Andy Chell, Managing Director of Lumilow Lighting, explains the important factors to consider when choosing LED products for industrial spaces.
LED lighting has gained popularity in the industrial sector because of its cost and energy saving benefits.Warehouses, with their high ceilings, large spaces and narrow aisles can be challenging spaces to light; what should you ask to ensure that the lighting is correct for your application?
1. Beware of glare
In high-risk environments such as warehouses, a momentary loss of visibility caused by glare could lead to serious accidents.
In lighting products, glare is rated according to the Unified Glare Rating (UGR); choose products with a UGR of less than 19.
Lens design is vitally important for both efficiency and glare-free operation; but the right option will vary depending on the particular application, from open area lenses to high racking lenses.
2. The importance of ‘colour temperature’
How ‘cold’ or ‘warm’ your lighting appears can make a big difference to the look and feel of a space – and can even affect staff wellbeing and productivity.
An LED product’s ‘colour temperature’ is measured in Kelvin (K). 3500–4000K is recommended as it gives a comfortable, warm-white colour appearance.
3. Light distribution
The high ceilings and narrow aisles in warehouses mean that it’s particularly challenging for light to reach all areas.
Choose a product that is designed to ensure precise optical control of the light distribution. A narrow beam angle will illuminate aisle spaces without light wastage. Products with wide beam angles are best suited for open areas.
With the right product, ‘more illumination’ doesn’t mean ‘more energy’. UK tests have shown that Lumilow’s LED High Bay achieves 150 lumens per circuit watt; in other words; it provides extremely high illumination with excellent efficiency.
4. Take control
Using occupancy sensors to dim or switch off lighting when there is nobody in a room can reduce electricity use by 30%, according to the Carbon Trust. Daylight sensors (which adjust the artificial lighting according to the amount of natural light in a room) can reduce electricity use by up to 40%. Lumilow has designed a space within the centre of the luminaire for a sensor – eliminating the need for unsightly wiring.
5. Not all LEDs are made equal
Advancements in product research and development mean that quality LED products now outperform metal halides and SONS.
However, the rapid growth of the market has seen the sector flooded with less than scrupulous suppliers looking to ‘cash in’.
One way to tell whether a product will stand up to its claims is to ask about the components. At Lumilow, only quality branded components are used; including Samsung LED chips and Meanwell LED drivers. Our LED chips are extremely efficient, giving 150 lumens per circuit watt.
LUMILOW LIGHTING
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