Are all LED luminaires created equal? 6 things you should know before purchasing an LED system
With a flood of LED lighting products now on the market, it can be hard to distinguish what makes for a high quality, dependable horticultural LED system that gets you the results that you are looking for. Unfortunately, not all LED luminaires are created equal, and there are a few things a grower should be on the look for when researching LED luminaire manufacturers. Doing your due diligence before committing to a lighting installation can save you headaches and money in the long run. We have worked with countless growers who have installed cheap, inferior-quality lights that begin failing soon after installation. P.L. Light Systems is a pioneer in horticultural lighting and has been manufacturing lighting systems for 40 years – so you know we are dependable and that our products are built to last. There are many reasons growers want to invest in LED lighting―including increased light and energy efficiency, lower heat loads, improving plant morphology and dimming and daisy–chaining capabilities. Let’s take a look at the big picture, so you will know what to look for when purchasing LED luminaires and some of the hidden costs that can sometimes be associated with LED installations.
1. Is the Luminaire Certified?
One of the first things you should be doing, is checking to ensure that the luminaires you are purchasing are safety certified. You should check for CSA certification or UL certification and in some cases checking that it is DLC listed. All reputable horticultural LED lighting companies will have their products rated by recognized bodies for both safety and energy efficiency.
What is CSA or UL certification? If a product comes with a CSA or UL sticker, it signifies that it has passed specific safety requirements for use in the intended application. These standards ensure that products have been rigorously tested to ensure they don’t pose a safety hazard. If a product is CSA or UL listed, it is deemed safe for use when installed in accordance with electrical code requirements. If a luminaire does not have UL or CSA certification, it would be wise to consider an alternate luminaire, from a reputable manufacturer, that is certified.
Why is it important to be DLC listed? DLC stands for DesignLights Consortium, and if an LED luminaire has earned certification from them, it indicates a high level of both quality and energy efficiency. The DLC’s stringent standards allow growers to validate and compare the performance of horticultural luminaires―eliminating the need for the thorough vetting and due diligence that you would otherwise be required when considering a lighting system.
In some cases, lighting products need to be DLC listed as a qualification standard for utility companies issuing rebates. You can check if a product has been DLC listed by going to their website and entering in the company name or product.