California IDEX Practice Exam

Which type of luminaire does NOT qualify as a high-efficacy luminaire?

1. Incandescent with dimmer control

2. Fluorescent with electronic ballast

3. LED with interchangeable trim

4. Quartz halogen

The correct answer is: Quartz halogen

The reasoning behind identifying quartz halogen luminaires as not qualifying as high-efficacy luminaires is rooted in their energy efficiency compared to other lighting technologies. High-efficacy luminaires are featured for their ability to produce a significant amount of light (measured in lumens) compared to the amount of energy they consume (measured in watts). Quartz halogen lights, while they are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, still do not achieve the elevated efficiency levels that are characteristic of LEDs and fluorescent luminaires with electronic ballasts. In contrast, other options like fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts and LEDs with interchangeable trims are designed to maximize light output relative to energy consumption, hence qualifying as high-efficacy options. Incandescent luminaires with dimmer control can be energy efficient under certain conditions but still fall short of the high-efficacy performance metrics required for qualification.