April 2008 Archives

Design is king. Content is king.  Globalization is emperor... the analogies continue as people try to figure out trends.

Today, lighting trends lead consumers to fixtures that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. Gone are the days when practicality held the lighting throne. Now, light is expected to be just as useful as a decorating accessory, as it is for illuminating.  Source: American Lighting Association

Trends in lighting vary with who's buying the lighting fixtures, bulbs and control systems.  In the consumer market, design is very important.  Light fixtures are part of the decor of the room, and they can enhance or detract from the visual beauty and comfort of the living space.

Kitchens need great task lighting and they need to be subtle in design -- hence, recessed lighting, indirect lighting, and even solar tubes.  They all provide great task lighting and don't add clutter to an already detailed room filled with cabinets, hardware, ranges, sinks and other detailed design elements.

Other trends matter:

ENERGY COSTS are growing and lighting can add up to 25% to the monthly energy bill.  High efficiency lighting such as CFLs and LEDs are growing in popularity in both new construction and remodeling. 

SAFETY matters.  Fire rates affect safety choices, and electrical outlets, lighting certifications such as Energy Star are increasingly part of the planning process.  Quality manufacturing has become a concern as cheap imports have become the norm in many shopping venues -- and the conscientious home owner is often as concerned with the LABEL as the PRICE.

DESIGN is an ROI and Lifestyle choice.  If a consumer has a choice between a design that meets their tastes and one that doesn't -- design can be the tipping point.  If an interior designer has the choice -- design often comes first.  That's their job.

Lighting showrooms are the best way to investigate energy efficiency labels as well as design factors such as scale, quality of manufacturing, and professional guidance.  The ALA offers a set of "lighting tips for the home" that can be helpful in keeping up with trends in lighting fixtures, lighting design and lighting safety.

Visit ALA's website or a local ALA member showroom for more information.

American Lighting Association

www.americanlightassoc.com

 

In September 2007, Cree Inc, announced it had demonstrated light output of more than 1,000 lumens - an amount equivalent to the output level of a standard household light bulb - from a single R&D LED.

Cree’s achievement demonstrates continued leadership in the development of LEDs that can make traditional light bulbs obsolete.

A single-die LED, driven at four amps, produced 1,050 lumens in cool white and 760 lumens in a warm-white version. Efficacy of the cool-white LED was 72 lumens per watt and 52 lumens per watt from the warm-white device. Both LED versions operated at substantially higher efficacy levels than those of today’s conventional light bulbs. Historically, Cree’s R&D demonstrations generally have been commercialized within 12 to 24 months.

“Cree’s XLamp® LEDs are the best-performing commercially available LEDs, but we won’t be satisfied until light bulbs are obsolete,” comments John Edmond, Cree co-founder and director of advanced optoelectronics. “We’ve worked 20 years to achieve lighting-class LED performance, and we still have plenty of ways to advance the technology further.”

For more information on Cree power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com.

For additional information on the benefits of converting various lighting applications to LED lighting in the work environment and to learn more about LED Workplace, visit www.ledworkplace.org.

Cree is using its headquarters facilities as a testbed for LED implementation. 

They are converting all lighting at its Durham headquarters and manufacturing facility to LED lighting and released the results of the first phase of the conversion. The parking lots, entryways, lobby and conference rooms at Cree's headquarters building are now 100-percent lit by energy-efficient, environmentally friendly XLamp(R) LEDs.

Cree's LED Workplace(TM) conversion validates the energy savings, quality of light and reality that LED lighting is now a viable option for business and residential consumers.

In a study of the energy usage before and after the lighting conversion, Cree confirmed the energy savings of the newly installed LED lights.

The findings indicate that in total the new LED lights use 48% less energy than the incandescent, fluorescent and high-pressure sodium lights they replaced.

The combination of the energy savings, reduced maintenance and disposal costs and the environmental savings demonstrate that LED lighting is now a real alternative to traditional lighting solutions.

Duke Energy Collaboration

Cree's local utility, Duke Energy, is collaborating with Cree to explore the benefits of LED lighting. "Our customers are always interested in understanding how to save money through energy efficiency, so we make it our business to support innovative technologies such as LEDs," said Ted Schultz, Duke's vice president of energy efficiency.

"We expect our energy efficiency plans to be approved next year (2008) and are committed to having a complete line of lighting solutions available for customers," said Schultz. "At that point, we expect to have programs developed that will take advantage of LED technology."

"Conventional wisdom is that LED lighting is years away from widespread adoption. The truth, however, is that the performance of Cree's LED technology enables real LED lighting solutions today," said Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO. "The conversion of Cree's site demonstrates that the LED Lighting Revolution is well underway and will illustrate the benefits in energy savings, maintenance costs and environmental impacts."

Cree also announced that it has launched a new website to share the results and implementation details of the LED Workplace lighting conversion with other organizations.
 
...will include lighting vendor information and the light, energy and maintenance metrics that form the basis for LED lighting's cost savings. This site will also feature other LED Workplace installations.

MARCH 3, 2008 — Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a market leader in LED solid-state lighting, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of privately held LED Lighting Fixtures, Inc.

This acquisition expands Cree’s market opportunity by providing direct access to the lighting market. Cree's business now encompasses LED chips, components and lighting solutions. It further enables Cree to drive retrofit solutions to convert existing lighting infrastructure to energy-efficient lighting and to accelerate the adoption of LED lighting.

“We are out to lead the LED lighting revolution and to obsolete the lightbulb,” said Chuck Swoboda, chairman and chief executive officer of Cree.

Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting retrofit solutions, and semiconductor solutions for backlighting, wireless and power applications.

CONTACT: http://www.cree.com

Cree Inc. announces   the company’s 2007 ISO/TS16949 certification. This year’s audit includes the XLamp® LED production facility in Durham, as well as the company’s LED chip, power and materials manufacturing operations.

The ISO/TS certification demonstrates Cree’s commitment to high-quality product manufacturing.

TS16949 encompasses all requirements of ISO9001:2000 and additional requirements from the automotive industry. Upon the obsolescence of the QS9000 quality standard, Cree chose to fortify its quality certification process and seek compliance with the newer, more stringent ISO/TS16949 requirements.

“Compliance to TS signifies that Cree’s quality management system is capable of meeting one of the highest quality standards worldwide,” said Norbert Hiller, Cree vice president, Lighting. “By successfully implementing an ISO/TS16949-compliant quality management system, Cree has proven that it is not only an LED performance leader, but also a world-class leader in product and process quality.”

For additional information on Cree and its products, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com/xlamp.

About ISO/TS 16949
In 1994, the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) was selected by the Chrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Supplier Quality Requirements Task Force to oversee the publication and distribution of the QS-9000 and related quality manuals and to administer the delivery of QS-9000 sanctioned training. Since that time, AIAG’s quality offerings have expanded to include ISO/TS 16949 and related manuals, as well as more than 30 training offerings related to quality. AIAG is a globally recognized organization founded in 1982 by a group of visionary managers from Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors. AIAG’s focus is to continuously improve business processes and practices involving trading partners throughout the supply chain. For additional information visit www.aiag.org.

About Cree, Inc.
Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices that enhance the value of solid-state lighting, power and communications products by significantly increasing their energy performance and efficiency.

... includes lighting vendor information and the light, energy and maintenance metrics that form the basis for LED lighting's cost savings. This site also features other LED Workplace installations.

LED lighting is currently being used in workplace installations, including:

• Overhead lighting for conference rooms and office spaces
• Recessed lighting for hallways, bathrooms, breakrooms, and more
• Exterior lighting for parking lots, walkways and entrances

Learn how energy savings and workplace productivity mount up when LED lights were installed in the featured installations and discover the potential savings achieved by installing state-of-the-art LED lighting.

Learn how LED lighting is lowering lighting costs for a variety of workplaces:

Better Day BP

Cree, Inc.

Friendly's Restaurant

The Prairie School

Sentry Equipment Corporation

Visit the Q&A section to get answers to common questions like:

Question: I own a small business and am intrigued by the cost savings and environmental friendliness of LED lighting. How can I get started?

Answer: LED lighting offers economic value in many applications, including outdoor lighting and indoor down lights and accent lighting. Please contact the listed vendors on this website for information relevant to your specific applications.

Question: How do I go about converting my facility to LED lighting?

Answer: An LED lighting conversion usually includes three types of solutions: complete replacement of the existing fixtures, retrofit of existing fixtures with LED components, or simple plug-compatible bulb replacements. For each of these, the existing wiring and power can often be used. For Cree, as an industrial operation, our electrical is at 277VAC. We adapted the installation as needed to assure the LED fixtures matched our site electrical systems. The vendors listed on this website should be able to provide a solution to match your needs.

“To replace traditional light sources, LEDs need to provide both high light output and high efficacy,” comments John Edmond, Cree co-founder and director of advanced optoelectronics. “Cree continues to push the limits of LED performance in order to realize the potential of the LED lighting revolution - energy-efficient, long-lasting LED light.”

In September, 2007, Cree announced it achieved R&D results of 129 lumens per watt for a cool-white LED and 99 lumens per watt for a warm-white LED.

These are the best results reported for packaged, high-power LEDs, and indicate that Cree is extending its lead in solid-state lighting through its continued investments in LED technology.

The results have been verified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST’s tests confirmed that the cool-white (5,813 K) LED produced 135.7 lumens of light output and achieved 129 lumens per watt efficacy. The warm-white (2,950 K) LED produced 104.2 lumens of light output and achieved 99 lumens per watt efficacy. The institute tests LEDs at 350 mA and measures the output after five minutes of operation to ensure thermal stabilization.

In coming years, such investments in core LED technology could lead to products that replace traditional light sources in all commercial applications.


For more information on Cree high-power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com.

LEDs light up campsites around the world in Coleman® lanterns, flashlights and other outdoor lighting products.

The Coleman Company, Inc., one of the best-known manufacturers of lighting products and outside gear, is designing Cree’s new XLamp XR-E and XR-C power LEDs into all of its LED-lighting products.

“Coleman is converting all LED-based products to the Cree XLamp LED due to Cree’s advanced technology, common package size within the entire XLamp LED family and excellent support,” said Traci Willing, Coleman product manager for battery lighting. “As we roll out Cree LED-based lanterns, headlamps, flashlights, spotlights and specialty Exponent® products, we believe our customers will be thrilled with the brightness, runtime and overall performance of these new models.”

Campers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide can now join the LED lighting revolution.

For additional information on Cree XLamp power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com/xlamp.

For additional information about Coleman camping lanterns and flashlights, visit www.coleman.com.

About The Coleman Company, Inc.
The Coleman Company, Inc. is a  leader in the innovation and marketing of outdoor products, including its legendary lanterns, as well as stoves, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, coolers, furniture and grills. Coleman embraces its leadership role as an advocate for the outdoors, contributing to outdoor causes and inspiring people to get outside. Founded in 1900 and based in Wichita, Kan., Coleman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation.

About Cree, Inc.
Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices that enhance the value of solid-state lighting, power and communications products by significantly increasing their energy performance and efficiency. Key to Cree’s market advantage is its world-class materials expertise in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) for chips and packaged devices that can handle more power in a smaller space while producing less heat than other available technologies, materials and products.

LED City Initiative Yields Benefits Beyond Energy Efficiency

When Raleigh, N.C., the first LED City, and Cree, Inc. turned on new  LEDs in the municipal parking garage, people’s opinion of the quality of the lighting improved threefold.

Survey Shows Public Feels Safer in City Spaces Lit by LEDs

Raleigh exchanged the previous garage fixtures and their dull orange light for LED fixtures with bright white light, and people felt safer. The number of respondents who perceived the garage as “very safe” increased by 76 percent after the LED fixtures were installed, according to a survey by Mindwave Research of Austin, Texas.

Cree produces LEDs that provide a new source of energy-efficient light that can serve as the foundation for cost-effective lighting solutions. Lighting Science Group Corporation of Dallas, Texas, supplied the LED fixtures installed in the Raleigh garage.

“LED technology provides a clear benefit to municipal infrastructure, as well as to the citizens it serves,” said Charles Meeker, mayor of Raleigh. “This survey shows that LEDs can do more than improve light quality. In addition to the proven environmental and energy efficiency benefits the city has already documented, the survey shows that LEDs’ bright white light can help improve public feelings of safety in city spaces.”

The survey results showed that the parking garage generated a more positive reaction from most of the respondents after the addition of LED fixtures:

• Both men and women felt significantly safer post-installation: 74 percent rated the garage as feeling “very safe,” while only 2 percent did not feel safe. These figures contrast with the pre-installation numbers: Only 42 percent felt “very safe” with the original lighting, and 13 percent did not feel safe.
• The percentage of respondents who gave the garage an overall rating of “excellent” increased by 100 percent. The number of people who rated it as “poor” decreased from 8 to 1 percent.
• The lighting quality of the garage was “excellent” according to 86 percent of the respondents, a 258-percent increase from pre-installation respondents. The number of people who rated it as “poor” decreased from 18 to 2 percent.
• The cleanliness of the parking garage was perceived as “excellent” by 76 percent of the respondents, while only 58 percent rated it this way before the LEDs were installed, showing a 31-percent increase.

Raleigh agrees to become the nation’s first LED City.

The LED City initiative focuses on installing LED lighting, based on Cree’s energy-efficient LEDs, throughout the city to save energy and money and boost the quality of life for its residents by using the best lighting technology commercially available. As a result, the city has improved the energy savings and lighting of its municipal city parking facility, the first of a series of projects aimed at delivering the environmental and economic benefits of LED lighting throughout Raleigh’s “living laboratory.”

Research Note:
The two surveys of 200 people each were conducted on behalf of Cree, Inc. by Mindwave Research, Inc. The pre-installation survey was conducted November 11-13, 2006, and the post-installation survey was conducted February 5-8, 2007. 

Cree’s product families include blue and green LED chips, lighting LEDs, LED backlighting solutions, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. For additional product specifications please refer to www.cree.com.

In 2007 Cree and Raleigh, North Carolina, Launch Nation’s First “LED City” with Cost-Saving Municipal Lighting

Raleigh Recognizes Greater than 40 Percent Energy Savings as Municipal Garage Switches to LED Lighting.

“The economic benefits for municipalities to invest in LEDs include:

• saving energy
• reducing environmental impact
  
• improving the quality of light

The “LED City” initiative will create a “living laboratory” to deliver the economic, environmental and usage benefits of LED lighting to the urban residents.

The project is focused on validating both the cost savings and technology capabilities of LEDs through an installation of LED lighting in Raleigh’s Municipal Building parking deck.

Both Cree, Inc. and Raleigh public officials expect the LEDCity initiative to serve as a model for other cities that are considering implementing energy-efficient infrastructures.

As part of the commitment to creating an “LED City,” Raleigh plans to deploy LED lighting, through its living-laboratory initiative, to serve a number of lighting applications over the next 18 months including:

• garage and parking lot lights
• street lights
• architectural and accent lighting
• portable lighting
• pedestrian and walkway lighting

Cree, the City of Raleigh and Lighting Science Group Corporation (OTCBB: LSGP) of Dallas, TX, also announced initial results of the first installation of the LED City initiative. LED-based lighting fixtures, provided by Lighting Science Group, were installed by Amtech Lighting Services in the Raleigh Municipal Building parking deck in December 2006. Progress Energy, Raleigh’s primary electric utility provider, says the floor equipped with LED lights uses over 40 percent less energy than the standard lighting system. Plus, according to Progress Energy’s research, the quality of light in the garage is greatly improved.

As leaders in one of America’s fastest growing cities, it’s our civic responsibility to invest in the future and ensure the highest possible quality of life and safety for our citizens in generations to come,” stated Charles Meeker, Raleigh mayor. “We believe that the cost savings and benefits of LED lighting are real and achievable today.”

“Today’s announcement represents a milestone toward large-scale adoption of clean, energy-efficient technologies,” commented Kateri Callahan, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).

“Raleigh’s progressive commitment to becoming the first ‘LED City’ will no doubt serve as a model for other cities seeking to improve energy consumption and reduce negative impacts on the environment. We commend Cree and the City of Raleigh for helping support our mission of achieving a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security.”

“The City of Raleigh is willing to set the pace, and we invite other municipalities to join us in developing energy-efficient civic centers,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree CEO and chairman. “This leading-edge effort establishes an important driver for LED adoption within the United States.”

About the City of Raleigh, N.C.
The City of Raleigh is the municipal government for North Carolina’s capital city. Raleigh’s  reputation for the high quality of living has grown the population to more than 350,000. The City is proud to provide the leadership, direction and daily services that have contributed to Raleigh being among America’s most livable cities.

About Lighting Science Group Corporation
Lighting Science Group Corporation (www.lsgc.com) designs and sells highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions based on its proprietary Optimized Digital Lighting® (ODL®) technology. The Company's patented and patent-pending designs and manufacturing processes enable affordable, efficient and long-lasting LED-based lighting systems to be quickly deployed in existing lighting applications and produce immediate cost savings and environmental benefits. Products include low bay fixtures for parking garages and industrial facilities, MR-16, R30, R25, G11, G25, candelabra and flame tip bulbs, which can be purchased at store.lsgc.com.

About Cree, Inc.
Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices in solid-state lighting, power and communications products for energy performance and efficiency. Key to Cree’s market advantage is its materials expertise in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) for chips and packaged devices that can handle more power in a smaller space while producing less heat than other available technologies, materials and products.

Cree licenses its  technology into multiple applications, including  alternatives in brighter and more-tunable light for general illumination, backlighting for more-vivid displays, optimized power management for high-current, switch-mode power supplies and variable-speed motors, and more-effective wireless infrastructure for data and voice communications. Cree customers range from lighting-fixture makers to defense-related federal agencies.

Cree’s product families include blue and green LED chips, lighting LEDs, LED backlighting solutions, power-switching devices and radio-frequency/wireless devices. For additional product specifications please refer to www.cree.com.

Vortex Vision Corporation, a pioneer of the rechargeable-battery flashlight market, has chosen Cree’s new XLamp XR-E power LEDs for five of its LED flashlight models.

Cree XLamp XR-E LEDs lead the industry in brightness and efficiency, critical features in battery-powered, portable lighting applications such as hand-held flashlights. XR-E LEDs also produce the high-quality, uniform white light required by flashlight manufacturers. The new white Cree XR-E LEDs produce typical luminous flux of 80 lumens at 350 mA, yielding 70 lumens per watt, and establish a new class of LED performance.

“We chose the Cree XLamp XR-E LED because it allows us to make very bright flashlights featuring long run times,” said Arne Ogaard, Vortex managing director. “The combination of the XLamp XR-E LED and the advanced Vortex technology ensures that our customers will have the most powerful Vortex Premium Aluminum Flashlights and TacLites available.”

“The rechargeable-battery flashlight market is focused on brightness and efficiency,” said Norbert Hiller, Cree general manager and vice president for XLamp power LEDs. “We are pleased that an industry pioneer, Vortex, has chosen Cree XLamp XR-E LEDs due to their superior performance and quality.”

For additional information on Cree XLamp power LEDs, please call (919) 313-5300 or visit www.cree.com/xlamp.

For additional information about Vortex LED flashlights, please call +1 951 695 5545 or visit www.vortexvision.us.

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website by the US Dept. of Energy provides a wide range of lighting information:

• Lighting principles and terms

  Lighting performance and design factors to consider for energy efficiency.

• Lighting design

  Basic indoor and outdoor lighting design principles and methods for energy efficiency.

• Types of Lighting

  Lamp types to consider and compare for energy efficiency.

• Lighting controls

  Controls to automatically turn lighting on and off as needed.

• Lamp and ballast replacement

  Replacing lamps and/or ballasts in light fixtures to improve energy efficiency.

• Lighting maintenance

  Basic maintenance to help keep your lights operating at their optimum energy efficiency.

• When to turn off your lights

  Energy-saving advice for when to turn off incandescent and fluorescent lights.

Home Lighting:  EERE.Energy.gov

More than 20% of the electricity generated
in the U.S. is used for lighting.

Approximately half of this energy is wasted by lighting empty rooms or as heat produced by inefficient lamps. But it's easy to save money and energy with ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs and fixtures. They meet strict energy efficiency and quality specifications, using up to 75% less energy and lasting up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.

The new generation of ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are longer lasting, brighter and much more efficient than lighting of the past. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting is diverse, versatile and elegant, with an energy efficient solution for almost every lighting fixture type and any design need.

CFLs

• ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs save up to 75% in energy consumption compared to standard bulbs.
• ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs last six to ten times longer than traditional lighting.
• CFLs have light quality closest to daylight.
• There are many shapes, sizes and color temperatures available for all household applications.
• CFLs are ideal where lights are on for long periods of time or are difficult to reach.

CFL Disposal

CFLs should be disposed of properly with other household hazardous waste products such as paint, batteries and thermostats.

Avoid throwing out spent CFLs in the household trash.

Check with your local or municipal government entity responsible for solid waste or household hazardous waste collection for CFL disposal options.

Some communities offer disposal or recycling programs that accept spent CFLs.

Visit http://www.lamprecycle.org to research the disposal laws and recycling programs in your state.

Energy Star standards and specifications are developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a non-profit corporation supported by electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and energy efficiency industry representatives. These entities work together to make affordable, energy-efficient products and services available in the marketplace.

Hard-Wired Fixtures

ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures use pin-based CFLs that last 10,000-20,000 hours. Many ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures carry at least a two-year warranty. ENERGY STAR models are available with dimmable ballasts. Available ENERGY STAR fixtures are appropriate for any design application and include ceiling rounds, pendants, wall sconces, under-cabinet lighting, chandeliers, bath-bars, and outdoor lighting.

Portable Fixtures

ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures use pin-based compact fluorescent circline or 2D bulbs which last an average of 10,000 hours.

• ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures are relatively cool to the touch at 100° F, a sharp contrast to some halogen torchieres that can reach up to 1,000° F.
• ENERGY STAR qualified portable fixtures are available for little more than the cost of standard torchieres but can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the life of the fixture.

Recessed Lights 

ENERGY STAR qualified recessed cans use one-third to one-quarter of the energy of standard incandescent recessed cans. ENERGY STAR qualified recessed cans use bulbs that last up to ten times longer than incandescent reflector lamps. Qualified models operate much cooler, eliminating ‘hot spots’ in the building shell. ENERGY STAR recessed cans are brighter, necessitating fewer cans to produce the same light level as an equivalent incandescent recessed can lighting system.

While ENERGY STAR recessed cans generally cost more than incandescent recessed cans initially, the savings on lighting and space conditioning costs can pay for itself within a few years.

Ceiling Fans with CFLs

ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans sometimes include compact fluorescent light kits, which generate 70% less heat and save up to 75% in energy costs compared to standard incandescent kits.

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
800-539-9362
info@northwestenergystar.com
http://www.nwalliance.org/.

In spite of their widespread use and life saving abilities, a recent study found that 60% of Americans were not familiar with the term GFCI and of those familiar with the term 44% rarely, if ever, test them.

Do you know what a GFCI is...and how it can save your life?

With more than 400 million devices installed nationwide, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) have been credited with reducing the number of electrocutions dramatically in the last 25 years. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reminds consumers to test their GFCIs receptacles every month, especially during the holiday season.

Most often installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors, GFCIs are designed to minimize shock and electrocution, especially when electrical appliances inadvertently come in contact with water. If a GFCI senses minimal current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then automatically disconnects the power.

Like all electrical devices, GFCIs can be damaged or wear out. Testing GFCI receptacles is the only way to ensure they are working properly. The GFCI outlet may continue to function, even if the GFCI protection no longer works.

For simple steps on how to test your GFCI outlets, visit ESFI at www.holidaysafety.org.

ESFI also recommends the following tips for using GFCIs this holiday season:

• For electric shock protection, plug outdoor lights and electric decorations into circuits protected by GFCIs.
• A GFCI should be used in any area where water may come in contact with electrical products. GFCIs are now required by code in certain areas of the home, including unfinished basements, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, garages, crawl spaces and around swimming pools.
• Power surges and electrical storms may damage GFCIs, preventing them from working properly.

GFCIs are important to you and your family's safety at home during holiday seasons. Without performing this simple GFCI test you are risking the possibility of serious injury or even death.

ESFI reminds everyone that electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards have reduced electrical hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards.

For more electrical safety information, please visit ESFI at: www.esfi.org

Electrical surges are just one home and office electrical hazard!  There are more.  Get the information you need to protect people you care about...and your property.

Electrical Safety Tool Kit - Downloadable PDFs

The electrical safety Tool Kit provided by Electrical Safety Foundation International includes statistics on electrical hazards and tips you can use to stay safe. Organized by each season, this information can help you develop your own newsletters, web site material and safety campaigns to increase electrical safety awareness 365 days a year.

Click here to download the handy Safety Checklist PDFs

The Electrical Safety Tool Kit

HOME CHECKLISTS

Indoor Electrical Safety Checklist
Outdoor Electrical Safety Checklist
Extension Cord Safety Checklist
Mr. Plug Fun Books for Pre-K  and  K-3
Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Electrical Safety

WORKPLACE CHECKLISTS

Office Electrical Safety Checklist
Be Safe At Work

News Releases to send to the MEDIA and GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES

Safety matters.  And responsible parents, teachers and office managers take the time regularly to upgrade the training and behavior guidelines that keep the people they care about safe.  These checklists are a good start, and they're free.  The only price is your action.

SOURCE:
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
1300 North 17th St. Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209
info@esfi.org | Phone: 703-841-3229

“Everyday almost 200 homes catch fire because of electrical issues,” says Brett Brenner, President of ESFI. “While we put a figure to the damage these fires cause to property, the damage to lives is incalculable. The new Code will prevent thousands of these fires and protect homes for decades to come.”

Electrical Code Controversy

What started as a routine year for the electrical industry has turned into a full debate involving the Governor, home builders, manufacturers and safety organizations. Since January’s adoption of the new National Electrical Code, which is updated every three years, home builders in Ohio have been actively working to get it overturned. They complain that the additional costs to comply with the new code would make new homes unaffordable, and they have even presented the Governor with a petition to annul Ohio’s adoption of the 2008 Code reverting the state back to an older version. This controversy has caused fire, safety and electrical industry officials to descend on Columbus. Among them is the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) who is working to help Ohio residents understand that the new code will save lives and homes. The foundation and many others are also quick to point out that arguments against the new code are based on inaccurate information.

In their petition to Governor Strickland, the Ohio Home Builder’s Association alleges that complying with the new Code would add $600 - $1,200 to the average new home. However, an analysis by Ohio’s electrical inspectors points out that the additional cost is really less than $200 a home. This lower cost is also endorsed by the Electrical Code Coalition as being more accurate. The coalition is a group of industry organizations consisting of safety experts, inspectors, contractors, and utilities, who have partnered together to promote electrical safety in Ohio.

“This whole debate should be centered on what this all means to Ohio’s families,” points out Brenner. “Everyone agrees that the new code provides fire protection that is unequaled. But, if the new Code is not enforced, Ohio will be taking a step backwards in fire prevention.”

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is the leading authority and advocate of electrical safety. Established in 1994, ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May and focuses on reducing electrically related deaths, injuries and property loss.

SOURCE:
The Electrical Safety Foundation International
1300 North 17th Street, 17th Floor,
Rosslyn, VA 22209
Phone: (703)841-3229
www.electrical-safety.org

Lighting is a fixture (so to speak) in every house, every office -- and the endless design variations are the work of creative artists and artisans such as the carefully selected designers represented by the award winning Savoy House.

Crystal chandeliers distributed by Savoy House Lighting can be found in the finest estates, and even major motion pictures. Savoy House designs illumination solutions for your personal space with elegant lighting designs and home accessories, a true leader in the industry.

Savoy House Designers

Savoy House has set itself apart from the competition by partnering with a diverse family of artists from around the world. 

An antiquity infused collection by Karyl Pierce Paxton features an 18 step finish inspired by the Patinas, Old world colors of the French Quarter, and includes hand painted designs of art.

Tracy Porter Whimsical provides elegant designs with unexpected splashes of color. Tracy adds an entirely new dimension to Savoy House's product offerings with her designs. The Tracy Porter Savoy House collections will include: Fantasy in Color, Animal Talk, Nature Walk and French Country, with other themes in the works. Turn fantasy into reality with vintage chandeliers and table lamps, decorative lighting fixtures, sconces, and charmingly rustic ceiling fans.

Savoy House
Braselton, GA
800-801-1621
http://www.savoyhouse.com

Lighting for Tomorrow is looking into the future of residential lighting with its 2008 fixture design competition—not just for new products but for innovative technologies as well. Along with the promotion of attractive energy-efficient residential lighting fixtures, Lighting for Tomorrow is also encouraging innovation in the use of new light sources. This international lighting fixture design competition will be officially launched at the Dallas Lighting Market, January 17-21. Included is a new solid-state lighting category that calls for use of the world’s most energy-efficient white LED devices.

Lighting for Tomorrow is organized by the American Lighting Association (ALA), the U.S. Dept. of Energy (represented by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory), and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). About two dozen energy-efficiency organizations in the US and Canada have pledged more than $150,000 to sponsor this latest competition.

CFL Fixture Family Design Competition

Lighting for Tomorrow continues to seek decorative, efficient fixture families in a range of style and price categories that will meet the needs of US and Canadian consumers. However, there are added challenges for entrants in the 2008 competition. “There has been tremendous change in the lighting industry since the competition began in 2002,” said Rebecca Foster, senior program manager at CEE and a co-manager of Lighting for Tomorrow. “The 2008 competition mirrors that change by requiring CFL chandeliers to dim for the first time. We’re looking forward to highlighting the most innovative and beautiful fixtures in this year’s design competition.”

Last year’s winning CFL fixture family designs came from Sea Gull Lighting and Savoy House.

Solid State Lighting (SSL) Competition in Third Year

The first Lighting for Tomorrow Solid-State Lighting Competition, held as a separate event in 2006, attracted 30 entrants. Last year’s Grand Prize winner from among a field of 40 entrants utilized LEDs in an innovative downlight designed by LED Lighting Fixtures (LLF), of North Carolina. In addition, California-based Finelite, Inc. won in the portable desk/task and undercabinet lighting categories. Progress Lighting, from South Carolina, won in the outdoor category.

The use of white LED lighting for general illumination is advancing quickly, with new products being introduced regularly.

Lighting for Tomorrow’s 2008 SSL competition is adding a category to highlight the on-going progress in LED device innovations. The “Future LED” category will require a minimum LED device efficacy of 90 lm/W.

The deadline for entries is April 30, 2008. Winners will be announced during an award ceremony at the ALA Conference, September 14-16, 2008 in Washington, DC and will be eligible to be promoted by energy efficiency programs across the US and Canada. For complete guidelines and rules for the 2008 competition, see www.lightingfortomorrow.com.

The American Lighting Association is a trade association representing the lighting industry. Its membership includes lighting and fan manufacturers, retail showrooms, sales representatives and lighting designers dedicated to providing the public with the proper application of quality residential lighting.

Retail members of the American Lighting Association

ALA member retail showrooms are located across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. These showrooms are dedicated to providing customers quality lighting products and superior customer service. They feature a broad selection of lighting fixtures, as well as Certified Lighting Consultants and Lighting Specialists.

An online directory of retail showrooms and consultant will help you select safe, quality lighting products and systems.  Visit their directory at www.americanlightingassoc.com.

ENERGY STAR

Energy savings are more important than ever...and growing every year as environmental concerns are addressed and electricity prices rise.  ALA has partnered with ENERGY STAR to provide ALA member showrooms the opportunity to differentiate themselves from their competition by offering customers high-quality, energy saving products that help to save energy and money on utility bills.

LIGHTING YOUR LIFE

Enhance the beauty of your home and create the mood of your choice with the many helpful tips presented in this online guide overflowing with tips that tell plainly and concisely how lighting can make a big difference in any room setting.

Receive a FREE set of "Lighting Tips for the Home" brochures! This series of four booklets offers ideas for homeowners on how to light up your kitchens and baths, select the right ceiling fan, illuminate your landscape and cut energy costs.

The American Lighting Association provides the linked index below that takes you to the topics you're most interest in.

• Lighting can make a difference
• Basic types of lighting
• The shapes and forms of lighting
• Lighting controls
• Light sources
• Energy savings and efficiency
• Track lighting
• Recessed lighting

Designing with light

• Living room or family room
• Dining room
• Kitchen
• Bedroom
• Bathroom
• Home office
• Other home areas
• Outdoors

CONTACT:

American Lighting Association
P.O. Box 420288,
Dallas, TX 75342-0288
1 800 BRIGHT IDEAS (1-800-274-4484)
www.americanlightingassoc.com