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LED

Party On with LEDs

Do you like to party? Dr. Bulb sure does. Recently, a nightclub in the U.K. has come to my attention for their incredible LED room.

LEDs are growing in popularity in many ways. This nightclub is one of the most creative and exciting applications of LEDs that I’ve ever seen. The best part about it? These lights will probably last an incredibly long time without much maintenance, won’t cost the club a relative fortune (as almost any other type of light would), and are green technology, not contributing much to the club’s environmental footprint. Check out a video of the club’s incredible LED room below:

Some of the most practical uses of LEDs come from commercial and sports lighting. In both of these instances, using LEDs can reduce costs and energy consumption. These lights are extremely versatile, and one of the greenest lighting options available.

Find out more about commercial and sport LEDs.

Categories
LED

What does Rare Earth have to do with Lights?

Many people don’t know what goes into the production of LED lights and other new technologies. Well I, Dr. Bulb, am here to shed some light (get it?) on this process.

One of the components of LED lights, rare earth, is a highly sought after commodity, and mining of these minerals has sparked quite a bit of controversy recently. China, the leading exporter of rare earth due to their large reserves, began limiting their exports of these elements last year; but the bubble that initially raised prices burst, and ever since prices have been dropping.

Part of the reason for the drop in China is that their economic growth has weakened, and in addition to being the largest producers of rare earth, they are also the biggest consumer of the materials. Despite regulations placed on the mining of these materials, illegal mining may skew the actual mining statistics. These recent events have opened the door for other countries mining rare earth to enter the market. Read more on these developments here.

These issues are important to LED manufacturers, especially as LEDs are quickly gaining popularity. LED lights are becoming increasingly popular for many types of lighting including sports and commercial lighting. LEDs are great for many purposes. View different types of LEDs.

Categories
LED

LEDs Offer More Than Just Energy Efficiency

LED lights have gained a lot of spotlight in recent months for their incredible energy efficiency. Well I, Dr. Bulb, am here to tell you about some of the other reasons why LEDs are as incredible as they are.

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LEDs offer incredible options for design that could not be achieved with more conventional bulbs. These lights are incredibly versatile and can be designed in ways that will astound home and business owners with their beauty and efficiency. Many of these design possibilities are available because LEDs have a high CRI, which means the quality of the light they emit is incredible. This high quality lighting lends itself well to showrooms and illuminating artwork. Another advantage of LEDs is that there are many available rebates for businesses that choose to switch to LEDs.

There are many different types of LEDs available at Access Fixtures. Whether you’re looking to light your company garage, a walkway, interior, or almost anything else, you can find the LED fixtures you need.

Categories
General Lighting

Why do Lighting Sales Increase in the Fall?

Dr. Bulb here, with a tid bit of lighting industry information for you. Did you know that commercial and sports lighting sales increase during the fall? Do you know why?

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The answer is actually quite logical. Starting in the fall months, it gets darker outside earlier. How are you going to play a post-dinner game of tennis if you can’t see the ball coming your way? You’re not. Will you feel safe taking your dogs on a late night stroll if walkways aren’t well lit? No. The solution is lighting, of course.

Another reason for the increase in lighting sales in the fall is that in states where it is too hot to play outdoor sports in the summer, the fall is peak season. Residents of southern states take advantage of cooler weather and generally better conditions during the fall months; and they need lighting that enables them to do so safely. Well-lit walkways lend themselves to nighttime strolls, and appropriate lighting systems for outdoor sports facilities like tennis and basketball courts make nighttime gaming a possibility.

Commercial and sports lighting fixtures can extend the hours of fun and safety well into the night. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that by introducing lighting it will be safe to walk around alone all night long, but it would certainly contribute to building a safe environment. Read about your options for sports lighting.

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General Lighting

Light Reading: Lumens

I, Dr. Bulb will be trying on a new hat. Today, you can call me Professor Bulb. I’m here to teach you a little bit about lumens.

The amount of lumens is one important consideration when shopping for light bulbs or fixtures. Lumens are units of measurement of the amount of light, or the level of brightness a bulb or light fixture gives off. The more lumens, the brighter the light. Previously, comparing watts was a relatively reliable way to gauge the level of brightness; but as more energy efficient options are taking over the market, comparing watts is less relevant. Understanding lumens is a far more effective way to compare lighting options today.

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The level of lumens is an especially important consideration when shopping for LEDs. Many people believe LEDs emit a light that is extremely cold and blue. This is not always true. If you are looking for an energy efficient lighting option that emits a warm light, just look for LEDs with fewer lumens and a lower kelvin rating like these. Kelvin ratings determine the warmth or coldness of a light. The higher the kelvin rating, the less blue the light. Typically a light will start to look blue at a kelvin rating around 55 or 65. Many lights can be adjusted to different kelvin ratings and lumens. The best way to find the type of lighting to best suit you is by talking to a lighting specialist.

Contact: Dan Rodriguez, dan@accessfixtures.com or 888-521-2582 ext. 3020

When looking at bulbs, there are many lighting facts to consider. In addition to lumens, one can compare estimated yearly cost, life, light appearance and energy used. Keep up with the blog to find more “light reading” posts by Dr. (or professor) Bulb.

Learn more about all types of commercial lighting.

Categories
General Lighting

New Lighting for a Better (healthier) World

If you’re like me, Dr. Bulb, you may occasionally stress about the ever-escalating numbers on the scale. Well, do I have some fascinating news for you! A recent study at Cornell University has uncovered data that suggests changing the atmosphere of an eating establishment (specifically softer lighting, music and more comfortable furniture) may affect the volume of food consumed by customers (source).

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Photo Credit:http://jaredlogan.tumblr.com/post/380382428/nicknames-for-fast-food-restaurants
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This study may have some interesting implications for the future of restaurants. The study showed that those who ate in establishments with softer lighting and a more comfortable environment consumed less food, even though they ordered approximately the same amount as in an environment without music and with harsher lights. This suggests that a restaurant that moves towards making a more cozy environment for their customers can reduce portion sizes, and leave customers just as happy and potentially even healthier than one that maintains less comfortable atmosphere.

There are many different types of light fixtures that can help achieve a soft, warm environment. Learn more about your lighting options.