Iluminarc Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic RGB User manual

Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW
User Manual

Edition Notes
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
Edition Notes
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 covers the description, safety
precautions, installation, programming, operation, and maintenance of the
Ilumipod 18g2 IP
Optic WW. ILUMINARC® released this edition of the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW
User
Manual Rev. 4 in November 2015.
Trademarks
The ILUMINARC® logo, the ILUMINARC® name and all other trademarks in this document
related to services o
r products by ILUMINARC® are trademarks owned or licensed by
ILUMINARC®, its affiliates or subsidiaries. Any other
product names, logos, brands,
company names, trademarks featured or referred to within this document are the property of
their respective trademark holders.
Copyright Notice
The entire content ofthis document, except where applicable and unless otherwise noted,
issolely owned byILUMINARC®, a wholly owned trademark ofChauvet &Sons, LLC.
©Copyright 2015 ILUMINARC®.
All rights reserved.
Electronically published byILUMINARC® inthe United States ofAmerica.
Manual Usage
ILUMINARC® authorizes its customers to download and print this manual for professional
information purposes only. ILUMINARC® expressly prohibits the u
sage, copy, storage,
dis
tribution, modification, or printing of this manual or its content for any other purpose
without its written consent.
Document Printing
For better results, print this document in color, on letter size paper (8.5 x 11 in), double-
sided.
If using A4 paper (
210 x 297 mm), configure your printer to scale the content of this
document to A4 paper.
Intended Audience
Any person in charge of installing, operating, and/or maintaining the
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic
WW should read all of both the guide that shipped with i
t and this User Manual before
installing, operating, or maintaining this product.
Disclaimer
ILUMINARC® believes that the information contained in this manual is accurate in all
respects. However, ILUMINARC® assumes no responsibility for any error or omiss
ions in
this document. ILUMINARC® reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes
from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of ILUMINARC® to notify any
person or company of such revision or changes. This does not constitute
in any way a
commitment by ILUMINARC® to make such changes. ILUMINARC® may issue a revision
of this manual or a new edition of it to incorporate such changes.
Document Revision
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 supersedes all previous versio
ns of this
manual. Replace any previous versions of this manual with this version.
Author
Date
Editor
Date
D. Couppe
5/1/15

Table of Contents
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 i
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..........................................................................................................................1
What Is In the Box ................................................................................................................................... 1
Unpacking Instructions ............................................................................................................................ 1
Claims..............................................................................................................................................................1
Text Conventions..................................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Notes ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Personal Safety................................................................................................................................................2
Mounting and Installation.................................................................................................................................2
Power and Wiring.............................................................................................................................................2
Operation.........................................................................................................................................................2
2. Product Description.............................................................................................................3
Features................................................................................................................................................... 3
Options.............................................................................................................................................................3
Overview.................................................................................................................................................. 4
Dimensions.............................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Installation............................................................................................................................6
Mounting.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Orientation .......................................................................................................................................................6
Installation........................................................................................................................................................6
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................6
AC Power................................................................................................................................................. 7
Power Consumption.........................................................................................................................................7
AC Plug............................................................................................................................................................7
Power Wiring....................................................................................................................................................7
DMX Linking ............................................................................................................................................ 8
DMX Modes .....................................................................................................................................................8
Signal Wiring....................................................................................................................................................8
Protocol Connectivity .......................................................................................................................................8
Controllers ............................................................................................................................................... 9
DMX Controller.................................................................................................................................................9
Ilumicode Addresser ......................................................................................................................................10
4. Operation ............................................................................................................................11
Ilumicode Addresser.............................................................................................................................. 11
Ilumicode Panel Description...........................................................................................................................11
Control Options...................................................................................................................................... 11
Programming ......................................................................................................................................... 11
DMX Personality ............................................................................................................................................11
DMX Starting Address....................................................................................................................................11
Static Colors...................................................................................................................................................12
Dimmer ..........................................................................................................................................................12
Reset to Factory Settings...............................................................................................................................12
Menu Map.............................................................................................................................................. 12
DMX Values........................................................................................................................................... 12
SOLID ............................................................................................................................................................12

Table of Contents
ii Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
5. Technical Information ........................................................................................................13
Product Maintenance............................................................................................................................. 13
Product Repairs..................................................................................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting Guide .......................................................................................................................... 14
Photometrics.......................................................................................................................................... 15
LED Disclaimer...................................................................................................................................... 16
LED Life.........................................................................................................................................................16
LED Binning...................................................................................................................................................16
Color Rendering Index (CRI)..........................................................................................................................16
Returns Procedure................................................................................................................................. 17
Contact Us.....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 18

Introduction
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 1
1. Introduction
Critical
installation,
configuration, or
operation information.
Failure to comply with this
information may render the
product partially or
completely inoperative,
damage third-party
equipment, or cause harm
to the user.
Important
installation or
configuration
information. Failure to
comply with this
information may prevent
the product from
functioning correctly.
Useful
information.
The term “DMX”
used throughout
this document
refers to the USITT
DMX512-A transmission
protocol.
What Is In the Box
•Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW
•Warranty Card
•Quick Reference Guide
Unpacking Instructions
Immediately upon receiving a product from ILUMINARC®, carefully unpack the carton.
Check the contents of the box to ensure that all parts are present and that they are in good
condition.
Claims
The carrier is responsible for any damage incurred during shipping. Therefore, if the received
merchandise appears to have been damaged during shipping, the customer must submit the
damage report and any related claims to the carrier, not ILUMINARC®. The customer must
submit the report upon receipt of the damaged merchandise. Failure to do so in a timely
manner may invalidate the customer’s claim with the carrier.
For other issues such as missing components or parts, damage not related to shipping, or
concealed damage, the customer must make claims to ILUMINARC® within 7 days of
receiving the merchandise.
Text Conventions
Convention
Meaning
1~512
A range of values in the text
50/60
A set of mutually exclusive values in the text
“ILUMICODE UM”
The name of another publication or manual
<SET>
A button on the product’s control panel
Settings
A product function or a menu option
MENU > Settings
A sequence of menu options
1~10
A range of menu values from which to choose in a menu
Yes/No
A set of two mutually exclusive menu options in a menu
ON
A unique value to enter or select in a menu

Introduction
2 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
There are no
user-serviceable
parts inside this
product. Any reference to
servicing you may find in
this User Manual will only
apply to properly certified
ILUMINARC® technicians.
Do not open the housing
or attempt any repairs
unless you are certified to
do so.
Please refer to all
applicable local codes and
regulations for the proper
installation of this product.
Keep this manual
for future
consultation. If
you sell this product to
another user, make sure
that they also receive this
manual.
In the unlikely
event that your
Ilumipod 18g2 IP
Optic WW may require
service, please contact
ILUMINARC® Technical
Support.
Safety Notes
Please read all the following Safety Notes carefully because they include important
information on how to install, use, and maintain this product safely.
Personal Safety
•Avoid direct eye exposure to the light source while the product is on.
•Always disconnect this product from its power source before servicing.
•Always connect this product to a grounded circuit to avoid the risk of electrocution.
•Do not touch this product’s housing when operating because it may be very hot.
Mounting and Installation
•This product is for outdoor use and can be submerged (IP67). However, do not
submerge deeper than 1 m for more than 30 minutes.
•CAUTION: When transferring product from extreme temperature environments, (e.g.
cold truck to warm humid ballroom) condensation may form on the internal electronics
of the product. To avoid causing a failure, allow product to fully acclimate to the
surrounding environment before connecting it to power.
•This product weighs 11.6 lbs (5.26 kg). Always ask for help when mounting this
product to avoid personal injuries or damage to the product.
•Make sure there are no flammable materials close to this product while it is operating.
•When hanging this product, always secure it to a fastening device using a safety cable.
Power and Wiring
•Always make sure that you are connecting this product to the proper voltage, as per the
specifications in this manual or on the product’s sticker.
•Never connect this product to a dimmer pack.
•Make sure that the power input cable is not cracked, crimped, or damaged.
•Never disconnect this product by pulling or tugging on the power input cable.
Operation
•The maximum ambient temperature is 113° F (45° C). Do not operate this product at a
higher temperature.
•In case of a serious operating problem, stop using this product immediately!

Product Description
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 3
2. Product Description
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW is an LED wash light intended to light a variety of both
indoor and outdoor applications installation space is limited. The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW
consists of cast aluminum body containing a power supply, control unit, and an adjustable
base. The DMX input and output is located on rear of the product.
Features
•Operating mode, 1-channel: Dimmer
•5 distinct dimming curves
•High-power, 3-W warm white LEDs
•Cast aluminum, IP67 housing
•Impact-resistant glass lens cover
•IP67 stainless steel gland nuts for cable entry
•Adjustable bracket
•Humidity-controlling GORE® valve
Options
•Ilumicode Addresser (for product configuration)
•The RDM2go, which includes a built in ilumicode addresser along with many other useful
features is now available.
•The Ilumicoode addresser is required for product configuration (sold separately).

Product Description
4 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
Overview
Data In/Out
Power In
Mounting
Base

Product Description
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 5
Dimensions

Installation
6 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
3. Installation
Make sure to mount
this product away
from any flammable
material as indicated in the
Safety Notes.
Mounting
Before mounting this product, read and follow the safety recommendations indic
ated in the
Safety Notes.
Orientation
Always mount this product in a safe position,
making sure there is adequate room for ventilation,
configuration, and maintenance.
Installation
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW comes with two adjustable brackets with 3-
mm slot openings to
mount the product on any firm, non-flammable surface. The
angle of the product can also be
adjusted and locked into place after the fixture has been mounted
. ILUMINARC® recommends
following the general guidelines below when mounting the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW.
•When selecting an installation location, consider ease of access to the product for
operation, programming adjustments, and routine maintenance.
•Make sure the product’s mounting location can support its weight. See the Technical
Specifications for the weight requirement(s) of this product.
Procedure
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW comes with a mounting base which connects to the arm of the
product. The mounting plate has four 6.1-
mm holes on the corners to mount the product in any
orientation to almost any firm, non-flammable s
urface capable of supporting its weight. You will
have to use 4 mounting points per product.

Installation
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 7
Always connect
the Ilumipod 18g2
IP Optic WW to a
protected circuit with an
appropriate electrical
ground to avoid the risk of
electrocution or fire.
Never connect
the Ilumipod 18g2
IP Optic WW to a
rheostat (variable resistor)
or dimmer circuit, even if
the rheostat or dimmer
channel serves only as a
0 to 100% switch.
Make sure to
connect the
Ilumipod 18g2 IP
Optic WW to a power line
with the proper voltage
and frequency, as per the
specifications in this
manual or on the product’s
sticker.
AC Power
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW has an auto-ranging power supply that works with an input
voltage range of 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
Make sure that you are connecting this product to the proper voltage, as per the specifications
in this User Manual or on the product’s sticker.
Power Consumption
To determine the power requirements for the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW, refer to the label
affixed to the side of the product. Alternatively, you may refer to the Technical Specifications.
The listed current rating indicates the maximum current draw during normal operation.
AC Plug
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW comes with a bare-ended power input cord for hardwire
installation. Use the table and the illustration below to wire a plug.
Connection
Wire (U.S.)
Screw Color (U.S.)
Wire (Europe)
IP67 Pin
AC Live
Black
Yellow or Brass
Brown
1
AC Neutral
White
Silver or Gray
Blue
2
AC Ground
Green/Yellow
Green
Green/Yellow
3
The listed current
rating indicates
the maximum
current draw
during normal operation.
If you choose to
bury the power or
signal distribution
boxes, make sure that
they are IP67-rated or
greater.
Power Wiring
You can connect the bare-ended, IP67-rated AC power cable from the product to an IP67-rated
power connector or IP67-rated junction box.
If using junction boxes, make sure to use IP67-rated conduit for surface installations.

Installation
8 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
The Ilumipod
18g2 IP Optic
WW must be
linked using DMX
cable in a daisy chain
(serial) fashion. To
comply with the EIA-485
standard, no more than
32 products should be
connected on one daisy
chain without using a
DMX optically isolated
splitter. Doing otherwise
may result in deterioration
of the digital DMX signal.
USITT
recommends
limiting the total
length of the DMX cable
(from the first
product/controller to the
last product) to 300–455
m (985–1,500 ft).
Disconnect the
product from the
AC power before
opening it.
The signal cable
must match or
exceed the
electrical characteristics
of the Belden® 9841
cable for EIA RS-485
applications. You may
also use CAT5, 5e, or
CAT6 LAN cable.
DMX Linking
You may link the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW to a DMX controller using a standard DMX
serial connection. If using other DMX products compatible with the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic
WW, you can control each individually with a single DMX controller.
If you are not familiar with the DMX standard, or if you need information about the DMX
cables needed to link the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW to a DMX controller, you may
download the “DMX Primer” from the ILUMINARC® w
ebsite at
http://www.iluminarc.com/reports/dmx-primer.
DMX Modes
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW uses the standard DMX data connection for its DMX
personality, SOLID. Refer to the Introduction chapter for a brief description of this mode.
Refer to the Operation chapter to learn how to configure the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW to
work in this mode. The DMX Values section provides detailed information regarding the
DMX modes.
DMX Mode
DMX Address
SOLID
512
Signal Wiring
To provide signal for the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW, you can connect the bare-ended,
IP67-rated signal cable from the product to two IP67-rated signal connectors (DMX In/DMX
Out) or use an IP67-rated junction box. In this case, make sure to use
IP67-rated conduit.
Protocol Connectivity
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW uses the USITT DMX 512 protocol. The procedure below
illustrates the recommended connection method.

Installation
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 9
If you have not
configured the
DMX starting
address and
DMX mode for each
product, they will all use
their default values. This
means that all products
will operate in unison.
Controllers
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW can operate with a standard DMX controller or the
ILUMICODE addresser. The sections below provide information on how to connect these
products to the corresponding controllers. The instructions to operate these products with each
of the above controllers are in the Operation chapter of this manual.
DMX Controller
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW can work with a standard DMX controller. The channel
assignments will depend on the chosen personality (see the corresponding Menu Map section)
and the DMX address assigned to each product (see the Programming section).
The figure below illustrates how to connect the DMX controller to the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic
WW.

Installation
10 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
The RDM2go, which
includes a built in
ilumicode addresser
along with many other useful
features is now available.
To assign individual
DMX addresses to
each product, you
must connect the
Ilumicode addresser to each
product, individually.
ILUMINARC®
suggests that you
connect no more
than 20 products in
this mode and keep the total
distance to less than 60 m
(197 ft). Otherwise, you
might need to use an
optically isolated signal
amplifier.
Ilumicode Addresser
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW uses the Ilumicode Addresser (“Ilumicode”)
for configuration
purposes. The diagram below shows how to connect the Ilumicode
to this product. This
connection will control multiple products at the same time, all having the same DMX address.
Important: The Ilumicode must be used to configure this
product. The Ilumicode can be
purchased separately through your ILUMINARC® sales representative.

Operation
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 11
4. Operation
When you scroll
through the
menu options,
you will see
many of them that do not
correspond with the menu
map. Skip them, as they
do not work with
WW-only output
products.
Ilumicode Addresser
The Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW needs an external controller, the Ilumicode Addresser
(“Ilumicode”), to change its configuration.
Ilumicode Panel Description
Button
Function
<MENU>
Exits from the current menu or function.
<ENTER>
Enables the currently displayed menu or sets the
currently selected value into the selected
function.
<UP>
Navigates upwards through the menu list and
increases the numeric value when in a function.
<DOWN>
Navigates downwards through the menu list and
decreases the numeric value when in a function.
<POWER>
Turns the unit on. The unit will turn off
automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity.
Control Options
You can set the Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW start address in the 001~512 DMX range. This
allows for the control of up to 512 products in the 1-channel SOLID personality.
Programming
Carry out all the programming procedures indicated below from the control panel. Refer to
the Menu Map section to learn how the menu options relate to each other.
Use <ENTER> and <MENU> to change levels in the Menu Map, moving right and left
respectively. Use <UP> and <DOWN> to move vertically within the Menu Map.
DMX Personality
1. Go to PERS and select SOLID.
2. Make sure to rearrange the DMX addresses of all products in the current DMX
universe to avoid address overlapping.
DMX Starting Address
1. Go to DMX.
2. Select a starting DMX address (001~512).

Operation
12 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
DIM1 is the
fastest dimming
curve and DIM4
is the slowest.
Static Colors
1. Go to STATIC.
2. Select a color (SOLD).
3. Select a color value (000~255).
Dimmer
This setting gives the user four different options to simulate the dimming curve of an
incandescent lighting product.
1. Go to DIMMER.
2. Select a dimming curve (OFF or DIM1~4).
Procedure:
DIMMER
Description
OFF
Dimmer curve is linear with fader
DIM1
Non-linear (fastest)
DIM2
Non-linear (fast)
DIM3
Non-linear (slow)
DIM4
Non-linear (slowest)
Reset to Factory Settings
1. Go to SETTINGS > RESET.
2. Select an option (YES/NO).
Menu Map
Main Level
Programming Levels
Description
DMX 001~512 Sets the DMX starting address
PERSON SOLID 1-channel: Dimmer
DIMMER OFF
N/A
Dimmer works in linear mode
DIM 1
Dimmer works in non-linear mode, from fast to slow
DIM 2
DIM 3
DIM 4
STATIC SOLD 000~255 Configures the static color
SETTINGS RESET NO/YES Resets unit to factory default settings
DMX Values
SOLID
Channel
Function
Value
Percent/Setting
1
Dimmer
000 ó255
0~100%

Technical Information
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 13
5. Technical Information
Always dry the
external optics
and glass
surfaces carefully
after cleaning them.
If you still
experience
technical
problems after
trying the solutions in the
Troubleshooting Table,
contact ILUMINARC®
Technical Support.
Product Maintenance
To maintain optimum performance and minimize wear, clean the products frequently. Usage
and environment are contributing factors in determining the cleaning frequency. As a general
guideline, products should be cleaned at least twice a month. Dust build-up reduces light
output, performance, and can cause overheating. This can lead to reduced light source life.
For products containing external optical lenses, clean them periodically to optimize light
output. The cleaning frequency depends on the environment in which the product operates.
Damp, smoky, or particularly dirty surrounding can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the
product’s optics, requiring more frequent cleaning.
To clean a product:
•Unplug the product from power.
•Wait until the product has cooled.
•Use a vacuum (or dry compressed air) and a soft brush to remove dust collected on the
external vents and reachable internal components.
•Clean all external glass optics and glass surfaces with a mild solution of glass cleaner
or isopropyl alcohol, and a soft, lint-free cotton cloth or lens-cleaning tissue.
•Apply the solution directly to the cloth or tissue and wipe any dirt and grime to the
outside edge of the lens.
•Gently polish the external glass surfaces until they are free of haze and lint.
Product Repairs
ILUMINARC® strongly advises you against attempting any repairs to this product unless you
are an authorized ILUMINARC® technician.
ILUMINARC® presents the information contained in the Troubleshooting Guide as potential
solutions only. In most cases, opening the product’s housing will invalidate its warranty.

Technical Information
14 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom
Cause(s)
Action(s)
Circuit breaker/fuse keeps
tripping/blowing
Excessive circuit load
Check total load placed on the electrical
circuit
Short circuit along the power wires
Check for a short in the electrical wiring
Product does not power up
No power
Check for power on power outlet
Loose or damaged power cord
Check power cord
Faulty internal power supply
Return for service to Iluminarc®
Product does not respond to
DMX
Wrong DMX addressing
Check Control Panel and product addressing
Damaged DMX cables
Check DMX cables
Wrong polarity on the controller
Check polarity switch settings on the
controller
Loose DMX cables
Check cable connections
Faulty DMX interface
Return for service to Iluminarc®
Faulty Display/Main board
Return for service to Iluminarc®
DMX signal problems
Non-DMX cables
Use only DMX-compatible cables
Bouncing signals
Install terminator as suggested in the “DMX
Primer” from the ILUMINARC® website at
http://www.iluminarc.com/reports/dmx-
primer
Long cable/low level signal
Install an optically coupled DMX splitter
right after the product with the strong signal
Too many products
Install an optically coupled DMX splitter
after product #32 or before
Interference from AC wires
Keep DMX cables separated from power
cables or fluorescent/black lights

Technical Information
Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4 15
Photometrics
Filename:
ILUMIPOD 18g2 IP OPTIC 30 WW
Manufacturer:
ILUMINARC
Luminaire:
ILUMIPOD 18g2 IP OPTIC 30 WW
Lamp Output:
1 lamp, rated Lumens/lamp: 1700
Max Candela:
7,506.6 at Horizontal: 215°, Vertical: 5°
Input Wattage:
43.1
Luminous Opening:
Point
Test:
20120815
Test Date:
2012-08-15
Test Lab:
ILUMINARC R&D
Photometry :
Type B
CIE Class:
Direct
Flood Summary
Efficiency
Lumens
Horizontal Spread
Vertical Spread
Field (10%):
63.7%
1,082.2
39.4
38.6
Beam (50%):
36%
611.2
21.6
21
Total:
78.3%
1,331.9
Photometrics Pro 1.3.21 copyright 2003-2012 by jSolutions, Inc.
Reported data calculated from manufacturer's data file, based on IES recommended methods.

Technical Information
16 Ilumipod 18g2 IP Optic WW User Manual Rev. 4
LED Disclaimer
LED Life
ILUMINARC® rates LED lifetime based on lumen depreciation of 70% of the original output,
with data provided by the manufacturer of the LED. Data from the manufacturer of the LED
are not independently verified or measured by ILUMINARC®. When the product is operating
in optimal environmental conditions, the LED lifetime is rated to be 50,000 to 70,000 hours by
the LED manufacturer.
LED Binning
LED manufacturers sort LEDs into “bins,” based on variances in color, output intensity, and
the frequency at which the semiconductor operates. ILUMINARC® strives to hold its LED
manufacturers to the highest standards of binning to optimize consistency in output from
product to product. However, the availability of a single bin cannot be guaranteed. With that in
mind, ILUMINARC® has developed a rigorous control system to seek the best-achievable
consistency in color and output.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
CRI is an industry standard method to compare properties of different types of light sources.
There are known limitations and inconsistencies related to CRI. Results may vary depending
on the environmental factors involved. For this reason, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
states that CRI should be considered as one point of reference among others in evaluating
white LED products and systems.
The following is an excerpt of recommendations from the DOE:
1. Identify the visual tasks to be performed under the light source. If color fidelity under
different light sources is critically important (for example, in a space where color or
fabric comparisons are made under both daylight and electric lighting), CRI values may
be a useful metric for rating LED products.
2. CRI may be compared only for light sources of equal correlated color temperature.
This applies to all light sources, not only to LEDs. Also, differences in CRI values of
less than five points are not significant, e.g., light sources with 80 and 84 CRI are
essentially the same.
3. If color appearance is more important than color fidelity, do not exclude white light
LEDs solely on the basis of relatively low CRI values. Some LED products with CRIs
as low as 25 still produce visually pleasing white light.
4. Evaluate LED systems in person and, if possible, on-site when color fidelity or color
appearance are important issues.
Source: DOE publication: PNNL-SA-56891, January 2008