In the April 2012 issue of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR, we challenged the presumption that light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is maintenance-free. We found that, while it produces significant maintenance benefits over conventional technology, it must be maintained, though it requires rethinking of some aspects of how that service is performed.
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Craig DiLouie
Lighting Columnist
Craig DiLouie, a lighting industry journalist, analyst and marketing consultant, is principal of ZING Communications. He can be reached at www.zinginc.com.
Articles by Craig DiLouie
February 2013
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In the lighting field, one often hears the gospel of lighting quality. We are told lighting quality should not be sacrificed for energy savings. Lighting quality, after all, ensures people are satisfied with the visual environment. It is lighting quality that provides true economic value to the owner by supporting productivity, sales, etc.
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January 2013
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The Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction (CBTD) was created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to encourage investment in energy-efficient interior lighting, HVAC/hot water systems and the building envelope.
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December 2012
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Following a major technological shift from mercury vapor to metal halide in the past decade or so, high-intensity discharge (HID) product innovation is focused on this source type, specifically pulse-start systems. The main drivers are energy efficiency, longer life and controllability among higher wattage lamps, and miniaturization and improved color performance among lower wattage lamps. READ MORE
December 2012
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The next step is to develop the basis of design or design intent, which can be expressed using two best practice tools. The first tool is the lighting control narrative, a document that describes how the intended control system will satisfy the owner project requirements. READ MORE
November 2012
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Innovation in fluorescent lighting continues to be fueled by product and building regulations, utility rebates and market preference for products that can deliver lower energy and maintenance costs. The rare earth crisis, however, has pressured manufacturers to shift some of their focus from value-added to lower cost solutions. READ MORE
October 2012
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More than 8 billion lamps illuminate the United States, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all electricity consumption in the nation, according to a study released by the Department of Energy (DOE). The “2010 U.S. READ MORE
October 2012
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The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a model residential and commercial building energy code produced by the International Code Council, an organization dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. The IECC provides a list of requirements and minimum standards regulating building design, including lighting and other energy-using systems. READ MORE
September 2012
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Is it possible that some T5 lighting fixtures are perfectly efficient? One might get that idea based on some efficiency ratings of 98–100 percent, although it might not seem possible. Such a rating must be a mistake, right? But it’s not. We’re talking about luminaire (lighting fixture) efficiency, of course—the percentage of lumens produced by the lamp that exit the fixture. READ MORE