LED public lighting: procurement criteria, current regulations and latest trends
There’s a wide range of LED lights on the market geared towards public lighting systems. When procuring these, it’s important to bear in mind several criteria and to be aware of the current regulations. Let’s look at these matters in more depth.
This article addresses...
- PROCUREMENT CRITERIA
- NEW TRENDS
- OUTSTANDING SECOM PROJECTS
Procurement criteria
Below are some key criteria to bear in mind when choosing LEDs for public lighting. We hope these guidelines will make it easier to narrow down your choice.
Materials
Lighting devices comprise a variety of different elements including the case, coverings, screws, reflectors and lenses. Each element must be top quality to ensure it is durable and reliable, and that it works properly throughout the entire useful life of the light. For example, SECOM uses treated die-cast aluminium to protect against damage.
Optics
Optics should be selected to suit the location and to achieve maximum efficiency, the best light levels and uniform lighting. Lenses may be convex (they broaden the light beam) or concave (they concentrate the light at a point).
Power
Consider the maximum power of the devices and the average energy consumption over a certain period of time. In this sense, LEDs use 50% less energy than other, older technologies such as VSAP or HM.
Colour temperature
Colour temperature is another decisive factor and will vary depending on the type of street or road in question. For example, the recommended rating for primarily pedestrian areas is less than 3000K, compared to up to 4000K for high traffic zones. In the Canary Islands, the Institute of Astrophysics requires the use of amber tones.
Emissions
LED street lighting is generally far more efficient and less polluting on account of the lower energy use. What’s more, upward emissions are reduced to almost 0%. There’s no questioning that LED is a more environmentally friendly option.
Integrated drivers
LED technology enables transformers to be incorporated into lights, in turn facilitating customised light level configuration. For example, luminous flux can be regulated based on the time of night, and lights can be managed remotely.
Current regulations in Spain
Spain has a whole host of legislation in place governing LEDs for public lighting. The following national and international laws were established by European bodies or by the Spanish Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving:
- Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/UE
- Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC
- Regulation 1194/2012
- Royal Decree 154/1995
- Royal Decree 1890/2008
- Regulation CE 245/2009
- Regulation 874/2012
In addition to the above, local laws may stipulate specific mandatory criteria. The legislation is constantly being updated to optimise energy use and ensure safety.
New trends
Remote management is undoubtedly one of the main trends in LED street and road lighting. Smart monitoring and adjustment provide many benefits, including the following:
- Removal of difficulties and errors caused by manual management.
- Reduced costs.
- Constant control over the state of each device.
- Flexible, adapted management to suit the time of day and local conditions.
- Energy savings and environment benefits.
- An overview of the system and its level of efficiency, in turn guaranteeing safety and activating alarms in the case of theft or breakdowns.
New materials for lights and motion sensors are making headway in the market. Amber temperatures, along with embedded lighting systems for traffic lights, are also on the rise.
Outstanding SECOM projects
SECOM specialises in the design, manufacture and marketing of professional lighting systems and has been part of some fascinating successful projects. Since 1989, countless clients have turned to SECOM, a business now known for innovation and progress in LED technology for road and street lighting. Here are some of our most notable projects.
University of Murcia
Working in the shared spaces of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, we used the Diri Carril indoor floodlight which is specially designed for interiors. It uses LED technology to project light and create the desired atmosphere. Configuration is possible via 360-degree rotation and 180-degree oscillation.
Paseo Alfonso X el Sabio (Murcia)
We designed and installed a spectacular RGB lighting installation to create an interesting array of colours and rejuvenate the avenue.
Campanet (Mallorca)
Our street lighting in this Mallorcan town significantly increased energy efficiency and modernised the system.
Los Llanos train station (Albacete)
Kusto LED floodlights were used to light pedestrian areas in the station. The result was a significant improvement in lighting quality.
Calaf football pitch (Barcelona)
Esdium Sport floodlights are suited to sports facilities of any type and size, making them the perfect fit for this project. They’re also ideal for televised events.
LED as a public lighting solution has many unique features and offers a whole range of possibilities. However, it’s important to understand the parameters in detail to optimise the use of LED lighting and really get the most out of it.
