|
  |
|
|
500W security floodlights banned from 2009 (UK)
By Anthony Ashard
Quote from: Britastro.org 'DEFRA announced that the ban will come into effect as these lamps do not meet efficiency standards (text available online as a PDF document). The sale of existing stock in the supply chain (i.e. lamps currently on retailers shelf or indeed in their warehouses) are still allowed to be sold until they run out. This is very welcome news. The CfDS has campaigned for the ban on 500W security lights as they feature in many of the complaints we receive from the public as well as astronomers.'
I can understand this issue touches many a sore nerve, I have a floodlight in my back yard aimed very low just enough to illuminate the floor directly below the light, just enough so my dogs can see their way around at night, and to deter burglars. Opposite our house we have neighbours that do not respect someone's right not to have large amounts of light streaming through our son's bedroom window almost every night when even the wind or cats set off the light frequently. Not only is their light way too bright, but also angled too high and illuminated for way too long every time it comes on. Poorly installed DIY lighting is a nuisance. The sourced website above suggests that floodlights are best angled directly downwards, however this is NOT GOOD as the manufacturers recommend a minimum angle because of heat build-up in the light housing. in some cases the bulbs have been known to explode when they cannot disperse the heat generated. Using a lower wattage bulb makes sense in that you are saving money on powering the unit if it's frequently triggered or set to remain on for some time. When buying outside light fittings, there are many alternatives to floodlighting that can still provide adequate light output. (see below examples) Avoid causing light pollution: * do not install more lights than necessary for illuminating just the area required. * Use 150 watt bulb, 300 or 500 watt bulbs are too bright for most home requirements. * Install lighting that is controlled by PIR movement sensor, and if you need to have the light on constantly i.e. porch light assembly, then use florescent bulbs where possible. * One of the main causes of complaint comes from poorly positioned floodlighting, aim your floodlights at your property only, making sure the light is not shining over into another persons property. Although floodlights are a good deterrent, they are more often than not a public nuisance, a little thought and pre-planning can save you many a headache later on, especially now UK laws are tightening up on light pollution.
|
Contributor's Note
Spare a thought, most kids bedrooms are at the rear of a house.
|
|
   
500w Floodlight now banned in UK
Protected bulkhead light is a good alternative to floodlighting
Old style decorative wall light
Modern external lighting with energy efficient bulb
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
 |  | SOK liked this intel. Jun 19, 2011 |
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
They are banning LIGHT? Darkness shall prevail.
 | | nick Jan 29, 2010 19:12 | |
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
So you've never awoken to a 500 watt floodlight blasting through your bedroom window?. there are thousands of light pollution complaints to councils very year.
The copyright for this content entitled "500W security floodlights banned from 2009 (UK)" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
|
|
This intel was contributed by Puniksem
Puniksem
|
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
