New American national standard for measuring ultraviolet LEDs

1st April 2022

Beatrice O'Flaherty

0 0

The Illuminating Engineering Society, in partnership with the International Ultraviolet Association, has published its first in a series of American National Standards for the measurement of ultraviolet product emissions. Since its discovery in 1877, germicidal ultraviolet disinfection has been deployed globally to reduce the rate of transmission of tuberculosis and other airborne pathogens in indoor spaces, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The standard published today, ANSI/IES/IUVA LM-92-22 Approved Method: Optical and Electrical Measurement of Ultraviolet LEDs, details a repeatable method for laboratory measurement of optical and electrical performance characteristics of UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), the discrete components built into UV LED products. This American National Standard is available for purchase and is immediately available to IES Lighting Library subscribers.

“We are delighted to have partnered with the IUVA to develop these first-ever standardised methods of measurement for ultraviolet emissions,” said Brian Liebel, IES director of standards and research. “These standards will advance the science and application of germicidal ultraviolet disinfection, in support of our Society’s mission to translate lighting knowledge into actions that benefit the public. The dedication by our Testing Procedures Committee and the IUVA to completing this new industry standard has been outstanding.”

"Ultraviolet measurement standards provide the foundation for scientific trust of this key disinfection technology, and with this formal approval of ANSI/IES/IUVA LM-92-22, we are excited at what the future holds for optical and electrical measurement of UV LEDs as well as future standards to support our industry," says Jennifer Osgood, president of IUVA; VP, CDM Smith. "These standards would not be possible without our continued partnership with IES. Our collaboration and cooperation are paramount to the success of our industry and reinforces our shared commitment to improving public health through ultraviolet disinfection."