Wall lights, also known as sconces. Installing wall lights has become a common practice in many households. Wall lights not only enhance the aesthetics of your home, but they also provide an excellent source of lighting. However, it’s essential to ensure that these wall lights are safe to use and do not pose any hazards.
How can GTG assist you with the tests on wall lights?
(1) Electrical safety test
- Earth continuity test: the Earth continuity test is a crucial Electrical safety test that checks the connection between the earth conductor and the metal parts of the wall light fitting. This test verifies that, in the event of a fault, the current will be safely directed to the ground.
- Insulation resistance test: the Insulation resistance test ensures that the electrical insulation between the live components and the earth is sufficient. This test measures the resistance of the insulation to a high-voltage DC source. If the insulation resistance is too low, it can cause an electric shock or a short circuit.
- Polarity test: the Polarity test ensures that the wiring in the wall light fitting is correctly connected. This test checks the correct connection of live, neutral, and earth wires. If the wiring is incorrect, it can lead to a potential electric shock.
- Load test: the Load test is conducted to ensure that the wall light fitting can handle the specified electrical load. This test involves connecting the wall light fitting to the electrical source and measuring its electrical output. If the wall light fitting is unable to handle the load, it can result in overheating and cause a fire hazard.
(2) Photometric test
Photometric tests are measurements that are used to quantify the performance of light sources. The tests involve measuring the amount of light that is emitted by a light source and analyzing its quality in terms of color, brightness, and directionality.
- Luminous flux test: the luminous flux test measures the total amount of light that is emitted by a light source in all directions. The unit of measurement for luminous flux is the lumen (lm). The higher the lumen output of a wall light, the brighter it will be.
- Color rendering index (CRI) test: the CRI test measures the ability of a light source to render colors accurately. The CRI is measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with a higher value indicating better color rendering. A CRI of 80 or above is considered good for a wall light.
- Beam angle test: the beam angle test measures the angle of the light beam that is emitted by the light source. The beam angle is measured in degrees, and it determines how wide or narrow the light beam will be. A narrower beam angle will provide more focused lighting, while a wider beam angle will provide more diffuse lighting.
- Spectral power distribution (SPD) test: the SPD test measures the distribution of light energy across the visible spectrum. The SPD curve shows how much light energy is emitted at each wavelength. This test is important because different wavelengths of light can have different effects on our visual perception and physiology.
(3) Photobiological safety test
Wall lights are often used in close proximity to humans, which means that any potential risks associated with them can have a significant impact on human health. Photobiological safety tests ensure that wall lights do not emit harmful levels of radiation, which can cause damage to the skin and eyes.
- Blue light hazard (BLH): this test determines the potential harm caused by the blue light emitted by the wall light. Blue light has been linked to eye damage, and this test ensures that the wall light does not emit harmful levels of blue light.
- UV radiation: this test measures the amount of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the wall light. Exposure to UV radiation can cause skin damage and even increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Flicker test: this test measures the flicker frequency of the wall light. Flicker can cause headaches, eyestrain, and fatigue, and this test ensures that the wall light does not flicker at harmful frequencies.
(4) EMC test
Wall lights have to go through a series of EMC tests before they are deemed safe for use. These tests ensure that the wall light does not emit excessive electromagnetic radiation, does not get damaged due to sudden changes in voltage, and does not get affected by electromagnetic radiation from other sources.
- Radiated emissions test: this test measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the wall light. The test is conducted in an anechoic chamber, which is a room designed to absorb all reflections of electromagnetic waves. This test ensures that the wall light does not emit excessive electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with other electronic devices.
- Conducted emissions test: this test measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted through the power supply of the wall light. The test is conducted by connecting the wall light to a spectrum analyzer, which measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation. This test ensures that the wall light does not emit excessive electromagnetic radiation through its power supply.
- Electrostatic discharge test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to withstand static electricity. The test is conducted by charging a human body model with static electricity and then touching the wall light. This test ensures that the wall light does not get damaged due to static electricity.
- Electrical fast transient/burst test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to withstand sudden changes in voltage. The test is conducted by applying high voltage pulses to the wall light. This test ensures that the wall light does not get damaged due to sudden changes in voltage.
- Surge immunity test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to withstand sudden changes in voltage due to lightning strikes or power surges. The test is conducted by applying high voltage surges to the wall light. This test ensures that the wall light does not get damaged due to power surges.
- Voltage dips and interruptions test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to withstand sudden changes in voltage due to power interruptions. The test is conducted by interrupting the power supply to the wall light. This test ensures that the wall light does not get damaged due to power interruptions.
- Radio frequency immunity test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to withstand electromagnetic radiation from other sources. The test is conducted by exposing the wall light to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. This test ensures that the wall light does not get affected by electromagnetic radiation from other sources.
- Power frequency magnetic field immunity test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to withstand magnetic fields. The test is conducted by exposing the wall light to a magnetic field. This test ensures that the wall light does not get affected by magnetic fields.
- Voltage variation immunity test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to withstand sudden changes in voltage due to voltage variations. The test is conducted by varying the voltage supply to the wall light. This test ensures that the wall light does not get damaged due to voltage variations.
- Harmonics and flicker test: this test checks the wall light’s ability to maintain a stable light output in the presence of harmonics and flicker. The test is conducted by exposing the wall light to varying levels of harmonics and flicker. This test ensures that the wall light does not flicker or produce an unstable light output.
(5) Mechanical tests
- Impact test: the impact test is conducted to determine the wall light’s resistance to impact. The light is dropped from a specific height onto a hard surface to simulate the impact of a fall. The test is repeated several times to ensure the light can withstand multiple impacts.
- Vibration test: the vibration test is conducted to determine the wall light’s resistance to vibration. The light is subjected to different levels of vibration to simulate the vibration it may experience during transportation or installation. The test ensures that the light’s components are securely fastened and will not come loose during use.
- Life test: the life test is conducted to determine the wall light’s lifespan. The light is subjected to continuous use for an extended period to ensure it can operate for the expected lifespan without becoming damaged or malfunctioning.
(6) Environmental test
- Temperature test: the temperature test is conducted to determine the wall light’s resistance to extreme temperatures. The light is subjected to high and low temperatures to ensure it can operate in different environments. The test also ensures that the light’s components do not become damaged or malfunction due to temperature changes.
- Humidity test: the humidity test is conducted to determine the wall light’s resistance to humidity. The light is subjected to high humidity levels to ensure it can operate in humid environments without becoming damaged or malfunctioning.
- Salt spray test: the salt spray test is conducted to determine the wall light’s resistance to corrosion. The light is sprayed with a saltwater mixture to simulate the effects of exposure to saltwater and coastal environments. The test ensures that the light’s components do not corrode or become damaged due to exposure to saltwater.
- Waterproof test: the waterproof test is conducted to determine the wall light’s resistance to water. The light is submerged in water to ensure it can operate in wet environments without becoming damaged or malfunctioning.
- Dust test: the dust test is conducted to determine the wall light’s resistance to dust and debris. The light is subjected to different levels of dust and debris to ensure it can operate in dusty environments without becoming clogged or damaged.
How can GTG assist you with the certifications or markings for wall lights?
(1) DLC certification
DLC stands for DesignLights Consortium. This certification ensures that the wall light meets the quality and performance standards set by the organization. It means that the wall light is of high quality and will perform well in terms of light output, color quality, and energy efficiency.
(2) CE certification
The CE certification is a European Union (EU) standard that indicates that a product has met all the safety, health, and environmental protection requirements of the EU. It is a mandatory certification for all products sold within the EU and is recognized globally.
(3) UL certification
The UL certification is a US-based standard that indicates that a product has been independently tested and verified by Underwriters Laboratories for safety and performance. It covers over 21 product categories, including wall lights, and is widely recognized in North America.
(4) ETL certification
The ETL certification is a US-based standard that indicates that a product has been independently tested and verified by Intertek for safety and performance. It is widely recognized in North America.
(5) FCC certification
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification is a US-based standard that indicates that a product has been tested and verified for compliance with electromagnetic interference (EMI) standards. It is essential for wall lights that contain wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
(6) CSA certification
The CSA certification is a Canadian-based standard that indicates that a product has been independently tested and verified by the Canadian Standards Association for safety and performance. It is widely recognized in Canada.
(7) RoHS certification
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) certification is a global standard that indicates that a product has complied with the EU’s RoHS directive, which restricts the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment.
(8) Energy Star certification
The Energy Star certification is a US-based standard that indicates that a product has met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is widely recognized in North America and is an excellent way to save on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
(9) NOM certification
The NOM certification is a Mexican-based standard that indicates that a product has been independently tested and verified by the Mexican government for safety and performance. It is widely recognized in Mexico.
(10) SAA certification
The SAA certification is an Australian-based standard that indicates that a product has been independently tested and verified by the Standards Australia and New Zealand for safety and performance. It is widely recognized in Australia.
(11) GS certification
GS stands for Geprüfte Sicherheit, which means Tested Safety. This certification ensures that the wall light meets the safety standards set by the organization. It means that the wall light has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that it is safe for use in Germany.
Why the biggest brands trust GTG Group?
GTG Group (Global Testing Group) is a certification company that offers testing and certification services to different industries. Our expertise in wall lights testing and certification has made us a trusted name in the industry.
(1) Independent and impartial testing
GTG Group is a third-party testing company, which means we are not affiliated with any specific manufacturer. This impartiality can provide camera manufacturers and consumers with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the testing process, and ensure that the camera meets the required standards.
(2) Confidentiality and security
GTG Group understands the importance of confidentiality and security when it comes to testing and certification. We ensure that our clients’ data and information are kept confidential and secure at all times. This ensures that our clients’ intellectual property and trade secrets are protected.
Contact GTG Group today for wall lights testing and certification to avoid any legal issues that may arise from using faulty wall lights.
