​If you work in a medical or wastewater treatment facility, you are likely familiar with germicidal, or UV, lamps. For those who are not familiar with these specialty bulbs, let’s take a look at how they work and some of their common uses. 

Germicidal lamps produce short-wavelength ultraviolet, or UVC, light These short-wave UV light rays are between 100nm and 280nm on the spectrum of visible light. This type of light leads to the eradication of harmful bacteria and viruses by disrupting its DNA structure. They are ideal for use where disinfection is the primary goal. Germicidal lamps are also used for water and air purification and the creation of ozone. There are two types germicidal lamps commonly used: low pressure and high pressure.
 
Low pressure lamps are most similar to fluorescent lamps, with the exception of two features. Low pressure germicidal bulbs contain no fluorescent phosphor and are made from fused quartz glass, instead of borosilicate glass like their fluorescent counterpart. They also produce a very small amount of visible light.
 
High pressure lamps are most similar to HID, or high intensity discharge, lamps. These lamps are most commonly used in industrial water treatment facilities because they produce an intense radiation. High pressure germicidal lamps emit a bright bluish white light.
 
*As with any fluorescent or HID lamp, germicidal lamps require the use of an external ballast to regulate the flow of current. ​

​Germicidal lamps require proper safety precautions pertaining to eye and skin protection. Exposure to these lamps without the right protective gear can cause sunburn, inflammation to the cornea, or damage to the retina. High exposure over time can lead to skin cancer and temporary, or even permanent, vision impairment. Since germicidal lamps provide an important function, they must be cleaned often and replaced each year to ensure high performance.
​
Germicidal lamps are a technical product that require specific handling and can cause serious issues if used improperly. If you have any doubt, please give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or contact us here. 

NEW BRAND SPOTLIGHT!
Founded in 1959, James Gardner began to produce his first mold for his patented aluminum conduit bender with a small loan from his father-in-law. By 1969, he had redesigned and patented an improved fish tape for pulling wires through conduit. Just six years later, Gardner Bender was producing 13 different hand benders, 3 types of fish tapes, wire connectors and other items needed for electrical installation and maintenance projects.
 
Gardner Bender has a wide selection of wire pulling equipment, conduit benders, wire connectors, heat shrink, cable ties, hand tools, meters and more! Their well-known and award-winning products continue to lead the way alongside its sister brands: Bergen Instruments, King Innovation, Sperry Instruments and Calterm.
 
Visit LightingSupply.com to check out over 2,500+ Gardner Bender products we now offer! For more information, give our Customer Service Team a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here.

​​Not too long ago, 2020 was imagined having flying cars and futuristic technology that was off the charts. However, there are many who are still using a product that has not changed much since it was manufactured for commercial use in the 1800s; the incandescent light bulb. Not only do incandescent bulbs have a short lifespan and low efficiency, they are also bad for the environment – producing a tremendous amount of carbon dioxide. California, a front-runner in environment preservation, has proactively stepped up again and put an end to the use of incandescent bulbs within their state. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has established new standards for lighting with a focus on a commitment to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. Two of these standards include Title 20, or the Appliance Efficiency Program, and Title 24 (JA8), also known as the California Building Standards Code.
 
TITLE 20
Title 20, or the Appliance Efficiency Program, sets minimum efficiency levels for energy consumption in consumer electronics and household appliances – along with other standards related to water consumption and plumbing equipment. Title 20 is not only a requirement to sell in California, but the product must also be registered with the CEC prior to entering the market.
 
TITLE 20 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• CRI, or color rendering index, must be greater than 80.
• Power factor must be greater than 0.7.
• Must have an hour rated life greater than 10,000 hours (25,000 for MR16s).
• A-lamps much be ENERGY STAR® V2.0 omnidirectional light distribution.
• Decorative lamp shapes must be ENERGY STAR V1.1 light distribution.
• Must meet compliance score* (See chart below).
• MR16 lamps must be either greater than 80 LPW or greater than 70 LPW with a compliance score greater than 165 (LPW = Lumens per watt).
• If the lamp is dimmable; dimmable to 10%.
• Reduced flicker.
• Noise is less than 24dB at 100% and 20%.
• If comparing to incandescent equivalent, must be lower than 3000K, or warm white.
• If comparing to incandescent, must be dimmable.
• If comparing to incandescent, lumens must be greater than 310 for an E26 base (medium) or greater than 150 for an E12 base (candelabra) or an E17 base (intermediate).

 
What does this mean for the consumer? Basically, the CEC has ensured that lighting products sold in California are brighter, more energy-efficient and longer lasting. This aligns with California’s environmentally friendly mission by creating less waste from discarded bulbs, emitting 80% less greenhouse gases and using significantly less energy when compared to incandescent, halogen and CFL bulbs. 

TITLE 24 (JA8)
Title 24 (JA8), or the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, is focused on reducing wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption in new construction and existing buildings. Title 24, unlike Title 20, is not required in order to sell products in California. However, it is required for new construction projects.
 
TITLE 24 (JA8) PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• CRI, or color rendering index, must be greater than 90.
• CCT, or correlated color temperature, must be under 4000K.
• R9 must be greater than 50.
  • R9 refers to a light sources ability to accurately reproduce strong red colors.
• 6,000-hour lumen maintenance must be greater than or equal to 86.7%.
• Rated life must be greater than or equal to 15,000 hours.
• Must dim to 10% of light output.
• Flicker less than 30% for 200 Hz or below at 100% and 20% levels.
• Noise less than 24dB at 100% and 20%.
• Marking (either JA8-2016 or JA8-2016-E) on lamp.

 
What does this mean for the consumer? Title 24 provides assurance that lighting products purchased will be more efficient and last longer. Also, lighting products must maintain their original brightness further into the life of the product. While Title 24 is not required in order to sell products in California, it is required for any new construction projects. This is yet another way California is making strides towards being a leader on environmentalism. 

COMPLIANCE SCORE CHART*

​If you’re in search of a CEC Compliant product, look no further than Lighting Supply. We have a fantastic selection of CEC Compliant products including light bulbs, downlights, motion sensors, and emergency lighting. For more information, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or leave a comment below.

ARTICLE REFERENCES
www.energy.ca.gov
https://www.tcpi.com/california-energy-commission-blog/

​Deck the halls with boughs of holly… and a few lights while you’re at it! Tis the season to create a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decorations. While Christmas lights bring a smile to our faces, unless you’re the Scrooge, there’s also potential risk that comes along with hanging them. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas lights cause 40% of Christmas tree fires, and overall decorations caused more than 15,000 injuries resulting in an emergency room visit – with falls being the highest at 34%, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Let’s take a look at the top 10 safety tips to ensure decorating your home goes without issue:

• Replace old or damaged Christmas lights. It’s important to check your light strings before plugging them for any cracked bulbs or frayed and exposed wires.
• Only use indoor and outdoor lights where approved. It is not safe to expose indoor lights to the elements and cold temperatures.
• Utilize GFCI outlets for outdoor lights. These outlets prevent injuries from shock and do not allow the circuit to overheat which can lead to electrical fires. They can also be exposed to rain and snow.
• As a rule of thumb, never plug more than three sets of lights into a single extension cord – depending on the wattage of your light strings and the max capacity of the plug.
• Always use your ladder appropriately and with great care. Make sure to place your ladder on level ground, move the ladder necessary to avoid over-reaching and never stand above the recommended safe-standing level marked on your ladder.
• Keep your Christmas tree hydrated. Dry tree needles can be cause for electrical fires.
• Use the proper tools and accessories to hang your lights. Nails or screws should not be used as they can damage the wiring leading to shock or failure of the lights. You should also secure loose strands with electrical tape or ground staples to prevent personal injury.
• Turning your lights off before bed or after long periods of use. Timers are a fantastic lighting control to make sure your lights are on during peak hours and are turned off each night.
• Make the switch to LED. They are cool to the touch, operate well in cold temperatures and use significantly less energy.
• At the end of the season, store your lights properly to avoid broken bulbs, frayed wires and damaged plugs. Use a container that seals well to prevent possible water damage and pesky rodents that may chew on the cords.

 
*As always, if you should have technical questions, please consult an electrician in your local area.
 
Lighting Supply has a great selection of Christmas lights including replacement bulbs, string lights, rope lights and more! With these safety tips in your back pocket and our stock at your fingertips, we hope you are able to bring the magic of Christmas to your home this holiday season! If you have questions about our Christmas light selection, please give our Customer Service Team a call at 877.231.2852 or leave a comment below.

Founded and celebrated by the National Fire Protection Associate (NFPA), October is Fire Prevention Month. This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 6th – October 12th. In commemoration of the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871, local Fire Departments will educate their community and encourage everyone to practice fire safety by checking your smoke alarms and creating an escape plan in case of fire.
 
Three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms and the #1 cause of accidental home deaths is Carbon Monoxide. Smoke and CO alarms should be checked monthly and replaced every 7-10 years. Both alarms should be installed in each bedroom and on every level of the home, including the basement. You should also have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, plus in the kitchen and garage.
 
Being prepared is key in any emergency situation. To help ensure your safety before and during a fire eliminate clutter that can easily become a fuel source or block exits, store flammable chemicals properly, ensure all exits are easily accessible, have a list of emergency contact information and an escape plan that is well-practiced.
 
Be proactive, not reactive – protect your family from potential disaster. Lighting Supply offers many fire safety products including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and escape ladders. Give our expert Customer Service Team a call or leave a comment below and we will be happy to point you in the right direction!
 
Sources: First Alert, Safety Resources
​

NEW BRAND SPOTLIGHT!
​Founded in 1886 by a blacksmith, Channellock’s beginnings are humble and proud. George B. DeArment began hand-forging farrier’s tools in a small factory and then sold them in town out of the back of his wagon. His business eventually became known as the Champion Bolt & Clipper Company. DeArment founded his company on four guiding principles still followed today: good management is never far from the factory floor, people are more important than machines, bigger doesn’t always mean better and dedication to excellence is the surest way to surmount adversity and to prosper. 

In its earlier years, Channellock expanded their product line to include nippers, pinchers and open-end wrenches. After DeArment retired in 1911, his sons, Almon and J. Howard, took over the company and expanded the line again to include hammers. In 1933, a breakthrough year for the company, they developed multi-purpose, tongue and groove, and slip-joint pliers coined “Channellock”; 33 years later, the company changed their name to Channellock to protect its trademark.

Channellock is proud to be an All-American company and LightingSupply.com is excited to offer 200+ Channellock products - including wire strippers, screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers. For more information, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here.

It’s mid-summer and by now we’re well acquainted with those pesky bugs who keep us company in the evenings while spending time out on the patio. We’re faced with the dilemma of keeping the bug-attracting lights on or turning them off and sitting in the dark. Maybe we don’t have to make that choice after all! 

​Insects are only able to see three colors on the visible light spectrum – ultraviolet, blue and green. Since they are unable to perceive yellow, it has become a popular color choice when it comes to bug lights! Not to be confused with a bug zapper, bug lights do not repel or kill bugs, they simply use a filtered yellow glass to deter them better than traditional light bulbs, such as incandescent and CFL bulbs. Bugs are also attracted to the heat produced by a light – making incandescent bulbs the worst choice for your outdoor patio lighting. LED bulbs with warm color temperatures (yellow orange) are the most effective since they also produce little to no heat. Red light bulbs work even better but do not produce enough visible light for humans to see.

With a worldwide population of around 7.4 billion people, you can only imagine how much energy we consume. To quantify it, we use BTUs to measure how much energy we produce. A BTU roughly equates to the amount of energy released when a single match is lit. According to Inside Energy, we produce 78 million BTU per person, per year, worldwide – that’s 2.5 match strikes, per second, per person! America makes up 1/6th of the world’s energy consumption. We can all do our part to cut down on our energy usage. One small way to make a difference is by switching to LED lighting. LED lighting can reduce energy usage by about 60% and lasts 25 times longer than older technologies like incandescent, fluorescent and CFL. Per Energy.gov, by replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with LED products that earned the ENERGY STAR, you can save $75 each year!
 
Not only are you going to be able to save money by making the switch to LED lighting, there are many other benefits not just for you, but also for the environment. Let’s take a look at a few of the perks of LED lighting.

• LONG LIFE: LED lighting has an average life of 30,000-50,000 hours as compared to incandescent and CFLs that last for 1,000 hours or 8,000-10,000 hours, respectively. LEDs never “burn out” but simply dim over time. 

 

• ENERGY EFFICIENT: LED lighting uses about 50%-60% less energy than incandescent and halogen bulbs. It is also directional so there is no wasted light output or energy and it reduces the need for reflectors and diffusers that can block the light. LED lighting is so efficient that it’s becoming more common in streetlighting, parking lots, parking garages and on building facades where the amount of energy used is significant. 

 

• SAFETY & DURABILITY: LED light bulbs do not utilize a filament or glass casing, therefore making them extremely durable. Since most are made of plastic, there is very little chance of the bulb shattering if dropped. Also, as compared to incandescent bulbs that lose 90% of their light output to heat, LEDs do not produce heat, so they don’t become hot to the touch even after being illuminated for hours. This calls for less risk of accidental fires or burns.

 

• COLOR RENDERING: LED lighting has fantastic color rendering, or CRI. It produces a light that shows an item’s truest color and doesn’t wash it out, making them perfect for use in displays and retail applications. 

 

• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: CFL and fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and can be dangerous if broken and must be disposed of properly once they burn out. LED lighting contains no mercury and can be disposed of easily and are recyclable. The production of one LED bulb saves material and production of 24 incandescent bulbs! 

 

• NO UV EMISSIONS: LED bulbs produce little to no UV emissions which makes them great for use in museums and clothing stores. The LED light will not deteriorate the artwork or fade the clothing.

 

• GREAT IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES: LED lighting operates extremely well in cold temperatures unlike older technologies that require warmer temperatures to start. LED bulbs are ideal for use in refrigerated displays, cold storage and freezers. As a result, outdoor lighting is also seeing a rise in LED lighting upgrades in parking lots, building exteriors and signage.

 

• CONTROLABILITY: Older technologies are not as versatile as LED lighting. LED lighting can be paired with smart systems and controlled with remotes, timers, sensors and even your smart phone! Most have incredible dimming capabilities that can dim down to 10% light output, whereas some other technologies will only dim to 30%. 
  

​
​Let our Customer Service team help you upgrade your current lighting to LED today! They are knowledgeable in all aspects of lighting and will be able to recommend the best option to fit your specific needs and applications. Call 877.231.2852 or send an email to get started. ​​​Check out our latest ​​flyer with popular, top-selling LED products that will start saving you money on your energy bills.

NEW BRAND SPOTLIGHT!
For the past 126 years, Bryant Electric has been serving the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential markets. In 1888, founder Waldo Calvin Bryant, received a patent for the first push-pull switch that put the wiring device industry on the map. Bryant’s superior engineering has led to many innovative products including the Quick-Tech connectorized receptacles that easily wire – cutting down on installation costs. Bryant also takes pride in their CIRCUITPRO Self-Test GFCI receptacles. These receptacles not only track ground faults, but they self-test every minute to guarantee that they are working properly.
 
Bryant Electric has a expansive offering of wiring devices and accessories including switches, sensors, wallplates, covers and motor control products. They also have an incredible selection of durable, impact-resistant nylon construction plugs and connectors that they introduced to the market more than 40 years ago. Their outstanding performance continues to make Bryant a respected leader in the wiring device industry.
 
Visit LightingSupply.com to check out the 8,600+ Bryant products we now offer! For more information, give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or email us here. 

Properly lighting a large commercial building can be intimidating to many building owners, however, it is essential. Commercial buildings such as professional offices, medical centers, shopping malls and retail stores require a tremendous amount of light for the safety and productivity of the space. From potential visitors seeing the building from the road to guests experiencing the indoor space, lighting plays a key role. There are many factors to consider including indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, tools and accessories needed to bring the space’s lighting to the next level. Let’s take a look at some popular commercial lighting options.

​INDOOR COMMERCIAL LIGHTING
​HIGH BAY FIXTURES & SENSORS
Light your commercial space with high bay fixtures to maximize efficiency and safety. They produce a ton of light and are ideal for ceilings that are 20 feet or higher. Traditionally, they use high output fluorescent tubes or high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs such as metal halides and high-pressure sodium lamps. However, these technologies have many drawbacks including long warm up times, poor color rendering and high energy costs. Upgrade your high bay fixtures to LED and start saving on your energy bill – either with LED corn cob retrofit bulbs, LED tubes or install fully integrated LED high bay fixtures. Want to save even more on your energy bill? Add a motion sensor to your high bay fixture to control your lighting usage by having them turn on only when needed.
 
TUBES: FLUORESCENT VS LED
Tubes are a popular choice in lighting when it comes to commercial spaces. For those looking to save on energy costs as compared to HID bulbs, fluorescent tubes are a good choice. Offered in different color temperatures, wattages and lengths, fluorescent tubes allow for customization in any space. However, they do have their downfalls when compared to their LED counterpart. LED tubes operate well in cold weather, produce little to no heat, turn on (full brightness) immediately, have an extremely long life and are the most energy-efficient choice on the market. LED tubes are quick and easy to install with plug and play options that work with many instant start ballasts or direct wire options that bypass the ballast, so it’s no longer needed – saving you even more money on replacement ballasts!

​HIGH INTENSITY BULBS: HID VS LED
HID bulbs are the most common choice in lighting technologies for commercial spaces. They are great for tight budgets, as they have low initial costs. However, they do not offer much variety and have a short lifespan. With the rise of LED technology, HID bulbs are being used less and less. LED corn cob bulbs produce a powerful, bright light and are more energy efficient than HID bulbs. They allow for fixtures to be retrofitted quickly and easily – offered in different styles in order to fit any fixture, including shoeboxes, wall packs and high bays. Not only are your standard shapes offered, some LED corn cobs also offer multi-directional lighting with adjustable beam spreads to suit your need.

​TEMPORARY & WORK LIGHTS
Enjoy the freedom of being able to move your light source with you while on the job site! Temporary work lights are ideal for new construction and renovation projects. The portable lighting creates a safe environment that is easy to maintain in the chaos of construction. Temporary work lights can be installed on a job site for the duration of the project and then packed up and installed at the next job. Most temporary lights come with metal guards to protect the durable fixtures and can be hung from the ceiling to provide 360-degree lighting. Others can be set up on the ground using a tripod with a bright light source mounted on top. One of the most popular choices for temporary lights is a temporary light stringer – with multiple sockets for lamps enclosed in cages for protection. Whatever option you choose, all are damp location rated and vibration resistant!

​OUTDOOR COMMERCIAL LIGHTING
​WALL PACKS
Keep your commercial building’s exterior well-lit with a wall pack! Wall pack fixtures will add a level of security to your parking lot – helping your guests feel safe. They’re also great for making your commercial space more visible for after-dark visitors and improving the appeal of your building. Wall pack fixtures have traditionally used inefficient HID bulbs, which rely on reflective lighting since the light produced by an HID bulb is not directional. About 30% of an HID’s light output is “lost” in the fixture and is never projected outward. However, with LED corn cob retrofit bulbs for existing fixtures or fully integrated LED wall pack fixtures, the produced light is directional, and no light output is lost. They also have a considerably longer lifespan than their HID counterparts. 

FLOOD LIGHT FIXTURES
Flood light fixtures offer directional lighting and are commonly used to illuminate parking lots, building facades and landscape elements. Many parking lots have a dim, orange appearance as a result of using HID bulbs. This can give your commercial building an unattractive character – leaving guests feeling unsafe and unwelcome. Consider upgrading to fully integrated LED flood light fixtures instead to allow for a clear, bright white light and eliminate the need for frequent bulb replacements. Plus, you will lower your energy costs! LED flood light fixtures deliver consistent, even light distribution and help to improve the overall appearance of your commercial building’s exterior. When choosing flood lights for your building, consider the area you are looking to highlight. For smaller areas, like gardens or entryways, use a flood light with less lumens and a warmer color temperature (between 3000K-3500K) so you don’t overwhelm guests or create unwanted glare. For larger areas, such as parking lots, use a flood light with a high lumen count and a bright white color temperature (between 4000K-5000K).

​ELECTRICAL TOOLS & INSTALLATION ESSENTIALS
ELECTRICAL & INSTALLATION
From start to finish, you’ll want to make sure all your bases are covered when it comes to electrical and installation essentials. From wall switches and outlets to plugs and connectors, there are many products needed to complete the job. Other items to be aware of include mounting brackets and hanging kits, boxes and panels, wire connectors and sockets. Every toolbox should always have tape, zip ties and nuts and bolts.

​TOOLS
There’s nothing worse than being on the job site without the proper tools. With trusted brands like Garvin, Caddy and Ideal, Lighting Supply has you covered! Lamp changers and your other basic hand tools like screwdrivers, crimpers, pliers and wire strippers are essentials every professional should carry. When working with electrical currents, it's important to have test equipment handy such as light meters, ballast testers, lamp testers and receptacle testers. Lastly, don’t get caught in a dark basement or crawl space without your flashlight! To ensure a working flashlight, always keep a healthy stock of batteries in your tool bag or box – or upgrade to an LED flashlight!