Electrical Contracting News (ECN) August 2017 | Page 34

SPECIAL FEATURE LIGHTING Energy consumption is also optimised. The colour rendering index (CRI) therefore provides a quantitative measure of the ability of a light source to show the colours of various objects accurately, when compared with a natural light source. Task-based lighting At the lower end of the scale, from 2,000 to 3,000K, the light produced is called ‘warm white’ and ranges from orange to yellow-white in appearance. Colour temperatures between 3,100 and B.E.G. 4,500K are referred to as ‘cool white’ or ‘bright white.’ Lighting manufacturers use daylight as the benchmark to which they compare the colour rendering of electric lights. Using these measures and combining them with research, the lighting industry is completely transforming workplaces. This latest generation of smart lighting allows facilities managers to maximise the comfort and performance of employees down to a task by task basis. For example, rather than one type of lighting being used across an entire offi ce, control panels can now be used to select lighting quality based on the various types of activity taking place or the age of employees taking part. Interestingly, research has shown that the older you are, the more light you need. Research papers continue to be released with compelling results showing how biological benefi ts such as alertness, cognitive performance and good sleep- wake cycles are all being affected positively. Even emotional benefi ts, such as improved mood, are being recorded. So, it seems there will be much more noise to come around human centric lighting, and if everyone in the industry continues to push the boundaries of discovery, bringing innovative technologies to the forefront, there could more bright ideas to come. The lighting control professionals Motion detectors Occupancy detectors Lights and halogen floodlights Photo electric switches For over 40 years, B.E.G. have been helping our customers control their lighting and HVAC to operate in the most efficient way.  We are a German specialist developer and manufacturer  Our products combine state of the art technology to provide the best in class  We provide comprehensive support from product selection to commissioning Save energy with B.E.G. M EMB ER B.E.G. (UK) Ltd. Grove House, Apex Court, Camphill Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 6SQ Time switches [email protected] www.beg-luxomat.com Tel: [phone]