Rethinking linear LED lighting
“Traditional linear luminaires have dominated the low-level lighting of areas for over 50 years. But linear lights were originally designed to house fluorescent lamps, since then LEDs have come in, but the linear enclosure hasn’t really changed, leaving the performance of LEDs compromised. We felt it was time to change all this. So, we gave the luminaires a complete re-think, putting customer needs, product lifespan and lumen output front and centre of our design process” explains Ken Eddleston, Chalmit’s Lighting Product Manager.
The Protecta X has specialised optics which deliver the output of a 4ft linear in a lightweight and slimline luminaire package. The optics control the light, generating a highly targeted, bright, white output over the desired area, and limiting the amount of wasted spill light. The optics are available in a variety of distinct distributions, designed for key site applications – such as mounted from handrails for walkway illumination and localised lighting in low/ medium bay applications. This higher, more focused output means fewer luminaires are required, reducing installation and inspection times and overall project costs within an electrical or electronics plant.
An emergency version, the Emergency Protecta X, is designed with a battery stick which slots into the side of the luminaire, eliminating the need to laboriously open the driver enclosure to access the battery. If battery issues arise, the stick can be simply removed or replaced in minutes – reducing maintenance times by a third. The position of the battery stick also means users can purchase the stick when they’re ready to use the luminaire.
The Protecta X also avoids the overheating issues of traditional linear luminaires, making it more likely to meet the stipulated 120,000-hour lifespan; even at 60°C, it has a lifespan of 90,000 hours. Its LEDs and driver are housed in separate enclosures extending the life of both components. Air gaps between the luminaire and central body prevent the collection of dust and particulates, which can also encourage overheating. Made of highly recyclable marine grade aluminium, rather than plastic, heat is conducted away from the new luminaire’s central body. These design features ensure the Protecta X has an exceptional ambient temperature range of -40oC to +60oC in standard models and -25oC to +60oC in emergency variants.
Chalmit – www.XSeriesLED.com
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