Tailex/iStock/Thinkstock
512221846
512221846
512221846
512221846
512221846

DOE Publishes CALiPER Snapshot on LED Downlights

July 31, 2017
The U.S. DOE’s CALiPER program has released a new Snapshot report on LED downlights

The U.S. DOE’s CALiPER program has released a new Snapshot report on LED downlights. Key findings of the Snapshot, which is based on DOE's LED Lighting Facts database, include:

  • The efficacy of LED downlights is lower than for most other product categories, although it's higher than for downlights using conventional light sources. Approximately 50% of the downlights listed have a luminous efficacy greater than 70 lm/W, with only 2% above 100 lm/W.
  • The mean efficacy for downlight luminaires only increased by 1 lm/W in the past 15 months, while other comparable product types gained between 5 lm/W and 13 lm/W.
  • Most of the listed LED downlights fall into traditional lumen-output ranges for residential and commercial applications. A variety of performance is available.
  • The downlight category features a greater percentage of products with a CRI in the 90s than any other product category in the LED Lighting Facts database.

There are many factors that influence product efficacy, but the efficacy trend with LED downlights is concerning. The importance of efficacy gains is not solely related to energy savings. Improved LED package efficiency can simplify thermal management and allow more flexibility in product design, ultimately reducing product cost. With the average LED Lighting Facts-listed downlight at just over one-third of the DOE target for efficacy for LED luminaires (203 lm/W by 2025), there's substantial room for continued performance gains, which should not be overlooked.

 For more information, download the full report.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.