Dr. Bulb Blog

While the current buzz in the press is LEDs and LEDs will someday become a significant technology in luminaires, for now LEDs are not the end all – be all, and they will not be the solution for everything.  There are many lighting technologies that are still significantly more energy efficient, last longer, or are a better light technology for a specific application.  An example is Induction Lighting. Induction light fixtures perform for up to 100,000 hours making them virtually maintenance free, provide high color rendering (CRI) , have minimal lumen depreciation over the life of the lamp, and very energy efficiency too,

Induction Wall Pack

The inherent benefits of Induction light fixtures make them ideally suited for applications such as difficult to access locations, expensive to access locations, and areas with vibration and places where long term reliability and energy efficiency are valued.  As compared with LEDs, LED light fixtures are just beginning to have enough light output to be used in place of traditional high intensity discharge light sources.  The cost is very high, and compared to induction lighting, LEDs have half the rated light.  Additionally, LEDs are sensitive to temperature.   As the temperature increases, light output of LEDs decreases and the life of the LED luminaire is diminished.  Heat has virtually no impact on the light output of an induction system and in a properly designed fixture has zero impact on system life too.

The U.S. Department of Energy on one of their Energy Savings Blog reports, “Induction lighting is one of the best kept secrets in energy-efficient lighting. Simply stated, induction lighting is essentially a fluorescent light without electrodes or filaments, the items that frequently cause other bulbs to burn out quickly. Thus, many induction lighting units have an extremely long life of up to 100,000 hours. To put this in perspective, an induction lighting system lasting 100,000 hours will last more than 11 years in continuous 24/7 operation, and 25 years if operated 10 hours a day.”

Induction High Bay Fixture Shown with Optional Acrylic Refractor

An example of an application where Induction lighting is a superior choice as compared to other lighting is an industrial manufacturing setting that is operational 24/7.  Since heat rises, typically it is very hot near the ceiling/roof, which is not good for the life or light output of LED luminaires.  Also, LED luminaires are expensive and most can’t put out enough light. Linear fluorescent high bay fixtures require clean reflectors and are susceptible to dulling in areas with chemical processes.  Also the lamps get dirty and consequently put out less lumens. High Pressure Sodium is efficient but the color rendering is about 20 which is not sufficient in some production areas and is strongly disliked by workers. Metal Halide is a great high bay light system, but does not have the life, lumen maintenance, or in some instances the energy efficiency of Induction lighting.

In summary, there is a best solution if one understands the tradeoffs.  Each lighting source has its place.  In the case of Induction lighting, it has tremendous merits, but comes at an initial cost that is higher than most other lighting technologies.

To discuss what the best lighting technology is best for your facility, call a lighting specialist at Access Fixtures.  1.888.521.2582 or email at Sales@AccessFixtures.com