PLANT MANAGEMENT
Switching to LED
lighting off ers plant managers a range of benefi ts
A BRIGHTER FUTURE I
n recent years, governments and organisations worldwide have made considerable eff orts to phase out hazardous, mercury-containing lighting
fi xtures such as CFLs and fl uorescent tubes, prioritising the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. T is transition has been driven by environmental and health concerns, with a legal deadline recently passed for the sale of mercury containing T8 lamps and tubes and another deadline fast approaching on February 24th, 2024, for T5 lamps. So what do businesses operating in hazardous environments need to do to prepare for the upcoming deadline? And what are the benefi ts of switching to LED lighting technology?
THE MERCURY CONUNDRUM One of the primary reasons to phase-out CFLs and fl uorescent tubes is their mercury content. Mercury, a toxic heavy metal, poses substantial risks to both health and the environment. When these lighting devices break or are improperly disposed of, they release mercury, which can have severe consequences. To address these concerns, the RoHS directive was implemented in 2006, marking the lifespan and restricting
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www.engineerlive.com
Stuart Head details the benefi ts of LED
lighting for hazardous environments here
the use of mercury-containing fl uorescent lamps. Governments and organisations have since encouraged the adoption of more sustainable lighting technologies, particularly LED lighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY BENEFITS LED lamps and luminaires consume substantially less energy compared with traditional incandescent lamps and even CFLs, potentially leading to a 50% reduction in energy consumption on a larger scale. T is contributes to a company’s Net Zero goals and helps support environmental sustainability policies.
EXTENDED LIFESPAN Lasting much longer than traditional lighting technologies, a typical LED luminaire can have a lifespan of over 100,000 hours if designed and manufactured correctly. T is reduces maintenance costs and lessens the
environmental footprint associated with lighting fi xture production and disposal.
DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY Modern LEDs are solid-state devices without fragile components such as glass or fi laments, making them highly resistant to shock, vibrations and impacts – ideal for rugged, hazardous conditions.
INSTANT ON/OFF For hazardous environments where quick responses are necessary, especially in emergencies, LED lights provide immediate illumination without warm-up time.
LOWER HEAT EMISSION LEDs emit lower heat proportionally per circuit watt, reducing fi re hazards and helping to maintain safe temperatures in hazardous environments. T e lower heat output from LED luminaires can also signifi cantly contribute to power savings in places where low temperatures need to be maintained, such as chillers and freezers.
CUSTOMISABLE LIGHT OUTPUT LED lighting allows precise control of light output, including dimming and colour
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