A working standard can be defined as a standardized light source used for regular measurements in photometry. It serves as a reference point against which other light sources are compared. Working standards are carefully calibrated and maintained to ensure their accuracy and consistency over time. They provide a reliable baseline for measuring light output, color temperatures, and other photometric characteristics of various lighting fixtures.
Working standards are crucial in ensuring that lighting measurements and comparisons are reliable and consistent across different devices, manufacturers, and testing laboratories. Here are a few reasons why working standards are essential in the field of lighting:
1. Calibration: Working standards are meticulously calibrated to known values based on national or international standards. This calibration process ensures accuracy, allowing for consistent and reliable measurement of light output.
2. Quality Assurance: By using working standards, manufacturers can verify the quality and performance of their lighting products. This helps maintain consistency and ensures that lighting fixtures meet the specified photometric requirements and standards.
3. Cross-comparisons: Working standards enable cross-comparisons between different light sources. This is particularly important for industries such as automotive, aviation, and film where color rendering and light consistency are critical.
4. Research and Development: Working standards provide a stable foundation for research and development in the lighting industry. By using these standards, researchers can accurately evaluate new lighting technologies, assess their performance, and compare them with existing solutions.
5. Certification and Compliance: Working standards are used as references during certification processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. They help establish a common language for reporting and comparing photometric data.
Working standards form an indispensable part of the lighting industry, playing a vital role in accurate and consistent photometry measurements. By providing a standardized light source, working standards help ensure reliable comparisons and assessments of different lighting solutions. They serve as a reference point for manufacturers, researchers, and testing laboratories, driving innovation, quality assurance, and compliance within the lighting industry.