Grow Lights - Horticulture Lighting Testing and Training Solutions

Meeting Compliance Requirements

The conditions for plant light are very different because electrical devices are exposed to moisture, dust, vapors, acids and sales which are chemically aggressive to electrical equipment.

A standard that specifically addresses the performance and safety requirements of electrical devices and installations for indoor farming applications is IEC 60364-7-705. The requirements apply to permanently installed electrical installations in both interior and open air spaces. The standard emphasizes the overall electrical and mechanical safety of the installation. IEC 60364-7-705 focuses on protection against water ingress, promoting a minimum ingress protection of IP44.

The IEC 60598-1 and IEC 60598 Part 2 apply where IEC 60598-1 specifies the general requirements incorporating electric light sources. IEC 60598 Part 2 provides the supplemental descriptions for the different and generally recognized luminaire types.

The safety and performance requirements for grow lights can also be tested according to UL 1598, and its supplemental parts.

UL 8800 provides a set of safety requirements specific to lighting equipment intended for a horticultural environment. It serves as a supplemental to UL 1598 and its add-ons.

The importance of the various sections of IEC 60598-1 and IEC 60598 Part 2, as well as UL 1598, depends on the installation used. For example, lighting for greenhouses will have different requirements than those intended for vertical farms. Luminaires for greenhouse applications my have to put more emphasis on the stability of the mounting, while luminaires intended for vertical systems would focus on shock protection or inaccessibility of live parts.

The structure of vertical farming systems brings high-powered LEDs into close proximity with the human eye. The testing for photobiological safety will therefore play and increasingly important role. IEC 62471 provides guidance for test methods and evaluation of photobiological safety for sources of optical radiation, where the potential hazards of exposure must be evaluated for an exposure duration of 8 hours, under the assumption of a working day/

TÜV SÜD’s horticulture lighting services

Working in close partnership with clients, we deliver customized solutions including:

• TM-33 reporting – TÜV SÜD has developed our own in-house conversion tool which allows us to output all data file in the newly required DLC TM-33 format. The DLC will require PPID and SQD information in the TM-33-18 document format. All new and update applications will be required to provide spectral and spatial distribution information in an .xml file per ANSI/IES TM-33-18. If you have existing data files that you require converting to the new format, contact us to discuss how we can help you.

• Performance and safety testing services – Single source for testing and certification compliance of all lighting types, including the full range of lighting regulations and energy efficiency programs for the U.S., EU and other major global markets. Our comprehensive capabilities simplify the process, allowing manufacturers to bring new and advanced products to market quickly and efficiently.

• Additional testing – Customer specific tests for durability, function and handling that go beyond the national requirements.

• Testing and measuring – Testing and measuring according to horticulture lighting specific parameters, such as PAR and PPF and testing according to industry standards.

• Training and workshop services – We can provide training as well as recommendations on light planning for indoor farming, possible shortcomings in lighting designs and support in identifying suitable light recipes for your target groups.