9 Questions to Ask Your Fixture Manufacturer
Introduction
In today’s business climate, companies are under constant pressure to cut costs and improve efficiency. As a result, many decision-makers are fixated on the initial purchase price of a product or service without considering the long-term Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This often leads to emotional buying decisions that benefit the short-term bottom line but ultimately end up costing the company more in the long run. The Total Cost of Ownership includes the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance and support costs. It also takes into account the opportunity cost of not investing in a more efficient solution. When making purchasing decisions for LED Growlight fixtures, companies should always consider the Total Cost of Ownership. By taking a long-term view, they can avoid making emotionally driven decisions that end up costing them more in the end. ( Horticulture )
Not all LED fixtures are created equal. When you’re spending a lot of money on lighting for your farm, you want to make sure you’re getting high-quality fixtures that will last and are built to fit your specific conditions. To help you understand this and decide which solution is best for you, we’ve compiled a list of nine questions your lighting supplier should answer to ensure that the lights live up to their claims on the spec sheet.
When it comes to LED lighting for your farm, don’t just buy any fixture. Make sure you ask the manufacturer these nine questions to get a sense of whether or not they are a quality supplier. Not all LED fixtures are created equal, and you want to make sure you’re getting what you paid for!
1. What do your consultations with your customers look like?
There’s no denying that light is essential for any farmer hoping to produce a healthy crop. But when it comes to choosing the right light fixtures, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best light plan for your farm will be customized to take into account the unique characteristics of your operation, including the type of crops you’re growing, your climate and weather conditions, and your available space and budget.
Fortunately, there are a variety of light fixtures on the market that can meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for high-intensity lights for greenhouse operations or more energy-efficient options for outdoor farming, there’s a light fixture out there that’s ideal for your farm. By working with a qualified supplier, you can find the perfect light solution for your particular circumstances. So if you’re looking to improve your farm’s productivity, don’t forget the importance of choosing the right light fixtures.
2. How does the fixture utilize light?
Anyone who has ever attempted to grow a crop knows that light is essential. Without light, plants will quickly wither and die. This is why growers must be vigilant when choosing fixtures for their operation. A fixture with a high light output but subpar uniformity means you must purchase more fixtures to achieve the right amount of light levels across the entire crop. Without this even light distribution, your crop quality and yield could be affected. An accurate light plan will show if the fixtures live up to their promise. So, before you make a purchase, be sure to consult an expert and get an accurate light plan. Your crops will thank you for it.
3. Who manufactures your diodes?
A light fixture is only as good as the lightbulb inside it. But what makes a lightbulb light up in the first place? In short, it’s electricity. Controlling the flow of electricity is the job of a diode. Diodes are found in all sorts of light fixtures, from table lamps to ceiling fans. They ensure that the current flows in the right direction, which in turn lights up the bulb. When choosing a light fixture, it’s important to choose one that uses high-quality diodes.
Otherwise, you might find yourself replacing bulbs more often than you’d like. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if a diode is of high quality. First, check if the manufacturer works with reputable, well-known suppliers. This means they’re more likely to have properly vetted their chips’ IP to avoid legal trouble down the road. Second, look for a manufacturer with an advanced level of quality control. This means they put their diodes through rigorous tests and comply with sanctioned ethical manufacturing practices. As a result, you can expect lower failure rates and reduced maintenance over time. So when it comes to choosing a light fixture, don’t forget to consider the quality of the diode inside it.
4. At what current level are your LED chips driven relative to their maximum rating?
Nowadays, every manufacturer claims that their latest LED light fixture is the brightest and most durable on the market. However, many companies are simply overdriving their LEDs to meet these exaggerated marketing claims. This might make the fixture appear brighter in the short term, but it will drastically reduce its lifespan. When shopping for an LED light fixture, it’s important to make sure that it won’t only meet claimed levels in the short term but will also stand the test of time. Otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment (and a big bill when you have to replace the fixture prematurely).
5. How does your product dissipate heat?
Heat dissipation is the most important element of an LED fixture’s design. Water-cooled fixtures require the installation of extra plumbing, and actively cooled fixtures rely on fans. Passively cooled fixtures, such as the Arize Element L1000, are the wisest choice as they don’t require additional infrastructure and have fewer potential failure points. The Arize Element L1000 uses a unique combination of materials and design elements to dissipate heat efficiently, providing superior performance with minimal maintenance. Thanks to its innovative design, the Arize Element L1000 is the best choice for any application where heat dissipation is a concern.
6. What is the L90 lifetime rating of your fixture?
The L90 is the point at which a fixture has lost 10% of its original light output. After this point, your crop will begin to underperform. It’s important to confirm the temperature at which tests were conducted for an apples-to-apples comparison. L90 testing is an important way to ensure that your crops are getting the light they need to perform at their best. By confirming the temperature at which L90 testing is conducted, you can be sure that you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison and getting accurate results.
7. Do you have an independent test report?
A reputable manufacturer will have independent tests done, such as an LM-79 report, on their fixtures. An independent test report confirms that the information on the fixture’s spec sheet is accurate. This is important when making an apples-to-apples comparison and getting accurate results.
8. Does the product appear on the Design Lights Consortium (DLC) Quality Products List?
The DLC QPL (DesignLights Consortium Qualified Products List) is a list of fixtures that have passed various industry tests and requirements. These are the only fixtures in North America that qualify for utility rebates. However, if you’re unsure about what rebates might be available, Current has a rebate lookup tool that can help.
9. What is the warranty period?
In the horticultural lighting industry, most reputable manufacturers offer a five-year warranty on all fixtures as standard. If you buy low-quality LED fixtures, you’ll end up spending more time and money trying to replace and service them than if you had just bought good-quality fixtures in the first place. Always read the warranty before making a purchase, and make sure to buy from companies that have been in business for a while and will pick up the phone when you call.
It’s just as vital to work with a partner who has the knowledge and resources to assist farmers at every stage of the process. Our team is here to help you select the right lighting for your farm by providing support and guidance. Our dedication to growers is evidenced by our more than 100 years of lighting experience and unrivaled expertise.
Learn more about how we can assist you in starting and running a successful growing operation at every stage.
To Conclude
LED lights are a must-have for any farm. Choosing the right LED light fixture is critical to avoid difficulties. The 9 criteria listed in this blog article will help you figure out what to look for when selecting a manufacturer.
Always read the warranty before making the purchase; reputable manufacturers offer five-year warranties standardly. It’s just as vital to work with a partner who has the knowledge and resources to assist farmers at every stage of the process – our team here at Current can help you select the right lighting for your farm by providing support guidance.
Want to know more, contact us today for a free consulting session.
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