[ Spotlight: Lighting] With growing awareness of the need to reduce CO2 and
use energy more wisely, the last few years have witnessed the gradual phasing out of incandescent light bulbs. They have been replaced by compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that, according to the Energy Saving Trust, can save homeowners around £37 per year. While CFLs are saving money, a more radical change
is also occurring as a result of light emitting diode (LED) technology. According to John Gorse, Philips Lighting’s technical manager: ‘Understanding the changes that are being brought about by the move to LED light sources means that the entire value chain now has to engage with a re- education on the basics of light generation and application. It is absolutely clear that the industry is undergoing a seismic change not seen since gas lamp manufacturers witnessed the introduction of the carbon filament lamp.’
The plus side Aside from low energy, there are a number of other benefits of using LEDs. Their extraordinarily long life means they need zero maintenance with no light source replacement. In addition, they emit neither UV nor IR radiation and contain no mercury, making compliance with legislation such as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive far easier. Giuliano Digilio, head of technical services at the ECA,
says: ‘LED lighting gives excellent lumen output while achieving substantial energy savings. Major advances have been made with LED lamps, downlights and, more recently, with modular recessed and industrial fittings. Aside from low energy, there are a number of operational and environmental benefits of using LED technology.’ However, there is still considerable confusion surrounding
the benefits of LEDs. Thorn Lighting’s marketing director, Kelly Herrick, explains: ‘There has been so much furore about LEDs that conflicting messages are being communicated, doubtful promises are being made and everyone is waiting to see who is right.’ Cooper Lighting and Safety’s product marketing manager,
Leighton James, adds: ‘I think that the benefits of LED technology are getting across, but this process is hindered by the number of low-quality, poorly performing products currently available.’
Checks and balances While the market is experiencing an influx of innovative LED-based lighting solutions from a myriad of different manufacturers, not all LED-based solutions are the same. John Gorse of Philips Lighting, comments: ‘The closest
we currently have to an industry standard is the 2010 joint industry bodies document on application of LEDs, which is currently going forward for IEC approval. Contractors should ask the manufacturers and suppliers of LED product if, and how, their products comply with this best practice document.’ It is advisable to check the detail behind warranties and
guarantees and ensure that the product claims make sense under analysis. For example, examine whether the claims are for system performance rather than chip performance, or whether life values have been measured in the luminaire at realistic ambient temperatures.
July 2011 ECA Today 25 Grand designs
Aside from low energy, there are a number of operational and environmental benefits of using LED technology
Simply installing the latest lighting technology should not be at the expense of good design. The design of lighting installations requires attention to six key factors: n Identify and understand the lighting standards and the conditions required to get the most out of a lighting scheme.
n Utilise the best type of lighting for the environment and consider whether daylight can be used.
n Examine whether lighting control can be used to save energy and money.
n When it comes to lighting equipment, consider what is the best combination of products.
n On the installation itself, investigate whether modern wiring methods will provide savings in time, cost and labour.
n Identify how the efficiency and effectiveness of lighting can be maintained.
Manufacturers are developing LED-based solutions that can replace older technologies
On the market LED lighting solutions come in a variety of forms. Collingwood Lighting has introduced strip LED products that can be quickly installed and are sold in pre-cut lengths. They offer a flexible solution for all sorts of installations – from small- scale applications where only a few LEDs are needed, to larger features where a continuous strip is required over an extended distance. Manufacturers are developing LED-based solutions
that can replace older technologies. The new DL11 LED downlight from Cooper Lighting and Safety has been
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72