Two months ago, UL also opened a new European lighting test facility called the Centre of Excellence in Burago, Monza Brianza province, Italy. That laboratory, which provides safety testing and energy-efficient performance testing, will test lighting products for compliance with US programs including Energy Star as well as international standards. UL now has five such testing centers, including facilities in India and China.
North American testing hub
The Allentown facility is designed to benefit all participants in the lighting supply chain, from distributors of electrical material to lighting manufacturers, architects, designers and software providers. Lighting manufacturers will be able to ensure the safety, quality and performance of their products on a timely basis. Photometric testing services will take advantage of computer-controlled goniophotometers and integrating spheres to test lamps and luminaires.
At the grand opening of the Allentown facility, several dignitaries gave short speeches including Janet Smith of Governor Corbett’s office, Pennsylvania Senator Patrick Browne, and State Representative Gary Day. Lighting industry representatives also spoke including Taylor Jantz-Sell from the EPA’s Energy Star program and Joseph Frederic of the Zhaga consortium.
