Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Amanda Thorpe
our offices are of the open plan variety - approx 30x20m - windows on one side and glazing (into another office) down the other. Offices at either end. We also have what I imagine is a fairly typical ceiling grid with tiles 600x1200. This ceiling is interspersed with light fitments on a grid pattern - (every 2nd tile lengthways and every 4th tile widthways). Each light fitment has 4 1.2m tubes in them, fitted with an eggbox like diffuser. Current light levels are good and we get very little problems with glare or shadow etc or general DSE complaints from our customer service team. The lights are controlled via a master switch. Our maintenance department are wondering whether they can rip out large numbers of the tubes without adversely affecting lighting levels (climate change levy and all that). They're talking about giving everyone their own personal desk lamp. We will be getting an 'expert' in lighting in to review the lighting levels so I'm not too concerned about the reduction in lux levels at this stage. We're also looking at movement/heat detectors to control the lights and zoning the lighting but I was just wondering how others controlled their lights - We don't want to go ahead with the wholesale removal of ceiling tubes if we are going to have problems with glare, shadows, reflection etc etc from all the desk lamps (never mind the trailing cables, PAT, maintenance and them being swiped for home use!). Any pointers as to the potential pitfalls of this approach welcomed. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Martin Ffitch
I was told by an electrian once that simply removing the tubes from the fitting, would not save energy. Since it was the control gear to generate the voltage to light the tube that took the most power. This may be an urban myth - in which case I will be delighted to be shot down by my esteemed colleagues.
I presume that you'd be replacing the lights with halogen desk lights else you'd be using more energy with incandescent lights?
In my experience tampering with people's office lights is as likely to cause civil unrest as a dodgy election in Georgia! There are some fancy controls that automatically dim lights depending on the natural light levels, but this is likely to be a more expensive option. Replacing the master switch with a numer of local switches can be a partial solution, but can be tricky to implement.
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Struan
Many companies that I know of had this type of system installed, to have it reconverted to a traditional switched system.The ongoing maintenance of the system could be costly. Spares are expensive.Zoned PIRs are notoriously ineffective. It can save money, but over a long pay back period
The managed system may not take into account of the possible repositioning of people and desks and other equipment.
The lamp type should be suitable for HF and dimming systems and the colour rendering even. If you have a managed emergency lighting system, and periodic checks, who will carry that out. Technology advances, so I may be wrong.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.