Lighting the way for Queensland Rail with LEDs

George Verghese, Commercial Manager for GE LED

Power usage is a major cost to business and lighting can be a surprisingly high contributor, especially for commercial or industrial sectors. However, new lighting technology innovation is bringing to market products and solutions that help customers meet pressing environmental challenges and increase energy efficiency.

That’s why many organisations are upgrading their lighting with more efficient technology which can save thousands of dollars each year in electricity bills.

But the benefits don’t stop at cost reduction; modern efficient lighting can also improve safety in the workplace, save lamp replacement and labour costs, and increase productivity and employee accuracy.

A recent example that demonstrates industrial benefits of energy-efficient lighting is Queensland Rail (ARC). GE recently installed three LED floodlights (F-150) in the rail company’s freight areas and marshalling yards in Esperance, Western Australia.

The area was originally fitted with 400 W metal halide fittings, which were replaced with GE’s 90 W LED floodlights. This transition has resulted in energy savings of over 77%.

The new lighting fixtures have also improved the quality of light to create a safe working environment for employees as they work around the clock to load containers with cargo.

The new lights have a life of over 50,000 hours compared to an average of 14,000 hours with the previous fittings. This has reduced maintenance and operating costs by up to 90%.

Given the success Queensland Rail is having with the trial of the new LED floodlights, it is considering upgrading its remaining sites statewide.