Lighting Experts Dispel Common Misconceptions About Lighting Retrofits

Yorba Linda, CA (PRWEB) June 29, 2012

Today, executives from energy-efficient lighting manufacturer Precision-Paragon [P2] released information that helps to dispel several common misconceptions about energy efficient lighting retrofits.

The lighting retrofit industry is quickly evolving and improving. As a result, misconceptions arise among those who are unfamiliar with the products and the technological advances that have been made in recent years.

Joe Martin, vice president and general manager, and Randy Breske, CSLC, CLMC, CLEP, at Precision Paragon [P2] have agreed to address some common misconceptions for the benefit of consumers, who are trying to decide whether lighting retrofits will meet their needs.

[P2] is a top manufacturer in the relighting and retrofit market. Both Martin and Breske are members of the interNational Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO) and leaders in the lighting retrofit industry.

Below are both the common misconceptions, along with the truth behind them.

Misconception #1: Existing light levels are what they should be.

The Truth: Existing light levels are what employees are used to but, very rarely are they exactly the light levels that are needed.

Misconception #2: Light levels should be even throughout an entire facility.

The Truth: Typically, when designing a shell building for a warehouse or manufacturing plant, the same light fixtures are installed throughout the building. In reality, light levels should be adjusted for the type of activity being performed in specific areas throughout the facility. For example, in a production facility, there should be one light level for bulk storage, a higher light level on the shipping and receiving dock, higher level for production or assembly areas and another light level for inspection. A lighting retrofit is the perfect opportunity to correct the light levels and adjust for the different activities.

Misconception #3: Existing lighting fixtures need to be replaced.

The Truth: As a rule, when lighting contractors enter a facility, the first thing they look for is lighting retrofit options, which are available in most cases. There’s a retrofit opportunity for virtually every existing fluorescent fixture out there. The benefits of retrofit, as opposed to new fixtures, are:

• Retrofits are safer because installation takes place below the fixture eliminating the need to handle potentially brittle existing wiring and the possibility of disturbing asbestos in the plenum.

Retrofits are cleaner because they don’t require removing existing fixtures, which can create heavy dust fall.

• Retrofits are less costly in terms of materials, labor and disposal. Retrofit kits usually cost half the price of a new fixture. Installation is typically 25 percent less than installing a new fixture. And, there’s 75 percent less waste generated from a retrofit compared to putting in a new fixture.
• Retrofits are more efficient and outperform new or replacement fixtures in most cases. Make sure you’re dealing with a quality retrofit company that is using professionally engineered, quality products.
• Retrofit installation is faster and less intrusive. Properly designed and engineered retrofit systems are manufactured so that the installation of the product is streamlined and efficient and causes less disruptions for the customer.
• Retrofit systems are more environmentally friendly. Retrofit kits use fewer raw materials and less machinery to manufacture. Minimal packaging results in lighter products, which means less fuel required for transportation. And, once the kit is installed on site, there’s less waste generated because the existing fixture is left in place.

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About Precision-Paragon [P2]: Precision-Paragon [P2] has been manufacturing energy-efficient lighting systems and retrofit kits for nearly 20 years. Our entire company is built for one purpose, to support you.

With rapid-response manufacturing plants in California, Wisconsin and Florida, we've developed a reputation for delivering precision-built orders in less time than it takes our competitors to create a quote.