Sarah Springer, June 15, 2010

Experts are expecting an increase in the use of Solid State Lighting (SSL) technology, due to recent industry regulations established in 2008.  Industry regulations, introduced by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), provide standards to measure important factors that historically have instilled consumer confidence, including electric power and luminous efficacy, according to the United States Department of Energy (DOE).  These regulations, IES LM-79-2008 and IES LM-80-2008, will contribute to “A growing body of information that will help support solid-state lighting innovation, as well as market adoption and growth” (US Department of Energy).

Solid-State Lighting (SSL) technology is different from traditional lighting technology, as its electrical current travels through a solid semiconductor material.  Light Emitting Diodes (LED) technology is one of the most common types of SSL technology, and is considered superior to other lighting sources, due to the technology’s long life and energy efficiency.  According to Jeff Taso’s analysis on the history of lighting, SSL technology has experienced recent rapid growth, and “SSL-LED technology is currently on a very rapid improvement curve” (Sandia National Laboratories).

Due to an increase in the use and improvement of SSL technology, it is important that industry regulations are utilized to ensure product quality and consumer confidence.  The introduction of IESNA regulations LM-79 and LM-80 are important factors in establishing consistent quality in the SSL lighting industry, as historically, the quality of SSL technology has varied.  Certain SSL technologies have been known to fade at different rates, and due to a lack of regulation, “Lower-quality manufacturers have been able to flood the market” (Herkelrath, Laksberg, and Woods).  According to the DOE, “The lack of sufficient standards for SSL generated a great deal of confusion and frustration in the market” (US Department of Energy).

IES LM-79-2008, The Approved Method for the Electrical and Photometric Testing of Solid-State Lighting Devices, “Enables the calculation of LED luminaire efficacy,” which is the net light output from the luminaire, divided by the input power and measured in lumens per watt (US Department of Energy).  Traditionally, luminaire efficacy was measured by relying on traditional methods, which “separate lamp ratings and fixture efficiency” (US Department of Energy).  IES-79-2008 allows luminaire performance to be measured as a whole, “Establishing a foundation for accurate comparisons of luminaire performance for all light sources” (US Department of Energy).

IES-LM-80-2008, The Approved Method for Measuring Lumen Depreciation of LED Light Sources, “Supports an assessment of expected LED lifetime, by defining a method of testing lamp depreciation” (US Department of Energy).  LED light sources typically do not fail like traditional light sources, but fade over time.  This is referred to as “Lumen Depreciation,” and as a result of LM-80, the industry will now be able to measure the depreciation of light sources (US Department of Energy).

These regulations may remove inconsistencies in products for lighting professionals when navigating the market for high-quality products.  LM-79 and LM-80 have the potential to remove confusion and remove the blockades that are currently preventing LED technology from achieving “mass market penetration” (Ireland).  According to Jim Brodrick of the DOE, these industry regulations are expected to form a foundation for the SSL market.  Brodrick said:   “It brings a common currency and a foundation to the market. People can see that the product has passed this or it’s tested to that standard, so it’s consistent and can be compared to others. It brings order to the market to have all these standards done” (Ireland).

While experts anticipate more regulations and standardizations are needed for SSL technology, both LM-79 and LM-80 are currently making an impact on projected market growth.  According to the DOE, these standards are “The first tangible results of an accelerated, collaborative standards development process” (Department of Education).  According to lighting designer, Mark Ricketson, “Over the next 10 years, SSL efficacy is projected to continue to grow, and pricing will continue to decline. The net result is that over the next three to five years, SSL will become the logical choice for both interior and exterior non-residential lighting applications” (Ricketson). 

Due to this growth, Ricketson stressed the importance of competence in the area of SSL technology in the application of lighting design.  Ricketson said, “This advance in lighting technology requires all designers to become knowledgeable so that they can evaluate SSL lighting.”  Ricketson stressed the importance of knowledge and using the technology when most appropriate (Ricketson).

Herkelrath, Laksberg, and Woods (2005)  A Brighter Future: Advances in LED Energy Efficient Lighting Technology.  University of Washington.  Retrieved June 15, 2010, http://depts.washington.edu/poeweb/students/gradprograms/envmgt/2005symposium/LEDProjectReport.pdf.

Ireland, Beck (2008) Standards Deviant.  EC&M.  Retrieved June 15, 2010, http://ecmweb.com/design_engineering/electric_standards_deviant/.

Ricketson, Mark (2008)  Solid State Lighting Design Considerations.  Implications.  (8) 3.  University of Minnesota.  Retrieved June 15, 2010, http://www.informedesign.umn.edu/_news/may_v08-p.pdf.

Sandia National Laboratories.  Condensed History of Lighting.  Retrieved June 15, 2010,   http://lighting.sandia.gov/Xlightingoverviewhistory.htm.

United States Department of Energy.  Standards Development Increases MarketConfidence in SSL Performance.  Retrieved June 15, 2010, http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/ssl/standards_09fs.pdf.

In an economy where shoppers are expected to spend less[1], it is important for business owners to make the most of their merchandise.  One proven method to attract shoppers is the creation of an effective lighting display.  According to research studies, there is a correlation between the way a store owner lights his or her product, and the amount of attention a product gets from shoppers.  “Brighter lighting can influence shoppers to examine and handle more merchandise,” found a research study at Texas Tech University.[2]

As a cost-saving alternative to traditional sources of bright lighting, recent research indicates that LED technology can offer a tri-fold solution for store owners:  Reduce operation costs, draw in consumers, and reduce their carbon footprint.  In a research study conducted by the Lighting Research Center, researchers found that  after eliminating  fluorescent lighting, reducing the wattage in halogen accent lights, and utilizing LED to highlight merchandise in storefronts, shoppers not only preferred the display, but there was a 30 percent reduction in energy costs.[3]  

One researcher reported, "We designed the window lighting to create impact and contrast with color, instead of high light levels. This allowed us to reduce the amount of accent lighting and cut energy use.”[4]  By carefully designing a display, the Lighting Research Center proved that lighting designers can drive consumers to handle more merchandise by carefully crafting displays that are both earth-friendly and affordable.

If your business is interested in utilizing LED technology, a Certified Lighting Consultant can assist you by designing an effective, artistic lighting system to attract your consumers.  For more information, contact D.R.Y. Lighting Associates through the “Contact Us” section on our website.

Most good ideas are the result of collaboration. The million dollar solutions almost always come when we aren’t actively looking for them. That’s why you should be talking to as many people as you can about your problems, they almost certainly will have a perspective that you might have otherwise missed.

For example- recent lighting legislation will affect how you will continue to light your business property as soon as July 2010.

Despite strong, on-going sales of 4-foot T12 fluorescent lamps, the magnetic ballasts commonly used for the lamps’ operation will start becoming relics of the past on July 1, 2010, when their continued manufacture for commercial and industrial applications becomes prohibited by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ballast efficiency regulations. 

According to the National Lighting Bureau, the July 1, 2010 date marks the last step of a multi-step phase-out that began on July 1, 2005, the date when ballast manufacturers could no longer sell T12 magnetic ballasts for use in new fixtures with full-wattage T12 lamps. March 31, 2006 was the last day lighting-fixture manufacturers could incorporate the ballasts in new fixtures with full-wattage T12 lamp cease.

If your facilities are heavily invested in T12 lamp technology, now is the time to start planning how you will address this potentially costly issue.   After July 1, 2010, you will have to take another course of action with your lighting program.

A Certified Lighting Consultant can help give your company the perspective it needs to successfully implement a program that will minimize the impact that this legislation mandates. 

For more information, please contact us through this web site.

Our firm has been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do some lighting designs for several beach front properties in North Carolina.  While the interior spaces of these homes have similar characteristics as many homes away from the shore, the exterior requirements for lighting at the beach usually have to meet more intense standards. 

One important challenge we face at the coast is the degradation of external fixtures due to the salty characteristics of the beach environment.   The high wind and sand combination can act like a sand blaster over time, wearing down the best painted finishes.  Intense UV radiation from the sun quickly deteriorates many plastic luminaire products as well.  Certain metal finishes oxidize or “pit” in the salt air, changing the look of a new luminaire in just a season or two.  Most of the time, the change has a negative effect on the look and performance of the fixture, depending on its composition.  

There are great alternatives available in certain solid metal luminaries that oxidize and take on a beautiful patina over time.  Copper and the copper-based alloys of brass and bronze do particularly well in a beach environment.  As they age, they take on a beautiful patina with elements of Verde green and cocoa depending on the type of metal and length of exposure.                                          

There are hundreds of manufacturers that make lighting product for the beach environment.  It is very important to understand what the luminaire is made out of, in addition to how well it is constructed, to ensure longevity in the salt air environment.  Everything looks pretty when it is new.  The wrong fixture can look terrible even after only one season at the beach. 

One option to consider for some exterior luminaries at the beach is actually made out of wood.  You must be careful as to what material is used and how it will weather.  Many coastal areas have tight restrictions on the distribution of light from a luminaire because it interferes with local wild life, especially nesting sea turtles.  The use of wood fixtures limits the “side glow” of the luminaire and directs a majority of the light out of the bottom or the top of the fixture.  Small holes or slots in the sides of wood lanterns can also let a very controlled amount of light through for a bit of “sparkle” while limiting the overall throw of light away from the structure.                                                 

A most difficult area to light in the coastal environment is an area where you would like to use a “recessed can” or “downlight” type luminaire to hide the fixture in an exterior ceiling plane.  Several of the homes we have worked on have outdoor living areas directly under the house.  This area is used as an extension of the interior space for entertaining and outdoor dining.  They are furnished to look like an indoor living space, using very weather able furniture and fabrics.  Our designs light them to be as functional as any indoor space, paying special attention to light levels and placing limits on the potential brightness.

We have had great success meeting that objective with a recessed can luminaire that is constructed out of 100% composite material.   This recessed fluorescent downlight is noncorrosive, high-efficiency, and self-extinguishing.  It is also UL/CUL-listed for wet and damp locations, and marine 1598A.   Even the trim options are made of composite material, affording a long-lived luminaire that will stand up to the harshest environment.                             

With several compact fluorescent lamp choices of one or two lamps, from 13 watts up to 42 watts, as well as dimming ballast options, this luminaire has allowed us to create the perfect outdoor living environment for these very special homes by using a luminaire that will stand the test of time. 

None of the better solutions are inexpensive.  The use of innovative lighting technologies and materials can have a good payback, however, by maintaining their good looks, reducing overall maintenance, and putting off replacement costs for a long period of time.

Lighting tough environments requires a special approach, using innovative lighting technologies.  If you would like more information about creative innovative lighting options for your commercial or residential property, please send us your questions through the contact page of our web site.

Adding melatonin also helps these senior citizens sleep better

 The use of daytime bright lighting to improve the circadian rhythm of elderly persons resulted in modest improvement in symptoms of dementia, and the addition of melatonin resulted in improved sleep, according to a study in the June 11 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

 “In elderly patients with dementia, cognitive decline is frequently accompanied by disturbances of mood, behavior, sleep, and activities of daily living, which increase caregiver burden and the risk of institutionalization,” the author write.

These symptoms have been associated with disturbances of the circadian rhythm (the regular recurrence, in cycles of about 24 hours, of biological processes or activities).

Impaired sleep is common in older persons and is associated with poorer daytime function; greater risk of mood disorders; poorer quality of life; impaired immune function; and greater rates of falls, injuries, physician visits, and healthcare costs, according to a 2007 study that experimented with brighter light for dementia patients.

Sleep problems are particularly prevalent in persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, in whom circadian rhythm disturbances and fragmented sleep are nearly universal. Theoretically, high-intensity light therapy holds considerable promise. It is known to be the major source of entrainment of the human circadian system, according to the authors of that study, which was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in November of 2007. (See note below news report.)

The researchers then concluded that bright ambient light in public areas of long-term care facilities can have modest but measurable improvement on sleep patterns and circadian rhythms of persons with dementia.

A circadian rhythm is an approximate daily period, a roughly-24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological or behavioral processes of living beings. The term "circadian", coined by Franz Halberg, comes from the Latin circa, "around", and diem or dies, "day", meaning literally "approximately one day."

“The circadian timing system is highly sensitive to environmental light and the hormone melatonin and may not function optimally in the absence of their synchronizing effects. In elderly patients with dementia, synchronization may be [diminished] if light exposure and melatonin production are reduced,” according to the authors of the study in JAMA.

Rixt F. Riemersma-van der Lek, M.D., of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, and colleagues conducted a trial at 12 elderly group care facilities in the Netherlands that evaluated the effects of up to 3.5 years of daily supplementation of bright light and/or melatonin on a number of health outcomes, including symptoms of dementia and sleep disturbances.

The study included 189 facility residents, average age 85.8 years; 90 percent were female and 87 percent had dementia.

Six of the facilities had bright lighting installed in ceiling-mounted fixtures. Lights were on daily between approximately 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participants were randomized to receive evening melatonin (2.5 mg) or placebo and participated an average of 15 months (maximum period of 3.5 years).

The researchers found that bright light -  
  ● lessened cognitive deterioration by a relative 5 percent,
  ● reduced depressive symptoms by a relative 19 percent and
  ● diminished the gradual increase in functional limitations by a relative 53 percent.

Melatonin reduced the time to fall asleep by a relative 19 percent and increased total sleep duration by 6 percent, but adversely affected caregiver ratings of withdrawn behavior and mood expressions.

The addition of bright light improved the adverse effect on mood. In combination with bright light, melatonin reduced aggressive behavior by a relative 9 percent.

“In conclusion, the simple measure of increasing the illumination level in group care facilities [improved] symptoms of disturbed cognition, mood, behavior, functional abilities, and sleep. Melatonin improved sleep, but its long-term use by elderly individuals can only be recommended in combination with light to suppress adverse effects on mood. The long-term application of whole-day bright light did not have adverse effects, on the contrary, and could be considered for use in care facilities for elderly individuals with dementia,” the authors write.

About Melatonin

In humans, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, a gland about the size of a pea, located in the center of the brain. The melatonin signal forms part of the system that regulates the circadian cycle by chemically causing drowsiness and lowering the body temperature, but it is the central nervous system that controls the daily cycle in most components of the paracrine and endocrine systems rather than the melatonin signal (as was once postulated).

Light dependence

Production of melatonin by the pineal gland is inhibited by light and permitted by darkness. For this reason melatonin has been called "the hormone of darkness" and its onset each evening is called the Dim-Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO). Secretion of melatonin as well as its level in the blood, peaks in the middle of the night, and gradually falls during the second half of the night, with normal variations in timing according to an individual’s chronotype.

Until recent history, humans in temperate climates were exposed to only about six hours of daylight in the winter. In the modern world, artificial lighting reduces darkness exposure to typically eight or fewer hours per day all year round. Even low light levels inhibit melatonin production to some extent, but over-illumination can create significant reduction in melatonin production. Since it is principally blue light that suppresses melatonin, wearing glasses that block blue light in the hours before bedtime may avoid melatonin loss. Use of blue-blocking goggles the last hours before bedtime has also been advised for people who need to adjust to an earlier bedtime, as melatonin promotes sleepiness.

Melatonin levels at night are reduced to 50% by exposure to a low-level incandescent bulb for only 39 minutes, and it has been shown that women with the brightest bathrooms have an increased risk for breast cancer.

Reduced melatonin production has been proposed as a likely factor in the significantly higher cancer rates in night workers, and the effect of modern lighting practice on endogenous melatonin has been proposed as a contributory factor to the larger overall incidence of some cancers in the developed world.

Treatment of circadian rhythm disorders

Exogenous melatonin, used as a chronobiotic and usually taken orally in the afternoon and/or evening, is, together with light therapy upon awakening, the standard treatment for delayed sleep phase syndrome and non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome. See Phase response curve, PRC. It appears to have some use against other circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as jet lag and the problems of people who work rotating or night shifts.

Learning, memory and Alzheimer’s

Melatonin receptors appear to be important in mechanisms of learning and memory in mice. Studies in rats suggest that melatonin may be effective for treating Alzheimer’s Disease. These same neurofibrillary tangles can be found in the hypothalamus in patients with Alzheimer’s, adversely affecting their bodies’ production of melatonin. Those Alzheimer’s patients with this specific affliction often show heightened afternoon agitation, called sundowning, which has been shown in many studies to be effectively treated with melatonin supplements in the evening.

2007 Study: High-Intensity Environmental Light in Dementia: Effect on Sleep and Activity
From Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Philip D. Sloane, MD, MPH; Christianna S. Williams, PhD; C. Madeline Mitchell, MURP; John S. Preisser, PhD; Wendy Wood, PhD; Ann Louise Barrick, PhD; Susan E. Hickman, PhD; Karminder S. Gill, MSPH; Bettye Rose Connell, PhD; Jack Edinger, PhD; Sheryl Zimmerman, PhD

Even if the current economic times were not challenging, controlling costs at home or in your business should yield significant savings.  In many homes, and especially in many businesses, lighting can make up a significant portion of your energy dollar.  Having the ability to squeeze savings from the money spent on lighting energy could provide extra cash to invest in other activities.  

With the current trend toward “sustainable” or “green” design in both commercial and residential construction, lighting controls can go a long way to help to develop a more energy efficient environment. Whether you’re a homeowner or a facility manager, the higher the electric rate, the greater the economic benefit and motivation there will be to reduce the lighting energy consumption. 

Some things to consider-

Applicable Energy Codes

• What energy codes must be met?
• Are specific types of control required?  

Green Building Approach

• Is the project seeking LEED or other sustainability certification?  

Electric Rate and Demand Charges

• Understanding what your electric rate is and how your utility costs are affected by demand charges is important to the decisions you’ll make about the right lighting control system. 

There are many types of lighting controls, from the very simple to the most complex.  All have the same goal in mind – reduce lighting energy consumption while maintaining a comfortably lit environment.

One fairly easy control system to use in new or retrofit construction is a system offered by Wattstopper/Legrand Company.  They have developed a revolutionary family of wireless radio frequency (RF) lighting control products.  This product line named Miro, combines elegance of design with intelligence of function.

Wireless Miro features one-touch whole house control, preset dimming, remote control of lighting, occupancy emulation and more.  Complimenting this functionality is a full line of architectural styled switches, dimmers, fan controllers, receptacles, and datacom devices.   

Miro is a lighting control system that is perfect for –

• Residences
• Restaurants
• Meeting rooms
• Small to medium commercial spaces and more… 

This control system uses a revolutionary RF communication layered with a comprehensive protocol technology (Topdog).  Via this 900 MHz communication technology (think cordless phones) Miro creates an invisible wireless control network.  It is also 1,000 times faster than traditional power line technologies.

It also automatically assigns a unique ID to every installation so there is no chance of interference from neighboring installations, even in multi-residential buildings.  Since the system has no control wiring, it can be configured and set up by any electrician, integrator, or do-it-yourselfer.  No need to add “home run” wires which is especially difficult in retrofit situations.

The following chart illustrates the possible savings when a simple dimming control system is placed in service on a lighting system.  Not only is there a savings on the electrical side of the equation, but also on the replacement cost of the lamps, as well as the cost of labor to change each lamp after they fail.

Dimming the Lamps   Saves Electricity         Extends Lamp Life

             10%                          10%                                 2X

             25%                          20%                                 4X

             50%                          40%                               20X

             75%                          60%                             >20X

New energy codes now dictate the use of lighting control devices to meet the leaner requirements for compliance.  New technologies can help all kinds of property owners and developers meet these more stringent requirements.

Technology keeps getting better, more user friendly, and less expensive.  This is certainly one lighting control product line that is worth looking at.   If meeting LEED or tighter energy codes in a cost effective manner is part of your building objective, or integrating newer technology and comfort in an older facility is required or desired, this technology is certainly worth the investment.

The dollars saved by implementing a system such as this can be recovered in a very reasonable amount of time.  After the initial investment is recovered, the system will continue to offer significant saving on lighting energy dollars and system maintenance.  The investment in this technology will not only realize the potential savings in energy, but will also add to the overall comfort of the occupiers of the spaces under control.

Controlling lighting energy as well as lighting system operating costs has never been more important.

If you are a commercial building owner or manager, and your buildings are heavily invested in older T12 lamp technology, the time to upgrade your existing lighting system is now at hand.  The Federal Ballast Rule indicates that June 30, 2010 is the last date that ballasts can be manufactured for most of the familiar T12 lamp technolgy.  Standards and rules have been adopted that will phase out older, inefficient lamp technologies.  The adoption of newer lighting technologies by building owners and manager will benefit all, through the reduction of energy use which in turn will allow dollars saved to be reinvested in other projects, or be returned to the bottom line.

Since the early 1990s, Federal legislation and energy codes have had a significant impact on the energy consumed by lighting in commercial buildings in the United States. There have also been Federal regulations passed to ensure that mercury-containing lamps are properly disposed of to minimize the impact on the environment. Changes in the National Electric Code have been made to ensure proper use of metal halide lamps. 

Some of the key Federal regulatory milestones affecting lighting are the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992, the addition of lamps to the Universal Waste Rule (UWR) in 2000, the Fluorescent Ballast Rule of 2000, and recent energy regulations mandating ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 as the minimum standard for state energy codes. There has also been a recent change in the National Electric Codes (NEC) effective January 1, 2005 requiring a containment barrier (lens) on all metal halide fixtures unless a PROTECH (Type – O) lamp is used for new construction or major renovation projects.

These regulations and codes continue to have a major impact on lighting design, encouraging the use of newer technologies to achieve well-lighted spaces.  To help better understand these regulations and codes, an outline of recent legislative actions and their detailed effect on the lighting industry can be found below.

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 established minimum efficacy standards for 2-foot U-shaped, as well as 4-foot and 8-foot fluorescent lamps. Since full wattage versions of T12 lamps on magnetic ballasts did not meet the minimum lamp efficacy requirements, the F34T12 Cool White energy-saving lamp became the largest seller as a replacement for the disallowed F40T12 Cool White lamp, but resulted in up to a 13% loss in light output. Several facilities managers were encouraged to retrofit to T8 systems, accelerating the demand for T8 lamps and electronic ballasts. The EPAct also disallowed the use of incandescent R30 and R40 lamps, shifting residential users to BR30 and BR40 incandescent lamps and retailers to halogen PAR lamps and to more compact fluorescent.

The Universal Waste Rule established new disposal standards for all mercury-containing lamps based on whether the lamps met the Federal Toxic Characteristic Leachate Procedure (TCLP) requirements for classification as hazardous or non-hazardous waste. If the lamps passed the TCLP test for classification as non-hazardous waste (<0.2mg Hg/liter and <5 mg Pb/liter), then the lamps can be disposed as a universal waste, which reduces requirements for collection, transportation and record keeping. If lamps do not pass the TCLP test, then they must be disposed as a hazardous waste. In either case, mercury-containing lamps may not be disposed as “regular” trash. The user is responsible for proper disposal under this rule, so many have chosen to recycle.

The Federal Ballast Rule

The Federal Ballast Rule of 2000 raises the minimum Ballast Efficacy Factors (BEF) for T12 fluorescent ballasts, which effectively promotes the use of T8 lamp and ballast systems. The Federal Ballast Rule covers 2-foot U-shaped Rapid Start, 4-foot Rapid Start, 8-foot Instant Start and 8-foot High Output T12 fluorescent ballasts. Ballast manufacturers cannot manufacturer T12 ballasts for new luminaires after April 1, 2005.  Luminaires cannot be sold with magnetic ballasts after April 1, 2006. There is an exception for replacement of T12 magnetic ballast for existing installations. These ballasts can be manufactured until June 30, 2010, but must be marked “For Replacement Use Only”, have shorter lead wires, be contained in packages not exceeding 10 ballasts and must meet the 1991 T12 magnetic BEF criteria.

ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 energy standards have established maximum lighting power density limits (watts per square-foot) for various building types, limiting the power consumed by lighting in buildings. There are separate limits for interior and exterior lighting and automatic lighting shut-off, either using a building control system or occupancy sensors.  These are required for buildings larger than 5000 square feet. States must adopt ASHRAE 90.1-1999 standard as a minimum standard as of July 2004. Fifteen states have yet to adopt as of January 2005, but 12 states have adopted the stricter ASHRAE 90.1 –2001 standards. California Title 24 is similar, but includes additional requirements for daylighting and outdoor lighting. The use of new lighting technologies such as higher lumen T5 and T8 lamps, ceramic metal halide, lower power high efficiency electronic fluorescent ballasts and more efficient luminaires make it possible to meet these standards without sacrificing lighting quality.

If your commercial building is heavily invested in older lamp technology like T12 lamps, the Federal Ballast Rule indicates, June 30, 2010 as the last date that replacement ballasts can be manufactured for existing T12 luminaires.  After June 30, 2010, only the stock remaining on suppliers’ shelves will be what is left to meet your replacement ballast needs for T12 technology.  Over time, it will become increasingly more difficult to find replacement ballasts to keep your old T12 lighting system operating.

If your commercial building is heavily invested in T12 lamp technology, you will have a significant budget issue in the near future.  June 30, 2010 is not that far off and planning now to make an orderly transition to newer technology just makes sense.  The services of a lighting professional can provide you with hard numbers to make the important decision as to how significantly this legislation will impact your budget.

Phasing out a little at a time, or all at once, can be justified by the numbers.  More often than not, the upgrades can pay for themselves in under a two-year period.  After that point, your building will continue to save significant energy due to reduced lighting loads.  You will also improve the quality and quantity of light.  Remember, at some point in time, the entire older T12 system will fail and there will eventually be no replacement ballast available.

Contact a Certified Lighting professional to help you assess your current lighting technology.  They can provide the numbers to put things in perspective so you can make a good budgeting decision, and improve the quality of life for all, through the better application of light.