Also representing CELMA and ELC, Peter Besting of Panasonic Electric Works Vossloh Schwabe GmbH spoke about modules and lamps in relation to EU regulations. “Minimum quality requirements for LED lamps & modules are considered a key factor to guarantee consumer satisfaction in LED lighting and to grow the LED market,” he said.

ELC and CELMA are providing input on quality requirements to the Commission as it prepares part 2 of the EcoDesign Regulations. The current EU Regulation 244/2009 (EcoDesign part 1) is restricted to non-directional lamps. The recommendation is to include LED modules in part 2, and to require efficacy >50 lm/W in 2012, increasing to >60 lm/W by 2015.

Part 2 will also include directional lamps, and the industry has already agreed and defined minimum output values for different lamp types, independent of the light-source technology.

Besting explained that consumers want a choice of LED lamps and modules, and setting minimum quality levels will guarantee basic performance and avoid frustration and disappointment. However, the industry will also supply top-quality products for applications where a high price is justified.

“International standards allow comparison and evaluation,” said Besting. “Regulation should ensure a minimum quality level, but should also leave sufficient space for differentiation in view of different application/usage and competitiveness.”