American National Standards Institute (ANSI for short) was established in 1918. It is a non-profit non governmental standards institute.

ANSI is one of the five permanent members in International Standardization Organization (ISO for short) as well as one of the four permanent members in the

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC for short). It takes part in 79% activities of ISO/TC and 89% activities of IEC/TC. ANSI is a member of COPANT and PASC respectively.

ANSI is the potential national standards institute and actually it has turned into the national standards center. Various standardizing activities have connections with

it. In the meantime, the ANSI Standard has been voluntarily adopted.

For a long time, there had been no standardised tests or uniform rating systems for consumers to judge flashlight performance. Without any uniform rating systems, it frustrated the manufacturers who were working hard to make high quality lighting tools.

The establishment of ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009 Standard allowed consumers to compare flashlight performance. The standard provides a guide for consumers to rate and compare the claims on the packages for each manufacturer’s products.

Distributors and consumers are more informed. Therefore, it is much easier for them to make the best choices for their needs.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

National Electrical Manufactures Association (NEMA)

Representatives from 14 illuminating companies, such as Princeton, Surefire, Petzl, Streamlight, Black Diamond and Duracell, etc. Representatives from flashlight users and flashaholics

The ANSI Standard helps the consumers know about the technical parameters of flashlights quickly which allows them to make a comprehensive comparison of various flashlights.

It can provide a guide for distributors and end users to know more about the products and make the best choices for their needs. It evens the playing field for those manufacturers that participate. It’s important to know that adherence to these standards and reporting results is strictly voluntary. Many leading flashlight manufacturers are now adopting the standard.

A measurement of the total quantity of emitted overall light energy as measured by integrating the entire angular output of the portable light source. Measured in Lumens.

To measure the quantity of overall light energy emitted by the device.

Power resource: All tests are conducted with fresh batteries or fully charged batteries. Batteries used shall be of the same type and/or brand as of the product. The batteries recommended by the manufacturer are to be used for testing. .

The duration of time from the initial light output value (that’s 30 seconds after the light is turned on with fresh batteries) until the light output drops to 10% of the initial value.

To determine the amount of time elapsed under continuous operation at every level.

Conditions: If the device offers multiple output levels, the runtime will be measured at the maximum level & at every level.

The distance from device at which the light beam is 0.25 lux. Results are reported in meters

To determine the maximum distance at which the devices is capable of producing 0.25 lux of light within 30s to 2 min of operation.

Peak beam intensity is the maximum luminous intensity typically along the central axis of a cone of light. The value is reported in candela and does not change with distance.

To determine the peak beam intensity, reported in units of candela, of the device’s beam pattern within 30s to 2 min of operation.

The degree to which a portable light resists damage when dropped on a solid surface. Dropped samples must remain fully functional in order to pass the impact resistance test.

To ensure the structural integrity of hand-held/portable lighting devices under specified impact conditions. The test procedure provide specifications and methods that will ensure products meet a minimum standards of reliability as a result of impact testing.

Drop test should be a priority to any other reliability tests, shall be 1m minimum.

Purpose: The flashlight water resistance can satisfy the lowest requirements for the reliability.

All test samples shall function normally immediately after the test and 30 min after the test.

Water Resistance measured in regards to:

Resistance to Temporary Immersion in Water

Resistance to Continuous Immersion in Water

Resistance to Splashing Water

Fenix will spare no efforts to provide more reliable products and perfect services. The consumers can better evaluate, compare and choose their products provided that they know about the output, beam distance, impact resistance, water resistance and the runtime.

It will adhere to ANSI/NEMA FL1-2009 Standard with all its products.

In line with the ANSI Standard:

• Fenix tests the output and runtime.
• Fenix tests the beam distance.
• Fenix tests the peak beam intensity.
• Fenix tests the impact resistance.
• Fenix tests the water resistance.

• Shakeout Test: To provide a procedure to determine the scratch-resistant and wear-resistant abilities of the surface of flashlight.

• Bending Test: Mainly use to test the bending degree and the strength of wires.

• Salty Spray Test: Mainly use to test the corrosion-resistant ability.

• Ultraviolet Radiation Test: Mainly use to test the changes of flashlight after it goes through the ultraviolet test.

• Environmental Test: Includes the high temperature test and low temperature test, which are used to test the high-temperature-resistant and the low-temperature-resistant abilities respectively.

• Vibration Test: To provide a procedure to determine the anti-vibration ability.

• Switch Test: To provide a procedure to determine the lifespan of the switch and the resistivity.

• Temperature Test: To provide a procedure to determine the conditions of the heat generation and the heat dissipation and the relevant temperatures, etc.

• All tests are conducted with fresh batteries or fully charged batteries /energy storage devices.
• 12V DC devices that are only tethered shall be powered with 13.8V DC using a power supply.
• Peak beam intensity and beam distance are both measured by the same test.
• To provide a procedure to determine the peak beam intensity, reported in units of candela, of the device at which the light beam is 0.25 lux within 30 seconds to 2 minutes of operation.
• Batteries used for testing and claim substantiation shall be of the same type and/or brand as those offered for sale with the product.
• If the product is sold without batteries and a peak beam intensity claim is made, a specific battery type and chemistry shall be recommended with the package.
• Lab conditions shall be a controlled temperature of 21±2℃ and a relative humidity of 50±40%. The lab environment must minimize any redirecting of light that would affect the measurement outcome.
• If the device offers multiple focusing or adjustable beam angle, the peak beam intensity will be measured at the maximum level or as otherwise identified.