LED efficacy now exceeds highest linear fluorescent efficacy

WORCESTER, USA: Access Fixtures reports that LEDs, such as those used in LED high bay luminaires, now achieve 140 lumens per watt, exceeding the highest linear fluorescent efficacy.

The industry standard to date for high bay applications has been T5HO or T8, which emit 100 and 110 lumens per watt, respectively. The difference in LED luminaire efficacy vs. T5 and T8 efficacy is expected to expand as LED technology advances.

"T5 and T8 have been the industry standard for lighting offices, warehouses and retail spaces, but that industry standard is now challenged by LED technology," said Access Fixtures CEO, Steven Rothschild.

"While the price of LED is still higher in many instances, it should be compared to linear fluorescent in all applications as the efficacy is higher, the life is longer, most are dimmable, and they don't contain mercury."

Beyond efficacy, LED offers significant additional benefits. LED lasts longer. Many Access Fixtures LED luminaires are rated at LM70 at 100,000 hours as opposed to linear fluorescent, which is typically rated for 30,000 hours of life. LEDs are not affected by frequent on and off cycles and are usually dimmable, making them more compatible with controls such as occupancy sensors and photocells for daylight harvesting.

Also, LEDs do not contain mercury and do not require special recycling at every relamping. To learn more about the benefits of LED v. linear fluorescent for your application, be sure to speak with an Access Fixtures lighting specialist.