SPECIAL
FEATURE
Trial projects are
a good way of
assessing energy
saving benefi ts of
installing LEDs
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Give LEDs a try –
but start off small
After initial paper assessment of the LEDs,
reputable vendors will allow customers
to trial products, either free of charge or
on a sale or return basis. Trial projects
offered by suppliers can help to ease FMs
through the transition and gain an initial
assessment of potential benefi ts in the
future. For example, taking light output
Once the project is up and running,
after sales service is especially important
for LED lighting. LED products offer
an ultra-long lifespan, so vendor
guarantees should refl ect this. A confi dent
manufacturer will provide at least three
years’ warranty and should be able to
support the warranty period with proof
of live installations that have performed
reliably for similar periods of time.
Of course, even the most reputable,
knowledgeable and service-oriented
supplier will recognis e that pricing is a key
part of facilities managers’ considerations.
But experienced buyers know that if
products seem too cheap, there will
be reasons. These could include poor
quality components and substandard
manufacturing techniques. Low quality
LEDs will cause problems such as
inadequate light performance, whilst poorly
assembled products can pose serious
installation and safety hazards. Other
common problems include unreliability,
for example colour-shifting over time,
rapid degradation of light output, plus high
failures in large quantities and quality of
light output not fi t for purpose.
Such issues are frequently exacerbated
by poor or non-existent after sales
support. In the event of a problem, the
supplier should have the resources to
rectify it quickly, effectively and effi ciently.
Cheaper LEDs will inevitably cost more in
the long run.
(lux) readings before and after should
confi rm that the product is fi t for purpose.
Smooth running of a lighting project
– large or small – depends crucially on
stock availability. Continuity of supply
is essential and quotes of six to eight
weeks for stock should sound a warning
signal. Leading, reputable suppliers will
hold suffi cient stock to cater for their
customers’ ongoing and urgent needs,
whether planned or not.
LED Eco Lights, www.ledecolights.com
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