Retro 13 Warm White Review

General Information

ID #286
SKU TC-R13-3000K
Series Retro
Manufacturer TC Lights (other LEDs from TC Lights)
Fitting Type Kit (other Kit LEDs)
Light Type Downlight (PAR)
Height 70mm
Diameter PAR16 (50mm)
Weight 142g
Warranty 5 Years
Test Date 2014-07-01
Review Notes A very bright, efficient light, especially given it's small form factor. Suitable for standard MR16 and GU10 cutouts. Fairly compact (for the wattage) but doesn't run excessively hot. Good warranty & no flicker as well. Surprisingly good overall, except for the mediocre dimming performance. Dimming tested using HPM CAT250L leading edge dimmer. Performance on a Clipsal 32E450UDM universal dimmer was slightly worse with significant dead travel and a narrower dimming range. The universal dimming graph can be found in the gallery. Includes PA3-37280 14W LED power supply. Driver carries RCM and CE approval labels. Claimed light source: Cree COB LEDs
Price $44.90 (AUD) from theledstore.com.au on 30th of June 2014
Rating

 

LED Specifications

Claimed Measured Compared To
Watts 13W 12.7W @ 243V
LED Driver Transformer
54.7W @ 12V
Yearly Running Cost[?] $2.85 $2.78 $11.98
Lumens 1020 lm 990 lm 765 lm
Efficiency[?] 78 lm/W 78 lm/W 14 lm/W
Lumens/Purchase Price 23 lm/$ 22 lm/$ 170 lm/$
Power Factor[?] N/A 0.93 1
Color [?] Warm White, 3000K Warm White, 3017K Warm White, 3015K
Angle[?] 60° 56° 45°
Dimmable Yes, Leading or Trailing Edge Fair Yes, Trailing Edge
CRI (Color Accuracy)[?] 82 82
Life 50,000 hours Not Measured 6,000 hours
Min/Max Voltage 200V / 240V N/A
Min/Max Temperature N/A / N/A N/A
Measured Temperature 62°C @ 25°C ambient
144°F @ 77°F ambient
256°C @ 25°C ambient
493°F @ 77°F ambient
Flicker Percent[?] 3% 3%
Flicker Index[?] 0.005 0.008

 

Link to manufacturer specifications at time of testing

 

Dimming measurements

Graph notes: Dimming performance can be highly dependant on the type of dimmer, the number of lights in the circuit and other factors. Results in your house might vary. Mouse over the graph for more details. Position 10 = Not dimmed. Position 1 = Fully dimmed.

 

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Distribution Graph

Angle: 56° (±28° from bottom), Maximum lux:

Graph notes: Shows the intensity of the light when viewed from different angles. Normal omni-directional globes have a fairly constant output all the way around (excepting directly above). Downlights have a narrow range at the bottom in which the light is emmited, this determines their angle.

 

Spectrum Graph

Representation of color spectrum

Graph notes: Shows the breakdown of the LED light into its component colors. With short wavelength ultraviolet on the left and long wavelength infrared on the right. The green line represents the relative absolute strength of the light at each frequency, while the red line represents what the typical human eye would see. The human eye is most sensitive to green light, but much less sensitive to purples and deep reds.

 

Flicker Graph

Graph of measured flicker

Percent: 3%, Index: 0.005 (lower is better in both cases)

Graph notes: Shows variation in light output over 1/10th of a second, with relative light output on the Y axis and time on the X Axis. Measured with a photodiode connected to an Oscilloscope. Ideally the yellow line should be flat. Low frequency high amplitude waveforms mean there is a possibility of noticeable flicker, but sensitivity to flicker varies between people. [More details about LED flicker]

 

LEDs in this Series

Name Price Watts Lumens Efficiency Color Angle Fitting
Retro 13 Warm White $45 (AUD) 12.7W 990lm 78lm/W Warm White, 3017K 56° Kit
Retro 9 Warm White $36 (AUD) 9W 636lm 73lm/W Warm White, 3040K 58° Kit

 

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these results, each measurement carries an inherent degree of uncertainty and error. Safety and EMC compliance of products to regional or international standards have not been verified unless noted as an ENERGY STAR® LED Lighting Facts, or SSL Quality Scheme certified product. Retailers and importers selling unmarked or unapproved electrical goods can be fined or imprisoned. Mains supplied downlights require installation by a licensed electrician.