by Shane Henson — November 5, 2012—Philips’ Lighting division has released three new light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs that are designed to replicate the light quality of the incandescent and fluorescent technologies they replace, while offering the energy efficiency and reduced maintenance benefits of LED technology.
The new Philips DimTone BR30 LED offers a unique optical design that reportedly delivers uniform diffuse light. But, unlike other BR30 LED lamps on the market, which dim at the same color temperature, the new Philips DimTone BR30 LED Lamp transitions from 2700K to 2200K while dimming, replicating the warm tones of incandescent light sources, and is dimmable to less than 5% of full light levels, says Philips.
The BR30 is one of the most popular lamps in the hospitality industry, commonly used in recessed lighting and track lighting. Switching to the Philips DimTone BR30 LED will allow users to reduce lighting energy use by up to 80%, while maintaining the atmosphere their customers prefer. The BR30 LED lamp can also last up to 12 times longer than traditional light sources, helping to reduce maintenance costs and disruptions for guests, Philips says.
One of the first commercially viable LED retrofit bulbs to replace a 100-watt bulb, the new Philips LED A21 22-watt in the company’s A-shaped series offers 2700K and omnidirectional light, replicating the color and light quality of the incandescent. Using just 22 watts of power to deliver 1780 lumens, the Philips LED A21 22-watt is designed to meet or exceed Energy Star requirements for a 100-watt LED equivalent and has already been submitted for Energy Star qualification, the company says. The Philips LED A21 22-watt reportedly reduces energy consumption by 78% and lasts 25 times longer than the incandescent bulb it replaces. Over its lifetime, the lamp can save a business about $214 in energy costs.
As with all bulbs in the Philips LED retrofit lighting portfolio , the Philips LED A21 22-watt is dimmable. Like the DimTone, it utilizes Philips’ next-generation driver technology, which further increases the lamps’ compatibility with existing dimmers and the dimming range of the lamps. The Philips LED A21 22-watt will be available in December 2012.
The new LED T8 with external driver is part of a growing family of Philips linear T8 and T12 replacements lamps. With its patent-pending channeled optics, the LED T8 with external driver offers a wider beam than competing products, resulting in better ambient light quality, says Philips. The product has a CRI of 85, providing the color rendering key to commercial and retail environments, and can last up to 50,000 hours, helping to reduce maintenance costs.
This new LED system can be easily installed in most existing ceiling troffers utilizing a unique Philips Centium external driver that wires the same way as a traditional T8 electronic ballast, offering a low-cost option for upgrading to LED lighting. Further, the new LED T8 lamp and driver are highly efficient, delivering over 104 lumens per watt at the system level, while reducing the wattage by 17% compared to fluorescent 32W T8 systems and 35% compared to fluorescent 34W T12 systems. The bulb also qualifies for energy rebate programs.
Royal Philips Electronics is a worldwide provider of healthcare, lifestyle and lighting solutions.
