Hidden costs of traditional lighting
What are the hidden costs of having traditional lighting fitted on a business scale? There are a number of aspects to having lighting fittings that are additional to the purchase and installation costs.
WEEE Directive
The WEEE directive guidance applies from 1 January 2014 and provides specific advice about compliance with the WEEE Regulations. It should be read in conjunction with those regulations and is supplementary to guidance published by the European Commission about the WEEE Directive.
The WEEE directive is intended primarily for use by businesses, public and third sector organisations and individuals involved in the sale, purchase and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
WEEE directive charges can vary, these charges include luminaires, fluorescent lamps and gear trays. Internally illuminated box signs and base lights are exempt from WEEE.
For more information see the below links:
Lighting fittings generate heat
Light fittings all generate a form of heat, although LED is now 80% more efficient and release a lot less heat than the old fluorescent fittings, all light fittings still release some level of heat. Therefore, especially in summer lighting can cause higher air-conditioning bills.
LED lights are the best option available for low heat lighting, click here to read more.
Ignitors need replacing as much as the fitting
Remember even though there are costs with replacing your light fittings, you also need to replace your fitting ignitors.
Lamp degradation
Everyone knows lamps need replacing after around 12,000 hours lifetime which equates on average to fittings needing to be replaced every 18-24 months. However what you need to remember is, if you replace one lamp normally you have to replace them all to avoid uneven light placement in a room.
