FEATURED STORY Lunch and Learn from Bell Electrical on how to get your share of AmerenUE's $24 million in cash incentives for energy saving lighting and motor upgrades. On April 7, 2011 Bell Electrical will offer a free Lunch and Learn Trade Show including 4 "Power to Save" session areas covering Lighting Retrofits and Upgrades, Lighting Controls, Motors and VFDs Upgrades and Solar Financial Incentives. Bell has returned over $230,000 in AmerenUE cash incentives to their customers. Make your reservations today, contact Mike Picker at (314) 739-7744 or mpicker@bellelectrical.com. |
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Is T5 to T8 Better in Lighting Retrofits The T5 fluorescent luminaire is sometimes thought to be just the next step in the development of more efficient lighting solutions; just as the T8 replaces less efficient T12 luminaires. Such is not the case, however. T5’s have specific applications. The T5, (where the “5” refers to the tube diameter in eighths of an inch), is a smaller diameter tube than the T8 and provides a bright pinpoint type of light source. T5 luminaires therefore require a different type fixture to diffuse the light and T5 lamps do not fit the traditional T12 and T8 fixtures. Generally, T5’s are often used for high-bay applications to replace T12 fluorescents or HID lighting. T8’s are the most common luminaires in commercial office areas. Consider your application, light level needs, total number of luminaires required, ballast specifics, ambient temperature, lamp-life, and luminaire initial costs associated with your lighting retrofit before making a final decision. |
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AmerenUE Awards Mike Picker of Bell the Most Valuable Trade Ally for 2011 In February 2009, AmerenUE began offering several million dollars in cash incentives to Missouri business electric customers as part of the company's Business Efficiency Program. Bell Electrical has been an AmerenUE Trade Ally since it's inception. Mike Picker, Director of Operations, lighting Services and Energy Solutions for Bell has been the point man for helping dozens of customers save 2,144,974 kWh. On Thursday, January 13th, Mike was awarded AmerenUE's Most Valuable Trade Ally Award for 2011. "We are simply trying to reach as many business owners as possible before Ameren's cash incentives run out. When business owners realize that retrofits and lighting upgrades can be made with an average 2 year return on investment it becomes a no-brainer", said Mike Picker. |
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Occupancy Sensors Deliver Lighting on Demand Lighting can account for up to 40% of the energy used in commercial buildings, and the cost of that energy is creeping up year by year. One of the easiest ways to reduce energy use and to cut costs (and emissions) is to turn off lights when they are not required. Manual light switches exist so that humans can turn lights on and off. Most of us are good at turning lights on, but we often forget to turn* them off when leaving a room. That's where occupancy sensors come in. Originally designed for use with security systems, occupancy sensors have been refined and enhanced to control lighting and HVAC in commercial and residential spaces. These sensors detect activity within a specified area, and provide convenience by turning lights on automatically when someone enters. They also reduce costs and energy use by turning lights off soon after the last occupant has left. Using occupancy sensors to turn lights off when areas are unoccupied helps to reduce energy waste and costs by between 35% and 45% (according to the California Energy Commission). Most sensors are configurable, and can be adjusted for the required levels of sensitivity and accuracy. This helps to avoid false triggering, which can be caused by things like air movements from HVAC vents and the movement of warm air in front of a sunny window. Some sensors also allow you to set time delays between the sensor detecting a lack of occupancy and turning the lights off (usually between 10 and 15 minutes). Occupancy sensors are best suited to areas where people spend variable amounts of time and often forget to turn lights off when leaving, such as meeting rooms and private offices. There are two main types of occupancy sensors used with lighting and building automation systems: Passive Infrared (PIR) and Ultrasonic. From: Daintree Networks |
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Bell Electrical Contractors offers its customers comprehensive electrical, communication and technology solutions. Bell has been the leader in "green" technology and energy saving solutions long before being "green" was popular. With over two decades of experience, Bell is proud to announce their Power to Save Program, specializing in the strategic management and maintenance of power and lighting systems.
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