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 EASING INTO LED's
LED fixtures are quickly reaching the point in development where it may soon be possible to use them on a majority of landscape lighting projects. In order to do this effectively, the designer or installer needs to be able to put LEDs into perspective with what they are already accustomed to using. If a specifier can visualize how an LED fixture relates to an MR16 fixture, the design process is enhanced. If we focus on the projection type LEDs typically used, as up or down illuminating light sources, we can compare that lamp to an MR16 lamp. The first issue is to address the foot-candle comparison and pattern of the LED in relationship to the MR-16 lamp. It should be noted that there is a wide range of varying outputs of LED but generally speaking, a 4-5 watt LED array has the equivalent candlepower output as a 20-watt MR-16 lamp. An 8-9 watt LED approaches a 35-watt MR-16 lamp and the 12-13 watt LED is equal to a 50-watt MR-16 lamp. In essence, a 4-5 watt LED spot pattern configuration would be equal to an ESX, 20 watt, 13 degree MR-16 lamp. The same wattage LED lamp in a flood pattern would closely resemble a BAB, 20-watt, 42-degree MR-16 lamp. On the other end of the wattage spectrum a 12-13 watt LED would have the characteristics of a EXT, 50 watt, 14 degree MR-16 spot or EXN, 50 watt, 40 degree MR-16 flood, depending on the LED set-up.
The accompanying chart illustrates the specifications of the Kichler LED fixtures showing light disbursement and candlepower output. It gives a general idea of the potential of LED lighting in designs. From this point we have a working idea of how bright each LED array is and the basic coverage of the light pattern. They can now be designed into the landscape lighting plan much as an MR16 lamped fixture would be.
The only remaining issue is the color of the LED in comparison to the MR16 lamp. MR16 lamps are all halogen light sources and have a light temperature of around 3000-Kelvin degrees. At this temperature the light color is at the white side of the color spectrum. The LED must have the same or similar color temperature in order to closely resemble an MR16 lamp. If the LED being used has a higher color temperature approaching 5000-6000 Kelvin degrees then the light color will be on the blue side of the spectrum. This will not represent an equal substitution for a Halogen MR16 lamp and will look more like a mercury vapor lamp of green/blue.
What has now been achieved is a landscape lighting design utilizing a fixture/lamp combination that will result in energy saving without loss of performance. In addition to that important aspect is the life expectancy of the LED in relation to the MR16 lamp, often approaching 5 to 10 times the MR16s rated lamp life.
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 HOLIDAY LIGHTING PRODUCTS
Several years ago we decided to test the waters of holiday lighting. As it turned out the majority of our landscape and electrical contractors just didn't embrace holiday lighting as hoped. So, we decided to stick with what we've done best for over 45 years and that's landscape lighting.
However, we still have a large amount of various holiday lighting products in inventory. We'd like to move this product from our warehouse even if it's at below cost. The link to the Monthly Special at the bottom of this Newsletter will take you to an excel file with a list of products we have available, along with the cost and approximate shipping based on location. These close out products cannot fall under our normal shipping terms but the pricing shown will more than offset the shipping charges. To determine your shipping cost, you need to know that Zone 2 is Southern California and Zone 8 is the East Coast, with everywhere else falling in between. Everything is priced, sold and shipped by the case.
If you're interested in picking up a great deal on the holiday lighting we have available, let us know. We'll even send you a no charge sample to inspect before you purchase. Everything is limited to stock on hand and available for immediate shipment, so don't delay if interested. Call our sales office at 1-800-457-0710 or click on the Monthly Special link.
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FLASHES
