Light Tower Lamp Options: What Contractors Should Know

The other consideration Hislop highlights is whether a contractor will take advantage of the fuel savings. He says at this time, contractors need a long-term use situation where they are running the LED light towers often in order to take advantage of the fuel savings.

"You save 40 percent on your fuel," Hislop says. "When you start to use it over a long period of time – and you're using several light towers - your fuel costs start to get really high, and that's when you start to think about alternatives like LED." If a contractor only uses light towers every so often it can take longer to recognize the fuel savings with a LED tower.

Plasma Bulb Technology

BENEFITS:

• Light spectrum looks very similar to sunlight
• Conventional electrical connections not needed
• Estimated 30,000 to 50,000-hour bulb life
• High Color Rendering Index (CRI) approximately 90+
• Rapid start and restrike of about 30 seconds
• No audible noise or flicker when illuminated
• Require less power to run
• Compact fixtures

LIGHT OUTPUT:

Multiquip has employed Plasma Lighting in its H2LT Light Towers. According to Multiquip, the plasma bulbs provide 23,000 lumens requiring only 255 Watts of power per bulb. A Color Rendering Index of 94 has also been achieved, says Bruce Coleman, product manager for Multiquip.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Plasma bulbs are a relatively new lighting technology in the light tower market. Coleman says plasma bulbs "highlight the newest lighting technology to complement the use of hydrogen for power production."