Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Savings potential describes the possibility to save energy and connected costs and negative environmental effects such as CO2 immissions, as a difference between consumption until then of the existing system and that of a modern lighting system designed according to energetic aspects, specifically based on total lighting costs (system costs plus operating costs) during the complete product life cycle.

ECG is the abbreviation for 'electronic control gear'. These modern operating devices are today used mainly for the operation of fluorescent lamps. Compared to the earlier magnetic (inductive) ballasts they enable efficient operation of the lamp with approx. 20% greater luminous efficacy.

Amortisation is the comparison between the initial investment and the revenue (saving).

The amortisation time of a lighting installation is the time span in which the investment in a lighting system pays for itself via accrued savings under consideration of corresponding interest values.

Contracting is a service agreed upon between the building owner and an energy service provider (contractor). Contracting is understood to be both financing models and operator models that offer consumers the possibility of achieving an optimal energy use concept. The contractor could be a plant manufacturer, an energy technology service company or a local energy provider. Example: The energy supply facilities of a building are not purchased, maintained and operated by the building owner, but are taken over by an external service provider, the contractor.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) means the total costs of the the ownership. There is a method of cost appraisal that is a way of evaluating costs considering not only acquisition costs but also the cost of usage, right up to disposal. The method is especially important with high quality products as these are often more expensive to purchase, but then achieve significant cost advantages with a greater energy use efficiency.

This is the factor designating the reduction in illuminance of a lighting system (room) during the time period of a maintenance interval. It takes into account the decrease in luminous flux and the probability of lamp failure, as well as the gradual soiling of lamps, luminaires and light-reflecting surfaces in the room (ceiling, walls, floor).

The maintenance costs are the total of all costs accrued by maintenance, repair, purchase of spare parts etc. for a system. Maintenance costs may determine a high ratio of the total costs (see also 'Total Cost of Ownership'). With modern luminaires, maintenance costs can be significantly cut, especially with use of modern lamps that have a much higher total service life than older lamps.

The maintenance value describes the nominal value of illuminance that must not be fallen below. With the designing of a lighting system it must be taken into account that luminaires, lamps and rooms become older and soil over time. This means that illuminance decreases. To compensate for this loss, all new systems must be equipped with higher illuminance levels ( = new value). The lighting planner considers this reduction with the maintenance factor: maintenance value = maintenance factor x new value.

Cost efficiency calculation or cost efficiency testing is also termed a cost-benefit analysis. The cost efficiency calculation is an umbrella term for various analyses that compare benefit and cost. They are used in many areas as aid for decision-making.

• Low pressure sodium vapour lamps with up to 150 lm/W. These have the disadvantage that they have no colour rendition (555 lm).

• High pressure sodium vapour lamps > 150 W with up to 120 lm/W. Disadvantages are poor colour rendition, relatively low service life, long ignition duration and non-dimmability.

• Fluorescent lamps with up to 100 lm/W

• LEDs with up to 80 lm/W (according to current state of technology in real applications). They can however achieve up to 150 lm/W in the long-term.

The quality of light (here: artificial light) is defined with the light colour, quality of colour rendering, dosage, light direction and absence of glare. Wrongly selected lamps or optics may lead to physical disadvantages. Light has a demonstrable effect on well-being and the performance of living creatures (circadian rhythm).

According to DIN EN 1838 (July 1999 version) the following is specified:

"To achieve the requisite safety for evacuation purposes, illumination of the room is required. With this standard the recommendation is complied with when luminaires are installed at least 2 metres above the floor."

On average the batteries of the battery emergency light inserts operate for four years. They are specifically designed for permanent charging. After four years they are still functional but are no longer guaranteed.

In emergencies the regular ECG is replaced by the emergency light converter of the EB device. This is switched between the ECG and lamp. It supplies only a part of regular luminous flux, but the currently set dimming value of the main ballast is completely insignificant for the function of the emergency converter.

The incandescent lamp has been losing light for some time now. The abolition of incandescent lamps has been in operation Since September 2009 and is implemented according to the following schedule:

Clear lamps

• September 2009: Ban of all matt incandescent lamps. Ban of clear 100W incandescent lamps.

• September 2010: Ban of clear 75W incandescent lamps

• September 2011: Ban of clear 60W incandescent lamps

• September 2012: Ban of clear 45, 25 and 15W incandescent lamps

• September 2013: Increased requirements for the efficiency of energy-saving lamps and LED

• September 2016: Increased requirements for halogen lamps and all lamps > 60 lm/W

Exceptions:

All types of reflector lamps.

• Halogen lamps with G9 and R7S bases (energy efficiency class C under step 6)

• Lamps for special applications such as baking oven lamps

Although energy efficiency is of major importance at TRILUX, the product portfolio will of course also continue include design-oriented luminaires as well.

The CO2 equivalent specifies how much a set quantity of the greenhouse gas contributes to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide serves as a comparative value; the abbreviation is CO2e (for equivalent). The value describes the mean warming effect over a set period of time; often a time of 100 years is taken as the comparative value.

Carbon dioxide is a colourless, odour-free gas. With a concentration of 0.04% it is a natural component of the air. It comes about as a product of both the complete combustion of carbonic substances with sufficient oxygen and also in the organisms of creatures as a by-product of cellular respiration.

Carbon dioxide is created with the combustion of carbonic fuels such as fossil energy sources. With a given energy source the quantity of carbon dioxide created is directly dependent upon the quantity of fuel and therefore the generated energy. Modern systems and operating procedures are able to use energy contained by fuels more efficiently than in previous decades, but cannot prevent the creation of the gas.

This CO2 production consists of approx. 36 bn. tons per year worldwide. Because no effective and cost-efficient process for carbon dioxide separation is yet available, this quantity escapes into the atmosphere and adds to global warming.

An energy agency is a German government body whose remit is environmentally compatible production, conversion and use of energy, as well as the development of future-fit energy systems. Common aims are energy-efficient buildings, the efficient use of electricity in private households, commerce and industry, and the advancement of renewable energy technologies.

An energy passport is a certificate/document under public law that evaluates a building in terms of energy. In Germany the issue, use, principles and basics of the document are stipulated in the German Energy Conservation Regulations (EnEV). Also called the Energy Passport ('Energiepass') as part of a field test by the German Energy Agency. If the sale or letting of a building is planned, the Energy Passport must be presented to the potential contract partner during construction, modification or extension of a building, in accordance with the EnEV. The issue of the document takes place on the basis of the calculated energy requirement or the measured energy consumption. The document allows no direct conclusion as to actual energy costs, as the calculation is based upon the standard climate and standard consumption in Germany, so that the location and user behaviour influence the result.

The energy efficiency class is a designation of energy consumption for e.g. large electrical devices such as refrigerators, and serves to support purchase decisions with standardised energy consumption labels such as the EU Energy Label in classes A to G, whereby A+ (3/4 energy consumption of A) and A++ (1/2 energy consumption of a) have been added.

Compact fluorescent lamps with integral electronic ballast. In the lower wattages of 3W to 24W and with E14 or E27 base, these are an economic replacement for incandescent lamps. They have eight times the service life and because of the 12x lumen output compared to incandescent lamps are designated energy-saving lamps. When replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps the light distribution of the luminaire and therefore glare reduction may change, so that despite identical luminous flux of the lamps, poorer lighting conditions may prevail.

EnEv is short for Energy Conservation Regulation ('Energie-Einspar-Verordnung'), meaning the national implementation of the EU building directive. It supplies guidance values for maximum energy consumption of lighting systems in functional buildings (for commercial and public use). EnEv is known in the 2007 and 2009 version (intensified demands), and related to the 18599 German standard in the currently valid version.

TRILUX is obliged to ensure the environmentally-friendly disposal of its luminaires.

All TRILUX products are correspondingly designated according to the 2003/108/EG directive for environmentally compatible disposal. For this a contract with the company of Interseroh has been agreed that assumes the subsequent disposal of obsolete TRILUX products from commercial customers. In the UK TRILUX is registered with the Lumincom Compliance Scheme (Reg.-No. WEE/KH0108WX) for the safe disposal of all obsolete luminaires. TRILUX products stocked at wholesalers are already deemed to have been delivered. Private devices however must be disposed of via the local material disposal collection points. Usually this is free. TRILUX according to the electrical legislation (ElektroG) is registered with the responsible government office EAR ('Stiftung-Elektro-Altgeräte-Register') with the following registration number: WEEE-Reg.-No. DE 15415083.

Global warming is the gradual increase of average temperature of the atmosphere near to Earth. According to current scientific understanding, the burning of fossil energy and global deforestation probably increases the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere, the natural greenhouse effect.

The Energy Using Products (EUP) regulation is the 2005/32/EG ecological design directive. This enables the creation of a framework for the definition of requirements for the environmentally compatible design of energy-operated products. The aim is the improved energy efficiency and general environmental compatibility of electrical devices over their complete life cycle from manufacture to disposal.

The ban on incandescent lamps means the stepped removal of energy-inefficient general incandescent lamps from the market. As replacements, lamps with high voltage halogen technology and compact fluorescent lamps are offered. This change is mainly of interest for private users as the process is primarily intended to reduce energy consumption and CO2 immissions. Yearly from 2009 until 2013, and then in 2016, defined minimum efficiency demands are updated to 1 September, which equates to a ban.

The European greenlight programme serves to increase the energy efficiency of lighting in public and private companies and organisations. TRILUX is the only luminaire manufacturer until now to have participated in the GreenLight programme of the European Union, since 2006. Participation is wholly voluntary. Public and private companies and organisations commit themselves as part of the programme to modernise an existing lighting installation according to the criteria specified in the system, and to improve the quality of the lighting. As such they become so-called partners.

GreenLight program partners have the right to use the GreenLight program logo, to be listed in the GreenLight partnership catalogue and to participate in GreenLight award ceremonies. In addition, 'events' of the GreenLight partners are made known in the GreenLight advertising campaign across Europe. Buildings that have been refurbished according to the GreenLight program are designated with a plaque.

The consideration of individual luminaires is not sufficient when assessing energy efficiency. In addition to the overall requirements of customers, the specific lighting requirements and the room conditions must of course also be considered. Particularly in design areas however the theme of energy efficiency may be subordinated to creative considerations.

There are various ways that industrial nations can contribute to climate protection. Examples would be the reducing of climate-damaging emissions and production processes, the general reduction of energy consumption, and a ban of so-called greenhouse gases (gases containing FCKW).

Climatic change is the changing of the global climate caused for example by the environmentally damaging influences of civilisation.

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement between the industrial countries for the definition of suitable measures for the protection of the environment.

The luminaire light output ratio determines the component of luminous flux emitted by the lamps under nominal conditions under thermally constant operating conditions of the luminaire.

In general this is taken as the relation of the lamp's open distribution luminous flux and the luminous flux measured within the luminaire. Usually this is less than 1.0.

Under special conditions the luminaire output ratio can also be greater than 1.0 when the lamp under the luminaire's thermal conditions creates a significantly greater luminous flux as in an open distribution condition.

The quantity of light emitted from one or several light sources that leaves the area to be illuminated. Under poor conditions, light emission can reach disturbing or dangerous levels. Specifications exist that regulate or limit light emission.

Light Output Ratio (LOR) means the operating efficiency.

Lumens per watt specifies the so-called luminous efficacy of a light source. The greater the lumen component per watt of consumed energy, the higher is the performance (and cost efficiency) of the lamp.

Miro Silver is a louvre material with a highly reflective, silver-doped surface and a reflection factor of approximately 98%. It has long been used for TRILUX's UXP louvres and since mid-2009 for the RPX and RSX louvres (until then these used simple Miro material with a reflection factor of approximately 95%).

Sustainability describes the future-fit development of a company with regard to ecological, economic and social aspects.

The 2005/32/EG eco-design directive, also known as Energy using Products (EuP), serves to create a framework for the specification of demands placed on the environmentally compatible design of energy-using products. The aim is the improved energy efficiency and general environmental compatibility of electrical devices over their complete life cycle from manufacture to disposal.

Ecology was originally understood as a sub-section of biology concerned with the changing relationships of organisms and their abiotic environment. Often the term is used in connection with environmental protection and thus describes all ecological activities that protect the fundamentals of human existence and serve the functional natural system.

The ecological standard means guidelines for maximum energy consumption of lighting systems in functional buildings.

Secondary energy (e.g. electricity) is produced from primary energy via a process of conversion (with accompanying loss) with for example generators in power plants.

Primary energy means the energy available from naturally occurring energy forms or energy sources, for example as coal, gas or wind.

With regard to the EnEV this means the corresponding reference value for the maximum use of energy of lighting systems in functional buildings. Also see EnEV.

The specific connected load of the lighting designates the energy requirements of a lighting solution, meaning the total connected load of the luminaires in a room needed for achieving standard-compliant lighting conditions related to the specific lighting task.

The history of the company of TRILUX shows that TRILUX was always a pioneer for energy-efficient light. Triple lumen yield is found in the name of TRILUX (TRI = three; Lux = illuminance).

The system power consumption describes the sum of the active power of lamps and the dissipation of the ballasts (for example: 58W fluorescent lamp + 5W ballast = 63W system power consumption). The system power consumption is occasionally named the "effective connected load". As well as the active load as an indicator of the transformation to heat and light, the apparent power relates to the design of the electrical energy supply. The power factor is the ratio of effective power to apparent power, and with ECG applications with lamp power of > 25W is > 0.95 -1.0.

The greenhouse effect means the phenomenon that layers of gases (e.g. the Earth's atmosphere) are able to prevent heat dissipation (into space) and therefore to heighten the temperature in a system (Earth's atmosphere). This is a natural phenomenon without which life on Earth would not be possible ('natural greenhouse effect').

For around 250 years now human influences have significantly increased the natural greenhouse effect. The so-called 'anthropogenic greenhouse effect' dominates natural influences and endangers the climatic system. The current concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is greater than in the past 650,000 years.

The system power consumption is occasionally named the "effective connected load".

Yes, it is possible in the 9721SG/400HST... luminaire to fit a 400W HIT lamp instead of a 400W HST lamp.

The luminaires have been fundamentally approved for an ambient temperature of 25°C.

In combination with ceiling heating systems it must be ensured that the luminaires are not directly exposed to heat radiation of the heating plates, i.e. they must not be positioned below the heating plates. A lateral distance of greater than 0.3 m must be complied with when the luminaires are fitted at the same height as the ceiling heating (lower edges approximately aligned).

In luminaires with IP20 protection rating, grommets complying with VDE 0711 or EN 60598 are only needed when the mains cable or mains through-wiring with infeed into the luminaires is guided through a sharp-edged opening that may damage the cable and therefore impair the electrical safety of the luminaire.

TRILUX luminaires are manufactured with state-of-the-art machine systems and are powder-coated by computer control, as standard since 1994. The edges of the infeed apertures on the ceiling side for mains cable or mains through-wiring in the luminaire canopy are burr-free and the form of the edge rounding reliably avoids possible cable damage. Therefore no further cable protection measures, for example with grommets, are needed.

This achieves double benefits:

mounting of these products is simplified and manufacturing costs reduced; the latter cost benefit is passed on to customers and is included in current pricing.

The GOST-R quality certificate is a confirmation of agreement to Russian standards and regulations for goods to be exported. The customs authorities demand GOST-R quality certificates with the export of certificate-obligatory products to the Russian Federation. This makes GOST-R quality certificates legislative preconditions for customs processes. Certified products must be designated with the GOST-R sign of conformity.

No materials containing silicon are used for producing the E-Line continuous line system. Plastics used are PC, PMMA and SMC. All materials are free of silicon.

All articles are not consciously brought into contact with products containing silicon (e.g. mould release agents).

The following limitation must however be mentioned:

traces of silicon in a ppm concentration lead to a product not being designated silicon-free as already low quantities disturb wetting. As such low quantities can come about through direct or indirect contact with e.g. deodorants, hair spray, hand cream, silicon-containing rubber gloves etc. then it follows that a general confirmation about a product being silicon-free cannot be given.

A lighting system consists of a system of several lighting components or optics that can be used on the same support system. This can be a 3-phase track, a low voltage system, LED-28 (light + accents) or for example a continuous line system (E-Line, Delta etc.).

The cleaning of TRILUX luminaires is part of maintenance and should be carried out regularly. Smooth surfaces as found with most opal luminaire diffusers are usually best cleaned with a damp cloth and suitable cleaning agents. Good results are achieved with simple household washing-up liquid and also industrial cleaners. With aggressive cleaning agents and disinfectants, the chemical resistance of the diffuser material should be considered. With structured diffuser surfaces, a damp cloth is sometimes not sufficient. In such cases we recommend a wet clean or ultrasonics process, as used for louvre cleaning. After cleaning, an antistatic agent should be applied to plastic luminaire diffusers to prevent increased re-soiling. Standard products from drugstores or from the car cleaning sector can be used.

No, there is no general statement.

05000SN, as well as ZS and ZST have a diameter of 1mm for example. Continuous line systems for example have a diameter of 2mm. In general the load requirement is decisive for the required wire diameter. With filigree, architectural luminaires, generally a smaller diameter is needed than with the heavier continuous lines.

Width over all means the width of the specific version + 50mm.

Yes, because the LEDs in TRILUX luminaires are equipped with a supplementary optical system consisting of reflectors and/or lenses.

LEDs already today have a comparable lumen yield to compact fluorescent lamps. Combined with efficient luminaires, they are therefore suitable for application areas for which these light sources were preferred until now. In the near future, LEDs will also become suitable for further application sectors, because high performance diodes will assert themselves in the long run thanks to their many advantages: LEDs will soon become more efficient; their luminous efficacy has doubled in the past approximately every two years, and their service life is today five times that of energy saving lamps; LEDs can create various light colours and coloured light, can be efficiently dimmed and also dynamically controlled; LEDs enable targeted illumination, whereas energy saving lamps have a diffuse light distribution. With LED luminaires, the light is emitted directly to where it is needed. In this way less light is needed to achieve the desired brightness, thus also saving energy.

With maintenance of LED systems, the longer service life in turn means larger maintenance intervals. With outdoor luminaires less light points are usually required. With rough weather conditions there is also reduced maintenance because of the insensitivity to shocks and vibration.

LED solutions operate highly efficiently, but during a comparison not only the energy costs should be taken into account. Further savings potential is offered for example by the long service life of 50,000 and more hours: it means that lamps must be replaced a lot less and corresponding maintenance costs are reduced. In addition LED solutions offer many advantages that cannot always be monetarily assessed but still offer added value according to application. In addition, reliability is an important factor, the colour and colour temperature dynamics, and the fact that LEDs emit neither infrared nor ultraviolet radiation.

The service life of LEDs is to a great extent dependent upon the factors of temperature and operating current. Only effective thermal management in the luminaire enables a service life of up to 50,000 operating hours. After expiry of this duration, LEDs still illuminate with approximately 70% or 50% of their initial luminous flux. Contrary to conventional lamps, LEDs have almost no risk of failure. Only the illumination output reduces slowly, without the subjectively perceived impression of brightness being significantly changed.

TRILUX luminaires with LEDs are high quality, long life investment goods characterised by maximum reliability. They are constructed so that the 50,000 hour LED service life also bears validity for the complete luminaire. If however there are still cause for complaints: the warranty for TRILUX luminaires with LEDs normally corresponds to 12 months in accordance with statutory provisions. Depending on the specific project, an expansion of the warranty duration in agreement with our sales department is possible.

LED modules are operated via special driver network components that are optionally equipped with standardised interfaces. This enables simple continuous regulation of brightness. Additional high cost controller components for dimming are not needed.

Lumen yield and light colour do not change significantly with the dimming of LED modules. This is a definite advantage compared to e.g. metal halide lamps.

Conventional control gear with a suitable interface, e.g. DALI can be used. Dimming is implemented via PWM (pulse width modulation).

If primary power supply is reduced, the electronic driver component attempts to compensate for this, i.e. the brightness of LEDs is therefore not reduced.

The efficiency of a luminaire with LEDs is to a high degree dependent upon the optical system and thermal management of the LED modules. If this is ensured, LEDs offer a good alternative to compact fluorescent sources. When comparing total costs, the long service life of LEDs should also be considered, including the associated advantages with regard to extended maintenance intervals.

LED technology is being permanently developed so that it is suitable for ever more general lighting applications. Efficiency, binning, colour rendition and lumen yield will continue to get better. The use of

fluorescent and discharge lamps will therefore diminish. This will be supported by standardised, replaceable LED modules. And this will enable simple exchange or system expansion in the future.

The luminous efficacy of white LEDs is currently at up to 100 lm/W. For evaluating the complete luminaire, efficiency of the optic, the effectiveness of thermal management and illuminance distribution should be considered.

If in exceptional cases an LED fails or a whole luminaire is defect, the complete product is to be returned to TRILUX. We have decided to stipulate such a process so that sufficient replacements can be supplied and also so that timely and continuous product optimisation is ensured.

The luminous efficacy of LEDs is subject to a continuous process of optimisation, comparable with the microchip industry. Performance or light output ratio of LEDs is continuously improving thanks to permanent further development. These advantages are passed on to customers by the manufacturers who utilise the latest LED generations in their products. For this reason, the technical evaluations of LED luminaires are subject to change. This is the reason why you should always use the latest data sheets from the luminaire manufacturers.

The specification of an average LED life of 50,000 operating hours is based on a luminous flux drop to 70% of the nominal initial value.

50,000 hours service life means varying application durations depending upon the different applications of the luminaire. Here are two calculation examples: With an assumed 12 hours of burning per day and 305 sales days, 50,000 hours service life means around 14 years of luminaire life without having to carry out traditional relamping. In the office area, with an average burning time of 10 hours daily and about 200 work days, this means 25 years of carefree lighting.

LEDs, in addition to advantages in the area of energy efficiency and cost savings, are also advantageous in terms of the environment:

they contain no mercury, meaning that disposal is less of an environmental burden. In addition the enable more minimalised luminaire designs, and thus save on resources and reduce additional waste disposal quantities. LEDs allow more compact and lighter luminaires, and so transport volumes and weight is reduced. In turn, fuel is saved and carbon dioxide immissions are lowered.

LED modules save more energy than conventional light sources both in operation and with manufacture. In this respect, the consumption of resources and the environmental burden (carbon dioxide emissions) are both reduced. (statement from Osram). They do not emit short wave radiation that could attract nocturnally active insects. Because of targeted light control, there is also significantly less light spill for the environment.

Negative burdens due to emission of short wave radiation is not possible with LEDs. But with light control or shielding that is not optimal, the very high luminance values of the light sources are noticeable. In this respect, construction engineers should place special emphasis on compliance with maximum illuminance or luminance values.

LEDs do not create infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Heat is created at PCB level, but is not emitted in the direction of the object. This means that sensitive and expensive objects in museums or shops can be illuminated both carefully and impressively. But it is important to know that any type of visible light represents radiation, even when it is free of IR and UV radiation. In the museum sector it is therefore not advisable to state that illuminance levels can be increased ad infinitum. It is correct though that lighting with LEDs is much more gentle that lighting with low voltage halogen, still often installed for museums.

LED luminaires distribute light from the light emitting diodes and are not problematic for the eyes. LEDs with power rating below one watt mostly belong to the most harmless LED Class 1, and since 2008 have been assigned to the classic light sources. Although people should not look directly into LEDs for a long period of time because of the high luminance. This is also true for other conventional lamps with high luminance such as tungsten halogen lamps or high pressure discharge lamps.

Comparable regulations apply here as with other electronic components (electronic transformers or electronic ballasts). The directives according to WEEE (2002/96/EG guideline covering electrical and electronic products) and RoHS should be correctly adhered to.

The replacement of the compact fluorescent lamp has already begun but will still take 6 - 10 years.

TRILUX recommends using LED in work zones such as offices, desk lighting, corridors, industrial outdoor areas, petrol stations, tunnels, operating field lighting and examination lighting.

TRILUX is convinced of the performance of LED but has the opinion that each lighting solution must be individually designed according to the requirements of users and the room situation. LEDs will offer increasing possibilities in the future but at the same time situations will exist in which conventional light sources will be the better option in the mean term.

The luminous flux of an LED increases almost linearly with current consumption. With increasing LED heat-up, luminous flux and service life however significantly decrease. The luminous flux decline over service life increases. Resultingly, effective thermal management in an LED luminaire, e.g. with use of heat sinks, defines quality.

In principle yes, limitations exist however due to the requisite thermal management (e.g. with heat sinks) and the required control unit.

In an LED opposite charges (+, -) create visible light and heat with their neutralisation. The LED energy balance consists of 30% light and 70% heat. According to version, LEDs can emit light in red, blue, green or amber. Coloured light can be created by mixing the primary colours. White LED is produced from blue LED and the addition of a fluorescent coating.

Because due to dimensioning LEDs are very compact and their light emittance surfaces are minimal, constructions can be kept accordingly compact. This means greater freedom in terms of design possibilities within existing room geometries. The additional possibilities of direct light creation and the control of this are achieved with significantly less measures. This means the number of required electronic components is reduced.

Lighting moods and the saving and calling of lighting scenes, in particular with corresponding colour components and light mixes can be implemented very much more simply than with standard light sources. The diversity of continuous control via pulse width modulation used here enables a host of atmospheric effects for spotlighting objects and spacial geometries.

Advantages in terms of lighting design come about from the reduced number of LED modules and the possibilities for targeted control with the use of corresponding optical systems with LEDs as light sources. The compact geometries enable more precise light guidance, luminous flux can be very much more easily focused and lower luminaire quantities are needed.

The individualisation of light with the new flexibility and possibilities for the use of colour and colour dynamics leads to increased image benefits for users. The aim of customers to be 'lead users' is satisfied with use of the latest lighting technology.

For a competent consultation on-site or professional LED lighting design services, our specialists in the expertise centres or from our subsidiaries can be contacted.

This is a prejudice from the early stages of LED technology. Today LEDs are available in colour temperatures of 2800 (warm white) to 6500 Kelvin (cold white). With special modules or luminaires, the white light colour can even be modified according to individual wishes: cool white light for better concentration in the morning, warm white light for a cosy atmosphere in the evening. This flexibility predestines the long-life, efficient LED particularly for general lighting in professional applications.

Today's LED modules have an average service life of 50,000 operating hours. After this, luminous flux sinks to around 70% of the new value. Depending upon external parameters of influence, the luminaires are designed for at least this life duration.

Although the infrared component of light emitted by LEDs is practically negligable, power loss still ensues. This must be dissipated by suitable thermal management to the surroundings. With heat load specifications, measures must be undertaken that are comparable to conventional lighting systems. Thermal radiation is equal to system power consumption.

The service life reduces according to manufacturer specifications, but good thermal management can counteract this.

LEDs are dimmed with pulse width modulation, and this is a clocked principle (typical frequency: 800 Hz). LEDs have a diode characteristic curve (not a linear characteristic curve) that for current flow requires a minimum voltage value, which is why dimming is not possible via simple reduction of the operating voltage.

Yes, there will be a common control system. DALI in general lighting and for decorative interior lighting, DMX for stage and show applications.

Yes, LEDs can be dimmed from 0 to 100 % luminous flux. Luminous flux and consumed wattage reduce linearly. Simultaneously, service life increases and luminous flux decline over the service life lessens. For LED systems with dimming/colour variation, special control units are needed, controlled via DALI or DMX.

The foil is there to achieve compliance with insulation class II for the luminaire.

Generally speaking, that cannot be answered. It all depends on the position, the current intensities and electrostatic conditions of the strike. The LED module and electronic control components react sensitively to overvoltage and excessive current as all components do and can be negatively affected or even destroyed.

There is no recommended position of use for LED modules. Depending on internal thermal management, the position can be selected at random.

Because of the highly differing LED modules existing, and without standardisation, such a supply warranty cannot be offered. If in exceptional cases an LED fails or a whole luminaire is defect, the complete product is to be returned to TRILUX. We have decided to stipulate such a process so that sufficient replacements can be supplied and also so that timely and continuous product optimisation is ensured.

Current LED outdoor luminaires can mainly illuminate residential streets.

But products for main traffic roads are being planned. Because of the current development status, when manufacturing may commence cannot yet be said.

Trilux makes every effort to ensure sufficiently good binning when equipping LED luminaires both for indoor and outdoor applications. The less the dispersion range of the colour coordinates, the more expensive the LED modules. This is a quality criterion with LEDs that is often underestimated, and its importance becomes obvious with replacements or supplements to a lighting system.

Standardisations for LED modules are desirable. But for this LED manufacturers, LED module producers, luminaire manufacturers and the manufacturers of the required electronic operating components must work tightly together to ensure for the customer better comparability and replaceability for the future. In regard to this, TRILUX is working together with the Zhaga standardisation project.

No new standards must be considered with the use of LEDs for outdoor lighting. The LED modules have no influence on the requirements in terms of protection rating or safety class.

LED modules mainly from Philips and Osram are used with the TRILUX products.

Junction temperature means the temperature of the junction area of the semiconductor element, in this case the LED. Often manufacturers specify the luminous flux of an LED with a specific junction area temperature. This is however usually irrelevant for users, as it cannot be verified simply, and in real conditions on the PCB or in the luminaire is higher and reduces service life.

Lumen specifications should always refer to the complete system, as only in this way is it possible to achieve a realistic comparison among various modules within a luminaire. Lumen specifications for LEDs under pure manufacturer laboratory conditions are of no benefit in practice.

That depends on two factors: the thermal management and the geometry of the specific luminaire. A compromise must be achieved here.

In the outdoor luminaire sector that has already been partly achieved, for example with the 93 series. We are ascertaining successively which further luminaire series are suitable for retrofitting in terms of geometry and thermal management. Installation of our refurbishment sets is done quickly and simply, and therefore also with low cost. The safety designations (ENEC and radio interference designations) are also valid following upgrading.

In terms of external mechanical factors, LED components do not have greater mechanical sensitivity than their conventional counterparts such as high pressure discharge lamps. Ignition problems with low temperatures are physically speaking practically non-existent. But generally speaking, our approval with applications under special operating conditions is required.

Common defects are insufficient thermal management and excessive current feed to the LEDs. Both lead to significant shortage of the service life. This can be excluded with TRILUX luminaires.

Because of the very high luminance of LEDs, suitable optics and reflector elements must be implemented to ensure that sufficient shielding and light control is implemented in specific applications.

In terms of the high development speed of LEDs, adaptation to the latest state of technology is only possible by establishing standards in relation to the geometry of the LED modules. In the future then it will certainly be possible to install a higher performance LED module into an existing luminaire. In regard to this, TRILUX is working together with the Zhaga standardisation project.

That depends upon the thermal management of the luminaire and the technical conditions of the LED drivers. The possible range of operating temperatures is comparable to ECG luminaires. Limitations are to found more with the components of the current supply modules than with the LEDs.

The systematic expansion of expertise and knowledge transfer, especially within the framework of the development of new technologies such as LEDs, is very important. This is why TRILUX is strongly involved in the networking of basis and application researchers, public institutes and standardisation boards. Cooperative projects in the LED sector are currently taking place with 3M, the Fraunhofer institutes, the Federal Ministry for Education and Research, the Ilmenau Technical University, and with OSRAM in the sector of OLED, and also with our subsidiaries BAG and HÜCO in the area of lighting control. For standardisation of LED technology, TRILUX has come together with the world's leading companies in the lighting industry to form the 'Zhaga' committee.

Bus systems are control systems from house and building technology. Such systems communicate via unified data protocols and control so-called actuators that execute switching tasks for example. Systems such as these also control lighting in combination with a DALI interface.

Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) is a standardised digital interface for lighting control that is used for example for the control of electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps. DALI enables the presetting of many parameters such as switch-on brightness, dimming speed, behaviour with return of mains after a power failure etc. In addition and where required, each ballast can be assigned an individual address. This enables switching and dimming of single luminaires and luminaire groups via common power supply and control lines.

DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a digital control interface that is usually used for lighting control systems ('intelligent spotlights') in stage and show lighting. Converters can be used for controlling luminaires with DALI interface with a DMX control.

Brightness sensors are measurement sensors that control according to light quantity and/or influence switching in a circuit or with an ECG. Examples for brightness sensors are applications such as LGplus, LR 803, EDS systems in TRILUX luminaires etc.

The term "regulation" covers the function of control systems that contribute to increased comfort of lighting systems via sensors, push-buttons and controllable ballasts. An added advantage is the possibility of integrating daylight/presence detection into the control procedure to save energy and therefore costs.

Threshold value is the short term for threshold value switching. This switching switches the lighting system or parts of this off when sufficient daylight is available.

Dimming of metal halide lamps with ceramic burners and high pressure sodium vapour lamps is fundamentally technically feasible. But to ensure safety and functionality, some important points must be considered:

1. Use of suitable, controllable electronic ballasts (in short: ECG).

2. In order not to endanger lamps, the lamp should be dimmed to max. 60%. Effects on the service life of the lamps are not specified.

3. To ensure correct burn-in of the lamps, they must be operated for at least 15 minutes at 100% output. Reduction of lamp output may then occur.

4. With metal halide lamps, colour coordination shifting during dimming must be assumed, and so it makes sense to check beforehand whether the desired light colour can be achieved.

Lighting control is implemented/dimensioned so that operation of the lighting system optimally adapted to user needs exists (e.g. presence detection, daylight control etc.).

The phrase "lighting management" covers the function of control systems that contribute to increased comfort of lighting systems via sensors, push-buttons and controllable ballasts. An added advantage is the possibility of integrating daylight/presence detection into the control procedure to save energy and therefore costs.

Use of ballasts in standby operation is usually a little noticed source of loss with outdated lamp technology. The losses incurred here can be quite significant, as is also the case with standby losses of television sets for example. Modern ballasts consume distinctly less energy in standby, and so save costs and also avoid unnecessary CO2 emittance. The BAG specifies a standby power of < 0.5W for dimmable ECG.

Daylight control is the constant regulation of illuminance under consideration of the daylight component available in each case.

The term 'visual comfort' describes the light-related components responsible for the well-being of people. For example brightness, colour temperature, glare restriction and suitability in relation to the daily biological rhythm of people. With targeted use of daylight and suitable lighting design, visual comfort can be significantly increased. It is assumed that this is able to positively influence the motivation, productivity and health of office workers.

A presence sensor is the abbreviation for presence detection and fulfills the function of a movement detector.