At the LiteSync/about us/David Rishor web site, we wrote a paper about "The Evolution of an Industry". In that we state how today there is a bumper crop of low voltage only contractors with the flavor of the month automation manufacturer that may or may not be in business tomorrow. Such is the case with one vendor Colorado vNet whom supplied varying types of home automation integration products.
This rather recent entry into the market closed it's doors in September 2009. In 2008 LiteSync was approached by a developer whom was in the process of building a LEED certified home. They desired to utilize this new start up Automation vendor and while we could have helped them, our advise was to stick with manufactures that can survive tough economic climates and whom have proven track records related to themselves and their products.
We also advised them to avoid utilizing a low voltage only contractor as they do not have the license to connect high voltage wires into their automation products nor do they have the credentials to properly configure lighting control.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ASU Installs LED Lighting
Arizona State University retrofitted six parking structures on the Tempe Campus with new light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. Changing the existing fixtures to LED low-bay solution will give ASU an annual savings of up to 127,000 in energy and maintenance costs for the six structures that were retrofit.
As part of the Phase II energy conservation and sustainability project underway throughout the campus, ASU replaced more than 2,000 150 -watt metal halide fixtures. By replacing existing metal halide fixtures and lamps, ASU will reduce it's energy consumption by 1.5 million kilowatt-hours.
Money in the bank for ASU, hats off to them!
As part of the Phase II energy conservation and sustainability project underway throughout the campus, ASU replaced more than 2,000 150 -watt metal halide fixtures. By replacing existing metal halide fixtures and lamps, ASU will reduce it's energy consumption by 1.5 million kilowatt-hours.
Money in the bank for ASU, hats off to them!
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005)
Energy efficient lighting and controls can pay for itself in energy savings. For at least the next two years it may pay for itself initially as well as over time. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was signed into law on August 8th, 2005. It includes a significant tax deduction to encourage the use of energy efficient products. Lighting and controls is emphasized and encouraged because of the ease of upgrading and the dramatic energy savings from readily available new technology. The HVAC/hot water systems and building envelope designs can also qualify for additional tax deductions totaling up to 60 cents per square foot for each system with a possible $1.80 per square foot maximum. A 100,000 square foot building could generate up to a $180,000 deduction just for using progressive energy saving products to exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2001 requirements.
September is CEDIA EXPO 2009
Every thing is new about the CEDIA Expo in Atlanta this year. It's a very exciting atmosphere and the industry is ready to move in a positive direction again with the economy gaining strength. LyteSnyc enjoys attending events such as this and the CES Show as it allows us to see first hand the latest industry tends and new products.
Building/home automation and audio/video has erupted into a flood of manufactures and installers offering new products. At LiteSync we have been watching this evolve over the past 30 years and within the last 10 years is when we have seen the most growth. Everywhere the consumer looks there is new product choices and vendors offering this industry credential or that industry credential...it becomes a daunting task to know what is the right choice for ones budget and needs.
LiteSync's approach is to align themselves with manufactures that have been been in the industry for decades like ourselves. We all will be here years from now for the support you need. Our best advice to consumers is...do your homework! Ask the vendor you are considering the tough questions. If their automation is controlling your lighting, what education, what credentials do they have in the lighting discipline? It's much more than just turning some lights on and off rest assured and we have witnessed their failings in the most expensive of projects. Do they have the electrical contractors license to execute all phases of your work or do they have to hire others to support them? While many vendors put on a very good facade, there are big holes in their service and these holes can affect you and the cost of your project.
Building/home automation and audio/video has erupted into a flood of manufactures and installers offering new products. At LiteSync we have been watching this evolve over the past 30 years and within the last 10 years is when we have seen the most growth. Everywhere the consumer looks there is new product choices and vendors offering this industry credential or that industry credential...it becomes a daunting task to know what is the right choice for ones budget and needs.
LiteSync's approach is to align themselves with manufactures that have been been in the industry for decades like ourselves. We all will be here years from now for the support you need. Our best advice to consumers is...do your homework! Ask the vendor you are considering the tough questions. If their automation is controlling your lighting, what education, what credentials do they have in the lighting discipline? It's much more than just turning some lights on and off rest assured and we have witnessed their failings in the most expensive of projects. Do they have the electrical contractors license to execute all phases of your work or do they have to hire others to support them? While many vendors put on a very good facade, there are big holes in their service and these holes can affect you and the cost of your project.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
New Standards for Lamps Light a Path for Greater Efficiency
Seven percent of all electricity used in the United States is for lighting, the department of Energy recently announced aggressive actions to promote energy efficiency, propelled in large part by new standards for the lamps most commonly found in residential and commercial buildings.
The standards apply to general service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps. By bringing more energy-efficient technologies to American homes and businesses, we won't just significantly reduce our energy demand, we will put more money back in the pockets of consumers.
The standards apply to general service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps. By bringing more energy-efficient technologies to American homes and businesses, we won't just significantly reduce our energy demand, we will put more money back in the pockets of consumers.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Green Switch and Energy Savings
Light Composers, Inc. is proud to be southern Arizona's only certified Green Switch installer. This revolutionary product will help to reduce our energy demand and eliminate power waste. With it's ZiggBee mesh networking protocol communication it will be ready to work with the coming new smart grid.
President Obama has called for the installation of 40 million smart meters and 3,000 miles of transmission lines. That means 2009 could be the year that we finally start seeing real attention being paid to “Power Grid 2.0” — basically turning the electrical grid of the 60s and 70s into a modern network that uses microprocessors and software to work efficiently and to connect to renewable energy generation.
The new smart grid will utilize wireless sensor networks, software, and computing to enable utilities to see how much and where energy is being consumed, and if there are problems or blackouts in the network. Homeowners will be able to see how much energy they’ve consumed and adjust their consumption habits accordingly. Two-way connected smart meters will be installed in every home — Obama is calling for 40 million, but as of 2006 less than 6 percent of the U.S. population had a smart meter.
Smart meters will pave the way for real-time pricing, where energy is priced at different rates depending on the time of day and much demand there is for the electricity. Utilities can use real-time pricing to better manage the loads on the grid, while home owners can use it to cut their monthly energy bills.
President Obama has called for the installation of 40 million smart meters and 3,000 miles of transmission lines. That means 2009 could be the year that we finally start seeing real attention being paid to “Power Grid 2.0” — basically turning the electrical grid of the 60s and 70s into a modern network that uses microprocessors and software to work efficiently and to connect to renewable energy generation.
The new smart grid will utilize wireless sensor networks, software, and computing to enable utilities to see how much and where energy is being consumed, and if there are problems or blackouts in the network. Homeowners will be able to see how much energy they’ve consumed and adjust their consumption habits accordingly. Two-way connected smart meters will be installed in every home — Obama is calling for 40 million, but as of 2006 less than 6 percent of the U.S. population had a smart meter.
Smart meters will pave the way for real-time pricing, where energy is priced at different rates depending on the time of day and much demand there is for the electricity. Utilities can use real-time pricing to better manage the loads on the grid, while home owners can use it to cut their monthly energy bills.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Low Voltage But NOT Low Risk
The good news is that the electrical current flowing through low-voltage cabling such as telecommunications, security or video is not strong enough to cause a fatal electric shock.
The Bad news is there still are very real safety risks when performing low voltage installations. Unsettling shocks can occur if one is in an unsafe environment such as if they are ungrounded or standing on a wet spot. In addition, an arc in a low-voltage system has the same potential for igniting explosive materials as one in a 120-plus-volt system.
We highly recommend that the consumer hire a professional contractor that is licensed for 0 to 600 volt installations and whom has the in depth advanced electrical training needed to be certain everything is installed safely.
The Bad news is there still are very real safety risks when performing low voltage installations. Unsettling shocks can occur if one is in an unsafe environment such as if they are ungrounded or standing on a wet spot. In addition, an arc in a low-voltage system has the same potential for igniting explosive materials as one in a 120-plus-volt system.
We highly recommend that the consumer hire a professional contractor that is licensed for 0 to 600 volt installations and whom has the in depth advanced electrical training needed to be certain everything is installed safely.
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