Today we have a post from a guest blogger,Jason Schanta.
The 2012 Lightfair International over all:Lightfair this year was by far one of the more exciting in the past three to five years.Manufacturers have really stepped up their offerings in LED technologies as well as alternative sources of lighting such as induction,cold cathode and LEP,light emitting plasma technologies.The energy was high on all fronts from manufacturers,reps,specifiers,contractors and distributors.LED has taken the forefront for the past several years but just in the past year costs and quality have started to meet one another.Now there is an LED for every market with control and quality at all price levels.Manufacturers at this particular show had really stepped up their marketing efforts as well with professional booths that were well staffed with trained personnel.One of our manufacturers won booth of the show as well for its size category,congratulations Tech Lighting!If this is the trend of things to come,Lightfair is a must attend event for cutting edge revelation of product,design and market direction.
Three manufacturers with exciting products from Lightfair:
1)Tech Lighting's Element new 4"LED Directional and Unilume Under-Cabinet
Tech had a complete demo including mini light lab showing all their Element products but by far the new 4"directional and down light LED product was the hit of the booth.This new recessed product offers two options on lamping utilizing either the Molex Helieon LED(1547 lumens)or the Citizen High Output Assembly(1750 lumens).They both offer over 82 CRI with the Molex at 52 lumens per watt and the Citizen at 55 lumens per watt.Both are available in 2700K,3000K and 3500K color temperatures.They are offered in three beam spreads and offer in several voltages for residential as well as commercial use.The best par was the competitive price offer by Element providing quality while not compromising on design capability.Element also showcased their 3"and 6"LED products at this show.All are able to be trimmed or trimless,square or round.All of their directional Element cans can be adjusted on lamp height and aiming angle with no tools,a real industry innovation.
Unilume is the first under cabinet product to utilize remote phosphor technology.It provides a uniform under cabinet light in LED with no hot spots,limited shadow effects,dimmable,provides 50 to 60 lumens per watt depending on the length and two versions with an 80+CRI and a 90+CRI option.There is no remote driver to mount for easy installation and the units are linkable for flexibility.Truly a breakthrough for LED under cabinet products!
Photo:Unilume's First Under Cabinet Lighting Unit
2)CSL Lighting's 5",2"recessed Eco Downlight and the Eco Cove LED lighting system
CSL introduced LED downlights several years ago but this introduction showcased at Light Fair was exciting on several fronts.One is the size;a 2"recessed down light with 3 optics that ship in the box(25,45 and 65 degree)and that is dimmable with an incandscent dimmer.All have a least an 80+CRI and in the 2800K option a 90+CRI(3500K and 4000K are also available).The real innovation here is the light output at 700 lumens,and incredible amount of light from a 2"source.The 5"version of their Eco Downlight is real game changer in light output.This is also available in a new construction,new construction IC and remodel version.
2"Versions
Photos:CSL Lighting's 5",2"recessed Eco Downlight and the Eco Cove LED lighting system
The 5"version of their Eco Downlight is real game changer in light output.This is also available in a new construction,new construction IC and remodel version.At Lightfair they displayed this fixture on a 20 foot lid and the light output was amazing.It boasts 1950 lumens at 90CRI for the 2800K version and 2200 lumens on the 3500K and 4000K color temps.The 5"is dimmable with an ELV dimmer and is available in remodel as well as new construction with several trim options including square or round utilizing the same can.On the 5",the same three optics ship in the box as the 2"but there is also an optional 12 and 85 degree optic that can be ordered.They both utilize a driver that can handle multiple voltages for both commercial and residential specifications.WOW!
The Eco Cove lighting system is a wet approved product(IP67)that can be used indoors as well.This LED cove lighting system is offered in two color temperatures(2800K and 4000K)with CRI at 85 on the 2800K version and 80CRI on the 4000K.The driver is on board and integrated so 120 volt power can be run directly into the unit.It comes in two sizes(10.5"and 21")and is linkable up to 100 feet with 120 degree rotation.The lumen output is incredible at 300 lumens on the 10.5"and the 21"is at 600 lumens.Very affordable pricing structure on this product compared to the competition and dimmable with an ELV.The cutoff angle on the light output is smooth and not striated.Perfect for cove yet powerful enough for wall grazing exterior achitectual features.
Photo:CSL's–Eco Cove Lighting System
3)Access Lighting's Architectural Wall Exterior and ADA LED Fixtures
Access has always been known for affordable contemporary design.Their recent introductions in the exterior LED arena have been on target on both accounts.At LFI they showcased several products but their wall fixtures that are wet rated were a real eye catcher.Several styles were shown but the LED offering combined with marine grade finishes were a focal point.These offered high output 3 and 5watt LEDs with excellent color rendering.Access also offered custom paint options from local sources for fast turnaround times if needed.All had several applications to include wall grazing,wall washing,decorative elements and step lights.
Photo:Access Lighting's Architectural Wall Exterior and ADA LED Fixtures
