LED Lighting vs. Induction Lighting

LED Lighting vs. Induction Lighting
In a recently published article, a local Lansing bedroom community/city stated it receives a monthly light bill of $9,400 to light 550 streetlights. The yearly bill adds up to approximately $112,000. Most of those high energy consumption lights are mercury vapor, high pressure sodium vapor and metal halide.

In most communities and businesses, efforts are being made to reduce lighting bills by upgrading to energy-efficient lamps, such as LED lighting or induction lighting. In order to determine what type of lighting should be considered, it is necessary to have some basic facts on the difference between LED lighting and induction lighting. Manufacturers of both LED and induction lamps claim to reduce energy costs by 50 percent.  Manufacturers of both LED and induction lamps claim a 100K hour life span; however, the actual life span for both lamps is more like 60 to 70K hours. Both lights work well in cold weather.

Induction lighting produces a crisp white light, provides long life and has a good color rendition.  Induction lighting is known for producing a floodlight type of pattern, which works well in gas stations with a canopy. Induction lighting is commonly used for street lighting, bridges and tunnels. Induction lighting works very well with security camera systems. In addition, there are very few maintenance issues with induction lighting. Induction lighting utilizes a mature technology and with no forecasted upgrades.

LED is a light-emitting diode. LEDs for street lighting are becoming very popular for local communities. LED lighting can be aimed to where it is needed, which is ideal for security situations. LED fixtures are becoming frequently used for low-level street lighting and do not have the power to act as high-mast lighting. LED lighting is known to depreciate or fade more frequently than induction lighting. LED fixtures are known to generate excessive amounts of heat causing heat degradation of the lamp. Nonetheless, developing LED technology is continuing to improve and resolve noted shortcomings.

Dan Shimkos, a local Lansing-area lighting consultant, recommends both LED and induction lighting for various clients, noting that each light has its appropriate application.  He does say that when it comes to retrofitting lamps to either LED or induction lighting, there is a major cost difference where the cost ratio for LED lighting to induction lighting is 4:1. In essence, retrofitting a fixture with an induction lamp may cost $250, while a comparable LED lamp retrofit will cost a million dollars.

The best way to determine which type of lighting your business or community needs is to contact a licensed electrical contractor or qualified lighting consultant to prepare a cost analysis, area lighting analysis, projected maintenance matters as well as technology issues. It is important that lighting recommendations be code compliant and consistent with industry standards.

Finally, visit sites that use LED and induction lighting. Compare the lighting to see if it will fit your lighting needs. Make inquiries as to maintenance issues, and last but not least, ask if there has been a cost savings.

Making the appropriate inquiries, seeking the necessary lighting requirements, and obtaining projected cost factors will help you make an informed decision in determining which type of lighting best fits your needs.