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Ray Lambe The Role of Measurements and of a National Standards Laboratory in Energy Efficient Lighting National Physical Laboratory, Queens Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, England Abstract Measurements are crucial in the development, assessment and implementation of energy efficient light sources and installations. Examples include spectral measurements to assess the quality of light output and photometric measurements to assess lighting installations. However, the difficulties of making accurate measurements are not always appreciated. Both correct technique and traceable calibration of instruments are essential to obtain a valid result. Poor practice and incorrect results are relatively common, making education and training essential. The validity of some measurements, where the lighting level is other than photopic, are also in question. National standards laboratories are at the apex of the traceability chain. They not only provide traceability, but also maintain specialist facilities that may be too expensive for individual companies to operate, and disseminate best practice to the user community. However, national standards laboratories, NPL included, require feedback from the user community too: what are the measurement requirements?
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