LED Lighting Test Report

We were given some sample LED light fittings to try out and take some readings from recently. Through our previous work, we already knew a lot about LED lighting, and the claims of the manufacturers, but sometimes, as we all know, manufacturers who are looking to sell a product can exaggerate or embellish slightly on the true facts. What we set out to prove is that LED is not only more reliable ( we already know and have evidenced from previous work that the average life expectancy is AT LEAST ten times that of other types of lighting), but also it is much more efficient to run, in most cases costing much less than half that of its fluorescent competitors. There is also the added bonus that these fittings are better looking and give a stronger, cleaner light output levels.   The Tests: We have access to some equipment that allows for ongoing monitoring of electrical loads, which links back to some software which calculates the costs of running those loads. So we hooked up two light fittings, individually monitored the power usage and let them run for several hours.       [caption id="attachment_2724" align="alignleft" width="150"] Lux Meter - Measures light intensity[/caption] We also used a lux meter, a tool which measures light level intensity, to measure the output of each light fitting from the same relative position directly below the light source.             We installed several sample LED light fittings in an office where the existing lights are fluorescent, so that we could ask the opinions of the staff who work in the office on which they prefer - taking into account glare, comfort, flicker/strobing, and general aesthetics. The Results:

1. The fluorescent fitting power consumption was a constant 92Watts - whereas the LED equivalent fitting showed a consumption of just 43Watts. Less than half the energy consumption = less than half the running costs
2. The lux level measured directly below the fluorescent fitting (at desk height) was 360 lux, whilst the same measurement below the LED panel was 416 lux. An improvement of over 15%
3. The feedback from the office staff was that they felt when working below the LED panel lights they had less eye strain and headaches, they could see there computer monitor more clearly and overall it felt more comfortable when in the room for a whole day.

The Conclusion: From this set of tests we believe that we have shown that LED lighting is the way forward for any business looking to reduce their fixed costs and improve their bottom line. The return on investment when installing this technology is huge over the expected life span of the fittings.   The payback period typically is around two years, and with zero maintenance costs, any business owner or facilities manager should see that there are big wins all round when installing LED energy efficient lighting. There is also an option to take advantage of The Carbon Trust's initiative for energy saving lighting solutions, where the costs of buying and installing would be paid by them, and the savings made in energy costs would pay back the INTEREST FREE LOAN over the first two years, meaning that there are also zero costs in carrying out the work!   If you require more information or would like a free demonstration just call us on 0115 8967802 or fill in our web enquiry form