Zhaga Consortium present at Light + Building 2024
The Zhaga Consortium presents new specifications at Light + Building 2024
The demand for enhanced electrification and digitalization within homes and buildings is on the rise. This burgeoning interest is brought into focus at Light + Building 2024, showcasing the forefront of innovative solutions in this sector. DEKRA is proud to announce its participation alongside the Zhaga consortium at Messe Frankfurt, underscoring its commitment to the consortium's objectives.
At Light + Building 2024, a multitude of companies will unveil their global premieres, drawing in key industry figures such as architects, (interior) designers, planners, engineers, as well as professionals and representatives from the retail, wholesale, and industrial sectors. In response to the significance of this gathering, Zhaga has collaborated with key partners, including DEKRA, to address the industry's most pressing inquiries at their dedicated stand. Moreover, the Zhaga Consortium is set to introduce two groundbreaking specifications at the event: linear plug-in LED modules for SELV (Book 21) and non-SELV applications (Book 26). Attendees are invited to discover these innovations and more during the event.
The value added by Zhaga
For those perhaps less familiar with Zhaga, Ted Drost, Global Technical Leader at DEKRA, spekas to the consortium's invaluable contribution to the international lighting industry:
"When LED lights became popular, it was hard to replace one LED with another from a different company because each company made their LEDs differently. Zhaga changed this by setting detailed rules for how LEDs should be made in terms of their size, shape, electrical connections, light quality, heat management, and how they communicate. Thanks to these rules, you can now easily use an LED from one company with a lighting system from another company. This change has made it easier for new ideas and products to come into the market. Also, Zhaga has updated its rules to include smart technology in lighting systems. This means that lights can now be easily updated with new features and fixed when needed, making sure they are future-proof."
The importance of Zhaga Certification for lighting manufacturers
DEKRA offers certification against all
Zhaga standards
, spanning from Book 1 to 26, with particular emphasis on Zhaga Book 18 and Zhaga Book 20. As Ted explains, Zhaga certification serves as an independent verification that a product meets the rigorous requirements set forth by Zhaga specifications, ensuring the promise of interchangeability. Certified products are listed in the Zhaga database, granting them the right to display the Zhaga logo. This visible endorsement assures end-users of the product's compliance with Zhaga's standards, reinforcing the manufacturer's commitment to quality and interoperability.
Zhaga x DEKRA: innovation and sustainability
Zhaga and DEKRA not only complement each other's professional endeavors but also share a profound commitment to sustainability and innovation. "Zhaga's initiatives in the lighting sector are centered around fostering innovation, ensuring component interchangeability, and facilitating upgrades. These efforts significantly extend the lifespan of lighting fixtures, thereby minimizing resource wastage. Such principles resonate deeply with DEKRA's ethos, where innovation is pivotal and sustainability, particularly in terms of reducing our carbon footprint, is of utmost importance," Ted explains.
Heinrich Thye, Secretary General of Zhaga, further underscores the critical role of collaborative efforts in paving the way for a greener future: "For us at Zhaga, cooperation among our members is essential for achieving sustainability, particularly as we navigate the shift towards a circular economy."
Thye elaborates on the concept of circular lighting, which champions the principles of serviceability, including the repairability, upgradability, and longevity of products and systems. "Zhaga's standards are instrumental in this regard, ensuring a modular approach and uniform component interfaces across various manufacturers, thus facilitating circular lighting."
'Light + Building serves as a catalyst for collaboration within Zhaga and the broader lighting industry'
"Events like Light + Building act as powerful conduits for collaboration within the Zhaga consortium and the wider lighting industry. These forums offer invaluable opportunities for companies to unveil sustainable lighting innovations, fostering discussions around standardization and interoperability."
"By encouraging dialogue and cooperation, occasions such as Light + Building propel the lighting industry towards a more sustainable horizon, catalyzing innovation, standardization, and the embrace of eco-friendly lighting technologies."