Light Output/Lumens -
Light Output is the total luminous flux. It is the total quantity of emitted overall light energy as measured by integrating the entire angular output of the portable light source. Light output in this standard is expressed in units of lumens.
Beam Distance -
Beam Distance is defined as the distance from the device at which the light beam is 0.25 lux (0.25 lux is approximately the equivalent of the light emitted from the full moon on a "clear night in an open field")
Run Time -
Run Time is defined as the duration of time from the initial light output value-defined as 30 seconds after the point the device is first turned on using fresh batteries, until the light output reaches 10% of the initial value.
Water Resistance -
Water Resistant/IPX4 is defined as, water can be splashed against the device from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
Why Create Standards
Recently, a need for a standard performance platform for the flashlight industry was recognized. The absence of a consistent performance standard has made it difficult to provide comparable product claims and effectively communicate features and benefits, which consumers use to select the right flashlight for their specific needs. Our research indicates a consistent performance platform would be quite beneficial to help users make the right selection when choosing a flashlight.
In addition, the category is changing rapidly as new companies and products enter the market. Flashlight technology has radically changed and consumers are eager to learn more about these new disruptive technologies.
Current agencies, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), do not provide performance standards for flashlights, so major retailer's that employ testing firms are requesting guidance.
Flashlight Standards
To respond to this need, 14 flashlight companies, including LED LENSER, collaborated to write a standard. They included the following products: hand-held/portable flashlights, spotlights, and headlamps.
The ANSI/NEMA FL 1 Standard has been ratified and includes six measures. Each measure is defined, has a test procedure specified, and has an associated icon to use for claims. Standard ratification included voters representing three groups: 1) manufacturers, 2) users, and 3) general interests - one group cannot represent more than 50% of the total ratifying vote.
ANSI (American National
Standards Institute)
These standards are
accredited by ANSI, which is a private non-profit organization that oversees
the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services,
processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The organization also
coordinates U.S. standards with international standards so American products
can be used globally.
