SGS Fimko,which complies with the international requirements, has extended its photometric testing capability largely during the last years
Besides safety testing, FI certification and international certification also electromagnetic compatibility testing has been carried out for a very long time.
During the last few years the testing palette has been extended to include performance and ergonomic characteristics of luminaires and their components with the help of the so-called Ulbricht sphere as well as clarification of hazardous substances in light sources.
Safety testing and certification now includes the US and Canadian requirements and the German GS (Geprufte Sicherheit) legislation.
Versatile UV testing and clarification of requirements are also a part of its service palette.
The latest news is photometric measurements which were started in August 2006.
SGS Fimko can also test LED lighting fittings and their input sources.
The customers of the laboratory are mainly manufacturers and importers in Finland and all around the world.
The company helps its customers in designing and producing products that are in conformity with the market of the target country.
Photometric performance and ergonomic aspects.
With the help of photometric measurements the characteristics (like performance and ergonomic) aspects of light sources and lighting installations can be investigated.
These characteristics are very important e.g for engineers and architects who are doing illumination design for products or spaces.
The variables measured by SGS Fimko are:.
First, luminous intensity distributions, luminance distributions of lamps (luminaires, displays, background-lit symbols (cd/m2)) and luminous flux (lm=lumen).
Furthermore, it tests utilization factor (h), service illuminance (lx=lux), optical power (W=Watt), colour rendering power index (Ra-index), colour temperature (K=Kelvin), chromaticity coordinates (x and y) and spectrum distribution wave of visual light.
SGS Fimko carries out measurements of these variables on luminaires for normal use, safety luminaires, incandescent, fluorescent and discharge lamps, control gears of lighting fittings (ie, electronic terminals) and flat screens.
Luminance distribution of lamps and luminaires.
Its new near-field goniophotometer (ready for measurements in August 2006) is able to measure the correct luminous intensity distributions of lamps and luminaires in a close distance to the measuring object without moving the measured object.
This is possible by CCD (charged coupled device) camera that is moved around the measuring object and with the exact knowledge of the optical imaging system (lens) the 'direction of light' from each pixel can be calculated.
We can measure luminance values and luminance distribution also with our goniophotometer of various objects.
Luminance values can be determined or searched from the luminance distribution data that is kind of a digital photo.
These characteristics are measured mainly with its goniophotometer and integrating sphere (Ulbricht sphere), in which maximum 1.8 metre-length products can be tested.
For the measurement of the utilization factor it uses lux meters.
Photometric measurements can be carried out within a week e.g as follows:.
In combination with safety, EMC and ROHS testing as well as certification (FI, CB, CB-EMC; GS, ENEC, NRTL), as benchmarking tests, as product development tests or as quality control tests.
Based on these tests customers can get an impartial statement of test result as a marketing tool which offers a competitive edge on the market.
Analysis of hazardous substances, UV testing.
Luminaires and their components are under the RoHS (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances) directive.
The RoHS directive restricts the use of cadmium, mercury, lead, hexavalent chrom, certain brominated fire retardants (PBB and PBDE) in electrical and electronic devices.
The analysis is carried out in two different ways: screening without breaking the product and chemical analysis.
Additionally SGS Fimko offers also UV testing of products and materials (eg, ageing testing).
Safety testing in accordance with North American requirements.
The common belief is that luminaires must in the United States be UL marked with regard to safety.
This is however not the case.
In the United States testing in accordance with UL standards are required and certification carried out by a local NRTL (nationally recognized testing laboratory), ie, SGS USTC or Metlabs.
SGS Fimko carries out the safety testing of the luminaires in accordance with US as well as Canadian requirements, arranges NRTL certification within 1-2 months in accordance with 'turn-the-key' package solution and carries out the regular factory inspections required by the NRTL certification.
