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ANSI C136.31 Roadway and Area Lighting Equipment – Luminaire Vibration

ANSI C136.31 Roadway and Area Lighting Equipment – Luminaire Vibration

ANSI C136.31 Luminaire vibration is the standard that covers the minimum vibration withstand capability and vibration test methods for roadway luminaires and area luminaires. As a certified environmental lab, we realize the importance of roadway and area lighting equipment compliance testing. Meeting the environmental ANSI C136.31 requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance has a reputation for helping customers achieve their environmental product certifications. Our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts. Additionally, Keystone creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays.

Request a quote and find out first hand about our competitive pricing, timely process, and outstanding reputation. Have a question about ANSI C136 roadway and area lighting compliance testing? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.

Summary of ANSI C136.31 Luminaire Compliance Testing

ANSI C136.31 evaluates the minimum vibration withstand capability for luminaires. A luminaire is classified as a complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or solid-state light source.

The types of vibration are limited to externally induced vibration including wind-induced vibration and traffic-induced vibration. ANSI-C136.31 does not address natural or catastrophic disasters.

Roadway and area lighting luminaires may experience various types of externally induced vibrations. This includes

Wind-Induced Vibration

Wind can induce vibration in lighting systems that consist of luminaire, arm, and pole assemblies. The magnitude of the vibration is a function of the size, shape, and rigidity of the luminaire and pole systems.

Traffic-Induced Vibration

Traffic-induced vibrations can be transferred to the luminaire from a roadway, bridge, or overpass. Vibrations can be generated by the passage of vehicles or foot traffic.

ANSI C136.31 Vibration Testing Procedures

The vibration test is designed to determine whether the luminaire will withstand vibration conditions that may be encountered in normal installations. It is a mechanical performance test designed to simulate endurance in a relatively short period. 

The initial setup is to determine the balance point of the luminaire. An accelerometer or other intensity-measuring device is attached.

At a minimum, two single-axis accelerometers are required. One monitor is used to measure the acceleration. The other is used to monitor the luminaire response at the center of gravity.

The test is generally performed at resonant frequencies for several reasons:

  1. At or 2 HZ below the resonant frequency, the dynamic forces on the components will be proportional to the test acceleration. This allows for the creation of an accelerated life test condition. It also greatly reduces total testing time.
  2. Most vibration exciters have limited table displacement, so the required test accelerations cannot be attained unless the specimen is operated at resonance.

The test setup and sequence are discussed. Once the initial test direction excitation axis has been chosen, the accelerometer is placed at the appropriate location.

Next, the vibration table exciter uses a low-value input displacement. The frequency is slowly increased between 5 Hz and 75 Hz.

Once the test is completed for the initial test input excitation direction, the process is then repeated. This repetition is done for the other two mutually perpendicular input excitation directions.

Expert ANSI C136.31 Vibration and Shock Laboratory Testing

With multiple shakers and significant experience in vibration testing, Keystone Compliance has developed an expertise in luminaire vibration testing to standards such as ANSI C136.31. Our engineers not only properly test the devices, but they also provide detailed feedback and troubleshooting if issues arise.

In addition to providing expert luminaire vibration testing, our EMC lab provides all of the necessary electromagnetic compatibility testing on luminaires as well. Keystone Compliance is a full-service lab capable of providing all of the regulatory compliance testing needs that luminaire and lighting manufacturers require.

Please contact us to receive a quote for ANSI C136.31 luminaire vibration testing.

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