NORTHBROOK, IL — Safety testing and certification services giant Underwriters Laboratories recently published its first safety standard for LED lighting.

The ANSI/UL 8750, Safety Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products creates a global platform of safety requirements for LED lighting equipment and the entire supply chain of components used in lighting products employing LED technology, UL says.

“UL 8750 provides manufacturers a single, much-needed safety standard for testing their LED products and related components sold in the United States,” Alberto Uggetti, general manager, UL Lighting Business said in a prepared statement.

“The new standard also gives consumers confidence that LED products bearing the UL Mark have been tested for safety.”

LEDs are being used in an increasing number of lighting products as the demand for energy efficiency and cleaner technology grows. LEDs can be seen in everything from novelty necklaces and seasonal lighting decorations to general illumination indoors and out, as well as billboards and other signage. 

The Strategies Unlimited consultancy specializing in advanced technology says the global market for LEDs is expected to exceed $5 billion by 2012. The growth projection is largely attributed to anticipated market innovations as well as significant energy and cost savings.

UL noted that as LED technology evolves to produce newer, higher voltage and light output applications, potential safety concerns -- such as overheating, electric shock and fire -- need to be addressed. The firm seeks to do so with its new standard and its ongoing product testing.

UL developed its first standard for lighting the early 1920s and has adopted new standards as the lighting industry matured. UL now tests and certifies all types of lighting products, components and accessories globally to more than 30 safety and performance standards.

Image CC licensed by Flickr user moonlightbulb.