Today, LEDs (Light-Emitting Diode) are so high-performing that they can be used in lighting with great benefits. CONSUMPTION The energy savings can be very high depending on the light bulbs replaced. They consume anywhere from 5 to 8 times less in comparison with incandescent or halogen light bulbs, 2 to 4 times less in comparison with fluorescent tubes and in certain applications, up to 2 times less in comparison with HID light bulbs. LEDs can live up to 50,000 hours which represents 13 years if used 12 hours a day or 25 years if used 5 hours a day. In certain cases, this useful life can be 100,000 hours. But be careful, not all LEDs have a lifetime of 50,000 hours. This lifetime depends on the type of LED, how it is used and how the light bulb or lamp associated with it was designed. LEDs are very sensitive to heat and humidity. If these 2 constraints are not considered in their use, a long lifetime cannot be guaranteed. To reduce maintenance and recycling, the lifetime of the LED must not be limited. Otherwise, they would lose their primary environmentally-friendly qualities. OTHER ADVANTAGES LEDs are powered on low voltage which can be significant in sensitive environments where electrical security is essential and thus, they adapt well to battery or solar power operation. LEDs do not produce infrared or ultraviolet radiation (no deterioration in lighted objects). No infrared radiation means no heat is given off meaning direct contact is completely safe. LEDs are not cold-sensitive and perform 100% as soon as they are turned on (no heating time). LEDs can operate intermittently without harming its lifetime. LEDs feature a very fast response time which allows for special effects (Flash, stroboscopic effects, gradation, color blending…) LEDS are small and therefore perfect for compact applications.
Support from EDF
EDF in Bourgogne chose to go LED. For many years, EDF in Bourgogne has been involved in spreading energy savings awareness among businesses and territorial groups. They are offered advice and solutions in order to help them reduce their electricity bills. The support EDF has given to BEST ELECTRONIQUE since 2004 speaks volumes of the company’s willingness to innovate on behalf of its clients. This collaboration has just reached new heights as it relied on BEST ELECTRONIQUE to install the lighting at the EDF Regional Office in Dijon; the reception hall and hallways are now lighted with next generation LEDs. In the entrance hall, the total power of the 4 T-Bars and 2 spotlights is 150W – in other words, 5 times less than the fluorescent lighting they had been using. For Marc Benner, the EDF Regional Manager in Bourgogne, “reducing our energy consumption also means reducing the emission of greenhouse gases like CO2 and making our contribution to conserving our environment. To this regard, we must act as an example with our actions specifically on the ground. The initiative to reduce the installed power of our lighting all while maintaining the same light level is proof that anyone may notice by visiting our offices...". In 2007, we once again collaborated with EDF Bourgogne – this time to light the meeting room at the regional office (see the section on our previous projects). Installing 7 600x600 3000K 45W white LED T-BARS made it possible to achieve pleasant and very even lighting (450 lux) in the 50m² meeting room (see photos). They can be dimmed by zones. With the converters, the entire set consumes less than 8W per m².
