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Horticutral Lighting
When it comes to choosing the right lumen output of an LED fixture to replace traditional light sources, there are many things to consider, including initial lumen output, optical efficiency, and lumen maintenance.
Lumen Output
When using conventional light sources, we evaluate the illumination levels by average lumens, not initial lumens. For example, the average 400W metal halide lamp has a 36,000 initial lumen output and a mean 24,000 lumen output. Based on this, you may look for a 24,000 lumen LED fixture to replace a 400W MH. Is that right?
For instance, a 400W Metal Halide lamp with a 20,000-hour warranty may drop to 13,000 lumens after 1 year of use. Now you’re looking at a 13,000 lumen LED. Perhaps… but consider how often end-users change their lamps. Most wait until lamps burn out or are too dim before changing them.
Therefore, lumen output isn’t the only factor when illuminating working environments. The needs of the end-user, the layout and use of the space, and the IES recommended light levels are all key factors when selecting a replacement.
Optical Efficiency
It means the ratio between total light output and the energy consumption of the light source. Conventional light fixtures have tubular or bulb-shaped lamps emitting light in all directions and a reflector to direct the light where it is needed, which will cause light loss.
Average 400W metal halide high bays can have an optical efficiency of 70%. LEDs have a more directional light, and for most high bay applications, fixtures have lenses instead of reflectors, achieving optical efficiencies 90% higher than 400W MH.
Lumen Maintenance
LED life isn’t measured in the same way as conventional light sources. For LEDs, theoretically, the initial lumen output will reduce by 30%. This is called L70, referring to the fixture delivering 70% of the initial lumen output. What is below L70 is deemed unacceptable for productivity and safety. The projected L70 hours vary greatly depending on the design of the fixture and the environment in which it operates; they can range from 50,000 to over 300,000 hours. A high-quality LED fixture with a longer L70 can save more energy and cost less.
To conclude, if you are considering replacing your traditional light fixtures, you need to research the lumen output, efficiency, and L70 life of the specific fixtures. AGC team would always like to help you select suitable products for your market, improve your project or sales channel competitiveness, and grow your sales revenue. Please contact us now to get more recommendations.
