Dimming offers greater flexibility for lighting systems, providing users with more control over their lighting conditions to support visual needs and enabling energy management strategies that can reduce energy costs. Traditionally limited to high-end commercial building applications, such as conference rooms and private offices, dimming is now being implemented throughout buildings. In its August issue, [...]

In its August issue, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine published an article I wrote describing the current state of technology in high-intensity discharge (HID) ballasts, with a focus on electronic HID products. In general, innovation is trending toward efficiency, controllability and smaller size. Check it out here.

Philips Ledalite’s Jump is a portfolio of high-performance direct luminaires that integrate daylight harvesting with the latest in LED and advanced fluorescent light sources. Available in a wide variety of patterns, colors and mounting options, Jump also features plug and play installation.

Cooper Lighting’s Halo brand has added a new line of ENERGY STAR 4-in. CFL downlights to its Halo recessed downlight family. The small-aperture line includes both 13W and 18W models available in both new construction and remodel housings. A design complement to the 5- and larger 6-in. recessed downlights, the 4-in. aperture size is commonly [...]

The SQ-LED thermoplastic emergency light is touted by Mule Lighting as “the most economical LED emergency light available today.” Compared to typical “bug-eye” units, the use of LED lamps instead of traditional incandescent lamps reduces the size of the unit by 50%. The SQ-LED is suitable for all types of applications, from commercial to retail. [...]

Recently, LightNOW covered the rare earth phosphor shortage created by export restrictions by China, the world’s main supplier. As lamp manufacturers are forced to raise prices, OSRAM SYLVANIA says it is also responding with a new line of 4- and 8-ft. T8 lamps that feature “optimized phosphor formulation,” making them more resistant to material cost [...]

Lunera Lighting, Inc. recently announced the 5400 SERIES, claiming the world’s first LED luminaire certified for Armstrong’s TechZone Ceiling Systems, which can reduce installation time and cost in addition to helping provide a clean visual ceiling. The 5400 SERIES features a CRI rating of 85 with an R9 measurement of nearly 70. The efficient, linear [...]

NEMA’s compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps index retreated for the fourth consecutive quarter in Q1 of 2011, registering a reading of 180.8, a decline of 16.8% on a year-over-year basis. Incandescent lamp shipments fared better, showing an increase of 6.4% over the previous quarter. With a first quarter reading of 57.0, the index remained unchanged from [...]

Lutron’s Hi-lume A Series provides continuous, smooth 100-1% dimming for virtually any LED luminaire—whether it requires constant current or constant voltage—making it one of the most versatile LED drivers on the market. ELV phase control, 3-wire phase control and EcoSystem digital control options available.