Durable, repairable and upgradeable LED luminaires are key elements contributing to sustainable lighting. Zhaga is a consortium of over 280 industry players in the lighting industry. Members include luminaire manufacturers, LED module makers, suppliers of materials and components, and testing labs. All companies have an interest and expect that Zhaga can help them and the lighting industry forward. After the name was chosen it was discovered that a waterfall in China is called Zhaga but that is just a coincidence and not intended.
Zhaga consortium is developing and standardizing interface of components of LED luminaires, including LED light engines, LED modules, LED arrays, holders, electronic control gear (LED drivers), connectors and sensing/communication modules. That allow exchangeability of LED luminaires components made by multiple different manufacturers.
Zhaga draw up a series of specifications, known as Books. Each Book describe the interfaces between LED luminaires and LED light engines, modules can be designed to fit that specification, and therefore are Zhaga compatible.
The inside of the modules is not being specified. That means that the manufacturer can make it in any way he sees fit as long as he complies with these specifications.
Following are 4 specific interfaces requirements for exchangeability.
- Mechanical. The actual mechanical connection points are at the same place.
- 2. Thermal. The heat transfer will be identical assuring that the heat from the module is transferred effectively to the heat sink of the luminaire.
- 3. Electrical.The electrical connections are at a defined place, so the new module can be connected again at the same place.
- 4. Photometric.The light output is defined, that means that for example the Light Emitting Surface is defined (and some more) with the result that you do not have to redesign the optical structure of the luminaire.
Zhaga Steering Committee has approved the 3rd edition of the popular Book 18 specification for outdoor luminaires. This helps bring IoT to the outdoor lighting market via smart, upgradeable, future-proof fixtures. AIKO has developed the most comprehensive range of outdoor lighting foreseen from Zhaga mounting standards, ensures a quick, tool-free installation and universal luminaire compatibility.
