luminaires database

Hi,

Apologies to those who already read this on the ILPAC mailing list. Just posting here since, well, there are more of you here!

The message below was in the IDA newsletter recently regarding making a database of where to get good luminaires. IDA in Italy for example have a complete list of luminare's available in Italy for streetlighting and security lighting and rate them according to their pollution characteristics and also how they rate with the various regional laws in Italy. If anyone would like to volunteer to check their local Woodies/B&Q/Atlantic etc. please use the format below but be sure to cc info@ilpac.eu and we'll start an Irish database of where to get good domestic luminares on the website.

We're not looking for a complete catalogue of everything in the store. As it says below most security lights are ok when used correctly (ie downward) . What I'm particularly looking for is retailers who sell other FCO lights and security lights that come with additional or adjustable shielding. Please have a look net time you are in your local DIY store and drop me an email.

Invitation to ALL IDA Volunteers and Members

IDA is seeking volunteers on a project to help find out the types of lighting and luminaires for sale in your local home improvement stores. This includes the “big box” home improvement and convenience stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Wal-Mart, etc. as well as your neighborhood hardware store. The information you provide will be used to help create the new IDA Homeowner’s Guide to Quality Outdoor Lighting.

The following criteria can be used as a guide:

1. Full Cut Off fixtures: These fixtures encase the light source completely allowing for little to no glare and little to no light produced above the horizon.

2. Low Wattage Fixtures: Look for fixtures that are designed to be low wattage. Remember, the less light you use, the less light there is to waste.

3. Shielded or Directional Security Lights: Using a security floodlight is ok, when done so in a sensitive manor. Try to look for security floodlights that are directional, so that you can shine the light to the ground. Also make sure that there is a motion detector attached to the fixture.

4. Motion Detection: The best way to cut back on energy use and dark sky protection is to only use the light when it is needed, and motion detectors do just that. When set to truly be a motion detector (that is, the light switches off after two to three minutes) a motion detection system can be very dark sky friendly.

5. Time Sensors: There’s nothing more wasteful than leaving your outdoor lights on through all hours of the night. A simple time control device allows lights to be shut off at a specified time, like 11 p.m. That same sensor can be set to turn your lights on prior to leaving for work, say 6:30 or 7:30 am, if any light is needed.

6. Specified Mounting Directions: A fixture that is full cutoff and mounted upside down can hurt the nighttime environment more than your average bare bulb. Therefore, it is important that luminaires have specified mounting directions.

We are also asking that you please compare the prices of incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents (CFL) in the same store for similar wattages. That is, examine and compare the price of a 60 watt incandescent to a 13 w CFL, or a 100 w incandescent to a 28 w CFL.

Please use the following format when submitting answers to ida@darksky.org:

1. Name of Store: (example: Home Depot)

2. Location of Store, Street Address or Cross Streets and City (store number if available): (6701 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO) We are asking for this range of specificity because different store locations under the same general name often have different products depending on their location and demand for that location.

3. Date of Visit/Inspection: (October 25, 2007)

4. Dark Sky Friendly Luminaires Available:

a. Here please list:

i. Manufacturer

ii. Make/Model

iii. Full Cut Off, Low Wattage, etc. (please list all that apply)

iv. Price for the fixture

v. Does the fixture have the IDA Fixture Seal of Approval?

vi. Does the fixture have some other “dark sky friendly” term or seal on the packaging? If yes, please list:

5. Any bulb comparisons you may have.

Thank you for taking the time to assist us in our attempt to determine what is widely available to the public. We ask that you submit your findings to us by Monday, October 29, 2007 to ida@darksky.org.