You have to know about the LED lighting – Can you detect the flicker effect by using smartphone?

Firstly, why does flicker occur?

To some degree, flicker happens in all light sources with an AC power supply delivered at a frequency of 50 to 60 hertz, meaning the electrical current travels backward and forward 50 to 60 times per second. Flicker happens due to rapid voltage variations, or a “ripple” in a current which then leads to a ripple in light output— a flicker.

While spending time indoors, you have encountered a flickering light. Flashing on and off like a strobe or disco ball, it can be supremely annoying, but it can also be dangerous. Some even have eye discomfort, double vision, trouble focusing or headaches while reading or working. These symptoms can lower your productivity. If you stay awake for long hours working or reading, you can make the problem worse. In particular, athletes in stadiums and warehouse workers could be more susceptible to accidents under poor lighting conditions that could cause a stroboscopic effect.

Many sellers or lighting companies offering the simple way to test for LED flicker to prevent bothersome lighting by using smartphone camera. Turn it on and aim it at the light source in question while looking at the image captured on the screen. If you see a series of dark and light bands traveling slowly across the screen, then your light has flicker.

However, the shutter speed setting can be change on your smartphone camera. Oh, and by they way, the brands of smartphones camera setting can be different. Therefore, when you change the shutter speed settings, the measurement result can be different. It doesn’t mean that the light source is 100% flicker free or zero stroboscopic effect! Believe me, the laboratory will not use smartphone camera to test the flicker metric. It is inaccurate and unprofessional way.

Benson Energy Saving Technology using professional Spectral Measurement Devices to measure flicker metric for all our LED lights. The Flicker metric and blue light can be measured precisely.

We have developed all of our LED light source to be flicker free and zero stroboscopic effect. Our LED light source are comply with NEW Erp Directives of EU. The stroboscopic test should be PstLM ≤ 1 and SVM ≤ 0.4.

Please contact us for more information.

Benson Energy Saving Technology is a professional LED lighting manufacturer, and we are able to provide OEM and ODM services according to your needs.