Archive for the ‘General’ Category
This blog is not dead…
Sunday, December 18th, 2011
…just resting. I hope to have time to post some new stuff over the Christmas holidays soon…
Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
I was fortunate enough to travel to Nepal recently where I completed the trek to Everest Base Camp (from Lukla). I’ll be posting a day-by-day report on this magnificent walk shortly.
Devils Marbles, Northern Territory
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
I’ve been a bit slack updating this blog, but more walks will be added soon.
I recently was able to make a short visit to the Northern Territory; my first visit in 30 years since we lived there in Warrego (45km west of Tennant Creek) for six months back in 1980.
Just off the Stuart Highway about [...]
U.S. Deparment of Energy Flips the Switch on T12 Ballasts
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) flips the switch on magnetic ballasts, banning the sale of numerous magnetic ballasts that operate T12 lamps. This has been in effect since April 1, 2005, however magnetic replacement ballasts can be sold through electrical distribution until July 1, 2010. This marks the end of an inefficient era and brings us into an energy-efficient green age. The T12 electronic ballasts exceed the DOE performance requirements and bring about countless benefits to its users and their bottom line.
Below is a comprehensive table of the changes:
| Date | Parties Affected | Action |
| April 1, 2005 | Ballast Manufacturers | Ban of fabrication of affected ballast by ballast manufacturers. |
| July 1, 2005 | Ballast and Fixture Manufacturers | Ban on U.S. sales of affected ballast by ballast manufacturers to fixture manufacturers for use in new lighting fixtures. |
| April 1, 2006 | Fixture Manufacturers | Ban on U.S. sales of affected ballast in lighting fixtures. |
| July 1, 2010 | Distributors | Ban on U.S. sales of affected ballast for replacement purposes by ballast manufacturers. Replacement ballast must be marked "For Replacement Use Only", hust have leads shorter than the length of the lamps intended to be operated, and must meet minimum existing T12 magnetic efficiency criteria. |
What do these changes mean? Increased energy efficiency and savings.
How do I get it? Visit ProLighting.com for easy upgrades with direct replacement of ballasts. Simply switch out the old magnetic ones for the new electronic ballasts. A majority have the exact same wiring configurations.
Why do I need it? The T12 electronic ballasts are quieter, smaller, lighter, and preform better than the outdated magnetic counterpart. The U.S. Dept. of Energy now requires electronic ballasts, is reduces your energy usage, saving you money!
The electronic ballasts are up to 20% more efficient. Do the math, in a hypothetical application with lights operating at an average of 4,000 hours per year, with an average cost of $0.08/kWh, the increased efficiency brings you a savings of $3.20/per ballast. In a commercial application this can mean big dollars over the years. This upgrade is not only environmentally responsible, this is a smart return on investment. Make your business more efficient and start saving money today! More questions about converting? Contact our friendly staff toll free at (877) 801-8406 or visit our site at www.prolighting.com.
RAB Lighting LED Wallpack
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
RAB Lighting shines a light on function and efficiency with their affordable outdoor LED light fixtures. These are twice the light for NOT twice the price, all while boasting a five year manufacturer warranty. The RAB WPLED20 out performs the 150 watt Metal Halide by providing more light and distribution while producing less glare. Not only does it out perform but it is also IDA approved as a dark sky friendly fixture and certified for use on LEED certified buildings to attain light pollution reduction credit. To get your hands on this fixture click here!
LED Wallpacks installed at the Limerick, PA Fire Department
For full product specs check out RAB Lighting, to purchase this product go to ProLighting.com.
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