Regulations
Tridonic: New Certification for Emergency Lighting
Tridonic, a leading provider of emergency lighting solutions, is the first manufacturer to receive ENEC certification for its lithium iron phosphate batteries. The new certification scheme was developed by the responsible organisation ETICS (European Testing, Inspection and Certification System)…
This new certification scheme enables all market participants to assess the quality of rechargeable batteries. Independent tests by accredited laboratories now provide a reliable basis. The ENEC (European Norms Electrical Certification) mark is not a self-declaration by the respective manufacturer but is awarded by independent testing institutes. The ENEC mark indicates that the products comply with EN safety standards and performance testing requirements and that the manufacturer works with an ISO 9000 quality system.
Tridonic has been supplying lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) for emergency lighting for more than seven years. The advantage over older technologies, such as NiCd or NiMH batteries, is the lower environmental impact, for example when recycling. From a technical point of view, LiFePO4 batteries offer high energy density and a long life time. Compared to other lithium-based technologies, they are also far less susceptible to overheating, fire or dangerous explosions.
The new ENEC mark for LiFePO4 batteries builds on the extensive tests and documentation relating to the safety of emergency lighting products at Tridonic. This includes numerous performance and safety tests to ensure that people can still find their way around buildings if the artificial lighting fails. The certification means that Tridonic’s LiFePO4 batteries fulfil the stringent European safety standards.
The ENEC mark is not mandatory for lighting, but it is a recognised European safety symbol and documents the reliability of the product and manufacturer.
Certification is reserved for accredited institutes that act in accordance with standardised test conditions. The international testing, inspection and certification organisation DEKRA Certification B.V. is the first testing body in the Netherlands that is authorised to certify batteries in lighting applications in accordance with ENEC.
