New CSA Test Method for Horticultural LEDs

May 17, 2018

CSA Group

Many farmers are making the switch from traditional farms to commercial greenhouses and vertical farms because they produce better yields, help address natural resource constraints, and offer shelter from unfavourable weather and climate change. But greenhouses especially consume a lot of electricity, which is costly. LEDs — with long lifespans and energy-efficient properties — help mitigate these costs. That’s why the horticultural LED market is expected grow 22% annually until 2020.*

Due to the corrosive environment inside these farms, horticultural LEDs must be tested more rigorously and meet additional requirements that don’t apply to general-purpose LEDs. But there are limitations to current testing methods, including:

  • repeatability due to DUT (device-under-test) active cooling
  • exposure to high heat and humidity
  • small typical sphere ports
  • inflated results produced by typical testing instruments
  • missing performance characteristics due to spatial colour non-uniformities
  • limiting horticultural LEDs to being measured on moving mirror Type C-goniometers
  • data application issues when taking far-field measurements for near-field applications

New test method a potential game-changer

CSA Group looked at whether .ies file projections could be applied to near-field applications by using .ies file interpreting software to model the output on near-field planes, and measure on the same near-field planes. After analyzing the results, CSA Group determined that this approach, called near-field planar scanning, overcame many of the previous testing limitations.

The new approach has eliminated DUT size limitations because the device does not have to be enclosed. Limitations associated with active cooling are also no longer a concern because the orientation of the DUT is completely static throughout the test, and it can be tested in a wide open volume with easy access to remote cooling devices. And finally, near-field colour non-uniformities can be captured because the DUT is measured in the near-field instead of the far-field where the colours are well mixed.

CSA Group is working to standardize this method through its involvement in committees and working groups under ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) and IES (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America). It would give end users the benefit of having apples-to-apples comparisons between prospective products. Lighting designers would also be able to use existing design software to accurately model the photon flux density at the canopy when the light sources are applied at near-field distances.

Download the full white paper to learn more about this innovative testing method: www.csagroup.org/article/growing-opportunities-led-manufacturers-horticultural-market/?utm_source=Kerwill&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LED.

Photo source: Philips Lighting

* Technavio, Global LED Lighting Market for Horticultural Application 2016-2020, Oct. 2016

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Cooper Lighting: HALO – RL Dual Zone Smart Wi-Fi Recessed LED Trims

    Cooper Lighting: HALO – RL Dual Zone Smart Wi-Fi Recessed LED Trims

    With HALO’s RL Dual Zone Smart Wi-Fi Recessed LED Trims you can effortlessly manage the downlight and outer ring independently, each offering full-color and tunable white options. Mix and match colors to create the perfect ambiance, whether you’re showcasing your team’s colors or setting the mood for a party. Illuminate your space like never before… Read More…

  • ITC: LED Light Bars & Work Lights

    ITC: LED Light Bars & Work Lights

    ITC is pleased to release the latest edition of their Industrial LED Panel Lighting catalog, featuring a curated selection of industrial lighting products built for performance, durability, and ease of installation. From in-panel lighting and slim-profile LED light bars to rugged, waterproof work lights with IP67/IP69K protection, ITC’s range is designed to meet the demands of modern industrial… Read More…