New CALiPER Benchmark Report: Comparison of T12 and T8 Fluorescent Lamps and LED Linear Replacement Lamps
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a new CALiPER Benchmark Report, presenting a comparison of T12 and T8 linear fluorescent lamps with commercially available LED linear replacement lamps. CALiPER testing addressed a range of standard lighting measures, including power usage, luminous flux, photometric distribution, source and luminaire efficacy, correlated color temperature (CCT), and color-rendering index (CRI) for the lamps tested separately and in troffers.
Key findings are:
• The comparatively low light output of LED linear replacement lamps could result in unacceptably low illumination levels in retrofit applications.
• LED linear replacements achieved higher fixture efficiencies than benchmark fluorescent configurations in CALiPER testing; however, low lumen output and efficacy limited their overall performance to levels significantly below those of fluorescent systems.
• CALiPER testing at this time shows that LED technology is not yet ready to displace linear fluorescent lamps as replacement light sources in recessed troffers for general interior lighting.
The report concludes that "There may be some niche applications where the lower light output and superior cold-temperature operation of LED linear replacements are indicated—with the added benefit of potentially longer life and reduced maintenance. In the meantime, LED technology is not yet ready to displace linear fluorescent lamps as replacement light sources in recessed troffers for general interior lighting."
This report is available for download at www.netl.doe.gov/ssl/caliper-benchmarkreports.htm.
To learn more about the CALiPER program, or to download detailed test reports or summary reports, visit www.netl.doe.gov/ssl/comm_testing.htm.
Additional LED reports are available for download at www.netl.doe.gov/ssl.
