Exploring the Adaptability of Field Selectable Lamps
Welcome back to the second installment of our field selectable series! This week’s focus is on one of our favorite selectable products–lamps!
In the ever-evolving world of lighting, the demand for flexibility and efficiency has given rise to innovative solutions. One standout in this space is the field-selectable lamp. With the ability to adjust key settings on the lamp at the installation site, these lamps offer unparalleled versatility for contractors, facility managers, and end users. But what features are available and which lamps are available with those features?
Features Currently Available for Field Selectable Lamps
1. Selectable Color Temperature (CCT): Many field-selectable lamps offer multiple color temperature options, usually ranging from warm (2700K) to cool (5000K) color temperatures. This allows for creating the desired ambiance or task lighting easily throughout a project, whether you’re accommodating mixed-use spaces or utilizing the same stock for multiple jobs.
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- Emergency Tubes with CCT Select: Emergency tubes are the latest introduction to emergency lighting solutions and have made their entrance on the market with color selectable technology. This provides a simple and convenient solution with just a single tube. Not only will you fulfill emergency lighting requirements, but one lamp can used in any area and still provide uniform color temperatures.
2. Selectable Wattage/Lumens: For more control over energy consumption and light output, field-selectable lamps often provide the option to select wattage or lumen output. This can be especially useful when balancing light output with energy savings or meeting a required light output for different applications or tasks within a single project.
3. Interchangeable Bases: Select manufacturers are now offering caps or adapters that can easily be switched out on the lamp to change the bases. Currently, the most common lamps equipped with this technology are T8 tubes with options for a recessed double contact base (R17d) or single pin base (Fa8), giving you the power to adapt these lamps to high output applications in seconds. Green Creative has also developed their PinFit technology, using a patented modular socket design to effortlessly switch between a 4-pin (G24q) and a 2-pin (G24d) PL lamp.
Field Selectable Lamps Currently Available
Selectable technology has undoubtedly and permanently altered the environment of the lighting industry. As this segment continues to grow, the limit to selectable offerings will continue to diminish and we will see more adaptable products come to market. But what is available now? Let’s take a closer look at the features for a variety of lamps on the market.
1. LED A Lamps
- Selectable Features: CCT Select
- Bulb Shapes: A19, A21
- Base Types: Medium (E26), GU24
- Manufacturers: Current (GE), Green Creative, MaxLite, RAB, Satco
2. LED Tubes
- Selectable Features: CCT Select, Wattage or Lumen Select, CCT & Wattage or Lumen Select, CCT & Wattage or Lumen Select & Interchangeable Bases
- Bulb Shapes: T5, T8, T8 U Bend
- Sizes: T5 (3’, 4’), T8 (2’, 3’, 4’, 8’), T8 U Bend (1”, 3”, 6”)
- Manufacturers: Current (GE), Green Creative, Halco, Keystone, RAB, Satco
3. LED Sign Tubes
- Selectable Features: CCT Select
- Bulb Shapes: T8
- Sizes: 18”, 24”. 30”, 36”, 42”, 48”, 60”, 64”, 72”, 84”, 96”, 108”, 117”, 120”
- Manufacturer: Keystone
4. LED Emergency Tubes
- Selectable Features: CCT Select
- Bulb Shapes: T8, T10
- Sizes: 4’
- Manufacturers: Green Creative, Keystone, RAB, Satco
5. LED CFL Replacements
- Selectable Features: CCT Select, Lumen Select, CCT & Lumen Select, CCT Select & PinFit (Switchable Socket Design)
- Bulb Shapes: PL (Horizontal & Vertical), PLL (T5)
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Base Types: G24d (2-Pin), G24q (4-Pin), E26, GU24, GX23, G24, 2G11
- Manufacturers: Current (GE), Green Creative, Halco, Keystone, MaxLite, RAB, Satco
6. LED HID Replacements
- Selectable Features: CCT Select, Wattage Select, CCT & Wattage Select
- Bulb Shapes: Corncob, Hi-Pro LED A Lamps (AP23/AP28/AP32/AP37), PS30, ED17, ED23.5, ED23.5M, ED28, High Bay/Low Bay, Shoe Box, Post Top, Wall Pack
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Base Types: E26, EX39
- Manufacturers: Current (GE), Green Creative, Halco, Keystone, MaxLite, RAB, Satco
7. LED Reflector/Flood Lamps
- Selectable Features: CCT Select, CCT Select & Beam Select
- Bulb Shapes: PAR20, PAR30, PAR30SN, PAR38, MR16, BR30, BR40
- Base Types: E26, GU10
- Manufacturers: Green Creative, Keystone, RAB, Satco
8. LED Circline Lamps
- Selectable Features: CCT Select
- Sizes: 8”, 12”
- Base Types: G10Q
- Manufacturers: Satco
Considerations When Switching to Field Selectable Lamps
Here are a few considerations when making the switch to field selectable lamps:
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Application: Think about where the lamp will be used. In spaces where ambiance or task lighting are crucial, such as hospitality or office spaces, adjustable CCT may be the most critical feature. For industrial or warehouse settings, wattage adjustability might take priority.
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Compatibility: Ensure the lamp is compatible with existing fixtures, particularly if retrofitting an older system. Here at Luminosity, we are happy to find a selectable solution for you to keep it simple!
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Cost Considerations: Compare the benefits of cost and labor savings to the upfront cost of field selectable lamps to. The flexibility provides simplified inventory purchasing and management, reduces the chance of reordering to accommodate unexpected changes on-site, and saves on installation time.
- Supplier Support: Choose lamps from reputable, knowledgeable suppliers who offer comprehensive support–from the beginning of your project through to post-purchase assistance and warranties.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when switching to field-selectable lamps, ensuring they meet your lighting requirements while gaining the maximum benefit.
Field-selectable lamps represent a major step forward in the lighting industry’s mission for providing flexibility, efficiency, and ease of use. Whether you’re a contractor looking to streamline installations or a facility manager seeking to simplify your inventory, these products offer practical solutions. By choosing field-selectable lamps, you’re not just investing in a light source—you’re investing in adaptability and simplified lighting solutions.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of field-selectable lighting or have questions about the best products for your project, reach out to us at Luminosity Supply & Solutions. Our team is here to help you find the perfect fit for your lighting needs!
