In the ever-evolving world of LED lighting, meeting global standards is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a mark of quality, safety, and marketability. One such vital standard is LM79. At KCTeslab, we specialize in providing reliable and accurate LM79 testing services to help your lighting products meet essential compliance benchmarks.

In this detailed guide, we will explore:

🔍 What is LM79?

LM79 is a testing standard developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) for electrical and photometric measurements of solid-state lighting products, specifically LED-based fixtures. The standard provides a consistent and repeatable methodology for measuring key performance indicators like:

  • Luminous flux (lumens)
  • Luminous efficacy (lumens/watt)
  • Color characteristics (CCT, CRI)
  • Electrical power consumption
  • Distribution of light (intensity)

The official name is IES LM-79-19, the most recent version that builds upon the original LM-79 standard first published in 2008.

💡 Why is LM79 Important?

LM79 is often a mandatory requirement for government contracts, ENERGY STAR® certifications, utility rebate programs, and international export. Here’s why LM79 matters:

  1. Market Access
    Many national and international programs require LM79 compliance to allow your product on the market.
  2. Customer Trust
    An LM79 report is an assurance to customers and partners that your product performs as claimed.
  3. Energy Efficiency Programs
    Products participating in ENERGY STAR, DLC (DesignLights Consortium), or government incentive programs need LM79 testing as a foundational step.
  4. Brand Reputation
    Consistent, third-party verified results boost credibility with architects, specifiers, and end-users.

🧪 What Does LM79 Testing Include?

At its core, LM79 testing involves integrating sphere and goniophotometer testing in a controlled environment. Let’s break down the primary elements:

1. Total Luminous Flux (Lumens)

This measures the total light output of the fixture in all directions. It is done using an integrating sphere.

2. Luminous Efficacy (lm/W)

This measures how efficiently the fixture converts electrical power into visible light.

3. Color Characteristics

  • Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): Indicates whether the light appears warm (yellow) or cool (blue).
  • Color Rendering Index (CRI): Shows how accurately the light renders colors compared to natural light.
  • Chromaticity Coordinates: Precise positioning of the light color on the CIE 1931 color space.

4. Input Power & Current

Measuring the wattage and current at operating conditions gives a complete picture of energy usage.

5. Luminous Intensity Distribution

Using a goniophotometer, this measures how the light is distributed from the fixture—ideal for beam angle, spread, and photometric plots.

🏭 LM79 Testing at KCTeslab

At KCTeslab, we follow the latest LM79 guidelines and offer both in-house and on-site testing for a wide range of LED products. Our laboratory is equipped with:

  • High-accuracy integrating spheres
  • Advanced goniophotometers
  • Temperature-controlled environments
  • Calibrated reference standards

✅ Our LM79 Testing Services Include:

  • Indoor & outdoor LED luminaires
  • Downlights, tube lights, panel lights
  • Floodlights and streetlights
  • Custom fixtures

We provide a detailed LM79 report that includes photometric data, electrical measurements, and full IES-format files for submission to programs like DLC and ENERGY STAR.

📋 LM79 vs LM80: What’s the Difference?

A common confusion in the lighting industry is between LM79 and LM80. Here’s a quick breakdown:

FeatureLM79LM80
PurposePhotometric performanceLong-term lumen maintenance
Applies ToComplete luminairesIndividual LEDs
Testing DurationShort-term6,000–10,000 hours
Method UsedIntegrating sphere, goniophotometerLumen degradation tracking
Report UseENERGY STAR, DLC, certificationTM-21 projections

So, while LM80 is about how LEDs perform over time, LM79 focuses on the immediate, full-system performance of a lighting product.

📂 How to Prepare for LM79 Testing

Before submitting your product for testing at KCTeslab, consider the following checklist:

  • Ensure the product is fully assembled and in final packaging
  • Operate the device to reach thermal stabilization
  • Provide all necessary technical specifications
  • Clarify test orientation and mounting conditions

Our technical team will assist you throughout the preparation process to ensure a smooth and accurate test.

📈 LM79 Report: What You Get

Our LM79 report is structured to meet the requirements of regulatory bodies and includes:

  • Product ID and test conditions
  • Electrical data (voltage, current, power, PF)
  • Optical data (luminous flux, efficacy)
  • Color metrics (CCT, CRI, chromaticity)
  • Intensity distribution (polar plots, IES files)
  • Temperature data (if required)

The report is compliant with IES LM-79-19 and ready for submission to third-party certification bodies or utility programs.

🌐 Why Choose KCTeslab for LM79 Testing?

At KCTeslab, we don’t just test—we partner with you to make your lighting product stand out. Here’s why clients choose us:

  • ✅ Accredited by [add relevant accreditation body, e.g., NABL, ISO/IEC 17025]
  • ✅ Fast turnaround times
  • ✅ Transparent pricing
  • ✅ Detailed support throughout submission process
  • ✅ State-of-the-art testing facilities

🧾 Conclusion: LM79 is Your First Step Toward Success

If you’re developing or marketing LED lighting products, LM79 testing is essential to validate your claims, unlock rebates, and meet global standards. Whether you’re a startup launching your first luminaire or an established manufacturer looking to expand to new markets, KCTeslab can guide you through every step of the LM79 testing and certification process.