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FAQ
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Why Should we upgrade to LED floodlights?There are huge cost savings to be gained from upgrading from metal halide to LED. LED sports lights are far more energy efficient to run, especially with the increasing energy prices. We can provide you with an accurate cost comparison to show the direct energy savings you can expect to see when upgrading existing metal halide to LED, also as LED allow for instant on/instant off (therefore no warm up time is required) again a saving. LED floodlights require less frequent maintenance than a metal halide system so future costs for the lighting system are reduced. The cost of components needed to maintain a metal halide floodlight have increased in the past 12 months and are becoming more difficult to source. Savings can also be made when replacing internal and external lights to LED’s, such as car park or amenity lighting. LED floodlighting allows control of your floodlights via Smart devices (phone tablet or PC) This enables you to control your lights remotely from any location and also to create on/off automation that works around your usage schedules and helps reduce unnecessary energy wastage.
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Who should be installing/servicing our floodlights?We would point out that our company meets the following and would suggest that these are the minimum requirements to carry out this type of work: - All work carried out by an Electrical contractor approved and registered in England by the NICEIC to work on Street and Exterior Lighting Installations and subject to annual audits by the organisation. The Contractor should have received acceptance to the requirements and standard of CHAS and Safe Contractor organisations. All site staff carry a current ECS/CSCS Health and safety Card. All operatives working on site are enhanced DBS checked for safe working around children and minors. All electricians have successfully undertaken the current 18th Edition update and are competent in Testing & Inspection. All site operatives are qualified electricians and are fully trained in using any raise and lowering unit necessary for operating the columns and we use our own unit for this purpose. All MEWP "cherry picker" operators have a valid up to date IPAF licence.
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How often should we service our floodlights?We recommend a yearly service for metal halide floodlights and a 2 yearly service for LED floodlights.
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When considering funding, where can we look for help?Information on funding, such as upgrading existing floodlights to LED can usually be found on the website of your sports governing body such as the FA, RFU etc. in the facilities section. Other routes to consider include: Local councils Sports Charities Land developers
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What does a life of up to 100,000 hours mean in the case of - LEDs?100,000 hours would imply 11.4 years if the light is operated for 24 hours in a day, 15.2 years if the lights are on 18 hours per day and 22.8 years for 12 hours a day.
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Why are LEDs considered green technology?LEDs are more efficient than most other light sources, so they usually consume less energy for a given task or light output. Also, they do not contain hazardous materials such as toxic mercury. Moreover, LEDs have a longer lifespan and hence reduce the frequency of disposal of lamps.
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Is planning permission required for floodlight installations?Yes. All floodlighting projects require planning permission. The Planning period will vary in programme, but it is recommended to assume a twelve-week period.
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What floodlighting light levels do we require for our proposed sport?Each sport has a required minimum light level that depends on the standard of the sport that is to be played. Refer to Sport England’s Design Guidance Notes or for competitive use the league or governing body for the proposed sport.
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Why use raising and lowering type columns?Although the initial capital cost of this type of column is greater, this is usually outweighed by the lifetime saving on maintenance. Maintenance and lamp changing of floodlights mounted on Static columns would generally need to be accessed using a Tower or ‘Cherry Picker’. Only suitably competent persons should use raising and lowering equipment.
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What is spill light?Spill or obtrusive light is light which spills out of the playing surface and into surrounding areas, such as residential zones. This is a natural phenomenon, which cannot be avoided but can be minimized by the use of a professional lighting design and the appropriate location and aiming of fittings.
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