NEMA publishes standard for SSL retrofit lamps

A new standard, NEMA SSL 4-2012, gives suggested minimum performance requirements for integral LED lamps.
The US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published NEMA SSL 4-2012 entitled “SSL Retrofit Lamps: Suggested Minimum Performance Requirements.”
The standard applies to integral LED lamps, which are defined as a lamp with LEDs, an integrated LED driver, and a base that meets appropriate American National Standards (ANSs) and is designed to connect to the branch circuit via a lampholder/socket that meets appropriate ANSs.


The criteria apply to both integral LED lamps of non-standard form, and those intended to replace standard general-service incandescent lamps, decorative (candelabra style) lamps, and reflector lamps.


Other types of replacement lamps may be added in the future as improvements to LED technology enhance the viability of using LEDs in other replacement lamp types.


The contents and scope of SSL 4 may be viewed at www.nema.org/stds/ssl4.cfm, and a hard or electronic copy may be purchased for $45.


Other SSL-related standards from NEMA


SSL 6: Solid State Lighting for Incandescent Replacement—Dimming


Provides guidance for those seeking to design and build or work with solid state lighting products intended for retrofit into systems that previously used incandescent screw base lamps. Addresses dimming of these products and the interaction between the dimmer (control) and the bulb (lamp). Published Feb 2011, errata issued April 2011.


SSL 3: High-Power White LED Binning for General Illumination


Offers categorization areas (bins) for chromaticity (colors), forward voltage measurements (an electrical designation) and luminous flux (light output) for LEDs used for general lighting. Published Mar 2011.


SSL 1: Electronic Drivers for LED Devices, Arrays or Systems


Provides specifications for and operating characteristics of non-integral electronic drivers (power supplies) for LED devices, arrays or systems intended for general lighting applications. Published Feb 2011.