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O L D N E W S L E T T E R S
VISIONAIRE Introduces High Performance Auto Dealership Outdoor Lighting Fixtures at NADA 2005 Show in New Orleans
Visionaire Lighting of Gardena, CA showcased it’s revolutionary new VISION high performance reflector system and luminaires designed for auto dealership lighting at the NADA – National Automobile Dealers Association 2005 Show at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1st. The gigantic NADA exhibition and convention is the automotive industry event of the year, attracting over 30,000 attendees, including dealer owners, new and used car managers, parts and service managers, and other key purchasers. NADA is the premier show venue for companies to feature products and services targeting the $700 billion dollars spent annually in the automotive industry. Visionaire displayed it’s lighting systems with a dramatic 20 ft. by 20 ft. island exhibit with a high performance automotive theme. A genuine NASCAR race car complemented the display, which featured Visionaire’s American, Polera and Monterey pole mounted fixtures, and graphics depicting dealerships with lighting by Visionaire. The booth was attended by top Visionaire management and sales personnel and assisted by Visionaire “Pit Crew” models. Visionaire advancements highlighted at the show included the patent-pending VISION reflector system. This advanced reflector design spreads more light where it is needed, providing substantial initial equipment and installation cost savings with fewer fixtures and poles, compared to competitors. Plus significant energy and maintenance cost savings. The result is thousands of dollars in savings for auto dealerships. The Monterey Series by Visionaire was featured at the show, presenting an exciting new trend for dealership lighting. Monterey combines decorative styling with the high performance VISION reflector system. With a broad selection of decorative mounting arms and decorative cast poles, Monterey can be custom tailored for a signature theme, enhance the community, and set dealerships apart from their competitors. A new Low Mounting Height reflector system was introduced by Visionaire to address the current trend in many cities restricting car dealership pole heights to 15 feet. This unique reflector provides high footcandle levels and great uniformity at low mounting heights, while maintaining Visionaire’s commitment to wider pole spacings. As a Preferred Outdoor Lighting Manufacturer for General Motors nationally, Visionaire also displayed their luminaires and performance capabilities with a special kiosk in the GM exhibit at the show. “This was a terrific show for us” said Bill Hein, President of Visionaire. “From the reception we received we feel we are on the right track when it comes to dealership lighting.” Visionaire Lighting is a manufacturer of specification grade architectural and decorative outdoor luminaires, poles, bollards, wall and ceiling mount fixtures. Visionaire’s product line combines exceptional styling with cutting edge optical design, durability and energy efficiency. Dedicated to neighborhood-friendly, quality outdoor lighting, Visionaire’s IES Full-Cut luminaires restrict light trespass, glare and light pollution, with many recently certified as Dark Sky Friendly by the International Dark Sky Association. For more information, contact Visionaire Lighting toll free at: 877-977-LITE or visit www.visionairelighting.com
L.A. Dodger Icon Tommy LaSorda with Visionaire spokesmodel at NADA Show
24 November 04
Changes to the 2005 NEC Impacting Metal Halide Systems Options
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and specifiers of metal halide lighting systems should be aware that changes to the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) will impact manufacturers of metal halide luminaires as well as their customers. While these changes have not yet been published, the process to modify the NEC to incorporate these provisions is sufficiently far along that the NEMA Lighting Systems Division believes some initial communication on this matter is advisable to OEMs and specifiers. As more information becomes available, further updates will be provided. It is also expected that additional information will be published in the form of papers and articles targeted at various lighting audiences.
The NEC is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is revised via an open consensus process every three years. The current 2002 NEC is now undergoing many changes as a result of submitted requirements, will be published as the 2005 NEC in the fall of 2004. Municipalities or states are then able to adopt and enforce the most recent edition of the Code if they so desire. Once adopted, electrical inspectors will apply the requirements of the new 2005 edition of the NEC when they are involved in the inspection process – typically for new construction or when an existing building undergoes a renovation that would require an electrical permit and resulting inspection.
This information bulletin focuses on one key change that is anticipated to be approved for the 2005 NEC. Specifically, the 2005 NEC will require that luminaires that use metal halide lamp shall be provided with either a containment barrier that encloses the lamps (historically referred to as an enclosed luminaire) or shall be provided with a means, typically a special lampholder, that will only accept an ANSI TYPE-O metal halide lamp. (Exception – this requirement will not apply to open luminaires with thick-glass parabolic reflector PAR lamps.)
The intent of this requirement is to require that, when open luminaires are specified in the future only TYPE-O lamp will operate in those luminaires. This means that for those jurisdictions that adopt the 2005 NEC, the historically common TYPE-S lamp will not be an option for open luminaires in future new construction or in major lighting renovations to existing buildings.
Existing installations that use open luminaires and TYPE-S lamps will continue to exist, even in municipalities that adopt the NEC 2005. TYPE-S metal halide lamps will continue to be available for those customers that wish to continue to use them in existing open luminaires and in accordance with appropriate lamp and luminaire manufacturer warnings and instructions.
Existing open luminaires will accommodate TYPE-O lamps without a lampholder change. Existing enclosed luminaires will accommodate TYPE-O, S or E lamps without lampholder change.
It is expected over time that the mix of metal halide lamps available will naturally shift to reflect the anticipated adoption of the 2005 NEC and that there will be an associated shift to luminaires that are either enclosed or that only accept TYPE-O lamps.
When operated in accordance with manufacturer’s warnings and instructions, open luminaires with TYPE-S lamps remain safe and effective lighting alternative for many applications. However, these warnings and instructions are not heeded, the operation of an open luminaire with TYPE-S lamp may potentially present an elevated level of risk of fire (in some applications) that would not exist with lighting systems employing either an enclosed luminaire or an open luminaire with a TYPE-O lamp.
NEMA lamp and luminaire manufacturers support this change to the 2005 NEC code since it will simplify the metal halide systems options available and will also reduce the potential risks associated with failure to properly follow the warnings and instructions for systems that specify open luminaires with TYPE-S lamps.
For more information regarding the proper use of TYPE-O,S and E metal halide systems please refer to the NEMA white paper on this subject that is freely available at www.nema.org: LSD 25-2000 , Best practices for Metal Halide Systems, Plus Questions and Answers about Lamp Ruptures in Metal Halide Lighting Systems.
17 January 2003
INDUSTRY
UPDATE
LUMINAIRE
EFFICIENCY GREATER THAN 100%???
The latest advancement in linear fluorescent
lamp technology is the T5 lamp. The
T5 lamp continues to gain popularity as ballast and luminaire manufacturers
develop smaller and more energy-efficient products.
With a 5/8 inch diameter, T5 lamps offer 10% to 30% increase in lumen
output when compared to T8 lamps. The
high-output versions of T5 lamps (T5HO) provide approximately 5000 lumens for a
4-foot lamp. The major advantage of
the luminaire using the T5HO lamps is that it provides a high-lumen package in a
small-profile while offering the opportunity to create better photometric
performance. The linear T5 and T5HO
lamps have been designed with an optimal ambient operating temperature of 35
degree C, rather than 25 degree C that most lamps are designed for, including T8
and T12 lamps. Issues regarding the
photometry of luminaires employing these lamps have surfaced because of this
difference in optimal operating temperatures.
According to IESNA Standards, photometric testing should be performed at an ambient temperature of 25 degree C. This ambient temperature has been well accepted in the lighting industry for many years. Until the introduction of the linear T5 lamp family, most fluorescent lamps has an optimal operating temperature of 25 degree C, and when operated at temperatures above or below 25 degree C, a reduction of lumen output resulted. In the process of determining the efficiency of a luminaire, which is the ratio of the lumen output of the luminaire to that of the bare lamp, the bare-lamp lumen output is tested at 25 degree C ambient temperature. However, when the lumen output of the luminaire is measured (with the luminaire at 25 degree C), the lamp itself is most likely no longer operating at 25 degree C. For any luminaire operating in a 25 degree C ambient, Lamp Operating Temperature Inside the Luminaire (LOTIL) will be equal to or higher than 25 degree C. For example, in an indirect or a highly ventilated luminaire, LOTIL is near the ambient temperature of 25 degree C. On the other hand, LOTIL in a totally enclosed luminaire could be much higher than the 25 degree C ambient temperature. Unless LOTIL is equal to the optimum operating temperature, the lumen output is lower than the rated lumens. Because the lamp in the luminaire does not operate at the same temperature as when it is in free air, the luminaire efficiency traditionally shown on a photometric report incorporates both the optical and the thermal effects of the luminaire design. For the T8 and T12 lamps, the thermal effect has always resulted in reduced luminaire efficiency in a 25 degree environment.
The introduction of the T5 family with a higher optimal temperature of 35 degree C has created a scenario where the “efficiency” of the luminaires can go beyond 100%. There is a simple explanation as to why efficiency, as determined by the above-mentioned traditional technique, can go over 100%; the lumen output of the bare lamps is measured at 25 degree C, while the lumen output of the T5 lamp(s) operating inside the luminaire is measured at a higher temperature. This higher LOTIL can increase the lumen output of the T5 lamp(s). Therefore it is possible, in some cases, that the gain in lumen output due to higher operating temperatures outweighs the loss due to optics. In cases such as this, a luminaire efficiency of over 100% can result.
In general, there are two factors that contribute to the efficiency of a luminaire. First, is the optical efficiency. This has to do with the performance of the optical design of the luminaire such as a lens or reflector. The optical efficiency bylaws of physics will never exceed 100%. Second, is the thermal effect. The thermal effect is the lumen output variation of the lamp when tested in free air versus its lumen output when placed within the housing. Optical efficiency of a luminaire is independent of temperature under which the luminaire is tested, and to obtain it, one would have to test the photometric performance of the lamp at the temperature at which the lamp is operating within the luminaire housing, namely at LOTIL.
CONCLUSION
Should the industry continue to test products using the rated lumen output at 25 degree C even though newer lamps peak at higher temperatures? The IESNA Testing Procedure Committee is addressing this issue, but the industry has yet to come to a consensus. Until IESNA testing procedures are officially changed, any luminaire manufacturers will continue to follow the current industry standards and report the optical and thermal performance of products together. Luminaire efficiencies greater than 100% will be possible when tested with T5 and T5HO lamps, and it is important that lighting professionals understand why. Keep in mind that the selection of a luminaire should consider a variety of performance metrics in addition to photometry efficiency.
2 August 2001
Environmental Friendly Outdoor Lighting
Time has finally come for local authorities to establish an outdoor lighting ordinance to control stray light and participate in the "dark skye" philosophy. We hear questions on this topic continually when calling on architect, engineers and design/build firms.
At this time, we would like to introduce a new section of the Lithonia Lighting website
(http://www.lithonia.com/cutofflighting) that addresses this issue as well as other related questions:
This web site addresses these topics, and others, in an easy-to-understand manner. This information addresses issues faced by those who design and/or install lighting. It also answers many of the basic questions that city, parish and state officials confront when dealing with a heightened citizen awareness of light pollution.
Remember, Lithonia Lighting has a number of outdoor luminaires with performance that addresses this growing need for low brightness lighting. Their R4SC reflector is now over 10 years old, yet it still provides the best house side cutoff of any area optic in the industry.
8 May 2001
QL INDUCTION SERIES
LAMP
INTRODUCTION
The QL lamp system make use of a revoluntary technology of light generation by combining the basic principles of induction and gas discharge. The distinctive lamp system is therefore classified in a new family of sources, the so-called QL induction lamp system.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
QL induction lighting is based on a technology, which is fundamentally different from that of incandescent lamps or today’s conventional gas discharge lamps. Instead of the glowing filaments of incandescent lamps, or the electrodes used in conventional discharge lamps, light generation is by means of induction ~ the transmission of energy as a magnetic field - combined with a gas discharge.
The basic principle is the same as that of an electrical transformer. An alternating current in the primary coil induces a corresponding alternating magnetic field in the core and the surrounding space. This magnetic field in turn induces a current of the same frequency in the secondary coil. The higher the frequency, the more compact the system can be.
In the QL induction lamp system, the energy source - equivalent to the primary coil in the transformer - is the lamps induction coil which is powered by high-frequency electronics. The secondary coil is represented by the low-pressure gas and metal vapor inside the lamp bulb. The induced current caused the acceleration of charged particles in the metal vapor. These particles collide, resulting in excitation and ionization of the metal vapor atoms, and raising the energy level of the free electrons from these atoms to a higher unstable state. As these excited electrons fall back to their stable, lower-energy state, they emit ultravoilet radiation. By means of the fluorescent coating inside the lamp, the ultraviolet radiation is converted into visible light.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The QL lamp system consists of three components.
a. the lamp (discharge vessel)
b. the power coupler
c. the HF generator
THE LAMP
The QL lamp is basically a glass bulb containing a mixture of low-pressure mercury vapor and inert buffer gas - generating basically short wave UV light (254nm). A antenna in the center of the discharge (therefore no electrodes) and the glass coated with a fluorescent phosphor mixture coverting the generated UV light into visible light comparable to the well-known 800 series phosphor used in fluorescent lamps.
Via a cavity, the cylindrical antenna or induction coil as part of the power coupler, is placed in the center of the lamp. Due to the unique property that electromagnetic fields can easily pass through glass walls, no physical entry of the antenna and its connection wires through the glasswall is required. Together with the absence of electrodes, which are the lifetime-limited components of conventional discharge lamps, this ensures the remarkable, ultra-long life of induction lamp systems.
POWER COUPLER
The power coupler is the part of the QL lamp system which transfers the energy from the HF generator to the discharge. It consists of the antenna, heat conduction rod with mounting flange and a coaxial connecting cable all assembled together on a plastic carrier. The antenna is an cylindrical element as part of the power coupler located inside a cavity in the enter of the discharge vessel. By means of a connecting rod which is located inside the antenna, the waste heat produced by the coil and the discharge is removed to the outside via the mounting flange.
THE HF GENERATOR
The generator primarily contains an oscillator, which supplies the high-frequency power to the antenna to initiate and maintain a gas discharge in the discharge vessel. All the electronics are housed in a metal box with a dual function screening against RFI and heat conduction to ensure proper long-life functioning of the electronics. The HF generator output frequency is 265MHz +/- 10%.
ELECTRICAL, TECHNICAL DATA
| CATALOG NUMBER | WATTS | RATED LIFE | LUMENS INITIAL MEANS | CRI / K | ||
| QL85W | 85 | 100,000 HOURS | 6000 | 4800 | 80+ /3000 | 80+ /4000 |
| QL55W | 55 | 100,000 HOURS | 3500 | 2800 | 80+ /3000 | 80+ /4000 |
| QL165W | 165 | 100,000 HOURS | 12,000 | 9600 | 80+ /3000 | 80+ /4000 |
Notes:
* Minimum starting temperature: -40 degrees F
* Systems are not dimmable presently
* No color shift
* Low EMI complies with FCC Non-consumer limits
Q & A
Q. Are Philips Induction Lamp products suitable for cold weather use?
A. Philips states that their system will start at temperatures down to -40 degree F
Q. Can these lamps be used in high humidity areas?
A. QL Systems have proved to be able to resist a relative air humidity of 95%
Q. Can QL systems be dimmed?
A. No
Q. Can QL induction systems be used in open and lensed luminaires?
A. Yes, but they must be protected from direct water intrusion. Also, extremely dusty conditions may be a problem.
Q. Do induction systems interfere with infrared remote controls?
A. No. Most operate in the 36kz range and QL systems have been chosen to prevent any problems in that range
Q. What about start up times and run times?
A. At room ambient the systems delivers full output in less than one minute Philips states "cold or hot lamp start in less than0.5 seconds, 30%
output in 0.85 seconds and 100% output in one minute.
Q. What about 277 volt applications?
A. At the present time, 277 volt is only available for the 165 watt version, but Philips states that it is under development for 55 and 85 watt systems.
Q. What voltages are available now?
A. 277 and 240 volt for 165 watt units’ 120 and 240 volt for 85 and 55 watt.
Q. Is stroboscopic effect a problem?
A. No. There is no stroboscopic effect.
Q. What about sound levels?
A. The ballasts are quiet. No noise
Q. Are standby relay systems required?
A. No. Lamps provide instant light both in cold and hot restrike mode.
Q. Is radiated U.V. a problem?
A. Comparable to a normal tubular fluorescent lamp
Q. What is the single best feature of the QL Systems?
A. The 100,000 hour lamp life. The QL Lamp outlasts 7 metal halide lamps of equal light output. At $100 to $200 relamping cost for hard to
reach areas, it’s possible to save $700 to $1400 over the life of the lamp, compared to relamping and cost of metal halide lamps, which cost $30.00
each (+/-).
APPLICATION
Typical applications for this product:
* Decorative Street Lighting
* Bridges and tunnel
* Hazardous area
* Hard to reach applications
APPLICATION PRODUCTS USING QL INDUCTION LAMP
KIRLIN offering complete line of recessed and surface mount luminaires for commercial applications - FIRST IN INDUSTRY
contact us for more specific product offerings from Kirlin
STERNBERG VINTAGE LIGHTING
offering product for exterior decorative post-top lanterns - FIRST IN INDUSTRY
18 APRIL 2000
INDUSTRY UPDATEPREVIEW OF PROPOSED FEDERAL BALLAST LEGISLATION
Many of you may remember the federal legislation in the mid-1980’s that made standard fluorescent magnetic ballasts obsolete for the most common fluorescent lamp types. The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently in the process of updating this rulemaking to further improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution. Several lighting industry leaders have been involved in this process to ensure that the new rulemaking is implemented in a manner that poses minimal disruptions to our industry.
DOE has issued a Notice of Public Rulemaking that will be open for comment until May 29, 2000. This rulemaking will phase-out virtually all T12 fluorescent magnetic ballasts with the exception of dimming ballasts and residential grade ballasts. In October 1999, the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) suggested that DOE conduct a negotiation to identify the criteria that would be mutually acceptable to manufacturers and the energy advocates. This negotiation was held on October 13, 1999 and the manufacturers included Lithonia Lighting, Philips, Magnetek, Advance Transformer and OSRAM SYLVANIA. The energy advocates included the Natural Resources Defense Council, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Oregon State Energy Office. After two intensive days of negotiating, a set of criteria was successfully drafted that will minimize the disruptions in the lighting industry, while providing for significant energy savings and pollution prevention.
Under the terms of the agreement, luminaire manufacturers will be able to purchase T12 magnetic ballasts until June 30, 2005 and will be able to incorporate those ballasts into luminaries until April 1, 2006. Magnetic T12 ballasts will be available for replacement into existing commercial and industrial products until June 30, 2010.
T8 ballasts were exempted from the rulemaking; therefore, both magnetic and electronic versions will still be available. Since the majority of T8 ballasts sold today are electronic, the energy impact of eliminating T8 magnetic would have been negligible. In addition, certain applications may require magnetic ballasts due to potential RFI and EMI issues. IN these cases, the magnetic T8 ballast can still be specified.
This transition to more efficient products is expected to save between two and five quads of energy by 2030 – enough to power between 12 and 26 million homes. It will also prevent pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 58 million cars from the road.
Shrouded "O" Rated Lamps:
How to Protect Your Clients from the Dangers of "S" Rated Lamps
Open fixture rated metal halide lamps offer significant advantages for users. They broaden fixture options by eliminating the need for cover lenses, making lamp replacement easier and removing a source of dirt accumulation that reduces light output. Nevertheless, the major reason to select shrouded, open rated lamps is to protect your clients’ customers and property. Standard metal halide lamps require enclosed fixtures because of the possibility of hazardous end-of-life arc tube rupture, causing arc tube and bulb glass fragments to fall from the fixture.
Some metal halide lighting manufacturers have succeeded in creating an open-rated lamp that passes criteria established be the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for their use in open fixtures. Other lamps used for open fixtures do not meet these criteria.
There are in fact now on the market two types of lamps for use in open fixtures. One type is designated with an "S" rating; the other is given a "O" rating. There are significant differences between these two ratings that impact the safety of the lamps. To reduce the risk of liability, specifies need to be aware of what the criteria are for a true open rating and what the "S" or "O" rating indicates about the lamp construction.
THE RISK
The hazard of end-of-life rupture has in fact increased with the increased use of metal halide lamps in higher wattage versions. Longer operation of these lamps actually increase the likelihood of eventual end-of-life arc tube explosion. The hazard is even greater when lamps are burned seven days a week, 24 hours a day. With this burn cycle, the metal halide lighting industry generally recommends that the lamps be shut down once a week for about 15b minutes. This procedure should be carried out along with the proper maintenance and group relamping before the end of rated lamp life. Nevertheless, it has not been proven that these steps eliminate nonpassive end-of-life rupture.
THE ANSI "S" RATING
The best selling 400 watt universal (probe start) lamp, produced to ANSI code M59 specifications, is rated by the major lamps manufacturers for operation in open fixtures if positioned within +/- 15 degrees of vertical. ANSI has assigned these lamps the safety letter designation "S", indicating "suitable" for use in open fixtures. However, the insurance industry, in a report published in March, 1998, warns against the use of lamps with an "S" designation because they pose a risk of fire and injury.
An insurance industry report cautions that the weekly 15-minute lamps shut-sown procedure has not been proven as a means to remove the potential for end-of-life rupture. Their recommendation is that all metal halide lamps manufactured for open fixtures incorporate a shrouded arc tube or a similar, double-containment feature to enclose shattered particles. They urge metal halide lighting manufacturers to abandon the use of the "S" rating that appears to be proliferating with the increased use of new pulse start lamp technology. New pulse start lamps, particularly those in higher wattages such as the 400 watt version, will no doubt increase the demand for metal halide lighting. However, it is increasingly clear that the "S" rating may become a liability to the metal halide lighting industry.
THE ANSI TEST
Due to the urgency of this issue, ANSI has taken the step of developing a test to determine if a lamp is safe for open fixture operation. This document (C78-4/1382) is nearing the end of the approval process with the C78-4 ANSI subcommittee. In the ANSI test, arc tubes are artificially ruptured to determine whether the outer bulb is undamaged to the extent that it completely contains all particles.
At present, lamps designated "S" by ANSI are unshrouded and therefore do not pass the proposed test. Lamps designated "O" pass the ANSI test.
VENTURE’S LAMP TECHNOLOGY
Venture has developed open fixture rated lamps that incorporate the technology the insurance industry recommends and that meet the criteria of the proposed ANSI containment test. In the new Uni-form pulse start product line, Venture offers a broad selection of ANSI-approved shrouded open-rated lamps as well as enclosed-rated (non-shrouded) lamps. For more information or to request the latest Venture Uni-form pulse start catalog, call 800-451-2606 or visit www.venturelighting.com on the internet.
Announcing the new......
Lithonia Lighting is pleased to announce the new on-line School Lighting Design Guide for lighting professionals. The focus of this design guide is Kindergarten through High School. Future editions will include colleges and universities. This guide includes:
You can visit this site at http://www.lithonia.com/DesignGuides. We welcome your opinions and feedback!