Category Archives: Commercial

Commercial properties serve as:

• Auto manufacturing/repair/sales dealerships
• Churches
• Distribution centers
• Factories
• Medical facilities
• Offices
• Parking lots/garages
• Retail businesses
• Warehouses

…and more. Commercial lighting needs to work harder and last longer than traditional, residential lighting. Residential lighting is more about appearance and aesthetics. Commercial lighting is task-oriented. Commercial properties are often converted to employ light-emitting diodes (LED) lighting. This saves energy and reduces operating expenses.

LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than traditional commercial lighting.

There are many advantages to converting to commercial LED lighting. Businesses save money with greater energy efficiency, but commercial LED lighting is also low maintenance. That saves time, and time is money. Commercial LED lighting has been shown to improve productivity. What are other considerations property managers and owners should know about?

What To Know Before Converting to Commercial LED Lighting

We’re familiar with watts. Without completely understanding the magic, we know more watts means more light. But LED lighting that is 10 watts provides about the same amount of light as a 60-watt lightbulb.

We measure brightness with lumens. There are no hard-and-fast rules but there are “rules of thumb” about commercial LED lighting:

• LEDs burn brighter and longer but don’t burn as hot as traditional lighting. It’s safer to leave them on for longer periods of time.
• LED colors are measured in kelvins:
  • 2700K – Soft, warm white often used in home living/dining rooms
  • 2700K-3200K – Warm, brighter white light for a comfortable appeal in offices
  • 5000K – Industrial/work lights – Adds a bluish tint to white lights; best for intense/extended work settings
  • 6500K – The brightest end of the spectrum; cool, bright white works well in office settings
• Most often, 5000K is recommended for commercial LED lighting.
• The amount of light you receive vs. the amount of energy you use is cost-effective because your LED light will burn brighter and longer than a traditional lightbulb or even incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) light fixtures.
• The type of fitting required is important information.
• Yes, the upfront cost is a lot, but they are more economical over time.
• You may qualify for a 17D federal tax credit/deduction. Ask your tax professional.
• You need 1,000+ lumens for rooms with a ceiling height of 12´-14´.

6 Advantages of Commercial LED Lighting

Operating expenses, including utilities, are a critical factor in ensuring your business’ profitability. The advantages of LED technology…are significant. Not only is it more efficient, but LED lights last longer, emit better quality light and are critical in saving the environment. –Future Energy Solutions

Most business managers care about protecting our environment. Truth be told, we care more about company profits. That’s why converting to commercial LED lighting is the most feel-good business decision you can make. You’ll have all the advantages:

1. Carbon emissions were reduced by almost 600 million tons in one year by using LED lighting.
2. Directional lighting solutions with commercial LEDs eliminate dark areas in workrooms and parking lots. This improves the work environment but also makes it much safer.
3. Health and wellness improve because LEDs are lead- and mercury-free. When traditional bulbs break, they release toxic vapors. LEDs are a healthier choice.
4. LED lights are estimated to save about $30 billion by 2030. Individual businesses can save an average of $10,000+/year.
5. The proven 2% productivity increase translates to about $1,000 additional value, per employee/per year.
6. Today’s workforce talent is making employment choices that are often based on company sensitivity to social challenges and environmental sustainability. You’re more likely to hire and retain the employees you want when saving energy is part of your brand.

For a free consultation and an assessment of your organization’s lighting and electrical systems, contact the best Phoenix-area commercial electrician. Turn It On Electric can structure your project to meet turnaround time and budget. Let’s talk: Contact TIO Electric today!

Facilities managers and property owners don\’t always understand light bulb and ballast replacement.

Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw.

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Light bulb and ballast replacement also saves money by lowering energy bills. If you’re new to facilities management or commercial property maintenance, ballasts can be confusing.

What You Need to Know About Light Bulb and Ballast Replacements

“A ballast is the functional heart of a fluorescent or HID light source,” says lighting pro Terri Duncan. The ballast ensures a light bulb stays lit by managing the distribution of energy throughout the fixture.

1. Not all light bulbs require a ballast. Halogen, incandescent, and LED bulbs do not require a ballast, but some LEDs are engineered to work with your existing ballast. (LED ballasts are called “drivers” and every LED needs a driver to operate.)

Fluorescent and HID (high intensity discharge) bulbs require a ballast.

2. There are two types of ballasts for light bulb and ballast replacement: magnetic and electronic. Electronics are usually more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

3. For light bulb and ballast replacement you must know the type of light, quantity (1-4), and voltage.

• Type of light – Fluorescent, etc.
• Quantity – Lighting fixtures or lamps have 1-4 fluorescent bulbs (aka “lamps”).
• Voltage – The U.S. uses 120-volt electrical systems.

4. You can DIY (do-it-yourself) some –  not all – light bulb and ballast replacement and management:

• Buy the correct replacement lamps. Not all 4-foot fluorescent bulbs are created equally. And replacement components should always match the original’s performance characteristics.
• Check dimming pre-sets quarterly. Pre-sets rarely need to be changed, so you may ask your electrician to lock them.
• Clean fixtures. The fixture’s output can be substantially reduced by dust accumulation. Have a professional electrician do this annually.
• Record ballasts published ballast factor. You’ll need it to analyze if your lamps are actually delivering the promised amount of light.

5. You need an electrician for ballast and light replacement. One FAQ (frequently asked question) on AskingLot.com is, “Do I need an electrician to change a ballast?” The answer is always yes.

If damages occur as a result of your DIY ballast and light replacement, your insurance company can refuse to cover repair/replacement costs.

• Many properties must retain commercial electrical services to remain compliant.
• Your local electrician has the necessary tools.
• Your safety is important.

Signs you have a bad ballast are:

• Buzzing
• Flickering
• Low/inconsistent light
• Slow-to-start

Turn It On Electric Is Your Light Bulb and Ballast Replacement Company

Retail businesses especially depend on service providers that can work after-hours. But sometimes light bulb and ballast replacement has to take place during store hours.

That’s why so many businesses prefer Turn It On Electric. If business interruption is necessary, we will work as quickly as possible to get you back to normal. We’re respectful of your need to give customers and clients their space. Quietly. Efficiently. Safely.

Creating a maintenance schedule for your commercial property can minimize emergencies. It can also save money. Your electrical applications will provide maximum output and better energy efficiency.

Contact Turn It On Electric if you have questions about commercial electrical service, including light bulb and ballast replacement.