TAG | LED downlights
How can Megaman’s latest lighting solutions; including reflectors, modules and integrated fixtures enhance your retail application?
Attracting Customers
Lighting plays a crucial role in winning a customer’s attention, and designers are increasingly using it to enhance the shoppers experience, especially in high end retail shops.
Setting the Mood
Lighting affects customers mood and energy levels. It also provides guidance and orientation. The correct lighting creates a welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable environment, lengthening customers visits and influencing their buying habits.
Enhancing Product Appearance
A quality lighting system can make a big difference in retail settings by enhancing products visual appeal in terms of colour, shape and texture. Used correctly, lighting can provoke more interest in your product displays. For example; Megaman’s Perfect White technology enhances fluorescent whitening agents, making white products stand out from the crowd.
Creating a Desirable Instore Experience
Many luxury retail stores use a combination of ambient, accent and decorative lighting to create a positive shopping experience.
Visit www.novelenergylighting.com to explore the Megaman LED lighting range, or call us to discuss you retail lighting project. Tel: 0208-540-8287, email: sales@novelenergylighting.com
LED downlights · led GU10 · LED spots · Megaman LED · megaman lighting · Novel Energy Lighting · retail led · retail lighting · shop lighting
When should you use fire-rated downlights, and when you should, what one do you select from the dozens on the market? We bench test and rate the latest products from the major brands. Report by Lux technical editor Alan Tulla.
Report by Lux technical editor Alan Tulla
Did you know that different fire test standards can apply to downlights?
I didn’t, and what should have been just a single line mentioning the applicable standard turned into quite a lengthy investigation.
One simple way of fire-proofing any recessed luminaire is to fit a fire hood or tent over the top of it. You can buy hoods in various sizes for 30 minute, 60 minute and 90 minute fire ratings. They need to be fitted carefully though. You also need to check that, when fitted with a fire hood, the luminaire will not overheat in normal operation. You should be doing this anyway since many installations using recessed luminaires also have thermal insulation above in the void or there can be restricted ventilation.
However, this article is about recessed downlights where they form an intrinsic part of the fire resistance of the ceiling. There is a huge market for these products. Maybe the two commonest areas are: fitted to the ceiling of the top storey (e.g. beneath the loft or roof space) and kitchen areas on the ground floor where there is a false ceiling.
Before fitting fire-rated downlights, you should always what resistance (30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes) is required. The people most likely to know are the architect or building services engineer. If the ceiling is of a non-standard construction, check what fire test standard is applicable.
The Lighting Industry Association recommends that luminaires conform to BS 476-21. It also recommends conformance to BS EN ISO 140-3:1995 and 140-6:1998 which concerns the acoustic performance of the internal or separating floor.
The other relevant fire-test standard is EN 1365. This is a much more recent standard than BS 476. In fact, the test method and time/temperature curve is identical to BS 476 but there is a difference in how the thermocouple is used.
In a way, the term ‘fire-rated downlight’ is slightly misleading since the condition of the luminaire during and after the test is irrelevant. The intention of both test standards is to determine whether installing the luminaires compromises the integrity of the floor and ceiling construction.
Fire testing is, quite justifiably, expensive. Always ask to see a copy of the fire test certificate for the particular luminaire you are using.
Please remember that this article is a brief explanation of how the Fire Regulations (Part B) apply. The fire resistance of buildings is a specialist area of expertise and we recommend that you should always ask for advice from a competent person.
Aurora m10CX
Aurora has a huge range of fire rated downlights. One of the main features of its M Series is that it doesn’t have an external driver. Instead, there is an integrated circuit on board. This also removes the need for the electrolytic capacitor, which is usually considered to be the weakest component in an LED downlight.
The CX downlight has variable colour temperature from 2700K – 6400K and this can be altered remotely from a wall switch making it ideal for hospitality, retail, commercial and residential applications .
It’s good to see that it is also tested to BS EN ISO 140-3:1995 and 140-6:1998 Acoustics.
Fire test standard supplied: BS EN 1365-2
Collingwood H2 Pro 550
This is a comprehensively designed downlight. As well as being fire rated and mains dimmable, it is also IP65 so you can use it in bathrooms. The most recent version requires a depth of just 56mm above the ceiling.
Collingwood also claims (backed by independent lab testing) that flicker is less than 1 per cent. It has also been tested under the LIA Verified scheme.
There is also a choice of 11 bezels (six round, five square). A useful feature is that they can be fitted once the downlight is in place. This allows for finishing touches to the ceiling to be made without masking the light.
One extra, useful touch is that the 20-page leaflet has a large comparison chart showing all the options and combinations available.
Fire test standard supplied: BS EN 1365-2. Also LIA Verified scheme approved downlight.
Integral LED Fire rated downlight
This is a simple, compact and attractive downlight. Integral LED is a very technically competent company. It has its own labs in the UK and every product is fully tested. We have reviewed some of its other products and they consistently perform very well.
This unit is IP65 and solidly constructed with a cast aluminium heat sink. The chip-on-board LED is set up higher in the downlight than many of its competitors thus reducing any chance of glare. It also has a loop-in, loop-out driver making it easier to install.
As well as fire resistance, it is also tested for sound insulation and air tightness BS EN 13141.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-21 and 140-6:1998 Acoustics and others.
JCC FG LED
The FG LED series is available in three outputs from 380 lm to 850 lm. Colour temperature can be either 3000K or 4000K. The most powerful is the IP65 FG LED 10. This has a 60 degree beam as standard. This wider angle makes it suitable for kitchens where you want more general lighting.
The downlight is constructed as a perforated steel can with the finned heat sink inside. The driver is attached to the top of the can thus giving extra height to the downlight. This creates a much larger air pocket and JCC say that this means you can lay insulation directly over the fitting.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-21
Lumanor
This is a plain, budget-range cast aluminium IP65 downlight. It is only available in 10W and 2700K or 4500K. Five interchangeable bezels are available. The driver is remote and fitted with a short inter-connecting lead.
The fire test certificate supplied contained the barest minimum of information.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-21
Lumaxled
Again, a plain, budget-range cast aluminium IP65 downlight. It is a 9W unit and available in 3000K and 4000K. The colour rendering index is claimed to be greater than 85. The driver is remote and fitted with a short interconnecting lead.
Unusually, the downlight is tested to BS 476-23 which has different requirements from Part 21.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-23.
Nexus Luceco Atom
This is taller than most other downlights at 110mm. This is partly due to the bracket over the top which keeps any insulation clear of the heat sink and cable exit. It is rated at 5.2W and available in 2700K and 4000K versions. There is a 38 degree beam and the downlight is rated at IP65. Three bezels are available.
It has integrated circuitry so no separate driver is required.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-21
PAL All-In-One
This comes packaged with four bezels so there is no need to decide which you want before you buy. Another unusual feature is that driver has a slider switch so you can change the colour temperature from 3000K to 4000K or 6000K. Of course, you have to do this before inserting it in the ceiling but it does mean that you could change the colour temperature in the future. The beam is 40 degrees.
One bonus of this product is that it is LIA Lab verified.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-21
LED Group Robus Triumph Activate
The 8W Triumph Activate downlight has an integrated driver thus eliminating the electrolytic capacitor. It has a decent lens and reflector system giving a clean 38 degree beam. A 60-degree version is also available.
The general construction and wiring is very solid. It’s sometimes the little things that count, such as the firmly fixed plastic-coated spring clips that don’t fall out and the solid Swift cable connectors. These, together with the comprehensive installation instructions, data sheets and sales literature, give one a feeling of confidence.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-20 and BS 476-21
Scolmore Inceptor Max LED4500
There is a whole range of different products under the Scolmore group banner. Click wiring accessories may be the most well-known brand. Lighting products are branded Ovia.
In essence, this is an IP65, 8W with a 35 degree beam available in 2700K and 4000K with three bezel finishes. The company also makes a tiltable version.
A feature that sets this unit apart is that the driver is attached to the downlight body by a flexible strap. In the standard position, the driver is directly above the downlight and requires a recessed depth of 95mm. Unclipping the driver and flipping it over means that a depth of only 61mm is needed. You then need about 250mm (in any single direction) to accommodate the driver and Click Flow connector.
Fire test standard supplied: BS 476-21
UK Led Lighting Nico
This is a simple, budget-range, cast aluminium, 7W or 9W, IP65 downlight. It is available in 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 5000K. Six interchangeable bezels are available. Beam width is 36 or 55 degrees. The driver is remote and fitted with a short interconnecting lead. It is just 63mm high but, like all other downlights, you need to follow the installation instructions carefully to ensure it doesn’t overheat.
Comprehensive fire test data was supplied for this unit.
Test standard supplied: BS 476-21
ansell · aurora · fire rated downlight · fire rated spot · LED downlights · led fire rated · lux magazine · Novel Energy Lighting · robus · spot lights
Philips and Cisco have formed a global strategic alliance that will combine Philips’ LED based connected lighting system with Cisco’s IT network to address a global office market estimated to be worth EUR 1 billion. The Alliance is designed to bring the benefits of the Internet of Things in offices to facilities managers, building owners and office workers.
The pair will combine Philips’ connected office lighting system using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology with Cisco’s network technology. Light points in the Philips system, equipped with sensors and software applications, can be connected using Cisco technologies.
The lighting network creates a pathway for information and helps enable new services. The system can provide data to optimise user comfort and improve the office environment and office workers can personalise their lighting via their smartphones.
To showcase how Philips and Cisco can work together to unlock the benefits of the IoT in offices, Cisco is installing a state-of-the-art Philips connected lighting system at its Canadian headquarters in Toronto. Philips and Cisco will also collaborate on a joint go-to-market strategy.
Bill Bien, SVP, head of strategy and marketing, at Philips Lighting, said: “Our alliance has two of the world’s biggest and trusted lighting and connectivity brands working together to bring the Internet of Things to life in offices and commercial buildings across the world. Customers will receive the best energy efficient lighting experience in the connected world and be able to use information acquired from their connected lighting system to save energy, reduce costs, improve productivity and optimise their workspace environment. Lighting that is connected to highly secure, reliable IT infrastructure will form the backbone of the smart office of the future.”
Together Philips and Cisco aim to accelerate adoption of this technology in the market and deliver increased connectivity, comfort and efficiency.
Edwin Paalvast, SVP EMEAR, Cisco and executive sponsor of the Cisco – Philips Alliance, said: “The world is becoming digital, and by working with Philips, we can help building owners more quickly digitise their lighting networks to drive better user experiences and efficiency. By partnering with Philips, we are delivering a reliable PoE-powered LED lighting solution using a highly secure IT network.”
Typically, lighting is responsible for 40 percent of a building’s electricity use. The pair estimate that nearly 80% in energy savings and reduced building maintenance costs can be realized by managing, integrating and controlling a Philips LED connected lighting system through a network with Cisco.
To make offices more comfortable, office workers can personalize and adjust LED lighting to their preferences and tasks. For mobile access, office workers can use a smartphone app to access other building services through a communications network.
“The possibilities of this connected lighting system are endless,” said Richard Lees, senior project manager at CBRE, a commercial real estate and investment services firm. “There are so many capabilities of this system that we haven’t even explored yet.”
Visit www.novelenergylighting.com to explore what Philips LED lighting can do for your next project.
cisco · LED downlights · led lighting · led panels · led tubes · Novel Energy Lighting · office lighting · philips led · philips lighting
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We love LED lamps, but getting them to dim reliably can be a bit of a minefield
Lux reports: The adoption of dimmable LED lighting for new installations is rising fast, but with a vast retrofit market to address, there is an opportunity for further growth if the user experience can be optimised. LED lighting has already captured the imagination of consumers in a way that CFLs never did with LED lamps offering many of the energy-saving benefits of compact fluorescents but in a much more familiar package.
Consumers are able to buy lamps that look like the incandescent lamps they are replacing, which makes for a more comfortable switch. However, they are also expecting the dimming performance to be replicated and this is where a lack of information can lead to disappointing results.
Here are our top tips for getting the best out of retrofit dimmable LED lighting.
It is a common misconception that any LED lights can be dimmed with an LED dimmer”
DO choose dimmable LEDs
The number one rule for successfully dimming LED lighting might sound obvious but it is a common misconception that any LED lights can be dimmed with an LED dimmer. In reality, the driver circuitry must be designed with dimming in mind. Therefore, it is essential to choose lamps that the manufacturer describes as ‘dimmable’. The lack of an industry standard for dimmable LED drivers has, though, led to a myriad of different approaches by lamp manufacturers, some more successful than others.
Choose ‘dimmable’ lamps but be aware that this in itself is not a guarantee of a good dimming performance. It is, however, a good starting point.
DO stick to recognised brands
There is a lot of variation in the dimming performance, under test, of LED lamps described as dimmable. In particular, the achievable brightness range and stability of output are the features most likely to disappoint with unbranded lamps.
Some manufacturers are happy to label their lamps as dimmable even if they can deliver only the smallest change in brightness. Choose lamps from established lighting manufacturers. Aside from dimming considerations, established brands are also more likely to offer better product warranties, longer lamp life and more customer support.
Top tip: Stick to brand names that you can have confidence in and don’t be tempted to make false economies.
The escalating brightness of retrofit LED lamps has made dimming much more relevant”
DO read the label
To deliver a true retrofit comparison with incandescent lighting, it is important to consider the brightness range. Significant advances in LED lighting technology have been made in recent years, achieving far higher lumens per watt, even for the halogen-mimicking warm white lamps, where lamp output is often compromised for the more familiar incandescent hue. There is little point in connecting a dimmer to an LED light if it is dim enough already, so the escalating brightness of retrofit LED lamps has made dimming more and more relevant. Brighter lamps can give customers a greater dimming range.
Top tip: Read the label and select the dimmable lamps with the highest maximum lumen output.
DO ask manufacturers about compatibility
Most established lighting brands publish compatibility data on their websites. Dimmer switches are tested with various loads and the lamp performance graded. These grades are a useful reference point and can help when choosing a dimmer. It can be confusing though, when navigating the websites of international brands, to find dimmers listed that are not available in the UK. If in doubt contact the company to ask about their recommendations.
Top tip: Manufacturers want customers to experience the full potential of their lamps and will often be happy to recommend the best dimmer switch to use.
DON’T use a standard dimmer
Some lamps manufacturers may boast that their dimmable LED lighting can be controlled using a standard dimmer, but where this claim is borne out, it is likely to be true only when some very narrow criteria are met. Standard dimmers will be underloaded in most LED applications, exacerbating flickering and strobing effects, which, in turn, can drastically shorten lamp life. Standard dimmers are also not equipped to exploit the full brightness range, resulting in a disappointing user experience.
Top tip: Take claims of compatibility with standard dimmers with a pinch of salt.
DO choose a dimmer designed for LED lighting
DO choose a dimmer designed for LED lighting
Sophisticated dimmers are available to deliver the best possible performance from dimmable LED lighting. Some have several dimming modes to enable smooth dimming across the diverse driver technologies in the market. The brightness output a lamp produces from the same power input varies markedly between brands. For this reason, some manufacturers now include an adjustable minimum brightness setting so the user can access the full brightness range of a given lamp. An adjustable minimum brightness also ensures that any instability a lamp might exhibit at its lowest level of illumination can be avoided.
Top tip: Dedicated LED dimmers are equipped to exploit an LED lamp’s full dimming potential, better replicating the dimming behaviour of an incandescent lamp.
Design your lighting installation to ensure you don’t exceed the maximum load of the dimmers available”
DON’T buy your luminaires without first selecting a dimmer
Like all dimmer switches, those designed for LED lighting have minimum and maximum load recommendations. Design your lighting installation to ensure you don’t exceed the maximum load of the dimmers available. Splitting the load across more than one dimmer could provide a solution and give greater control by allowing light levels to be zoned in a multi-functional space. Until recently it was difficult to find a dimmer capable of controlling more than 100W of LED lighting, but some recent products open up the possibility of dimming much larger LED loads, up to 600W.
Top tip: It’s important to select a dimmer that can control the total wattage and quantity of lamps you want to dim.
DO read the instruction leaflet
LED dimmers often come with features designed to enhance their performance, but you may have to program the dimmer to access them. Don’t be tempted just to ‘plug and play’ because you may be missing out on features that will give greater expression to your lighting. For example, with some remote-controlled dimmers, enhanced scene-setting features may be unlocked using the dedicated handset. Some manufacturers have released how-to videos on their websites.
Top tip: Read the instruction leaflet or you may miss out on features and benefits.
Contact Novel Energy Lighting to discuss you lamp needs and dimming requirements.
Tel: 0208-540-8287, or email us for more info: sales@novelenergylighting.com
danlers dimmer · led dimmers · led dimming · LED downlights · led GU10 · led gu10s · LED lamps · LED spots · mk logic · Novel Energy Lighting · resload · varilight
REVIEWED LED GU10 lamps
Lux Reports: Nowadays, it’s nigh-on impossible to buy a luminaire from the DIY sheds or a high-street retailer which doesn’t have a GU10 cap. 12v lamps seem to have had their day as far as the mass retailers are concerned.
It isn’t difficult to match the light output of a 20W or 35W halogen GU10, so we have only tested LED lamps that claim equivalence to a 50W.
The European DIM2 regulation says that to make this claim, the LED GU10 lamp must emit more than 345 lm in a 90-degree cone. The total lumen output, including light that falls outside this cone, may be considerably higher. Some of the lamps tested emit over 500 lm so they would clearly be seen as an improvement if you retrofitted them in an existing installation of halogen GU10 (with the same beam width).
Our understanding is that all products currently on the market must conform to DIM2. But we regularly hear of lamps that don’t”
We’ve asked several experts, and our understanding is that all products currently on the market must conform to DIM2. But we regularly hear of lamps that don’t.
The problem for Joe Public is that some lamps don’t state on the box whether the lumen output quoted is the total emitted or within the 90-degree cone. Some quote both figures. Reputable manufacturers use phrases like ‘usable lumens’ or ’90-degree cone’ so you know what you are buying. However, until all suppliers mark their packaging clearly, it is impossible for the purchaser to make fair comparisons between the different products. No wonder people buy the cheapest or the one quoting the biggest lumen value.
The situation is made worse because there is no effective policing of the market. This, in effect, benefits the poor quality, low-cost suppliers to the detriment of the manufacturers of good-quality lamps.
One last point to make is that a 90-degree cone isn’t really what you would call a spotlight. For the non-trigonometrists amongst you, that’s a two-metre wide illuminated patch from a lamp one metre away.
If you are as confused as I am by all the test standards that cover LEDs, there is a useful summary on the LIA website. Look for Technical Statement TS01. It’s nine pages long and covers existing and proposed European and US regulations and guidance.
None of the 11 lamps we’ve tested here had a particularly high power factor. The best was Osram at 0.88 and the poorest were the Aurora and Bell at 0.52. Why does this matter? Because it means that you are drawing more current than might be apparent from just looking at the wattage. An electrician complained to me about this because he had to resize all his fuses in a (large) domestic house purely because of equipment with a poor power factor.
Before you buy the lamps, you should check what the beam looks like. Some have coloured edges or don’t have a smooth gradation of light from the centre to the edge. The three on the left of the main photo for this article are all rated at 2700K and the one on the right is rated at 3000K.
Summary of results
We were pleased to see that, generally, the performance was as claimed. We measured the total light output.
Note that we tested just one lamp from each supplier. There are always tolerances in manufacturing and so the lamp you buy may not perform exactly as the one we tested. However, these lamps are made by the million; it would be surprising if they varied that much.
Our testing was done at the independent LIA Laboratories in Telford.
Thanks to LIA Labs for their help!
Aurora Enlite 3000K, 5W
The Enlite is a brand new range of lamps. What really sets it apart from the other lamps we tested is the efficacy of 96 lm/W – almost 500 lm from 5W. It also has a 60-degree beam, wider than the others tested, which makes it much more useful for lighting areas where you want a general spread of light.
- Output 493 lm
- Power 5.1W
- Efficacy 96 lm/W
- CCT 2979K
- CRI 82
- Power factor 0.52
- Overall ****
British Electric Lamps 3000K, 6W
Bell slightly undersells itself inasmuch as the packaging indicates 6W consumption whereas we measured 4.65W. However, the power factor was 0.52 and the measured lumen output 358 lm, just above the minimum 345 lm allowed by DIM2.
Ra is 82 per cent.
- Output 358 lm
- Power 4.7W
- Efficacy 76 lm/W
- CCT 3073K
- CRI 82
- Power factor 0.52
- Overall ***
Integral LED 2700K, 7.5W
Integral’s 7.5W lamp performed almost exactly as claimed on the box. 7.4W versus 7.5W claimed and 499 lm instead of 500. That’s what you call tight manufacturing tolerances. The CRI was 80 and the measured power factor was 0.76, better than most. The packaging quotes both total lumens and those in a 90-degree beam.
- Output 499 lm
- Power 7.4W
- Efficacy 67 lm/W
- CCT 2633K
- CRI 80
- Power factor 0.76
- Overall ****
Kosnic LED
This is a good little lamp. It quotes both total and 90-degree lumens on the package, 480lm and 450lm respectively. It’s actually an understatement because we measured a total 505 lm. 7W consumption is claimed but our sample was 5.6W. Bearing in mind it is 2700K, the measured 90 lm/W is remarkable. It has a 38-degree beam with quite a soft edge.
- Output 505 lm
- Power 5.6W
- Efficacy 90 lm/W
- CCT 2723K
- CRI 83
- Power factor 0.53
- Overall **** A nice little lamp
Megaman 2800K, 7W
This particular 7W lamp consumed eight per cent more power and emitted nine per cent less light than the claims on the box indicated. The CRI was a whisker over 80. The CCT was pretty much as claimed at 2879K compared with a quoted 2800K. The power factor was a respectable 0.67.
- Output 500 lm
- Power 7.6W
- Efficacy 66 lm/W
- CCT 2879K
- CRI 82
- Power factor 0.67
- Overall ***
Osram Parathom 2700K, 5.3W
As you would expect from Osram, this lamp performed almost exactly as stated on the box – 5.15W, 2688K, 355 lm against a stated 350 lm. The power factor at 0.88, was the highest we tested, so the electricians won’t have to worry about fuse sizes. In a way, Osram undersell themselves because they don’t quote total lumens on the box. A non-specialist – i.e. 99 per cent of purchasers – might think it doesn’t perform so well as the cheaper competition.
- Output 355 lm
- Power 5.2W
- Efficacy 68 lm/W
- CCT 2688K
- CRI 81
- Power factor 0.88
- Overall ****
Philips MasterLED Spot 4000K, 5.5W
We tested the Master LEDspot MV, which is nominally a 5.5W unit. The measured wattage on the samples was 5.4W with a PF of 0.66. This lamp performed slightly better than the claims on the packaging, with a lumen output that was 8 per cent higher. It also had an Ra of 86; which is more than most products of this type.
- Output 417 lm
- Power 5.4W
- Efficacy 77 lm/W
- CCT 3890K
- CRI 86
- Power factor 0.66
- Overall ****
Soraa Brilliant 3000K, 7.5W
Although this lamp had the highest wattage, it also had almost the highest lumen output and CRI. We tested the 10-degree narrow spot and this produces a good, clean beam with a clearly defined centre. This lamp is one of the Brilliant series, with a CRI of 80+ (Soraa is better known for its Vivid range, with CRIs above 95). There is also a useful range of clip-on lenses and accessories which can change the beam width or colour temperature.
- Output 503 lm
- Power 7.7W
- Efficacy 66 lm/W
- CCT 2834K
- CRI 85
- Power factor 0.78
- Overall ****
Sylvania 5W RefLED ES50
This is a really good lamp. As you would expect, all the information is on the box. The power factor is much better than claimed and was the second highest we tested. The total measured output was 413 lm and this bumps its efficacy to third best. However, forget about the figures, what sets this lamp apart, both on and off, is its appearance. A lot of effort has gone to making it look as much as possible like a conventional halogen lamp. The front face really sparkles when you switch it on. If you care about lighting, this is the lamp for you.
- Output 413 lm
- Power 5.2W
- Efficacy 79 lm/W
- CCT 2768K
- CRI 82
- Power factor 0.83
- Overall ***** BEST OVERALL: Good quality and great looking
Verbatim 2700K, 6W
The packaging says it is equivalent to a 57W lamp, but certainly the 465 lm output (in a 90-degree cone) means it easily betters a 50W halogen GU10. You can see from the table that the efficacy is one of the best we tested. Cooler lamps would be even more efficient than the 2700K version we tested.
- Output 465 lm
- Power 5.6W
- Efficacy 83 lm/W
- CCT 2697K
- CRI 82
- Power factor 0.66
- Overall ****
V-Tac COB Spotlight
Although described as a spotlight, the beam is 110 degrees which could be misleading to the non-specialist – it would light from floor to ceiling if it was 1.5m away. The package claims equivalence to a 50W GU10 but the 90-degree beam lumen figure isn’t on the box, so there is no way of knowing. We measured 423 lm and 5.4W rather than the 450 lm and 6W claimed.
- Output 423 lm
- Power 5.4W
- Efficacy 78 lm/W
- CCT 2838K
- CRI 81
- Power factor 0.55
- Overall ** Data could be clearer
gu10 · LED downlights · led GU10 · led gu10 50W · LED lamps · led lighting · led spot · lux · Novel Energy Lighting
Something for everyone: Whether your eyes are fresh out of university, or approaching retirement, Philips Connected Lighting allows you to adjust the office lighting to your needs. Photo is from pcruciatti via Shutterstock
LUX reports: Age discrimination aside, a typical office might house workers ranging from their twenties through sixties. And while it’s no secret that the average set of eyes on a young adult typically functions better than those on an older colleague, office and lighting designers have long ignored the difference.
Enough of that, says Philips, which is calling for ‘personalised lighting in your workplace’ to assure that employees of all ages work under the correct, individualised lighting conditions that allow them not only see (what a concept!) but, even better, to produce.
It’s part of the Dutch giant’s efforts to market its ‘Connected Lighting for offices’, which it first introduced a year ago and which it has showcased at The Edge, the environmentally heralded Amsterdam offices of consulting firm Deloitte. The system allows workers to use smartphone apps that adjust overhead lights individually. The lights are connected to an ethernet network, with each light having its own internet address.
‘A 45+ worker tends to need almost double the light needed by a 20 year old for everyday tasks,’ the Dutch lighting gaint says in a press release. ‘The one-light-for-all principle is outdated at a time when we are all living and working longer. Today 30-50 per cent of people in work are over 45 years old…Over the age of 45, people begin to experience a deterioration of their near-sight vision. Research shows, a 60-year-old person needs between two and five times as much light as a 20-year-old to see the same visual detail, let alone to concentrate.’
The wrong lighting could even undermine health and productivity, Philips says.
‘People often call off sick due to headaches and fatigue,’ notes Bianca van der Zande, principle scientist at Philips Lighting. ‘These symptoms may have many underlying causes but perhaps one of these could be the result of prolonged eye-strain due to poor lighting conditions in their working lives. Inadequate lighting can lead to visual discomfort, neck pain, headaches, fatigue and perhaps eventually sick leave.’
A 2013 survey by Philips found that 90 per cent of people who could adjust desk lamps for brightness and colour temperature reported ‘sharper vision, optimum eye comfort, (and) the ability to see smaller details and improved contrast.’ It was a bit of a foregone conclusion, but the idea now is that ethernet-connected, app-controlled overhead lights can deliver the same benefits.
Philips is also calling for government regulations to mandate individualised lighting.
‘Regulatory bodies should take these findings into account for the well-being and productivity of today’s workforce,” says van der Zande.
‘People spend 80-90 per cent of their time indoors from which around 20 per cent is spent at work so the indoor environment determines to a large extent the comfort and wellbeing of the office employee, influencing their performance. It is important that human-centric lighting becomes a part of the regulatory standards, allowing architects and building designers to advise for the best solutions – not only for offices, but for all building environments.’
At long last, harmony across the generations? That would be a story for the ages.
Visit us at Novel Energy Lighting to discuss your office lighting refit, we offer the full Philips range and can provide lighting design advice as needed
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connected lighting · energy efficient lighting · LED downlights · led GU10 · led lighting · led panels · led tubes · Novel Energy Lighting · office lighting · philips led
STARQUALITY
LUX magazine reports. First impressions count at one of London’s top music venues. Robert Bain reports. The names of London’s major theatres and concert halls have become iconic, and few more so than the Hammersmith Apollo.
The Apollo first opened as the Gaumont Palace cinema in 1932, with a huge seating capacity of over 3,000, and lavish front-of-house facilities including a large first floor restaurant.
In the 1960s it was renamed the Hammersmith Odeon (a name by which many still know the venue), and became a concert hall. The list of musicians to have graced the stage reads like a who’s who of the past half century of popular music.
FADED LUSTRE
But like many such venues, the once opulent Apollo has not had the best of care over the years. As its use evolved from swish cinema to sweaty rock n’ roll venue, the Apollo’s lustre faded.
Now the Grade II listed building is in the midst of a rebirth.
When Kate Bush made her comeback this August after a 35-year hiatus, she did it at the Apollo, and the place looked better than ever.
Owners AEG Live and Eventim have embarked on a major refurbishment. The façade and front-of-house areas have already had their former glory restored, with the latest technology achieving effects not possible before, and bringing the best out of the building’s architecture. Next up will be the auditorium, which is set to be revamped next year.
THE NEW OLD FASHIONED WAY
The Apollo wanted to use fittings that matched the originals that were installed years ago – but not all of them could be saved or converted to use new light sources. Some were fitted with modern light sources, while others were recreated completely, based on photos.
The new lighting was designed by James Morse Lighting Design, with products supplied by Great British Lighting, Philips Color Kinetics, LightGraphix, Concord, Crescent, Radiant, Applelec and controls specialist Pharos
apollo hammersmith · LED downlights · led effects · led GU10 · LED lamps · led lighting · LED retrofit · led strip · led tubes · Novel Energy Lighting
Wondering what kind of lights to install in your home or new apartment? Are you searching for lights that serve the basic purpose of illuminating your home and add a touch of glamor to it at the same time? Well, then you won’t get this desired kind of lighting with ordinary halogens or CFL bulbs. These bulbs are famous for burning out within a short span of time. CFL bulbs, in particular, usually start flickering and buzzing whenever they approach the end of their lifespan.
LED Downlights
Although CFL bulbs give you more energy savings than traditional incandescent bulbs, they contain harmful chemicals of mercury and phosphor, which are toxic to the environment. Plus, these bulbs do not have that glamorous and exquisite design which you are looking for, and they can take time to warm up to full brightness, which can be very frustrating. Therefore, what you need is lighting which, along with delivering excellent quality of light, provides a more decorative ambience to your home or apartment. LED Downlights are the perfect light products, which will give you this kind of light for your home or commercial setting.
You will find quality LED Downlights at Novel Energy Lighting, which are suitable for a variety of applications like residential apartments, hotel lobbies, reception areas, sports bars, night clubs, etc. The Philips CoreLine LED Spot variety of LED Downlights is especially worth mentioning. Along with providing a decorative feel to the area where they are installed, these lights can save up to 85% of your energy costs. They last for 40,000 hours even if used frequently, thereby giving you tremendous value for money.
LED Downlights serve as a retrofit alternative to 50W halogen bulbs and come with various beam angles, to suit your application. They even come in a variety of colour temperatures from warm white to daylight. Many of the Downlights come with a special twist and lock feature, which facilitates easy lamp access. Most downlights are also dimmable to enable you to set the mood, and are available in various finishes, including white, chrome, brass, and a sleek Satin nickel finish that gives them a stylish look. Moreover, the lower wattages of LED Downlights make them a preferred lighting option for book shelves, cabinets and even showcases.
Novel Energy Lighting will also supply you with the Ansell iCage LED Downlight, which is a fire-rated fitting. This light has a unique open cage design, which allows air to flow around the lamp that allows it remain cool and not get overheated. The other range of LED Downlights you will get from us, are the Heathfield HDL LED, Robus LED Fire Rated, Philips GreenSpace LED and Philips LuxSpace Accent LED. All these products come with a 5 year warranty period and are 100% mercury and phosphor-free.
LED downlights · LED lights · Recess LED Downlights
LED Downlights add to the décor of your space. Along with creating an elegant ambience, LED lighting will downsize your electricity bill and maintenance costs. These energy efficient lights use about 80% less electricity than halogen downlights that frequently fail and have a high operational cost. Downlights are used for decorative purposes or functional lighting requirements, and can create a soothing ambience when dimmed.
Novel Energy Lighting supplies downlights from various quality manufacturers including Philips, Megaman, Heathfield, and Ansell Lighting. Novel Energy Lighting offers fixed, tilt and shower fire rated recessed downlights. Other alternates are available such as microwave PIR lights, and daylight sensors, and fittings that are ready for installing LED GU10 or MR16 lamps. Fire rated recessed downlights reduce the risk of fire spreading to other floors. IP40 and above rated downlights are compatible with wet environments, and can be used in bathrooms, kitchens or outdoors.
LED Downlights make the perfect replacement for 50W Halogen bulbs. They can also be used to replace 2 x 18W or 2 x 26W CFL downlights. Being of low wattage, these fittings can be used as ceiling lights or shelf lights.. These sleek recess lights fit flush with ceilings, do not occupy much space and are easy to install. LED lights are designed to last for 50,000 hours, thus reducing maintenance labour and relamping costs. Unlike fluorescent bulbs, LEDs do not contain toxic mercury or lead, making them environmental-friendly. As a result, the hazards associated with disposal are eliminated. This downsizes your maintenance costs, saving your money. Intelligent controls can be installed to save further energy, by switching lights off when ambient light levels are sufficient, or PIRs to detect when rooms are no longer occupied. Specialist controls can change LED colour temperature, dimming levels, and individual downlights can be uniquely addressable through interfaces like DALI and DMX to program exact lighting schedules.
Novel Energy Lighting can assist with your project by providing light plan and lighting design services as required. Please contact us to discuss your project and lux level requirements. LEDs are the perfect solution to help you achieve the right light levels, and deliver a uniform appearance and light dispersal.
In large offices or hotels, energy savings from LED Downlights with smart controls can make a big difference to lighting operational costs, and thus make a drastic difference in your energy bills.
LED downlights · LED lights · retail led lights
Technology provides you with LED Candles that have a soothing effect of a candle but being flameless these are safer to be around.
Prevent the risk of fire hazards by switching to these environment safe candles. Along with being harmless, these consume 80% less energy than the conventional candle lamps.
Candle lamps are generally used in chandeliers or wall sconces to create elegant ambience and make a statement. These flameless candles are durable and keep glowing for up to 20,000 hours. With these LEDs you can have an ambience that you desire at a much lesser rate than you could imagine.
Candle flames produce a very warm white light, which is often not emulated well by candle lamps, which is why it is important to select the right lamps. Quality LED lamps deliver the warmth required. The improved light quality provides consistent colour from every angle – even when dimmed in the most intimate of ambiences.
Novel Energy Lighting supplies Philips LED candles, and also offers a range of alternative lamps from other quality manufacturers like Megaman. These LED lamps offer brightness that equals 40W of traditional candles. These produce quality brightness with much less heat.
Philips MasterLED range of candles has been specially developed for chandeliers, to enhance the decorative and aesthetic appeal of luminaires – whether they are switched on or off.
The new DiamondSpark lamps incorporate an evolutionary new shaped lens that allows the optics to radiate brilliant, clear and sparkling warm white LED light.
Visit Novel Energy Lightings for detailed information and accurate specs.
LED Candles · LED downlights · led panels
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