Are you spending a fortune on old lighting technology?

How far we have come!

Since the first stage of the common 50W/12V Halogen downlight phase out commenced in October of 2010, LED technology has been a storm of development.

What do you mean phase-out?

The 12V 50W luminaire was once thought of as being low energy efficient, but this could not be further from the truth. Compared to alternative options that are now available, 12V/ 50W lamps burn hot while illuminated and have been linked to many a roof cavity fire and also, as a result, decrease the efficiency of air conditioning units and add to their poor reputation for energy efficiency.

In April last year (2012), the phase-out progressed and the high electricity consuming 50W Halogen lamps started disappearing off the shelves, being replaced with Compact Fluorescent (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps. “The lamp was targeted for replacement due to its high energy usage and the large number installed. The lighting council estimates there are some 300 Million 50W downlights in Australian homes and businesses” says Lighting Council Australia chief executive officer Bryan Douglas.

But LED technology isn't good enough! I hear you say.

In the early days of LED technology lamps, the light output was very poor and to replace 50W dichroic lamps, you needed to install higher quantities of LED downlights to achieve the same level of luminance. This is no longer the case, as the ever developing LED market now has options available which are straight replacements for the number of downlights you already have installed. Manufacturers around the world are pouring enormous resources into LED technology and as a result it’s development is extremely rapid with suppliers keeping limited stock of any products as their superior replacement is just around the corner.

Previously only available in the “blue” 5000-6500K colour, options are now available to provide warm white “yellow” 3000 - 4500K colour levels. But be warned, quality is key and there are, as always, cheap, dodgy examples which will NOT provide the longevity of a realistic investment or the same light output.

Can I just replace the lamps in my existing downlights with LED lamps?

If they are 240V versions, yes. But, you cannot just replace the lamps in your existing 12V fittings. Your existing 50W downlights are run on a 12V transformer and LED technology runs on a “constant voltage system”; which means they have an LED driver, not a transformer. This basically does the same thing in reducing the voltage from 240V to 12V, but provides a higher quality of power for the LED. Therefore, to upgrade your lighting to LED technology you do need to replace the entire fitting with a new one.

Won’t that cost a fortune to upgrade then?

There will be an initial investment to upgrade to LED fittings, but not as much as you think.

Consideration needs to be given to the ongoing costs in maintaining the old technology. LED lighting can provide up to 80% saving on your existing installation. They cost virtually nothing to run and last 50,000 hrs. That is up to 20x times longer than some other lamps. And, they look so much better these days. (There are multiple savings calculators online to provide you with examples of probable savings available) Generally the payback periods are usually less than 1 or 2 years, depending on the existing installation. Thereafter you are likely to be saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on your electricity bill. There are also government grants available to encourage businesses to carry out upgrade works.

Serious consideration needs to be given to LED lighting upgrades to replace your existing technologies and always choose quality products to perform your upgrade.

To find out more information on the government grants available, visit their Sustainable Business page.  Or if you are considering purchasing more energy efficient equipment, you may be able to take advantage of the Government’s small business instant asset write-off. As of 1 July 2012 the instant asset write-off has been increased, enabling eligible small businesses to write-off depreciating assets costing less than $6,500 in the income year in which they start to use the asset or have it installed ready for use. There is no limit to the number of items that can be written off in a financial year. Assets which cost $6,500 or more can be allocated to the general small business pool and depreciated at a rate of 15 per cent in the year of allocation and 30 per cent in following years. Visit the government website to get more information and tips.


Contact Excel via email or phone (02) 8824 4671 for a free initial inspection and consultation.


Live smart, Live long,
B.Saffy


www.excelelectrical.net.au