Frequently Asked Questions About XELIOS Artificial Solar Lighting
TOP>
Frequently Asked Questions About XELIOS Artificial Solar Lighting
This FAQ covers the questions we hear most often about XELIOS artificial solar lighting, from sunlight reproduction and brightness to filters, power requirements, maintenance, and product selection. Browse by topic below or contact us for application-specific guidance.
How closely does XELIOS artificial solar lighting reproduce natural sunlight?
Sunlight conditions vary depending on the time of day. Artificial solar lighting can create indoor lighting with almost the same light quality as the sunlight around noon in Japan. By combining it with optional filters, we can provide the sunlight you desire, including the presence or absence of ultraviolet and infrared rays.
Can XELIOS be used for light resistance testing?
Yes. XELIOS artificial solar lighting is well suited for light resistance testing and can irradiate objects with light equivalent to AM (air mass)1.5 conditions. The appropriate model depends on the size of the irradiation area and the required irradiance uniformity. When standard 100W or 500W models are not sufficient, SERIC can also design a custom solution based on your test requirements.
Can the color temperature be changed?
The color temperature of the light emitted by the XELIOS artificial solar lighting is 5500K, equivalent to sunlight at noon on a clear day. By adding the optional "color temperature conversion filters", which are made of films, the color temperature can be changed with an error of 500K ± 10%.
Can XELIOS achieve brightness levels similar to natural sunlight?
Yes. XELIOS artificial solar lighting can generate indoor brightness levels close to natural sunlight around midday on a clear day. The best model depends on the size of the irradiation area and the required uniformity of illumination. If a standard 100W or 500W model does not meet your needs, SERIC can provide a custom-designed solution.
Can ultraviolet and infrared rays be blocked?
Yes. XELIOS artificial solar lighting blocks harmful UV-C rays with a front-mounted filter and supports irradiation across a broad wavelength range from 300 nm to 2500 nm (UV-B to infrared). If your application requires blocking ultraviolet rays, this can be done with a standard A or AF filter. If infrared rays must also be reduced, an optional IR-blocking filter is available.
What brightness level is suitable for color evaluation?
The appropriate brightness for color evaluation depends on the reflectance and brightness of the object being evaluated. Darker or deeper colors usually require higher illumination, while lighter colors can often be assessed at lower levels. In general, an illumination level of about 3000 to 6000 lux is considered suitable.
How can light be distributed evenly over a wide area?
To distribute light evenly over a wide area, the lamp output, model selection, and installation position must be matched to the size of the irradiation surface, the required brightness, and the target level of uniformity. SERIC can design a lighting layout and propose the best configuration for your application.
With a single 100W or 500W XELIOS unit, how large an irradiation area can be covered?
The irradiation area that can be covered by a single 100W or 500W XELIOS unit depends on the required brightness and installation conditions. Please refer to the light distribution data provided on the 100W and 500W product pages for detailed specifications.
Is artificial solar lighting effective for detecting surface scratches?
Yes, artificial solar lighting is widely used for detecting scratches and other surface defects because it makes fine irregularities easier to see during inspection. However, no lighting method can reveal every scratch perfectly, and results will vary depending on factors such as brightness, irradiation angle, and the surface condition of the object.
Functions and Structure
What are the differences between the 100W and 500W series of XELIOS artificial solar lighting?
The main differences between the 100W and 500W series are the power supply design, light output, lamp life, dimming function, and pricing structure.
The 100W series has a built-in power supply, while the 500W series uses a separate power supply and lamp house.
The 500W model delivers approximately eight times the luminous flux of the 100W model.
Lamp life is about 2000 hours for the 100W series and about 1500 hours for the 500W series under continuous use.
The 500W series also supports continuous dimming from 60% to 100%, while the 100W series does not include a dimming function.
In the XG series, the 100W model has different list prices for 100V and 200V versions, while the 500W model is priced the same for both voltages.
Does performance change over time with use?
XELIOS artificial solar lighting is designed for very low performance degradation over time. Because changes in light quality are minimal during use, it is widely used in research and development, testing, and quality inspection applications where stable lighting performance is important.
Can brightness be controlled, and what is the adjustment range?
Brightness control is available only on the XELIOS XG-500W series. The XG-100W, XE-140W, and XE-500W series do not have a built-in dimming function, so illumination intensity must be adjusted by changing the irradiation distance. On the XG-500W series, brightness can be continuously adjusted from 60% to 100% using the dimmer knob on the power supply unit. For dimming below 60%, please contact SERIC.
Can XELIOS artificial solar lighting be used with a 220V or 240V power source?
Yes. XELIOS artificial solar lighting can be ordered in either a 90–132V specification or a 180–264V specification, depending on the local power supply. These are separate versions, so the correct voltage range should be selected when ordering.
If you have an XG-100 or XG-500 series unit configured for 100-120V input power, please use a step-up transformer. In that case, please check the transformer's electrical capacity.
What type of power plug is supplied for use outside Japan?
Because plug types vary by country and region, no specific plug is attached for overseas use. Customers are asked to prepare and attach the appropriate plug for their local power source.
What is the difference between the standard type and the Super Spot (SS) type?
The standard type emits diffused light, while the Super Spot (SS) type is designed to achieve higher illumination by concentrating light with a total reflection parabonic mirror. The SS type is also constructed so that the relative positions of the reflector and lamp can be adjusted, allowing the focal point to be tuned. This makes the Super Spot type suitable for applications that require more concentrated light.
What are the functions of each type of filter?
Filter characteristics are as follows.
1. A/AF: Filter that blocks ultraviolet rays and performs spectral correction so that visible rays are similar to natural sunlight (color temperature approx. 5500K)
2. CF: Filter that blocks ultraviolet rays and performs spectral correction so that visible rays are similar to natural sunlight (color temperature approx. 6500K)
3. B/BF: Filter that performs spectral correction so that ultraviolet rays (300-370nm) and visible rays are similar to natural sunlight
4. E/EF: Filter that is suitable for evaluating solar cells, infrared‑utilizing products, and heat‑management products. products.
5. L/LF: Filter that performs spectral correction so that natural sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface (ultraviolet–visible–infrared, 300–2500nm) is reproduced
6. HF: Filter that performs spectral correction so that solar radiation in outer space (AM0) is reproduced
For details of conformity relating to XELIOS artificial solar lighting, please refer to the pages for the XELIOS 100W and 500W series.
How can I identify each filter type or model number?
The model number is printed on the front of current filters. On older filter types, the model number is shown on the reverse side. For instructions on how to remove the filter from the XELIOS unit, please refer to the video provided on the page.
XELIOS 500W Series Filter Check Method →
XELIOS 100W Series Filter Check Method →
Note that all CF, L, LF, and HF filters have markings on the front of the filter.
Handling
Can artificial solar lighting be used immediately after it is turned on?
Yes. The light turns on instantly. However, for stable use, allow about 3 to 5 minutes for visual inspection and about 20 minutes for measurement, analysis, or other data-based evaluation.
Can artificial solar lighting be used continuously?
Yes. Artificial solar lighting can be used continuously within the rated lamp life.
Does artificial solar lighting require periodic maintenance?
No special periodic maintenance is normally required. The main consumable part is the lamp. If needed, SERIC can also provide paid overhaul or servicing.
Can artificial solar lighting be used in explosion-proof areas?
Standard artificial solar lighting cannot be used directly in explosion-proof areas.
Do objects illuminated by artificial solar lighting become hot?
The temperature rise of an illuminated object depends on factors such as light intensity, object color, surface condition, material, and the surrounding environment. Temperature increase can be reduced by blocking infrared rays with an IR cut filter. In some applications, artificial solar lighting may also be used intentionally to raise the temperature of the object.
Can artificial solar lighting be used in high- or low-temperature environments?
Artificial solar lighting can be used in ambient temperatures from -10°C to +30°C. Even if the room temperature is within this range, the area surrounding the unit must also remain within the specified operating range. If the surrounding temperature becomes too high or too low, the light may shut off automatically and equipment failure may occur.
What precautions should be taken during use?
Artificial solar lighting should be used in a horizontal or downward-facing position. Do not operate the light facing upward. Other handling precautions are generally the same as for standard electrical equipment. Please refer to the user’s manual for full operating and safety instructions.
Can artificial solar lighting be used outdoors?
No. Artificial solar lighting is designed for indoor use and can not be used outdoors.
What is the lamp life, and how can the end of lamp life be identified?
The 100W series has a lamp life of approximately 2000 hours, while the 500W series has a lamp life of approximately 1500 hours under continuous use. Frequent on/off switching can shorten lamp life. As a general guideline, if the light will be turned on again within about 30 minutes, it is better not to switch it off. Signs that the lamp is nearing the end of its life include difficulty turning on, flickering, or shutting off shortly after turning on.
Please refer to the video on the page for details about lamp life symptoms and troubleshooting when the unit no longer turns on.
Other Questions
How can I request a quotation?
Please contact SERIC’s Sales Division through the Contact Us page or call +81(0)48-967-5328, and include the desired model or product type, quantity, and the name of the person in charge. We will prepare and send a quotation based on the information provided. In some cases, if terms and conditions cannot be confirmed in advance, support may be limited except for made-to-order products. If that applies, we will contact you separately.
How long is the warranty period?
The warranty period for the artificial solar lighting is one year from the shipment date, excluding consumable parts. If a failure occurs during the warranty period under normal use and in accordance with the user’s manual and product labeling, SERIC will repair the unit free of charge. Damage caused by improper use, unauthorized repair, or modification is not covered. For further details, please contact SERIC’s Sales Division. A warranty card can also be issued upon request.
How should we choose the right artificial solar lighting for our application?
SERIC has specialized expertise in artificial solar lighting and has developed light source technologies since 1984.
Based on your application, we can help you select the most suitable artificial solar lighting system and support your full environment design, from technical consultation to after-sales service, repair, maintenance, and equipment-related guidance.
If you are unsure which model is appropriate, please contact us for advice based on your use case.
What are the main applications of artificial solar lighting?
Artificial solar lighting is used in a wide range of applications that require the effects or benefits of natural sunlight, including inspection, evaluation, testing, research, and product development.
For examples, please visit our case studies page.
