NEMA: Electro Industry October 2010 - 21

electroindustry news
ŰŰMoreŰHarmŰthanŰGood?— ExaminingŰSSLŰRetrofitŰKitsŰforŰT8ŰLinearŰFluorescentŰSystems
In the realm of SSL products, one area of concern is the emerging market for linear fluorescent retrofit. Most offices are almost entirely lit by linear fluorescent (tube) lighting systems—T8 or T5 (the designation indicates lamp diameter in eighths of an inch). T5 systems are a newer development and are typically already high efficiency. T8 systems can be much older and are a current target for retrofit upgrade incentive and outreach programs. Many facility managers are considering not only high-efficiency T8 and T5 systems, but also SSL retrofit products. Herein lies a problem. The pace by which SSL products have outdistanced standards development leaves much room for exaggerated and misleading claims. Elite programs may establish incentives for high-performance products, but fail to address minimum performance standards. Also missing is third-party guidance regarding selection and application. When considering T8 retrofit products, keep in mind: • manufacturer performance claims versus demonstrated performance • retrofit compatibility with existing systems • installation requirements and safety • lifetime of SSL products versus predecessors • cost savings or lack thereof comPatibility and lonG liFe LEDs don’t burn out as much as dim. Claims of long life and equivalency should be met with skepticism. Since LEDs may last for many years, power supply and controls may die first. Warranty agreements should cover the entire product. One of the biggest challenges in retrofitting SSL products is the inherent directionality of LED light. Individual LEDs do not produce light in a 360-degree pattern like fluorescent tubes. At best, they project light in a 180-degree plane. Another compatibility question involves wiring. Rewiring existing connections and electronic fluorescent ballasts should always be done by a certified electrician, preferably one with experience in retrofit applications. Existing designs do not typically supply high levels of voltage or current to pin connections. Enthusiasm can outstrip common sense when looking at long-term lifecycle cost. Besides purchase price, maintenance and operations costs should also be considered. The initial price of most SSL T8 retrofit products is often higher than comparative T8 predecessors. This means that even at the same energy efficiency, SSLs cost more. Long life is often cited as a driving factor for retrofit, but 30,000-hour lifetimes (a very conservative number) for properly installed linear fluorescent products are typical. This equals 14 years at 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Higher fluorescent lamp life is possible. To gain the best combination of visual performance and efficiency, purposebuilt replacement SSL fixtures must be installed. This is replacement, not retrofit. While integrated products can match T8 for efficiency, they are currently cost prohibitive. Here are some questions when considering a T8 retrofit system. Always ask for test procedures, test data, and reports. • Have these products been tested to LM80 (Measuring Lumen Maintenance of LED Light Sources)? • How do you arrive at estimated lifetime light output claims? • What is your warranty, and what makes you think you’ll be around to honor it? • Will you supply product for and assist in the installation of a pilot program before we commit to a full purchase? • Are these products identical to the ones tested in the pilot program? • What special installation guidance is needed? What physical and electrical cautions should be taken following retrofit? • How do you arrive at energyefficiency claims? • Has this retrofit product been tested in fixtures like ours? • Is your retrofit product UL or CSA listed? What is the listing number? • Has your product been tested by the DOE CALiPER program? • Are you partnered with any reputable U.S. manufacturers? Is your product sold by major U.S. chains? • Is this product ENERGY STAR® listed? (Trick question. The correct answer as of this publication is, “No, that program does not currently cover T8 retrofit products.”) The potential exists for SSL to overtake T8 linear fluorescent in office, residential, and workspace lighting applications. SSL T8 retrofit products, however, have not yet reached the maturity and standardization needed to achieve this. ei Alex Boesenberg, Program Manager | alex.boesenberg@nema.org

NEMA electroindustry

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October 2010

NEMA: Electro Industry October 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEMA: Electro Industry October 2010