Technically we are still right, but many facilities are still wasting energy and are over lit with their current T8 system and can benefit from additional savings by optimizing their existing T8 system.

That is the case with RMS Machine in Minneapolis, MN. About 8 years ago RMS converted most of their T12 lighting system to a T8 lighting system. At the time they had 4 Lamp T12 fixtures and converted those to 32 watt 4 Lamp T8 fixtures (changed the light bulbs and ballasts). The results were brighter light and a 40% reduction in the lighting energy costs. The payback at the time was less than 2 years.

After getting their return on investment and using the system for 8 years Premier Lighting approached them with the idea of optimizing their T8 system and including lighting controls (occupancy sensors). There were several reasons for RMS to consider this including:

• Typically a T8 ballast lasts 50,000 hours and a T8 lamp lasts 20,000 hours. After 8 years of operation many of the lamps needed to be replaced and/or were already replaced. Also more costly is the fact that the T8 ballasts were nearing the end of their life so RMS was going to have to start replacing ballasts regularly.
• In the last 8 years lighting has advanced significantly to the point where you can get equal lighting levels for a lot less energy that lasts longer.
• RMS is a precision manufacturer so their work environment causes some dirt build up on their light fixtures to the point that they were losing light because of it.

Given those reasons, Premier Lighting put together a detailed lighting analysis of the facility that highlighted energy saving opportunities. The conclusion was that RMS could retrofit all of their 4 Lamp 32 watt T8 fixtures with a 2 Lamp T8 28 watt retrofit kit that included a 2x4 reflector, program start high efficiency ballast and a new acrylic lens. Since they operate 24/7 they could also install occupancy sensors throughout the facility to gain additional energy-savings. There are areas of the facility that were staying on 24/7 because the only way to shut them off was by a breaker. By installing occupancy sensors the lighting in those areas would shut off when they aren't occupied which results in additional savings. That was a majority of the project proposal, but in addition Premier Lighting examined the whole building (inside and out) for additional lighting savings opportunities and found several more including converting the outdoor lighting to LED and retrofitting the remaining T12 fixtures.

Now that many T12 rebates are gone or going away you can still take advantage of rebates by optimizing your lighting system. Give Premier Lighting a call 651-490-0886 or email info@premierltg.com to find out more.