Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent product safety certification organization based in Northbrook, Illinois, USA, have published ANSI/UL 8750 “Safety Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products.”
The first-edition standard creates a global platform of safety requirements for LED lighting equipment as well as the entire supply chain of components used in lighting products employing LED technology.
In North America, several Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), including UL themselves, are authorised to conduct product safety testing and certification of LED products according to standards that now include UL 8750.
With the push for energy efficiency and clean technologies worldwide, LEDs are being used in an increasing number of lighting products ranging from general illumination to electric signs and automotive lights. As LED technology has evolved in newer, high voltage and light output applications, potential safety concerns – including the risk of overheating, electric shock and fire – needed to be addressed.
In response to this need, UL hosted a lighting stakeholder summit with more than 100 representatives of industry, government and research and testing organizations to discuss the proliferation of LED technology and its future use in lighting design and manufacturing.
UL provide global testing capacity and capabilities including a state-of-the-art testing facility where products can be tested to both national and international (IEC) standards, providing their customers with global market access. UL tests and certifies all types of lighting products, components and accessories globally to more than 30 safety and performance standards.
