ENERGY MANAGEMENT
body of the luminaire. LED diodes are generally of good quality, but (unlike a fluorescent lamp) they all look the same and they haven't got a part number on them, so you can’t really be sure. The driver, however, should be easy to identify and the details on it should enable you to find the drive current or the parameters.
“BETTER COMPANIES WILL ALSO ADVISE
ON ANY UPGRADES THAT MIGHT PROVE BENEFICIAL TO BOTH ENERGY EFFICIENCY,
LIGHTING LONGEVITY, COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND USER EXPERIENCE.”
To test the driver function, swap the driver from a working fitting into the fitting which is proving problematic – a failed driver is quite a common problem, as the aluminium electrolytic capacitor dries out over time and blows, often before the diodes themselves reach the end of their life. Driver replacement is actually one of the easiest fixes, and you can even improve the flexibility
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of your lighting by using one of the newer types, for example, one which offers dimmer functionality.
The failure of diodes themselves is more complicated – but that’s not to say that the fittings can’t be fixed. It might be possible to replace the LED strips inside the product, or, failing that, you should consider reorganising the lighting scheme, so that the same- batch LEDs are in the same location, and therefore look consistent (with any required replacement fittings placed in inconspicuous areas). The good news is that LED prices have fallen dramatically over the last few years, and while any additional spend may grate, at least the interim savings will have cut energy costs compared to the previously installed system, and the ongoing benefit of lower energy bills and properly-fit-for-purpose lighting will lessen the blow somewhat.
The key to cost-effective review and performance improvement of first-generation LED lighting is to choose a smart contractor, who will recommend refurbishment options intelligently – ensuring best value by repairing existing fittings where possible, and specifying quality products for any new ones required (not just to ensure longevity, but for the ability to replace parts rather than having to replace the entire fitting). The better companies will
also advise on any upgrades that might prove beneficial to both energy efficiency, lighting longevity, cost- effectiveness and user experience. For example, intelligent controls, robust warranties, self-testing emergency lighting, dimmable LEDs for fine-tuning light levels, and fittings which ramp up lumens over time to compensate for the inevitable build-up of dust.
“THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT LED PRICES HAVE FALLEN
DRAMATICALLY OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.”
LED lighting is certainly the intelligent choice – but as a facilities manager, the only intelligent choice you should have to make yourself is to select a forward-thinking lighting expert to work with. LED far outperforms the alternatives if it’s manufactured, specified and installed by a contractor who’s prepared to make savvy design and specification recommendations that offer true value, rather than a ‘specialist’ firm with a short-term view based exclusively on their potential to realise a profit from the project.
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