Electrical Contracting News (ECN) October 2016 | Page 48

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING

that far exceed the PIR’s normal
operating current and shorten the
life of the switch in the PIR. Poor
power factor of many LED lamps
and drivers can also reduce the
PIR’s life and can result in false
claims of efficiency (Lumens/Watt)
by manufacturers.
Equally important are the LED
arrays, lenses and back plate
reflectors that combine to create
the right light ambience; be it a
focused beam, a wide field for
security coverage or warmth
indoors. Daylight, cool white
and warm white are common
options. Daylight and cool
white are typically used
for outdoor lighting, warm
white is often preferred for
just indoor use, although
we also chose it for our
carriage lantern style
outdoor LED light fittings.

Installation
Being up a ladder
wrestling with a heavy
unit is pretty complicated
in itself; but at last
manufacturers seem to
have followed our lead
and have a heart for
installers. You should be
able to find luminaires
that are easy to wire

B.E.G.

with accessible rear terminal boxes and
then just ‘plug in’ the light controller.
The pennies you save by choosing a
substandard unit will soon be eaten
up in the working time you waste.
Replaceable, glands that allow for the
size and shape as the wires you are
using and captive screws in the terminal
cover are all helping to simplify the
whole process of choosing and installing
LED lighting. Easy loop out to other
luminaires on the same circuit provides
the flexibility – and economy – to design
master and slave set ups.

The latest trends
We all know that as new technology
advances, prices come down – but who
really benefits? There’s a downwards
price spiral which always ends the same
way with low margins all round and poor
quality low end products queering the
pitch for everyone.
But sometimes someone decides to
take a different approach and use the
potential offered by new componentry to
create much more value, not just a price
cut. Take Timeguard’s new Nighteye
Plus project which was triggered by the
introduction of LEDs that don’t need
drivers to smooth out the current flow.
Most engineers focused only the cost
implications, introducing the slimline
panel shaped floodlights you’ll have
seen around. They have their place, and
Timeguard now has a few in its range –

but then we went a step further to use
the new technology to add value rather
than just strip out cost. Prismatic lenses
and polycarbonate recessed reflector
plates have done away with the need for
a clear cover to protect the unit. Tough as
old boots, these units uncomplicate your
choice by ticking all the boxes for looks,
functionality and easy installation.

Can suppliers make
it less complicated?
Yes and simply. Manufacturers can put
all the information you need online and
make it readily visible on the outside of
the box, and good wholesalers can do
the quality control by only stocking the
products that will last and give you the
opportunity to provide – and charge for –
added value.

Andy Douglas joined Timeguard in
1995 and has been at the helm as
managing director since 2002. He has
sharpened the company’s focus on
products for the professional installer
market and, under his leadership, a
commitment to quality and investment
in new products geared to real market
opportunities has secured Timeguard’s
leading position in time, light and
climate control.

The lighting control professionals

Motion detectors

Occupancy detectors

Lights and
halogen floodlights

Photo electric switches

For over 40 years, B.E.G. have been help