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CSA C860-11 (R2016): Performance of Lighting Equipment – Measurement of Luminous Flux and Efficacy
Understanding the Canadian Standard for Photometric Testing of Light Sources and Luminaires
1. Scope and Application
CSA C860-11 (R2016), reaffirmed in 2016, is a comprehensive test method standard published by the Canadian Standards Association. It establishes uniform procedures for measuring the total luminous flux (lumens) and luminous efficacy (lumens per watt) of lighting equipment, including solid-state lighting (SSL) products, fluorescent lamps, and other integral light sources. The standard is intended for use by manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory bodies to ensure consistent and comparable photometric performance data.
It covers measurement of light output under controlled laboratory conditions using integrating sphere or goniophotometer setups, specifies electrical and environmental conditions, and defines reporting requirements. The standard applies to lighting equipment with a rated input power up to 1000 W and covers both AC and DC powered products.
Tip: CSA C860-11 is harmonized with IES LM-79 (for SSL) and incorporates specific Canadian requirements for voltage (120 V, 347 V) and frequency (60 Hz) testing.
2. Technical Requirements
2.1 Measurement Methods
The standard mandates either an absolute photometry method using an integrating sphere (with or without auxiliary sphere) or a goniophotometer for directional sources. For SSL products, the integrating sphere method is preferred when measuring total luminous flux, while goniophotometry is required for products with asymmetric beam distributions.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Total Luminous Flux | Measured in lumens (±2 % expanded uncertainty) | Integrating sphere diameter ≥ 1 m for sources > 1000 lm |
| Electrical Power | True RMS measurement (voltage, current, power factor) | Power analyzer with accuracy ±0.2 % |
| Luminous Efficacy | Flux / Input power (lm/W) | Calculated at stabilized operating condition |
| Source Stabilization | ≥ 30 minutes for SSL, ≥ 15 minutes for fluorescent | Ambient temperature (25 ± 2) °C |
| Ambient Air Velocity | < 0.2 m/s during measurement | To avoid forced convection effects |
2.2 Calibration and Reference Standards
The integrating sphere must be calibrated using a reference lamp traceable to a national metrology institute. For SSL products, the standard requires use of a calibrated photometer (CIE VA response) with known relative spectral responsivity. The reference lamp must be stabilized for at least 30 minutes before calibration measurements. A self-absorption correction factor must be applied when measuring SSL products in the sphere due to spectral differences.
Warning: Failure to apply self-absorption correction for SSL products can result in luminous flux errors exceeding 5 %. The correction factor must be measured using the actual product under test.
3. Implementation Highlights
3.1 Test Environment
The standard requires all measurements to be performed in a darkroom with no stray light. Ambient temperature must be maintained at 25 °C ± 2 °C. Humidity should be kept below 50 % RH to prevent condensation on optics. The product under test must be positioned in its intended operating orientation unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
3.2 Sampling and Reporting
For production verification, CSA C860-11 requires testing a minimum of five samples from a homogeneous batch. The report must include:
- Total luminous flux (lm) average and standard deviation
- Input power (W) and power factor
- Luminous efficacy (lm/W)
- Correlated color temperature (CCT) and color rendering index (CRI) if measured
- Test conditions (ambient temperature, stabilization time, measurement geometry)
- Calibration certificate of reference equipment
Compliance Note: Many Canadian energy efficiency programs (e.g., ENERGY STAR® Canada, BC Hydro) require photometric testing in accordance with CSA C860-11 as the basis for lumen maintenance data and declared efficacy.
4. Compliance Notes
4.1 Accreditation and Laboratory Requirements
Testing must be performed by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or recognised by an approved accreditation body. The standard explicitly states that results from non-accredited laboratories are not acceptable for regulatory compliance demonstration. Laboratories must participate in relevant interlaboratory comparisons (proficiency tests) annually for luminous flux measurements.
4.2 Product Classification
CSA C860-11 groups lighting equipment into three categories based on power and construction: A (plug‑in portable luminaires), B (line‑voltage fixed luminaires), and C (low‑voltage or driver‑based products, including SSL). Each category has specific measurement conditions and uncertainty targets.
4.3 Updates and Reaffirmation
The (R2016) designation indicates the standard was reaffirmed without substantive technical changes from the 2011 edition. Users should verify whether any addenda or corrigenda have been issued. The next systematic review is scheduled for 2021; a new edition may be published afterwards.
Important: Using outdated test methods (e.g., pre-2011 versions) may lead to invalid results during Energy Efficiency Regulations compliance audits. Always reference the current reaffirmed edition.
FAQs
Q: Is CSA C860-11 accepted for U.S. federally mandated testing?
A: While CSA C860-11 is a Canadian standard, it is technically equivalent to IES LM-79-08 for SSL products. U.S. DOE accepts test results from CSA C860-11 if the laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and the procedure is conducted in full accordance with the standard.
A: While CSA C860-11 is a Canadian standard, it is technically equivalent to IES LM-79-08 for SSL products. U.S. DOE accepts test results from CSA C860-11 if the laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and the procedure is conducted in full accordance with the standard.
Q: What is the typical uncertainty for luminous flux measurement under this standard?
A: Expanded uncertainty (k=2) is expected to be less than 3 % for integrating sphere measurements and less than 2 % for goniophotometer measurements, when all correction factors are properly applied.
A: Expanded uncertainty (k=2) is expected to be less than 3 % for integrating sphere measurements and less than 2 % for goniophotometer measurements, when all correction factors are properly applied.
Q: Can CSA C860-11 be used for LED luminaires with integral drivers?
A: Yes. The standard covers SSL products including LED lamps and luminaires. For products with non‑replaceable drivers, the test is performed on the complete unit. For separate drivers, the driver must be operated under rated load.
A: Yes. The standard covers SSL products including LED lamps and luminaires. For products with non‑replaceable drivers, the test is performed on the complete unit. For separate drivers, the driver must be operated under rated load.
Q: Does this standard replace CSA C22.2 No. 250 series?
A: No. CSA C860-11 is a performance test method, not a safety standard. Compliance with safety standards (e.g., CSA C22.2) is still required for product licensing. The two standards are complementary.
A: No. CSA C860-11 is a performance test method, not a safety standard. Compliance with safety standards (e.g., CSA C22.2) is still required for product licensing. The two standards are complementary.
Last updated: March 2026. This article is for informational reference only; always consult the official version of CSA C860-11 (R2016) for mandatory requirements.