ANSI Testing

ANSI/NEMA FL-1 standard - Fenix Has Implemented ANSI Standard. This refers to:

OUTPUT
RUNTIME
DISTANCE
INTENSITY
IMPACT RESISTANCE
WATER RESISTANCE


Sections

1. A brief introduction of ANSI/NEMA FL1-2009 Standard
2. Why was it created?
3. Who approved the standard?
4. What does it mean to consumers and distributors?
5. Descriptions of the tests
6. How Fenix use it?

1. A brief introduction to the ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009 Standard

American National Standards Institute (ANSI for short) was established in 1918. It is a non-profit non governmental standards institute.

The FL 1-2009 standard - Flashlight Basic Performance Standard – was created (initially for the USA, but adopted worldwide) to give comparable performance data for lighting products. This allows retailers and consumers to understand and make a more educated decision about lighting products from different manufacturers.

2. Why was it created?

For a long time, there had been no standardized tests or uniform rating systems for consumers to judge flashlight performance. Without any uniform rating systems, it frustrated the manufacturers who were working hard to make high quality lighting tools.
The establishment of ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009 Standard allowed consumers to compare flashlight performance. The standard provides a guide for consumers to rate and compare the claims on the packages for each manufacturer’s products. Distributors and consumers are more informed. Therefore, it is much easier for them to make the best choices for their needs.

3. Who approved the standard?

American National Standards Institute (ANSI for short). National Electrical Manufactures Association (NEMA for short).
Representatives from 14 illumination companies, such as Princeton, Surefire, Petzl, Streamlight, Black Diamond and Duracell, etc. as well as representatives from flashlight users and flashaholics.

4. What does it mean to consumers and distributors?

The ANSI Standard helps the consumers know about the technical parameters of flashlights which allows them to make a comprehensive comparison of various flashlights.
It can provide a guide for distributors and end users to know more about the products and make the best choices for their needs.It evens the playing field for those manufacturers that participate.
It’s important to know that adherence to these standards and reporting results is strictly voluntary but many leading flashlight manufacturers are now adopting the standard.

5. Description Of Test Conditions

The testing contents of ANSI Standard include light output, runtime, beam distance, peak beam intensity, impact resistance and water resistance.

Output:

A measurement of the total quantity of emitted overall light energy as measured by integrating the entire angular output of the portable light source. The result is reported in lumen.

Purpose:
To provide a procedure for the measurement of the quantity of overall light energy emitted by the device.

Power resource:
All tests are conducted with fresh batteries or fully charged batteries/energy storage devices.
12V DC devices that are only tethered shall be powered with 13.8V DC using a power supply.
Batteries used for testing and claim substantiation shall be of the same type and/or brand as those offered for sale with the product.
If the product is sold without batteries and a light output claim is made, a specific battery type and chemistry shall be recommended with the package.
The batteries recommended by the manufacturer are to be used for testing.

Procedures:
Devices are to be mounted or held against an external port adapter or placed inside the sphere. Exposure should be set to produce test equipment manufacturer’
detector saturation level.

Results:
Light output is the average lumen value of 3 samples.

Runtime:

The duration of time from the initial light output value (that’s 30 seconds after the light is turned on with fresh batteries ) until the light output drops to 10% of the initial value.

Purpose:
To determine the amount of time elapsed (under continuous operation) at which the device’s light output reaches a level when users will commonly replace the batteries.

Conditions:
If the device offers multiple output levels, the runtime will be measured at the maximum level or as otherwise identified.

Procedures:
The initial reading is taken at 30s of continuous operation when using a luxmeter, ensure that the light is operated continuously without any off time.

Beam Distance:

The distance from device at which the light beam is 0.25 lux. Results are reported in meters.

Purpose:
To provide a procedure to determine the maximum distance at which the devices is capable of producing 0.25 lux of light within 30s to 2 min of operation.

Procedure:
Place the luxmeter at a test distance of either 2 or 10 or 30 meters from the lens of the device to be tested. Use the luxmeter to identify the brightest point of the beam pattern and record the highest indicated value.

Final calculation:
To determine the beam distance, the Inverse Square Law formula is used: √( peak beam intensity (cd) /0.25 (lux)) = Max Beam Distance (m)

Peak Beam Intensity:

Peak beam intensity is the maximum luminous intensity, typically along the central axis of a cone of light. The value is reported in candela and does not change with distance.

Purpose:
To provide a procedure to determine the peak beam intensity, reported in units of candela, of the device’s beam pattern within 30s to 2 min of operation.

Procedure:
Place the luxmeter at a test distance of either 2 or 10 or 30 meters from the lens of the device to be tested. Use the luxmeter to identify the brightest point of the beam pattern and record the highest indicated value. Results are reported in candela.
Measurements shall be taken 30s to 2 min of turning on the device.

Final Calculations:
Surface light intensity (lux) x distance (m)2 = peak beam intensity (cd)

Impact Resistance:

The degree to which a portable light resists damage when dropped on a solid surface. Dropped samples must not exhibit any cracks or breaks, and must remain fully functional in order to pass the impact resistance test.

Purpose:
To ensure the structural integrity of hand-held/portable lighting devices under specified impact conditions. The test procedure provides specifications and methods that will ensure products meet a minimum standards of reliability as a result of impact testing. Drop testing should be a priority over any other reliability tests.

Drop Test:
Products are dropped with all intended additions: batteries, elastic, tethers, hand straps, etc.
Drop height for product samples shall be 1m minimum.
When measured, all the requirements listed below must be passed:
Each sample is dropped 6 times using impact orientations that approximate a cube.
Samples must be marked prior to the drop test in a manner that can assure that all 6 drop orientations are tested.
Each sample must be released on each orientation of the approximated cube. Samples should be in the “off” position with batteries in place.

Passing Criteria:
Dropped samples must not exhibit any cracks or breaks visible with normal vision.
The product must remain fully functional.
Some reassembly is allowed provided that is done without any tool or replacement components.
Cosmetic defects such as scuffs, scratches, rubs, abrasion will not be considered reasons for failure.

Impact Resistance Rating:
Test samples must pass a drop test from a minimum of 1m in order for the impact resistance claim to be made.
Rating in excess of 1m shall be reported with values rounded down to the nearest whole meter

Water Resistance:

Purpose:
To test whether the flashlight water resistance can satisfy the lowest requirements for reliability.

Procedure:
All test samples shall function normally immediately after the test and 30 min after the test.
Water ingress is allowed as long as the above conditions are met.

Water Resistance:
There are three tests that measure water resistance:
Resistance to Temporary Immersion in Water
Resistance to Continuous Immersion in Water
Resistance to Splashing Water

6. How Fenix use ANSI?

Fenix will strictly adhere to the ANSI Standard to measure the various fundamental features of its products.

Fenix will spare no efforts to provide more reliable products and perfect service. Consumers can better evaluate, compare and choose their products provided that they know about the output, beam distance, impact resistance, water resistance and the runtime.

In order to meet this target, Fenix was the first manufacturer to participate in the ANSI/NEMA FL1-2009 Standard in China. It will adhere to ANSI/NEMA FL1-2009 Standard with its products.

For instance, the ANSI Standard was introduced to early Fenix E21, LD25, LD40 and HP20 models. Later products continue to be line with the ANSI Standard.

In addition to the ANSI Standard tests and to allow for consumers’ various real life usage conditions, Fenix also performs other in-house tests, such as the salt spray test, bending test, vibration test, ultraviolet radiation test, etc. Only the products which completely meet both the ANSI Standard and its internal standards can be called Fenix products.

A. Shakeout Test: A test that measures the scratch and wear resistance to the surface of flashlight.

B. Bending Test: A test that measures the strength of wires and cabling.

C. Salt Spray Test: A test that measures corrosion resistance when in contact with salt water.

D. Ultraviolet Radiation Test: A test that measures the changes to the flashlight after being subjected to ultraviolet radiation.

E. Environmental Test: A test that measures the reliability of the product whilst being subjected to extreme temperatures (high and low).

F. Vibration Test: An endurance test subjecting the flashlight to vibration.

G. Switch Test: A test to determine the durability and lifespan of the switches.

H. Temperature Test: A test that measures the flashlight heat generation, dissipation and the relevant internal temperatures, etc.

Fenix has introduced the ANSI Standard to its new products. All technical parameters of the products, such as E21, LD25, LD40 and HP20, were produced in line with the ANSI Standard. As a result the output and the runtime figures have become much more accurate and scientific. Later products have been produced in line with the standard to meet international needs.

* Fenix have introduced the ANSI standard to its product packages. 
* Fenix now records ANSI test results on its product packaging to allow customers to quickly understand the product capabilities.
* Fenix have introduced the ANSI standard to the product manuals. 
* Fenix has made some modifications to its product manuals. The modifications help consumers to easily identify, compare and rate the flashlights. 
* Fenix will continue to report the ANSI Standard of its later products to meet the international consumer needs.