NVLAP Energy Efficient Lighting Products LAP

Welcome

This site has been established for applicant and enrolled laboratories in the Energy Efficient Lighting (EEL) Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP). On this site you will find important program information and links to documents required for successful participation in the program.

Program Description

The Energy Efficient Lighting (EEL) Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) was established by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) in 1991 at the request of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to accredit laboratories that perform certain types of lamp and luminaire testing. The program has evolved to support EPA ENERGY STAR® and Department of Energy (DoE) lighting efficiency programs. NVLAP is recognized by the EPA as an ENERGY STAR® testing laboratory accrediting body (AB) and by DoE as a CALiPER accrediting body.

For information on the requirements of accreditation see NIST Handbook 150 which contains the general requirements for accreditation of laboratories. In addition, NIST Handbook 150-1 contains specific requirements for energy efficient lighting laboratories.

Proficiency Testing Requirements

Laboratories applying for IES LM-79 accreditation must participate in NIST solid state lighting proficiency testing. Testing must be successfully completed before IES LM-79 will be added to the scope of accreditation. Laboratories applying for IES LM-79 accreditation will be invoiced $2800 US for the cost of enrolment in the program.

Periodically, NVLAP initiates interlaboratory proficiency testing for incandescent, compact fluorescent, and linear fluorescent testing laboratories. The final report for Round 12 was released in April of 2011. The next round is expected to start in the summer of 2013. The approximate cost is $1,000 US and laboratories with these types of testing on their scopes will be notified and invoiced when the round begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much does accreditation cost?

A: Laboratories no longer submit the on-site assessment fee with their applications. Based on the Test Method Selection List submitted with the application, assessor feedback, and the duration of the last on-site assessment, laboratories will receive an invoice from Universal Technical Resource Services (UTRS) shortly after completing the application. Additional information about fees for accreditation is published on the NVLAP Fee Structure page of the NVLAP website.

Laboratories located outside of the United States: Non-U.S. laboratories pay actual expenses for assessments and will be invoiced the full cost of the assessment shortly after submitting the application.