LED Lighting: Benefits For You and Your Clients
The history of the LED goes back to 1907 with a form of electroluminescent material. The LED that we know today did not come around until the 60’s. LED is an acronym for Light Emitting Diode. The LED is used for many things from remote controls, to clocks, lights for our house, roadway lights and now TV. The LED acts just like a tiny light bulb, however instead of a filament which can burn out, it uses miniature crystals, when an electric current is applied it causes movement of electrons in a semiconductor material. The movement of the electrons gives off light. The uses of different types of crystals and frequency give off different light.
So why use LED lights over the common lights we have historically used. Here are some reasons to switch:
1. LED light bulbs last longer. Without a filament to break or burn out, LED light bulbs can last for over 100,000 hours without showing their age (that's over eleven years at full brightness). This lifespan is twice that of typical fluorescent bulbs and twenty times longer than incandescent light bulbs.
2. They are energy efficient. An incandescent light bulb loses 80 percent of its energy to heat, leaving only the last 20 percent for light. LED light bulbs turn this around, giving up a scant 20 percent of their energy to heat loss. Not only that, but they operate at 10 to 20 percent of the power required for incandescent bulbs of similar brightness.
3. LED light bulbs work in silence. The days of humming bulbs came to an end with the creation of LEDs, so there's no need to lose sanity listening to the thrum, tick, or ping of other light bulbs.
4. They are incredibly safe. With so little energy lost to heat and so little energy used overall, LED light bulbs run cool, which means no burnt fingers or burnt down houses. They are extremely durable thanks to their solid-state construction, so there's no broken glass to deal with, either.
5. LED light bulbs are focused. LEDs can be made to focus without the use of extra reflectors or lenses, which means less bulk and lower cost for the same beam of light.
6. They are the best for dimming. Incandescent bulbs turn yellow when dimmed, while LED light bulbs retain their true colors.
7. LEDs are versatile. Thanks to the wide array of colors and shapes LEDs be made to replace most any light bulb. Their diminutive size and power-sipping nature also open up a world of possibility, from infrared remote control lights to ultra-light headlamps.
8. LED light bulbs bring light quickly. Lighting up to their full brightness in microseconds, LEDs are a safer choice when reaction time is a factor, like when that car in the fast lane slams on the brakes.
9. They promise a brighter future. LED light bulbs don't contain mercury, like compact fluorescent bulbs do. Combining that with the fact that they outlast their energy efficient cousins, makes the choice to go LED clear as day.
There are only a few disadvantages to note when talking about LED lighting and first one would be the cost. They do cost more but when you think about how long they last then the cost should not even be a factor. Secondly, LED lights will not operate in temperatures above 120°F.
W-T Mechanical / Electrical Engineering has several projects under construction that has incorporated LED lighting. We hope to continue to incorporate it into more and more projects throughout the year. Sources LEDWorks, Basic LED Information--Advantages and Applications
Why is BIM Software Important?
W-T Mechanical / Electrical Engineering, LLC utilizes Revit MEP and Navisworks as our BIM (Building Information Modeling) software. Revit has the ability to insert 3D or 2D plans from an architect or other engineering disciplines, we then can build our MEP model around the 3D or 2D plans. This allows better coordination between us and the parties working on the project. Revit also gives us the ability to make fixture schedules with counts of devices and fabrication drawing for contractors.
Navisworks is coordination software that allows to detect problems or clash points with other disciplines not using Revit. Naviswork will create a report of all the clash for all disciplines, from the report we can make the changes and before the plans get to the contractors.
Employee Spot Light: Mark McMahon
Mark McMahon has been with W-T Mechanical / Electrical division since December of 2005 as an Electrical Engineer. Mark graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. Mr. McMahon has three (3) years of experience in the Electrical engineering field. His responsibilities include building electrical systems design, preparing specifications, and provides coordination with other trades during construction. He specializes in commercial and residential electrical systems including power systems, building lighting, site lighting and run photometric for jobs. A few fun facts that you may not have known until now includes; he lived in Alaska, in the 6th grade he took a cruise on the United States Air Crafter. And he is an amazing chili maker.
Sports Trivia
- Who manufactures the NFL football?
- The winner of the American Idol in 2007 is the daughter of what former NFL Cornerback?
- Who is second behind John Stockton in NBA assists?
- What MLB Player is the only one to hit two grand slams in one inning?
- Who won an American League and a National League MVP award?
Answers:
- Wilson
- Phillippi Sparks, Father of American Idol winner Jordin Sparks
- Mark Jackson
- Fernando Tatis in 1999
- Frank Robinson