The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LE 6-2009 Procedure for Determining Target Efficacy Ratings for Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Luminaires. The document, which was produced by NEMA’s Luminaire Section, was last published in 2008.

LE 6 provides a procedure for the determination of the target efficacy rating (TER) for luminaires under laboratory test conditions and describes categories or types of products used in common indoor and outdoor lighting applications. It does not apply to luminaires for specialized applications, such as products intended to be aimed, accent luminaires, rough or hazardous use luminaires, or emergency lighting. It is recommended to be used only as a guide to help in the selection of luminaires since TER does not address application characteristics such as color, uniformity, glare, or other important considerations.

The 2009 revision includes updates to the calculation of the energy effectiveness factor and clarifications to the luminaire types and classifications.

According to Cheryl English, a member of the Luminaire Section, “LE 6 is an invaluable guide for the selection and planning of lighting. Using the Target Efficacy Rating (TER), planners and designers are able to compare various solutions in terms of their overall energy with a consideration of the effectiveness of the light distribution. TER promotes a balanced approach to energy efficiency and lighting quality.”

LE 6 may be downloaded at no charge, or a hardcopy purchased for $55, by visiting http://www.nema.org/stds/le6.cfm, or by contacting IHS at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax), or global.ihs.com.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.