Ecmweb 8669 Laundromat
Ecmweb 8669 Laundromat
Ecmweb 8669 Laundromat
Ecmweb 8669 Laundromat
Ecmweb 8669 Laundromat

Lighting Improvements that Just Make Sense

Dec. 7, 2016
For greater lighting improvements, go beyond replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs.

Replacing incandescent lamps with direct replacement LED versions is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce energy waste. But it leaves quite a bit on the proverbial table.

If the application is commercial or industrial, this is almost certainly not the way to go. And of course, it’s not a smart approach for new construction because all you need to do is choose complete LED fixtures/systems. That choice is usually the correct one for commercial or industrial upgrades, also.

Photo credit: PiXXart Photography/iStock/Thinkstock

For example, a commercial laundromat has eight ceiling fans running along the “spine” of the room. These are outfitted with light kits that have fixtures for four ceiling fan “light bulbs” each. The customer wants to reduce energy waste. One way is to replace all 32 incandescent lamps with LED retrofit lamps (about $10 each).

Cramming the 5V power supply into the tiny space provided by the neck of the lamp is accomplished with some engineering compromises. That’s one issue.

Another issue with the paradigm keeps the lighting about the same. You had 32 emitters of light, and you’ll still have 32. And they are mounted on those ceiling fans rather than arranged around the room. Is this layout optimal, considering where in the laundromat people need the light? It’s not optimal, so why stay with it? And why so many lights?

The fan light kit approach made it convenient to mount and wire the lights. But a kit was needed on every fan, to throw out enough light to provide adequate light at the folding tables. This, in itself, is a point of energy waste. And with LED you can eliminate that.

What if you removed those light kits entirely, and installed LED luminaires that are designed “from the ground up” to be LED systems? You can mount them on the walls or anywhere else that makes sense, not being confined to the ceiling fan light kit mounting scheme.

You can aim them for the desired lighting (those folding tables and also the vending machines). They will be a more efficient design in terms of power supply simply because there’s adequate space in the fixture to accomplish that.

Those retro lamps are fine for homeowners who want to make a few spots more efficiently lit and don’t want to invest in new light fixtures. But for applications of any scale, you need to rethink the entire lighting scheme from scratch.

These days, there is almost certainly a complete luminaire that not only saves energy and improves lighting, but also provides interesting opportunities for improving the aesthetics.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.