British test lab Intertek has started to offer decorative LED Christmas light testing services in Taiwan, said company representatives at Taiwan International Lighting Show 2016 (TILS 2016) jointly organized by TAITRA, SEMI and ITRI that took place last week in Nangang Exhibition Hall Center, Taiwan.

Every year there are a few reported LED Christmas light recall cases in U.S. and Europe, over potential fire hazards. A lot of these lights are manufactured by Asian companies that cannot afford losing shipment volumes.

Intertek's booth at Taiwan International Lighting Show 2016. (All photos courtesy of LEDinside)

“Large shipment volumes is essential for Christmas LED light manufacturers if they want to become profitable because of the lights low retail price", said an Intertek representative at the show.

Due to potential fire hazards and the usage of the lights in outdoor environments, the lights are subjected to more stringent UL 88 testing standards  than general lighting applications. The lights might even be tested for water resilience.

British royal guard mascot at Intertek’s booth attracted the attention of some visitors, which paused to have their photos taken with it. Left: Emma Chang, Editor, LEDinside, Right: Judy Lin, Chief Editor, LEDinside.

There is currently more awareness of passing safety tests for decorative LED light makers in Taiwan that are aiming to ship their products to Europe and American markets, said Intertek representatives.

“Walmart in U.S. will not sell products without (safety) marks anymore,” she added.

With large retailers such as Walmart setting up a higher standard for decorative LED Christmas lights, Taiwanese companies will need to invest in having their products tested in labs and receiving safety certification.

(Author: Judy Lin, Chief Editor, LEDinside)