LED fixtures are really taking off but it is becomming difficult to know what is a good fixture. There is so much junk out there. What are a few basic things to look for, questions I can ask a rep to insure I am getting a decent fixture as it pertains to the LEDs and the Driver? I am trying to make sure I get a good fixture for our Main Gym on Campus. I was told to look at there IES files and I get pages and pages of stuff I don't fully understand. I just want a simple check list of things to make sure of. Can anyone help me with this?
IES file metrics can separate poor performers from well engineered LED luminary's, critical to sports arena lighting, HID retrofits, and street lighting. Showing an institutional or public-works customer using that product w/ IES file, is customary unless you are a first adopter, buying a counterfeit product, or both.
Without a robust OEM warranty, volume retailers with Over-The-Counter returns processing may avoid being first adopters of the latest LED's, since they suffer more losses on bad-model returns.
It seems to me that remote, overseas, or inter-State OEM's can sell more junk, or assembly-line rejects to direct on-line buyers, if no OTC returns are available, or if returns are less likely do to return-shipping cost, or inconvenience.