined, but for this
draft test procedure, ten consecutive iterations of Cycle 7 are required
3.5,3.
The light string shall then be removed from the ASTM G l 54-05 testing chamber
and inspected for any cracking or breakage in wire insulation. The number of
failed lamps (as per section 3.2) shall be counted and recorded as a percentage
of total lamps on the string.
3.5.4.
If the string is operable, a second lamp intensity measurement shall be taken on
the same three lamps using all the same angles that were used by the technician
in step 3.5.1.
3.5.5.
Calculate the percentage reduction in light intensity of the second measurement
relative to the first measurement.
76
65
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Qualification Criteria - Accelerated Weathering Test
Table 1: Product Characteristics and Specil
Test
cations for Decorative Light Strings
Requirement
Accelerated Weathering Test
~ ,
i«3'f iittH'isiU ;••*>¦« thee kmips
sh: nld ii' i'jve l>y more
than lc<' > at Hi • c>". a' Umius tc'ed
ENERGY STAR® Requirements for
Decorative Light Strings
Test Procedure and Eligibility Criteria:
Review of Documents
Michael Scholand
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
66
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Test Procedure - Other Language in the Document
4 Acknowledgements
Special shanks to members of industry novel nment, and research labor atones fot
volunteering their t.me to develop tins Pioceslurt?
Organization
Name
?H and Corri'iW Ltd
Dfivtti Wt'bs
British Cotiimbk'i Hydro
Gti'V Hamer
Caivnitan Mond.iids Asset >atton IntrarMtiona'
D&jan Lena1.)
Ft! .et <"iptir D*»syn
Oav.il All>?n
LEDUp Enter arses lie
Jeiry
L.glttiiKj Research Centei
C onan 0 Rourke
Po',vet tech Labs
Bruce Nwfcon
79
Qualification Criteria - Other Language in the Document
Mow is the pro'lji.: iD:=»ft Version I I 11 foi ENERGY STAR* qualifier! >1e*orative
ly'i! sifters A pKAiutl must irwe< „t'l of the identify! culeiu f il is to tv l.iWted fa ENERGY
STAR' t-v tNo.arkti.ickM
Tfv inMtt 0? the ENERGY STAR* lllrtl i< V" in H>iS nrrxkit t ratf <>">\ is toi^ite e "-i-UsjM
*"<*! tin i*y i (""K.unipti'iti hi' erifo.j!aqng tnn^jmets to us? qualttv energy erfirent d»corntvfl
Mutiys of kilits.
80
67
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Qualification Criteria - Other Language in the Document
SJ Product Approval: Sitings labelled for exterior use as portable decorative lighting shall be
CSA oi UL appiciveij toi «xtor:or use.
«) Warranty: hi" ileioiabve liiiht sfungs shall be cffeieci a minimum 3-veai warranty
against all riroaiict clpfects.
81
Qualification Criteria - Other Language in the Document
7) Packaging: The parkagtrsq containing the pto>1uc.t slial; $jix«fy
» Product s suitability for u*e indoor and c ouldeot,
Ntiinltei of LED lamps.
Total lighted length of spring in appropriate metre. and SAE units, and
* Wattage of isght smug
The light string should be labetotl with the following information
Certification agency
Rating for indoor or outdoor use and
Maximum numbet of :ight strings that can be connected end to end.
82
68
-------
Appendix: Workshop Main Presentation
Qualification Criteria - Other Language in the Document
8) Testing Criteria: In order to qualify their products for ENERGY STAR®, manufacturers are
required to test their decorative light strings using the"ENERGY STAFF Program
Requirements for Decorative Light Strings, Test Procedure, Draft Version 1.1.1." These tests
must be conducted by a third-party laboratory approved by Natural Resources Canada
Manufacturers are invited to submit names and qualification criteria of candidate testing
laboratories to Natural Resources Canada
9) Effective Date: The date thai a manufacturer begins to qualify products as ENERGY
STAR® will be defined as the effective date of the agreement-
10) Future Specification Revisions: ENERGY STAR® reserves the right to change the
specification should technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to
consumers, industry, or the environment In keeping with current policy, revisions to the
specification will be arrived at through stakeholder discussion and consultation
83
69
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
4.4. BC Hydro Proposed ENERGY STAR® Testing Criteria Workshop Presentation
Proposed ENERGY STAR®
Testing Criteria
Gary R. Hamer - BC Hydro
Senior Energy Management Engineer
Technical Solutions
Second Meeting on
ENERGY STAR " for Seasonal and Decorative Lights
Toronto, Canada
June 27". 2006
BC hydro IS
70
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Table of Contents
1 1
Introduction
Q
Corrosion Testing
E
Brightness Testing
povwr, «l low
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Increases since 2002...
• Linear shelf space - 13% in 2004; 4% in 2003; 0.2% in
2002.
• Number of brands found on store shelves - 11 in 2004; 6
in 2003; 1 in 2002
• BC Hydro households making purchases - 18% of in
2004; 8% in 2003
• Percentage of all seasonal lighting purchases - 54% in
2004; 28% in 2003.
• Estimated purchases in 2004 - 1.1 million LED strings
pottvr, «l low
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Agreement of Test Cycle & a 'few other items'...
1. Test Cycle 7 - recommended
2. Duration of Test - 1000 hrs, maybe less for cost reasons
3. Number of strings to test - 1 multicoloured string of each
type or 1 string of each colour? (Multiple strings would improve
the statistics, but cost more.)
4. Allowed failures: 5% of individual lights? What if whole
strings fail?
5. Allowed light reduction after aging: 10%?
6. Deterioration of cords: Already covered by CSA testing?
7. Power on or off during testing: On/off cycling would be good
- or continuous on)
«l low <©U. (or Qwwmrioru ROtubto powvr. it tow nn«t«m «| low Coil,
DC hydra
P WER SMRHT
ASTM Corrosion Standard
#
INTERNATIONAL
Designation: G 154 - 05
Standard Practice for
Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of
Nonmetallic Materials1
This standard is lMUcit under tlie lived designation G 154; the numtvr immediately following the designation indicates the year of
anginal adaption or, in the case of revision, the year erf last revision. A number in parentheses indicates ihc year of last reapproval. A
superscript cpsilon to indicates an editorial change since Uie last revision or reapproval
h covt. for gpnor.itinni powter
BCht|dro
P WER SMRHT
73
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Cycle 7: Table X2.1, page 9
G 154-05
TABLE X2.1 Common Exposure Conditions
Typical it radiance- Approximate Wavelength Exposure Cycle
1.55 W/m3/nm 340 nm 8 h UV at 60 (s 3) "C Black Panel Temperature;
0.25 h water spray (no light), temperature no! controBecl;
3.75 h condensation at 50 (i 3) C Black Panel Temperature
/
8 h UV at 60 (± 3) °C Black Panel Temperature;
0.25 h water spray (no light), temperature not controlled;
3.75 h condensation at 50 (± 3) °C Black Panel Temperature
powrf. «l low
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
2004 Test Chamber...
DC hydra
P. WER SMRRT
Inside the Test Chamber
Fli«blf povM?r, «i Iwv ton. 'or gcnvratiom Ren*#* power. «t tow «nt. for g«npr«ttom poww. Jt kw u»t 'or genrr«M>n» KcfcaWc power. >1 low c«». for genmrttora
BC hydro
P WER 5MRRT
75
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Setting test racks into place...
XMMtf, «l low <©U. (or Qwwmrioru pcw*r. tow 1 low coil, for genmrttora
BC hydro
P WER 5MRRT
76
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Ready to test...
DC hydra
P. WER SMRRT
Lights with power after testing...
Fli«blf povM?r, «i Iwv ton. 'or gcnvratiom Ren*#* power. «t tow «nt. for g«npr«ttom poww. Jt IImv u»t 'or gfncratoiu KcfcaWc power. >1 low c«». for genmrttora
BC hydro
P WER 5MRRT
77
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Note yellowed lenses...
XMMtf, «l low <©U. (or i)twr jriorr. powtn. «t low «oU. for gerwr Jtoiu Rfitiifeto pew*. «l low
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Agreement of Test Cycle & a 'few other items'...
1. Test Cycle 7 - recommended
2. Duration of Test - 1000 hrs, maybe less for cost reasons
3. Number of strings to test - 1 multicoloured string of each
type or 1 String Of each colour? (Multiple strings would improve
the statistics, but cost more.)
4. Allowed failures: 5% of individual lights? What if whole
strings fail?
5. Allowed light reduction after aging: 10%?
6. Deterioration of cords: Already covered by CSA testing?
7. Power on or off during testing: On/off cycling would be good
- or continuous on)
«l low <©U. (or Qwwmrioru ROtubto powvr. it tow nn«t«m «| low Coil,
DC hydra
P WER SMRHT
Agreement of Test Cycle & a 'few other items'...
1. Test Cycle 7 - recommended
2. Duration of Test - 1000 hrs, maybe less for cost reasons
3. Number of strings to test - 1 multicoloured string of each
type or 1 string of each colour? (Multiple strings would improve
the statistics, but cost more.)
4. Allowed failures: 5% of individual lights? What if whole
strings fail?
5. Allowed light reduction after aging: 10%?
6. Deterioration of cords: Already covered by CSA testing?
7. Power on or off during testing: On/off cycling would be good
- or continuous on)
BChydro
P WER SMRHT
79
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Agreement of Test Cycle & a 'few other items'...
1. Test Cycle 7 - recommended
2. Duration of Test - 1000 hrs, maybe less for cost reasons
3. Number of strings to test - 1 multicoloured string of each
type or 1 string of each colour? (Multiple strings would improve
the statistics, but cost more.)
4. Allowed failures: 5% of individual lights? What if whole
strings fail?
5. Allowed light reduction after aging; 10%?
6. Deterioration of cords: Already covered by CSA testing?
7. Power on or off during testing: On/off cycling would be good
- or continuous on)
«l low <©U. (or Qwwmrioru ROtubto powvr. it tow nn«t«m «| low Coil,
DC hydra
P WER SMRHT
Agreement of Test Cycle & a 'few other items'...
1. Test Cycle 7 - recommended
2. Duration of Test - 1000 hrs, maybe less for cost reasons
3. Number of strings to test - 1 multicoloured string of each
type or 1 string of each colour? (Multiple strings would improve
the statistics, but cost more.)
4. Allowed failures: 5% of individual lights? What if whole
strings fail?
5. Allowed light reduction after aging: 10%?
6. Deterioration of cords: Already covered by CSA testing?
7. Power on or off during testing: On/off cycling would be good
- or continuous on)
BChydro
P WER SMRHT
80
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Agreement of Test Cycle & a 'few other items'...
1. Test Cycle 7 - recommended
2. Duration of Test - 1000 hrs, maybe less for cost reasons
3. Number of strings to test - 1 multicoloured string of each
type or 1 string of each colour? (Multiple strings would improve
the statistics, but cost more.)
4. Allowed failures: 5% of individual lights? What if whole
strings fail?
5. Allowed light reduction after aging: 10%?
6. Deterioration of cords: Already covered by CSA testing?
7. Power on or off during testing: On/off cycling would be good
- or continuous on)
pottvr, «l low nn«totn *t tow coil, <<
DChydra
P. WER 5MRHT
Table of Contents
f
1
Introduction
¦
»
1 Corrosion Testing
¦
Ll
1
Brightness Testing
power, «i low com, for gtnt*Miom povw. «i low am, 'or powet, at tow com, tor g*ner«tiam. Selafaltr P0W«r. At tow rent, for oenef jt«am
BC hydro
P WERSMRRT
81
-------
Appendix: Workshop BC Hydro Presentation
Thanks...
0 powrr, «l low (oti, lot (wnerAliom SelMibl* o
BChi|dro
P WER SMRRT
Con an O'Rouke
82
------- |