LED &

Maintenance Factors
Revision 3, 2021
Introduction
At a very basic level a lighting scheme should be one that provides
the correct illumination throughout the life of an installation. Whilst the
technology has changed, using LED luminaires hasn’t changed this
necessity.
Due to the variation in quality of LED luminaires in the market, and
individual project requirements, the importance of applying an
appropriate maintenance factor is as, if not more, important than
ever. Simply applying the industry standard generic one fits all ‘0.8
maintenance factor’ may not be appropriate. By using this value
it could result in wasted energy, a failure to deliver the specified
illumination level resulting in an impact on productivity, additional client
cost and at worst case our safety.
This document has been put together to support the designer in how to
implement maintenance factors using current best practice guidance.
At the end of this document you will find a summary of recommended
maintenance factors based on Whitecroft Lighting luminaires.

2 Whitecroft Lighting \\ LED & Maintenance Factors

The Maintenance Factor Calculation (MF) Installation lifetime

‘During the life of a lighting installation, the light available for the task progressively In addition to the energy benefits that LED technology has provided, one of the key
decreases due to accumulation of dirt on surfaces and again of equipment.’ benefits of an LED luminaire is that if applied and designed correctly it can last for the
(SLL Code for Lighting). lifetime of the project.

To take account of this depreciation the following calculation should be applied to all However, LED output reduces throughout its life.
lighting designs:
If we don’t specify or understand the anticipated lifetime in operational hours and
number of years of the project then we cannot apply the appropriate maintenance
factor and be confident we are delivering the specified light level.
MF = LLMF (Lamp Lumen Maintenance Factor)
The client may have this information, Where it is not available the below guide can be
x LMF (Luminaire Maintenance Factor) used by the designer and communicated to the client.

x RSMF (Room Surface Maintenance Factor) Where not advised, Whitecroft Lighting will use the below table.
Average annual operating Average time to refurb Average installation life
x LSF (Lamp Survival Factor) Indoor Applications
hours (years) (total hours)
Commercial 2500 20 50,000

Education (Further) 2000 25 50,000

With conventional source light fixtures the designer would traditionally base their Education (Schools) 1500 20 30,000
calculation metrics as follows Healthcare 5000 10 50,000

Industrial 4000 25 100,000

RSMF & LMF:
Source:
• The Society of Light & Lighting: Code for Lighting, Chapter 18. Education Schools (DfE Output Specification, Annexe 2E)
All other: Lighting Europe: Evaluating performance of LED based luminaires Guidance Paper
• CIE97:2005 Guide on the maintenance of indoor electric lighting systems, 2nd Ed

LLMF & LSF: Lamp supplier datasheets

The details outlined below show how the existing metrics we have around us can
be used effectively with LED technology. In addition, it highlights new questions, a
change of responsibility for the supply of data and how to apply this data correctly.

Whitecroft Lighting \\ LED & Maintenance Factors 3

Lamp Lumen Maintenance Factor (LLMF) Lamp Survival Factor (LSF)

The LLMF value applies to the % of reduction for the light source within the overall Within most MF calculations it is always assumed a spot replacement will take place.
MF calculation. With conventional source lamps this data came from the lamp
supplier. For an LED fitting the data must be supplied by the luminaire manufacturer LED has a low failure rate, with the driver often being the most likely component to fail.
and can vary significantly for what on the surface looks like the same product. Note: For LED luminaires there are several metrics that are often used or can cause
LED life is impacted by: confusion when reviewing LED life. ‘L’ value is the main metric of relevance in relation
to the MF calculation.
• Thermal management
• Luminaire design For further details on the other terminology used in relation to LED performance
• Quality of LED please see Lighting Europe document:
Evaluating performance of LED based luminaires Guidance Paper.
By measuring the LED temperature within the luminaire the % reduction in output
overtime can be calculated using IES LM80 data and IES TM21 calculator.
This is reported as the ‘L’ value at a point in time. For example a fitting reported as
L90@50,000Hours means the fitting has 90% of the initial output at 50,000 hours. The Luminaire Maintenance Factor (LMF) & Room Surface Maintenance Factor (RSMF)
To be relevant and meaningful, the luminaire manufacturer must report the ‘L’ value
To optimise any lighting scheme, a regular annual cleaning of luminaires and room is
and point in time together.
recommended.
For the maintenance factor calculation this ‘L’ value becomes the LLMF:
The LMF & RSMF values are typically based on tables provided within the SLL & CIE
L90@50,000 hours = LLMF 0.9 @ 50,000 hours documents highlighted above. However, are these values still appropriate? People
no longer smoke indoors, air quality in many cities is better and the expectation of
To enable a more accurate comparison, test certificates should always be sought the individuals is for a cleaner space. Can we challenge these values to still apply
from the luminaire manufacturer to support reported life values. an appropriate reduction factor but without wasting energy by ‘over-engineering’ a
solution?
The example below shows a comparison of 2 fittings that have the same initial
lumens but different ‘L’ values at 50,000 hours. As can be seen this has a significant
difference in the calculated MF value:

L Value LLMF Calculated Qty to

Initial Initial End of Life Total
@50K @50K MF @50K achieve
Lumens Wattage Lumens Wattage
hours hours hours* 500 lux

Product 1 4000 34 L70 0.7 0.625 2800 130 4,160

Product 2 4000 32 L90 0.9 0.80 3600 100 3,400

*Annual Clean, Clean Environment, Recessed Modular – see below for further details on RSMF & LMF
Please see table on page 8 & 9 of this document for further details of Whitecroft products and MF values to use based
on the operating hours highlighted in the ‘Installation Lifetime’ section above.

4 Whitecroft Lighting \\ LED & Maintenance Factors

LMF RSMF

Traditionally, based on product Without access to further data it is recommended to use the values provided within the SLL Code for Lighting and CIE97:2005.
construction and impact of dirt on the
Reflectance 70/50/20 50/30/20
lamp itself the guidance documents
gave different values to use. However, Cleaning Regime 1 Year Clean 3 Year Clean 1 Year Clean 3 Year Clean

with LED fittings there is a chance to Product Distribution Direct Direct/Indirect Direct Direct/Indirect Direct Direct/Indirect Direct Direct/Indirect
challenge whether these values are
Very Clean 0.97 0.96 0.97 0.95 0.99 0.97 0.98 0.97
still appropriate. Some of the reasons
include: Clean 0.95 0.91 0.94 0.91 0.97 0.95 0.97 0.94

Normal 0.91 0.84 0.90 0.83 0.95 0.90 0.95 0.90

• no ‘backward’ facing surface for
the lamp Dirty 0.86 0.75 0.86 0.75 0.92 0.84 0.92 0.84

• Reduced UV and degradation

of optics
• Reduced dirt within the environment Outdoor Applications
• Light source often being ‘enclosed’
Whilst this document has focused on internal applications, applying the correct MF calculation for outdoor applications is of equal
Through investigation, Whitecroft are importance to balance effective task performance, safety and energy consumption. Again, understanding expectation/specifying
able to provide evidence that the value design lifetime for installation is key to providing an accurate lighting design.
provided within the SLL Code for a
dust-proof fitting (Type E) provides the The same principles of understanding life expectation and onus on LED luminaire manufacturer to provide accurate reported life
designer with a sufficient level of output (LLMF & LSF) is the same as it is for internal applications. In an outdoor application the RSMF is not relevant and is removed from
depreciation for all LED fixtures: the calculation.

BS5489-1:2020, Annex C1 provides the following table advising recommended LMF values to use based on 3 criteria:
LMF
Environmental Zone, IP rating & Mounting Height.
Cleaning Regime 1 Year 3 Year

Very Clean 0.96 0.92 Environmental Zone Mounting Height Maintenance Factor

Clean 0.94 0.90 Cleaning Frequency

Normal 0.90 0.85 12 Months 24 Months 36 Months 48 Months 60 Months 72 Months

E1/E2 ≤ 6m 0.96 0.96 0.95 0.94 0.93 0.92

Dirty 0.86 0.80
E1/E2 > 6m 0.96 0.96 0.95 0.94 0.93 0.92

E3/E4 ≤ 6m 0.94 0.92 0.90 0.88 0.86 0.84

E3/E4 > 6m 0.96 0.96 0.95 0.94 0.93 0.92

Note 1: This table is not valid if cleaning is not undertaken within the maximum 6 year scope of the table
Note 2: Each site experiences different levels of pollution, so it is advisable to assess local conditions through measurement in accordance with ILP document TR28
Note 3: The relevant value from this table is combined with the luminous flux factor to provide a combined maintenance factor.
Whitecroft Lighting \\ LED & Maintenance Factors 5
Other considerations

The above gives details for the simple application of the maintenance factor.
With technology innovation and changes in our working space there are other
aspects that could affect the maintenance factor used, energy consumption and
achieved lux levels through life. Below are some examples of aspects that go beyond
the traditional maintenance factor calculation that may need to be considered into
the future.

Circular Economy: Moving towards a Circular Economy means we will focus on

replacement of components, including light sources, rather than entire luminaires.
This has the potential for improved maintenance factor.

Driver Lifetime: The most likely ‘failure’ of an LED luminaire is the driver. However,
whilst this is not part of the maintenance factor calculation understanding and
specifying driver lifetime can help to manage luminaire failure rates.

Daylight linked and dimmable drivers: Whilst the dimming of fluorescent lamps
had at best no impact on life, LED life would be extended due to reduced burning
hours or reduced output and reduction in thermal temperatures.

Lighting Controls: We apply control factors to reduce operating hours for energy
calculations. Why not for maintenance factor calculations to take the LED life back up
the curve for output reduction?

The Environment: Whilst we typically design with 70/50/20 reflectance values,

variations in surface finishes/reflectance’s on day one or in the future can have a far
greater impact on delivered light levels than a small variation in MF.

Constant Light Output (CLO) Drivers: When considering using CLO drivers it is
important to make sure correct ldt files accounting for the ‘end of life’ output is used
and that the impact of dirt on rooms and fittings is still considered.

Operation hours vary by space: Within this document we have discussed applying
operating hours for a whole project. However, in reality within that project spaces will
have varying operational hours. For example, the burning hours in a store room will
be significantly lower than a classroom. With this in mind do we have to go beyond a
‘generic’ MF value for projects?

6 Whitecroft Lighting \\ LED & Maintenance Factors

Typical maintenance factors for Whitecroft Lighting luminaires
This section provides a summary of maintenance factors that can be used for Whitecroft luminaires at various operational
points in time.

For any additional fixtures or further information please contact us.

Application Operating Hours Example

The maintenance factors contained in this document are based on the design parameters shown below.
Average annual operating Average time to refurb Average installation life These factors can be re-calculated according to environmental considerations using the formula illustrated.
Indoor Applications
hours (years) (total hours)

Commercial 2500 20 50,000

LMF (0.94) X
Education (Further) 2000 25 50,000
RSMF (0.94) X LED Life - LxB50@
Education (Schools) 1500 20 30,000 Family & Variant

Healthcare 5000 10 50,000

LSF (1.0) X 35k Hours 50k Hours 75K Hours 100K Hours

Pod LO 95 91 87 83

Industrial 4000 25 100,000 LLMF (0.91) X Cascade Flex

Pod MO
Pod HO
95
94
91
90
86
85
82
81
Opal LO, MO1 & MO2 95 91 87 83

Source:
MF = 0.8 Opal HO 94 90 85 81

Education Schools (DfE Output Specification, Annexe 2E)

All other: Lighting Europe: Evaluating performance of LED based luminaires Guidance Paper
Design Parameters:
Commercial Application - 70/50/20 reflectance - Clean Environment
Annual Luminaire Clean - 3 year room clean - Spot Replacement - Cascade Flex Pod Mid Output

Luminaire Maintenance Factor (LMF) Room Surface Maintenance Factor (RSMF)

Cleaning Regime 1 Year 3 Year Reflectance 70/50/20 50/30/20

Very Clean 0.96 0.92 Cleaning Regime 1 Year Clean 3 Year Clean 1 Year Clean 3 Year Clean

Clean 0.94 0.90 Product Distribution Direct Direct/Indirect Direct Direct/Indirect Direct Direct/Indirect Direct Direct/Indirect

Normal 0.90 0.85 Very Clean 0.97 0.96 0.97 0.95 0.99 0.97 0.98 0.97

Dirty 0.86 0.80 Clean 0.95 0.91 0.94 0.91 0.97 0.95 0.97 0.94

SLL Classification ‘Type E’ Normal 0.91 0.84 0.90 0.83 0.95 0.90 0.95 0.90

Dirty 0.86 0.75 0.86 0.75 0.92 0.84 0.92 0.84

Figures taken from SLL Code for Lighting

Whitecroft Lighting \\ LED & Maintenance Factors 7
 MAINTENANCE FACTOR LED Life - LxB50@
Environment
Family & Variant Reflectance’s
Cleanliness
35k Hours 50k Hours 75K Hours 100K Hours 35k Hours 50k Hours 75K Hours 100K Hours

Downlights
Mirage All Variants 0.84 0.82 0.79 0.76 94 92 89 85
LO, MO 0.84 0.82 0.79 0.76 94 92 89 85
Mirage 3 C110
HO 0.82 0.79 0.74 0.70 92 89 83 78
Mirage 3 C165 LO, MO1, MO2 0.84 0.82 0.79 0.76 94 92 89 85
Clean 70/50/20
Mirage 3 SQ165 HO 0.82 0.79 0.74 0.70 92 89 83 78
LO, MO 0.83 0.81 0.74 0.73 93 90 83 82
Esprit LED
HO 0.83 0.80 0.77 0.73 93 90 86 82
XR1 All Variants 0.82 0.80 0.76 0.72 92 89 85 80

Suspended
Pod 0.80 0.77 0.74 0.71 93 91 87 83
Avenue Metro
Prism & Opal 0.80 0.78 0.74 0.70 94 91 86 82
Foil XS All Variants 0.80 0.78 0.75 0.71 94 91 87 83
Foil SRD All Variants 0.80 0.78 0.75 0.71 94 91 87 83
Foil Radiant All Variants 70/50/20 0.80 0.78 0.75 0.71 94 91 87 83
Oculus All Variants 0.80 0.78 0.75 0.71 94 91 87 83
Clean
Selene All Variants 0.80 0.78 0.75 0.71 94 91 87 83
Rink All Variants 0.80 0.78 0.75 0.71 94 91 87 83
Inspiration All Variants 0.80 0.78 0.75 0.71 94 91 87 83
IP20 0.86 0.83 0.79 0.76 94 91 87 83
50/30/20
Flight & Flight Vitalty IP65 0.86 0.82 0.78 0.76 94 90 86 83
Sport 70/50/20 0.86 0.83 0.79 0.76 94 91 87 83

Recessed
Central Hex 0.83 0.81 0.77 0.74 93 91 87 83
Cityline
Full Hex & Quad 0.86 0.84 0.81 0.79 96 94 91 89
Pod LO 0.85 0.81 0.78 0.74 95 91 87 83
Pod MO 0.85 0.81 0.77 0.73 95 91 86 82
Cascade Flex Pod HO 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.72 94 90 85 81
Opal LO, MO1 & MO2 0.85 0.81 0.78 0.74 95 91 87 83
Opal HO 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.72 94 90 85 81
Clean 70/50/20
Cascade Flex Vitality All Variants 0.84 0.80 0.77 0.73 94 90 86 82
LO 0.84 0.81 0.78 0.74 94 91 87 83
CityEdge
MO 0.83 0.81 0.77 0.73 94 91 86 82
Hygiene All Variants 0.84 0.82 0.78 0.74 94 91 87 83
Rink All Variants 0.85 0.81 0.78 0.74 95 91 87 83
Tegan 2 All Variants 0.83 0.80 0.77 0.73 93 90 86 82
Helm All Variants 0.84 0.82 0.78 0.74 94 91 87 83
 MAINTENANCE FACTOR LED Life - LxB50@
Environment
Family & Variant Reflectance’s
Cleanliness
35k Hours 50k Hours 75K Hours 100K Hours 35k Hours 50k Hours 75K Hours 100K Hours

Clean Area & Healthcare

600x600 & 1200x300 0.86 0.84 0.80 0.76 93 90 86 82
Lister/DTFU
1200x600 0.86 0.84 0.80 0.76 93 90 86 82
Very Clean 70/50/20
Florence+ At full output 0.86 0.84 0.80 0.76 92 90 86 81
N’gale LED LO 0.88 0.86 0.82 0.79 94 92 89 85

Surface
Kolo All Variants 0.84 0.82 0.78 0.74 94 91 87 83
Horizon 360 All Variants 0.83 0.81 0.77 0.73 93 91 86 82
Vespere Wall All Variants 0.83 0.81 0.77 0.73 93 90 86 81
14K & 24K 70/50/20 0.83 0.81 0.77 0.73 94 91 86 82
34K & 44K 0.83 0.81 0.77 0.73 93 91 86 82
Trimpak Clean
54K 0.83 0.80 0.76 0.72 93 90 85 80
64K 0.82 0.80 0.75 0.64 92 89 84 72
04K - 44K 0.85 0.82 0.78 0.74 95 91 87 83
ACL 64K - 94K 50/30/20 0.83 0.81 0.77 0.73 93 90 86 81
E-light 0.86 0.84 0.82 0.80 96 94 92 89

Note: LMF type is based on SLL Classification ‘Type E’ for reasons highlighted in this document.
LMF & RSMF based on annual clean regime and environment type outlined within the SLL Code for most common
applications for product use.
UK Head Office London Customer Centre
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