L-Mat Lighting

[ldm]

I was told the 5 existing troffer lights I had to switch to my electrical panel when I expanded to install some additional dryers would be too taxing on the 20 amp breaker when all the lights were on. The electrician suggested I run the 5 new lights to a new breaker, or keep the existing drop in light fixtures, install electronic ballasts, and use 2 each T-8 6500K bulbs in each fixture (v. the 4 less bright bulbs in the old units). He said it would save around 1,000 watts total, which would both reduce operating costs, and allow the system to work with all lights connected to the existing circuit. So far the new lighting set up works fine in the new dryer room. Hope it works as well in the main part of the L-Mat. If not, I am told the system will handle an additional bulb in the fixtures on that circuit. Guess it was about time to upgrade after 20 plus years. Les

[ldm]

Originally Posted by ldm

I was told the 5 existing troffer lights I had to switch to my electrical panel when I expanded to install some additional dryers would be too taxing on the 20 amp breaker when all the lights were on. The electrician suggested I run the 5 new lights to a new breaker, or keep the existing drop in light fixtures, install electronic ballasts, and use 2 each T-8 6500K bulbs in each fixture (v. the 4 less bright bulbs in the old units). He said it would save around 1,000 watts total, which would both reduce operating costs, and allow the system to work with all lights connected to the existing circuit. So far the new lighting set up works fine in the new dryer room. Hope it works as well in the main part of the L-Mat. If not, I am told the system will handle an additional bulb in the fixtures on that circuit. Guess it was about time to upgrade after 20 plus years. Les

UPDATE: The two bulb T-8 6,500K set up in the general L-Mat area works good. I did put 3 bulbs in the light that stays on over the change machines. Les

[Sudds]

After 20 years? Seriously? It wouldn't hurt to invest a little in the mat. Heck, I upgraded my mat after 2 years and am very glad I did. Saved me about 80.00 month on my bill.

[ldm]

Originally Posted by Sudds

After 20 years? Seriously? It wouldn't hurt to invest a little in the mat. Heck, I upgraded my mat after 2 years and am very glad I did. Saved me about 80.00 month on my bill.

Sudds: We have completed several upgrades to the strip mall and L-Mat over the last 9 years we have owned the property, but this lighting project was indeed overdue. Saves about $75.00 per month. I am looking into a system that will keep the lights at the front of the store off while the large front windows are providing enough daylight whilch will provide futher savings. Les

[Sudds]

Originally Posted by ldm

Sudds: We have completed several upgrades to the strip mall and L-Mat over the last 9 years we have owned the property, but this lighting project was indeed overdue. Saves about $75.00 per month. I am looking into a system that will keep the lights at the front of the store off while the large front windows are providing enough daylight whilch will provide futher savings. Les

So.... seperate your circuits if you could and hook up the front lights to a photo sensor and you're done. Pretty easy. LOL..

[bodman]

I am still waiting for the numbers but my electric co is paying the majority of the cost to change over to t-8 in all my mats. I am anticipating them paying 9k to change over, my cost 2k.

[ldm]

Originally Posted by Sudds

So.... seperate your circuits if you could and hook up the front lights to a photo sensor and you're done. Pretty easy. LOL..

Sudds: That is one idea, another I am kicking around is to use the A/B switching feature and put the B switching on the photo sensor with a bypass switch for when the sensor fails, as they do once in a while. We are looking into how the one bulb might work during daylight hours thru the whole store. This would effect more bulbs for a longer period for a greater savings. All suggestions are welcome. Thanks, Les

[Sudds]

Originally Posted by bodman

I am still waiting for the numbers but my electric co is paying the majority of the cost to change over to t-8 in all my mats. I am anticipating them paying 9k to change over, my cost 2k.

Yeah, I had FPL come out and take a look. I was eligible for a "rebate" but had to use contractors on their list. I had my entire mat and an exterior light wired up for far less than what any of them would have charged including the rebate so I just paid for it myself.

I'm very glad I did. I've already made my investment back just in the power bill savings.

[laundryboy2]

If your pgrading to T8, consider going straight to T5s. You'll need fewer lamps and their costs are falling.