For years there has been a critical demand within the sign industry for a book on the structural engineering of signs. This comprehensive text more than meets that demand -- it exceeds it. Sign companies, ...
Bombarded with new technological hype, every sign company should use caution.
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By George Doll
This month, to start the new year, we're deviating from this column's plotted course to cover an issue that affects us all -- lightsources.
Over the past year or two, many within our industry have struggled to determine the best lighting sources for various projects. Our decisions have been clouded by claims (often inaccurate) as to newer technologies' capabilities.
A few within our industry have sought to clear up marketed misconceptions. One such effort occurred in November at the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York. Commentary on this event will be covered in our February issue by Eric Johnson.
However, I want to address some technical and installation issues here. This cursory view affirms that many of our thoughts have been on track.
Lightsources
Sign installers, designers, display marketers, etc. must consider many aspects when assembling a sign/display package for a client. Safety is paramount, but we must also consider the sign's design and environment, plus the effects a client wants to achieve.
In the electric-sign field, our considerations are based on the lightsource and its location. What are some considerations? They include visually perceived color, illumination intensity, directional wash of light, maintenance issues and continuous-operation energy considerations.
The important point is: No one lightsource can be shoehorned into a catchall solution for every application (see ST, December 2002, page 18). One of the most urgent thoughts passed on to us at the LED lighting course at Rensselaer was emphasized by Dr. N. Narendran, Rensselaer's director of research. In turn, let me re-emphasize these thoughts to you. $image1
Understanding lightsources
Incandescent lighting. The simple light bulb is a very energy-inefficient lightsource because most of its light generation emanates from its tungsten filament as heat. However, this bulb, which screwed into an Edison-type socket, initially sold for approximately 30 cents and offered an average rated life of 1,000 hours. Currently, some incandescents offer 4,000-hour life ratings.
Remember these life-hour numbers. An incandescent installation is relatively inexpensive and uncomplicated, but is it a thing of the past?
No. Particular applications, even in our sign industry, can't be filled by any other component. At times, a lighting designer must produce a certain ambiance or chasing effect, which only an incandescent bulb delivers.
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