As part of our new-product evaluation, we installed our Stairwell Light Fixture at two beta test sites. One was at a multi-level office building with a lower-level parking ramp. We replaced 70-watt high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures with our three-lamp Stairwell Light Fixture with the Microwave Occupancy Sensor. Each replacement fixture saves a minimum of $46 in annual electrical savings in this building. PLUS, the lighting quality is far superior to the original HPS fixtures. Assuming our fixtures were purchased at the suggested list price and assuming the building owner received a utility rebate (typically $25-$75 per fixture), payback would be 3.9 years. An LED Fixture, with its inherit high cost and limited opportunity for energy savings, might have a pay back of 8-10 years.
Great Idea Engineering/Design Plus
Over the past year, our Engineering Department evaluated stairwell fixture designs from a variety of manufacturers and incorporated the best features into our own hybrid. Most notably, ours offer a choice of two distinct occupancy sensors that dim down the illumination level to reduce energy costs. Otherwise, the housing and lens are basically the same in each design.
But it takes more than excellent design features to create a successful product. We have to maintain the same exceptional customer service (including short lead times) with new products as we do with every product in our catalog. This is how EPCO competes against some of the largest and best lighting companies. Great design plus great service.
Next for Stairwell Light Fixture Blog Series – Part III: Why two sensor options? Read about applications best suited for ultrasonic and microwave sensors.