American National Standard: For Electric Lamps
American National Standard: For Electric Lamps
American National Standard: For Electric Lamps
379-2006
Revision of ANSI C78.379-1994 plus C78.379a-1997
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Contents
1 Scope….………………..……………………..………………………………………….5
2 Normative References…………………………………………………………………..5
3 Definitions…………………………………………………………………………………6
7 Lamp Descriptions……………………………………………………………………….10
3 Definitions
3.1 Beam axis
The axis about which the light output flux is substantially symmetrical. In symmetrical
beams, light flux is substantially symmetrical about the beam axis in planes through all
rotational angles about the lamp and the beam axis. In assymetrical beams, light flux
is substantially symmetrical in two planes 90° from each other and through the beam
axis.
The beam axis may or may not coincide with lamp axis through the lamp base or the
lamp axis normal to the plane of any fixed points on the reflector.
3.2 Center beam intensity (Ic)
The value of light flux intensity in candelas (cd) measured on the beam axis. See
figures 1, 2 and A1.
Note
1 The formerly used terms “maximum center beam candlepower” and “approximate average
candlepower in central 5° /10° cone” are superseded by the term center beam intensity.
Note
1 An Ip point that falls outside of the beam angle may be ignored.
3.9 Spot
A generic commercial term that does not by itself define a specific beam angle.
Typical use would be for beam angles no greater than 20 degrees. The term spot is
frequently used with a modifier, e.g. narrow spot.
For some types a reflector lamp may be classified simply in a general category of spot
or flood. In many cases a specific nominal beam angle may also be identified, e.g.
SP6, FL40.
For beam angles of less than 13° the angle rounded to the nearest whole number
should be used: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12.
For beam angles of 13° to 50° the angle rounded to the nearest 5° (starting at 15°)
should be used: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50.
For beam angles of 51° or greater, the angle rounded to the nearest 10° should be
used: 50, 60,70, 80, and 90.
classification.
An example of an asymmetrical classification is: 40x20.
4.3 Beam angle tolerance of PAR and R lamps
Beam angles used in designations are nominal values. However, beam angles of PAR
and MR lamps, made from pressed glass lenses and reflectors, vary considerably
over time from mold wear.
Similarly, blown glass R, BR, ER, and BRL lamps have a wide variation due to
changes in frost density and light center length.
The following are normally expected tolerances from the nominal value.
General procedures for the photometric testing of reflector lamps having symmetrical
or asymmetrical beams can be found in IES LM20.
5.1 Move the lamp or photodetector until the photodetector is on the beam axis, as
defined in clause 3.1. For wide-angle flood lamps, the photodetector may be retained
on the lamp axis since there is little or no difference in light intensity between the
beam axis and lamp axis. At this point, measure the center beam intensity, Ic. Record
the measured value of Ic for use in the determination of the light output rating of the
lamp.
5.2 Tilt or rotate the lamp or move the photodetector to find the two points with an
intensity of Ic/2 in the same plane on opposite sides of the beam axis.
5.3.1 For symmetrical beams, repeat the measurement of Clause 5.2 in at least a
second plane 90º from the original. Average the results from the different planes.
5.3.2 For asymmetrical beams, make the measurement of clause 5.2 in the widest
and narrowest planes 90º to each other, usually through the horizontal and vertical
axes of the test lamp fixture. See clause 4.2. Report these results separately.
5.4 For lamps with more complex beam patterns indicating more than one peak,
refer to Annex A.
Utilize the Ic obtained in clause 5.1. For reporting, round the center beam intensity to
the nearest two significant figures.
7 Lamp descriptions
7.1 Historically some reflector lamps are designated with only general description
of “spot” or “flood”, e.g. 75BR/FL, 150PAR/SP.
For many applications a lamp designation that also includes a specific nominal beam
angle is preferred, e.g. 40PAR30/FL40, 50PAR38/SP9
Annex A
(Normative)
A.1 In general this procedure would be appropriate for use with beams with two peak
intensity angles more than 10° apart and with one peak intensity at least 10% more
than the other.
A.2 Measure the beam of the test lamp in order to obtain a luminous intensity
distribution curve.
A.4 It is recommended that at least two measurements be made in the 8 planes (every
22.5°). Alternatively, at least 60 measurements in the field should be made if plotting
iso-candela diagrams.