Pulse-Start Upgrade Increases Productivity-and Efficiency

Staff -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 11/1/2000

The Angelus Sanitary Can Machine Company, Los Angeles, recently upgraded its lighting technology-not to save energy dollars, but rather to increase productivity by enhancing the quality of its workspace. Energy savings, however, were a welcome added benefit.

The renovation effort began with a ballast and lamp retrofit of 17-year old high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures with pulse-start metal-halide lamps and pulse-start ballasts. According to company officials, the new technology has produced bright, white light illumination that has lifted the spirits of the workforce and has enhanced job satisfaction and increased productivity. Additionally, the company has realized a 10- to 15-watt-per-fixture savings.

The pulse-start metal-halide systems used in the project was the result of a lamp/ballast solution that overcame the HID trade-off between energy efficiency and white light, replacing the hazy, yellow illumination associated with HPS lamps.

The Angelus plant is in operation 16 hours per day, with the lighting upgrade taking place at night and during the day while the plant was in operation. Two buildings were designated for lighting renovation. The project involved the lighting upgrade of 192,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. A total of 550 HPS lamps and 550 probe-start ballasts were replaced with metal-halide lamps and pulse-start ballasts. In addition, existing fixtures were inspected for safety and cleaned in order to maximize light output.

Luis Gonzalez, facilities maintenance manager, says of the new lighting, "We expect quality work from all employees, and this new lighting helps us achieve that goal."

For more information on pulse-start ballasts from Advance, circle 104 on the Reader Service Card.