 |
|
|
|
From the moment a new lighting system is installed, the efficiency gains start to decrease -- by as much as 20 percent to 40 percent. A preventive maintenance (PM) program can help offset this light loss.
PM for lighting systems is often forgotten, but the benefits often convince management to support a PM policy. Group relamping and group cleaning of fixtures can reduce operating costs and increase the efficiency of the lightings system.
Why consider group maintenance?
The answer to this is straightforward. Group maintenance:
- Cuts labor costs
- Improves efficiency
- Improves light quality
Group relamping means replacing a group of lamps before they have burned out. Many people, however, might think,
"Why should I replace a lamp that's not burned out?"
Well, consider the spark plug analogy: When replacing the spark pugs in your car, the mechanic replaces all the spark plugs at one time to save time and money, and maximize the efficiency of the vehicle.
The same strategy applies to lighting systems. When a lamp burns out, you need to arrange the proper equipment and materials, and the maintenance person must get a spare lamp out of storage, set up the ladder, replace the lamp, dispose of the old lamp, and put the ladder away. The time to run through this ritual every time a bulb burns out can be extremely expensive.
Along with group relamping, it makes perfect sense to group clean the fixtures. Dirt build-up can decrease the fixture's efficiency by up to 30 percent inmost office applications and even more in outdoor applications. Dirt depreciation not only reduces the efficiency of the fixture; it also reduces the quality of the light.
Fitzgerald Lighting can conduct a lighting system audit and make recommendations that to improve your system. We can offer suggestions to lower your energy consumption, tell you about more efficient lamps, fixtures and ballasts, alternative control methods, discuss wattage savings and supply useful information on relamping programs for ongoing maintenance.
Reasons to keep lighting in top condition ....
- Enhanced safety and security on walkways, roadways, parking lots and in the workplace
- Reduced liability exposure
- Lower insurance premiums
- Increase retail sales
- Improved building image
- Beautify building architecture and landscaping
The lighting surrounding and protecting your
building is an important proponent of your business. How your store, building or
parking lot is lighted speaks volumes to all that pass by. Potential customers
and your employees will notice if the area is bright enough in the evening to go
from the car to the building safely. Proper lighting can help reduce theft,
vandalism and assault by deterring those that prefer a dark area for criminal
activity. The proper choice of fixtures and light levels will keep the safety
level high for all that come and go and will also serve to make your building as
pleasing to the eye as possible. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
