Photometric Testing

Independent measurement of lighting performance and optical characteristics

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Supporting Validation of Lighting Products and Optical Systems

Photometry measures light as perceived by the human eye. Photometric testing evaluates the optical performance and light distribution of lighting products and luminaires.
Accurate photometric measurements are essential for validating product performance, supporting certification, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
DEKRA provides independent photometric testing through a global network of accredited laboratories equipped with advanced measurement systems. Our experts assist manufacturers in evaluating the optical performance of lighting products for various applications.

Why Photometric Testing Matters

Photometric testing helps manufacturers by:
  • Verifying the optical performance and light distribution of lighting products.
  • Confirming declared photometric characteristics and product specifications.
  • Supporting compliance with applicable lighting standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Providing technical data for lighting design, certification, and product validation.
  • Helping identify optical performance issues during product development.

Photometric Measurements Capabilities

Photometric testing evaluates key optical characteristics of lighting products and systems. These measurements describe how light is emitted, distributed, and perceived, providing essential data for lighting design, product validation, and certification.

Typical photometric measurements include:

  • Luminous flux
  • Luminous intensity distribution
  • Luminance
  • Spectral distribution
DEKRA conducts these measurements using specialized laboratory equipment and standardized testing methods. Typical measurement techniques include:
  • Goniophotometric measurements for analysing light distribution.
  • Integrating sphere measurements for luminous flux and spectral characteristics.
  • Spectral characterisation of light sources.
  • Generation of photometric data files, such as LDT and IES files.
Photometric measurements may also support photobiological safety assessments (IEC/EN 62471) to evaluate potential optical radiation hazards associated with artificial light sources.
These measurements provide detailed information about the optical behavior of lighting products and support product development, lighting design, and certification.
Photometric Testing and Certification
Photometric measurements provide essential technical data supporting certification processes and regulatory compliance. Test results help manufacturers demonstrate lighting performance and conformity with applicable standards.
Photometric testing provides measurement results used to support certification schemes evaluating lighting performance characteristics, such as ENEC+, DEKRA LED Performance, DLC, Lighting Facts or Energy Star, depending on the product type and target markets.
Additional information about certification and interoperability schemes for lighting products is available on the Lighting Testing and Certification.

Photometric Testing for Lighting Products

Photometric testing supports the evaluation of lighting products used in a wide range of professional and public environments. Applications include:
  • Consumer and residential lighting.
  • Office and professional lighting.
  • Public and street lighting.
  • Architectural lighting.
  • Medical and specialised lighting systems.
Testing may be performed for components, LED modules and complete luminaires or lighting systems.
Smart and connected lighting systems are increasingly used in homes, buildings, and urban infrastructure. Photometric testing evaluates lighting performance in these systems, ensuring that optical characteristics such as light distribution, colour quality, and luminous efficacy meet applicable requirements.

Photometric Testing for Automotive

DEKRA also provides photometric and optical measurements for automotive systems and components. Modern vehicle technologies rely on precise optical performance to ensure safety, visibility, and regulatory compliance.
Our photometric laboratories support testing and validation of automotive lighting systems and camera-based vision technologies in modern vehicles.
Lighting Testing
Lighting products must meet a wide range of safety, performance and regulatory requirements before entering global markets. Explore our related services that support comprehensive testing and certification for luminaires, LED lighting products, and connected lighting systems.
Discover our lighting testing services.
Advanced photometric measurement capabilities

Specialized laboratory equipment supporting accurate optical performance measurements.

Lighting and automotive expertise

Extensive experience testing luminaires, LED lighting products and vehicle lighting systems.

Integrated testing and certification services

Photometric measurements supporting validation, certification and regulatory compliance.

Global laboratory network

Accredited laboratories providing coordinated photometric testing services worldwide.

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