How to Measure LED Light

How to Measure LED Light

LED lights are replacing other types of lighting as they are more efficient, last longer and save energy (and money).

Light meters, also known as lux meters, are the tools used to measure light. However, Not all light meters are created equal and using a general use light meter to measure LED light will produce erroneous results. To measure LED light accurately, you will need a specific light meter designed for the task.

What is LED Light?

Light is a form of electromagnetic energy that travels in waves, and these waves have both a wavelength and a frequency. In short, we humans have receptors in our eyes capable of sensing particular wavelengths and processing them into images. These visible wavelengths exist between 400 and 700nm, with individual colours present around specific wavelengths. See Figure 1 (below) for an example of the electromagnetic spectrum and visible light wavelengths.

Figure 1 Complete electromagnetic spectrum and visible light

All artificial light sources, fluorescent, incandescent and halogen, emit light in different ways. The listed examples primarily emit light from the ‘warmer’ spectra such as yellows, oranges and reds, and they do not produce much blue light.

On the other hand, most LED lights produce a narrow band of blue light, so if you are using a device that is not made to measure LED, significant errors in results can occur. See Appendix 1: Further Reading for a deep dive on the subject.

How to Measure LED light

The best way to measure LED light is to use a light meter designed explicitly for the task or that features a mechanism that can correct and measure the light intensity emitted from LED lights.

So you can find the best-LED light meter for your application, our scientists have put some examples of LED light measuring meters.

LED Light Meter Product Code: LT40   The LT40 is an entry-level LED light meter suitable for monitoring and optimising environmental light levels in buildings, schools, and offices.    Features: Measure LED and Standard Lighting in Lux or Foot-Candle (Fc) units ·Min/Max Average data view Cosine and colour corrected measurements Automatic power-off Specifications: Range: 999.9, 9999, 99990, 400000 Accuracy: ±3% LED Type: White

MAVOLUX Compact 5032-7 Product Code: IC-M502C   The highly reliable and featureful Maxolux IC-M502C is the favoured meter by professionals for measuring LED lighting. The unit is ideally used by lighting professionals for planning, installing, inspecting and monitoring lighting systems. Another application is for assurance of compliance purposes with specified lighting conditions.   Features: The spectral sensitivity of the silicon photodiode is colour corrected and corresponds to the spectral brightness sensitivity of the human eye V(λ). Illuminance measurement complying with class C per DIN 5032-7, appendix B of IEC 13032-1 and CIE 69. The built-in non-volatile memory allows for 100 measured values to be saved and retrieved. Rapidly performs two measurements per second Specifications: Range: 0.1 lx to 199 900 lx (4 ranges) Accuracy: 3 % of reading + 1 digit

Conclusion

To measure LED light, you need a light meter designed explicitly for the task. At Instrument Choice, we stock and have access to an immense range of light meters to suit virtually any need or application.

Need more information on how to measure LED light? Need assistance or advice finding the right LED light meter for your application? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist: Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].

Appendix 1: Further Reading

• Why Use a LED Light Meter for Measuring Light