NABL and ERDA Testing for LED Lights - What Buyers Need to Know

Q: Can I request NABL or ERDA test reports from Xera Tech before placing an order?

Yes. Xera Tech provides ERDA test reports for all major product lines on request. For large orders, the technical team can share the specific model test report relevant to your project specification. Contact connect@xeratech.in with the model number and wattage.

Q: Should I specify 'NABL tested' or 'ERDA tested' in my purchase order?

Specify 'test reports from a NABL-accredited laboratory or ERDA for photometric performance, IP rating, and electrical safety, per IS 16905.' This covers both ERDA and equivalent NABL labs, and specifies what must be tested. Writing just 'NABL tested' without specifying what tests are required leaves loopholes.

Q: Are ERDA test reports product-specific or factory-wide?

ERDA test reports are product-specific - each model/wattage variant is tested separately. A test report for a 40W street light does not cover the 60W version or a different housing design. When ordering multiple wattages, ensure test reports exist for each specific model in your purchase order.

NABL and ERDA Testing for LED Lights - What Buyers Need to Know

Manufacturer specification sheets can say anything. Independent third-party test reports from NABL-accredited or ERDA-certified laboratories tell you what a product actually delivers. Here is why this distinction is critical - and how to use test reports in procurement.

By Xera Tech Team · Updated June 1, 2025 · 4 sections

What NABL Accreditation Means

NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) is India's national accreditation body for test laboratories, under DAC (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade). A NABL-accredited laboratory has been independently audited to ISO/IEC 17025 - the international standard for laboratory competence. Tests performed by NABL-accredited labs are internationally recognised and legally defensible in contract disputes. When a manufacturer says 'NABL tested,' it means: the measurement equipment is calibrated, the test procedure is standardised, the result is reproducible, and an independent body verified the lab's competence.

What ERDA Tests

ERDA (Electrical Research & Development Association) in Vadodara, Gujarat is India's premier NABL-accredited testing laboratory for electrical equipment. For LED street lights, ERDA conducts: photometric testing (lumen output, luminous efficacy, beam distribution, uniformity - per IES LM-79), LM-80 LED chip lumen maintenance testing, thermal testing (junction temperature, fixture body temperature), electrical safety testing (IS 16905), surge and lightning protection testing, environmental tests (dust ingress, water ingress for IP rating), and accelerated aging tests. An ERDA test report for an LED street light is the gold standard for Indian government procurement - widely accepted by PWD, NHAI, and municipal corporations.

How to Read a Test Report

Key numbers to check in a photometric test report: Total luminous flux (lumens): compare against manufacturer's claim. A claim of 6,500 lumens for a 50W light is credible; a claim of 10,000 lumens for 50W is not. Luminous efficacy (lm/W): should be 130+ for quality products. Colour temperature (K): verify it matches the ordered spec (5000K, 6000K, etc.). CRI (Ra): should be 70+. Power factor: should be ≥ 0.95. THD: should be ≤ 10%. Maximum fixture temperature: should be under 70°C at 40°C ambient. IP ingress test result: pass for both solid and water ingress at the rated IP level. Any discrepancy between the test report and the manufacturer's datasheet is a serious quality concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request NABL or ERDA test reports from Xera Tech before placing an order?

Should I specify 'NABL tested' or 'ERDA tested' in my purchase order?

Are ERDA test reports product-specific or factory-wide?