Horticultural Lighting Testing and Certification

Horticultural and agricultural lighting testing and certification services

Horticultural luminaires, lighting components and grow systems pose unique safety issues that may not be fully addressed by standards developed for general usage luminaries.

UL 8800

In addition to our active participation in the development of horticultural specific test methods and performance standards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), UL Solutions launched UL 8800, the Standard for Safety of Horticultural Lighting Equipment, which represents the first set of standardized requirements specifically designed for horticultural lighting equipment.

UL 8800 is used to evaluate horticultural lighting equipment from manufacturers seeking the UL certification Mark for their equipment and devices, and as of March 2021, the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) requires UL 8800 safety certification to remain on their Qualified Products List (QPL).

Our testing and certification services include, but are not limited to, these critical considerations for horticultural equipment and systems:

Photobiological effects

UL 8800 addresses potential human eye and skin exposure safety considerations associated with the light-source technology widely used in horticultural lighting systems. Tests are conducted in accordance with the requirements of IEC 62471 for Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems.

Wiring and connection methods

Horticultural lighting systems are frequently raised, lowered or repositioned to optimize plant growth. UL 8800 allows for specialized wiring and connection methods that support the required positioning flexibility.

Environmental considerations

Horticultural lighting systems are evaluated for their suitability in damp and/or wet environments, as well as in environments with elevated ambient temperatures.

Ingress protection

Classifies and rates the product’s degree of protection against infiltration from dust, moisture and water, which can compromise reliability. Meets IEC 60598-1, Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures, testing criteria.

UV exposure of polymeric materials

Evaluates how polymeric materials react when exposed to ultraviolet light (UV) from the sun or the light source within the luminaire. UV exposure can cause polymeric materials to become brittle and more susceptible to breakage.

In addition to testing of lighting equipment, UL Solutions can also help you test the Cybersecurity/IoT Ratings of your horticultural systems to assess risks and meet upcoming cybersecurity requirements from the DLC’s QPL, which will be required as of February 2022.

Performance testing for horticultural and agricultural lighting

In addition to UL Solutions’ safety certification service, we also offer customized performance and photometric testing services for horticultural lighting equipment, under UL S 8000 Horticultural Lighting Performance Specification. The deliverables for these services are test reports targeted toward the horticultural lighting industry, including photosynthetic photon flux and spectrum details, photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) output and efficacy, and spectral distribution measurements that enable growers to make the best decision on the wavelengths of light needed to optimize growth for their crops.

The UL S 8000 program comprises lighting manufacturers who agree to have their product's performance evaluated both initially and continuously. That data is then made available to end users (growers, specifiers, designers, etc.) to reference when selecting products through our Product iQ™ database.

Performance testing and verification claims are available for LED and non-LED lighting (halogen, metal halide, fluorescent, incandescent, etc.) equipment and systems.

2022 revisions to CA Title 24 that go into effect Jan 1, 2023 have mandatory requirements for Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) spaces. UL Solutions can test your horticultural systems and determine if your products meet the photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE) rated in accordance with ANSI/ASABE S640.