Recently in Safety Category
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
... 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.
Visit the Q&A section to get answers to common questions like:
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
- garage and parking lot lights
- street lights
- architectural and accent lighting
- portable lighting
- pedestrian and walkway lighting
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.
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:
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
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.
Monthly testing GFCIs is a good safety practice.
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.
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
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
