Industrial lighting: "Leaving nothing in the dark!"

In addition to a broad portfolio of luminaires for almost all purposes, R. Stahl can draw on profound expertise regarding lighting issues as well as on explosion protection know-how. The manufacturer is therefore able to provide comprehensive advice on application-specific light planning and lighting systems calculations. Users can greatly benefit from this qualified support, e.g. to learn the best ways to tap the huge savings potential of state-of-the-art LED technology.

In hazardous areas, light installations, replacements and maintenance are especially challenging, since only luminaires that are certified for use in these environments or have been especially protected for these applications must be installed. Retrofit solutions are usually unsuitable, because conventional explosion-proof linear luminaires featuring "increased safety" (Ex e) or "non-sparking" (Ex nA) type of protection may not be operated with LED retrofit luminaires. Moreover, energy-efficient upgrades must meet the criteria laid down in the lighting guidelines DIN EN 12665, DIN EN 12464-1 and 2 and DIN EN 1838 (emergency lighting).

To ensure the required illumination, a qualified lighting calculation must include not only the illuminance (lx), but also further characteristics such as the luminous flux specified in lumen (lm), the luminaire efficiency (lm/W), the luminous flux per solid angle unit (cd), the beam angle and glare factor (UGR) as well as the colour rendering. R. STAHL provides planners and plant operators with the professional ezyLum software tool, which enables an exact mapping of the room geometry, including relevant areas and objects. This facilitates a precise determination of the placement, required light distribution and luminous flux of luminaires. By comparing characteristics such as power consumption, lifespans and maintenance intervals, users can identify a lighting concept with a perfect purchase, maintenance and operating cost profile. Moreover, complex special solutions can be developed and manufactured according to custom specifications at the R. STAHL lighting competence centre in Weimar, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2016.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation.

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