The FHVFD has completed two thirds of a lighting upgrade to our station. The FHVFD received GRANT dollars and underwent a major transition from four and eight foot T-12, fluorescent lighting to LED lighting in and around the station. The lighting in this portion of the building is original and was installed in 1963.
This project started with the Grant writing and receiving funds to purchase new fixtures for the first floor interior of the building, the stairway going to the second floor and all lighting on the exterior. Members in collaboration with a lighting engineer reconfigured the lighting patterns in the truck bays to allow for better lighting in this area.
This was a significant investment of money, as well as, time and labor in planning for and installing the new fixtures. The department saved an estimated $5,000 by installing the fixtures ourselves. The installation took place under the guidance of members that are electricians, with others assisting.
By upgrading our existing lighting from fluorescent to LED at the fire department, we have improved light output, overall foot candles and better uniformity. The fire department is saving both money and energy based on total wattage reduction, cost of replacement lamps, ballasts, and regular maintenance. Some lights, including the restrooms, have been fitted with motion sensors to light up specific areas as they are walked under. These lights will only remain on for a certain period of time and then turn themselves off.
We have been told that this upgrade could cut our energy usage in half, resulting in significant savings on our electric bill.
Below are key advantages to LED upgrade
• Total wattage reduced in half from 8600 to 4200
• 100,000+ life hours
• 5 year warranty
• Light depreciation reduced from 5000 hours in fluorescent to 70,000 with LED (maintains uniformity and eliminates discoloration)
• Completely eliminates need for lamps, ballasts and maintenance
During this process we have recycled all of the packaging from the new lights and have been dismantling the old fixtures. Those will be taken for recycling and proper disposal of components. It is in our hope to receive additional GRANT funding to replace the lighting on the second floor of the station to provide additional savings on the energy costs and become 100% LED lit by the end of 2015.