Power station switches to LEDs

Lighting solution with benefits for plant

Maser Communications has finalised an agreement with one of NSW's largest power stations to supply Dialight Industrial LED fixtures for all future general area and task lighting applications.

Earlier this year, the plant undertook a trial to determine whether LED fixtures were a viable, cost-effective alternative to the ongoing issues with their incumbent lighting solution.

In consultation with Maser Communications, several areas of the plant were selected and the Ledpak and Safesite series were deployed into the field alongside traditional fittings.

“Apart from the obvious benefits associated with LED lighting - a reduction in operating and maintenance costs, shock and vibration proofing and instant on/off - the improvement in light quality was the major benefit that the customer could not ignore. The rugged solid-state design of these LED fixtures creates a new era where failed lamps and expensive re-lamping costs will become a thing of the past,” says Maser Communications General Manager Matt Young.

According to the company, switching to white LED lighting from conventional incandescent light bulbs, high intensity discharge (HID) or fluorescent lighting can bring big improvements in reduced maintenance and improved energy efficiency for many organisations.

The LED luminaire called Safesite is specifically designed for hazardous locations. As a solid-state device with a robust housing manufactured to UL Class I Division 2 standards, it's virtually impervious to shock and vibration. Its lower voltage means it's also safer to use in combustible atmospheres and produces less heat output for the air conditioning to contend with. LEDs' lower operating temperature brings a further benefit for wet-wash environments where the impact of cold water would shatter a conventional light bulb.

LED technology continues to improve and the expanding range of fixtures available from Maser Communications offers good performance and reliability for the industrial end user. The Ledpak series offers a good alternative to general area fluorescent lighting for walkways, gantries, workshops and storerooms while the Ledbright and Safesite series come in 150 and 250 W equivalents for specific task, worksite or access illumination.

Another benefit of LEDs is, when it's finally time to replace them, they are safe and easy to recycle, because they contain no mercury or other hazardous materials.