Full Cut-Off Outdoor Light Fixtures
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Summary
Poorly designed light
fixtures waste over one billion dollars a year in energy. Lights that don't
direct light where it is intended waste energy, create glare and light
pollution, and cause light trespass (your neighbor's light that keeps you up at
night). Full cut-off outdoor light fixtures reduce all of these by directing
light only where it is supposed to go.
Details
Full cut-off fixtures
direct light where it is needed -- directly down and out, not up and sideways.
Full cut-off fixtures direct light rays below the horizon of the fixture preventing any light from being wasted
upwards. The fixtures cost 50 percent less to operate and maintain by using
energy efficient bulbs – bulbs that get the most lumens (measurement of light
output) and use the fewest watts of electricity. Motion
detector fixtures are
also available and reduce energy use by activating only when a sensor is set
off.
Installation
Full cut-off fixtures
are installed in the same manner as regular light fixtures. To maximize
lighting effectiveness, determine the sufficient amount of light needed for the
area -- you may want to consult a lighting designer. Install full cut-off light
fixtures and covers to maximize their effectiveness and ensure that the lights
uniformly illuminate the area. Old fixtures can be retrofit with full cut-off
covers.
Hubbell Lighting's Skycap
turns any standard
NEMA head light into a
full cut-off light.
Installation of this
fixture results in 47 percent
more light on the
ground.
Benefits/Costs
Full cut-off fixtures
use less energy which reduces pollution and saves money. Glare and
light-trespass are minimized which creates better illumination and keeps the
light away from areas it's not wanted. Full cut-off fixtures with energy
efficient bulbs cost more initially but the payback time is short due to lower
electric, maintenance, and supply costs.
Limitations
None
Code/Regulatory
Some local
jurisdictions mandate the use of full cut-off light fixtures. Community
covenants and restrictions may regulate outdoor lighting fixtures.
Availability
New and
retrofit/converter fixtures are available through home improvement stores,
lighting stores, and electrical suppliers. They have been available for over
twenty years, but are increasing in popularity due to environmental concerns.
Contact(s)
If you have any
specific questions about this technology and/or its applications please contact
the following resources.
International Dark-Sky
Association
3225 North First
Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719
http://www.darksky.org/ida/gnol.html
Illuminating
Engineering Society of North America
120 Wall Street, Floor
17
New York, NY
10005-4001
212-248-5000
National Electrical
Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street
Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209
703-841-3200
LIGHTING-INC.COM
1236 Wood Station
Place
St. Louis, Missouri 63021
314-225-7042
http://www.lighting-inc.com/searchman.html
EnergyStar Residential
Light Fixtures Program
U.S, EPA Atmospheric
Pollution Prevention Division
401 M Street SW,
(6202J)
Washington, DC 20460
888-STAR-YES
http://www.epa.gov/appdstar/fixtures
Hubbell Lighting, Inc.
2000 Electric Way
Christiansburg, VA
24073-2500
540-382-6111
Fact Sheet Source
The material provided
in this section is used with permission by the National Association of Home
Builders Research Center and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in
Housing (PATH).
Web sites: