Induction lighting is a technology that produces light using magnetic force. While some induction lamps are similar to fluorescent tubes, others look more like the ordinary light bulbs. Induction lamps are filled with gas and are fully enclosed. The magnetic field produces energy that reacts with the gas to produce ultraviolet radiation. Phosphorous coating on the bulb converts the radiations to visible light. The technology does not have filaments or electrodes. Therefore, induction lamps last longer since they are not susceptible to burning out or decay.
Benefits of Induction Lighting
1. Long lifespan
Induction lamps have a lifespan of 100, 000 hours. This means that they can run for 11 years operating 24 hours a day.
2. Efficiency
Induction lighting is more efficient than metal halide. Induction lighting has high efficacy, in many cases, 60 or 70+ lumens per watt.
3. It is Environmental Friendly
Induction lighting has a long life span. Therefore, it does not require constant replacement. Therefore, there is no pollution or waste from fixture replacement and maintenance. It is also efficient, hence reduces fossil fuel and energy consumption. However, induction contains mercury, which is detrimental to the environment if disposed poorly. Since the mercury is in a solid-state, you should be worried by bulb breakage. You should dispose the induction lamps properly. However, you will rarely need to do this because of their longevity.
Applications of Induction lighting
Induction lighting can be used for both indoor and outdoor commercial lighting. It is ideal for lighting hard to reach fixtures in indoor spaces or high ceilings. Induction lighting is also suitable for consistently cold outdoor locations.
Induction lamps are not very common in residential areas. Most popular indoor applications include factories, warehouses, gyms, retail spaces, and plants. You can also use induction fixtures to replace any inefficient or defective commercial fixtures in parking lots, bollards, post tops, street lights, and garage lighting.
Induction Lighting Vs. Metal Halides
Metal halides are the traditional lighting solutions for both interior and exterior applications in warehouses, gyms, factories, and retail stores. They boast of high lumen per output. However, the lumen depreciation is very high, and they only last for about three years. This means that you will need to change the lamps constantly. Other disadvantages include slow strike time and high maintenance such that you will require constant ballast and lamps replacement. They become very hot such that the AC needs to work extra harder. In addition, they have high wattage. They usually use as much as 20% above the stated wattage with ballast.
. Induction vs. LED
Wall pack led light fixtures are quite popular in commercial establishments. Both LED and induction has similar stability and lifespan. However, induction lighting has much brightness and wattage. Therefore, induction lighting is ideal for large commercial applications that require bright and big lights.
In terms of lumens rating and light output, both technologies show similarities. For instance, they can both last for more than 70,000 hours. Both induction and LED lighting have an instant-on capability. What’s more is that the scotopic and photopic aspects show consistent and high light quality.
Induction versus T5 fluorescent
Both induction lighting and T5 fluorescent produce high lumen output per watt. However, T5 does not have high wattage. If you need lighting for large commercial applications, induction is your best bet due to its bright lights.
Installation
Always ensure professionals do induction fixtures. Whether it is lighting installation or retrofit, the high voltage might be dangerous. New fixtures involve wiring disconnection, new fixture installation, and proper circuit wiring. On the other hand, retrofits involve removing ballasts and old lamps and installing new ballasts and lamps.
Some induction lamps come with dimming capability. However, it is imperative to ensure that you make the correct order. Using Induction lamps that do not support dimming on dimming fixtures can damage both components.
While the upfront cost of induction lighting is relatively higher, it is a suitable investment in the long run. However, the long lifespan, energy efficiency, and high light output induction lighting is, therefore, a smart investment.
Mostly, induction lighting will need specialized fixtures that have specific thermal properties for smooth operation. Luckily, you can retrofit existing fixtures to support induction lighting.