Zhaga, a global association of lighting companies aimed at standardizing interfaces among components of LED luminaires, announced that its strategy task force has completed a reevaluation of the organization’s scope and looks to move the organization into new territory in response to changes in the lighting industry. The task force looked especially at LED lighting and lighting digitalization, and the needs of lighting designers and architects for components that can be assembled easily with standardized interfaces, as well as requirements put on lighting systems as part of a circular economy, the group said in a release.
Besides creating specifications for electrical, mechanical, optical, thermal interfaces for components to be used in LED luminaires, the new Zhaga, pending approval of a new Consortium Agreement by the group’s General Assembly in April, will expand into specifications for smart components interfaces in sensors and connectivity modules with a focus on interoperability.
The latest Zhaga specification, Book 18, is already an indication of the new direction, the release said. It defines a standardized interface between outdoor LED luminaires and modules for sensing and communication, bringing the Internet of Things to the outdoor lighting market via smart, upgradeable, future-proof fixtures. The “new” Zhaga will start the development of a connectivity interface specification for indoor luminaires in the second quarter of 2018.
In support of recent EU efforts promoting circular-economy features including component removability, reparability and serviceability in luminaires, Zhaga will also develop interface specifications for interoperable components.
Zhaga said it will also introduce a new member category, called “community” with a free membership aimed at installers, specifiers, architects and end-users and other interested parties for closer interactions with luminaire manufacturers.