Overview of Challenger Lighting Services Limited
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Established in 2000 following Years of manufacturing energy efficient luminaires, Challenger Lighting Services was instigated to satisfy maintenance issues for major Retail Organisations with multiple outlets throughout the UK and EU.
Culminating in 2010 with the introduction of LED technology generating diversification into installation, commissioning and maintenance – generally upgrading old technologies and today replacing first generation LED luminaires –‘reincarnating’ where possible, supporting the circular economy.
Constantly pushing component manufacturers to review performance of new developments relating to ease of maintenance for the 2 major components – LED Cobs and Strips. Not ignoring Drivers which is the weakest point in luminaires, avoiding circular economy issues for the future.
Testing and monitoring performance is high on the Challenger agenda, not ignoring costs including hired in equipment for high level applications, eradicating sub-contractors – Challenger are a self-sufficient operation.
Information Technology and administration is, and always has been, high on our agenda including full visibility of actions / costs etc applicable to our interventions with access to real time site and overall information as with quality in application.
Challenger Lighting Services can and will do more over time with control systems emphasizing emergency and general lighting reducing energy and maintenance costs to the benefit of both Client and Challenger for the future, highlighting LED lighting management and solutions.
Examples of Challengers Care and Attention to Detail with Through Life Installation / Maintenance.
The reality of LED luminaires throughout life, in the Commercial World, we have to recognise there are limitations with expectations of useful life in retail environments due to the burning hours not relating generally to the majority of commercial premises, both with LED Drivers and Cobs incorporated in luminaires.
Access to downlighters is highly relevant when we consider end of life issues for high level / escalators / stairwells, as the use of overnight labour and scaffolding / access equipment greatly outweighs the cost of
components. Guarantees and small print are highly relevant, for example with a decorative feature cost of LEDs –
£70, overall cost £7,000 at today’s rates (a recent experience). Ensure at least Drivers are reasonably accessible – scaffold should not be a consideration. If indeed there is little alternative, the Drivers being the weakest link should be remote from same allowing access via ceiling tile / panels.
For track mounted luminaires – careful consideration to beam angles and spacing is the big issue. Achievable Lux Levels are highly relevant and not to be ignored when we consider energy costs including the Driver being incorporated in a flush track adaptor with the option of outputs selected via integrated Dip Switches.
The integration of Drivers for both recessed and track mounted fittings – all should have the option of the Dip Switches enabling the units to be underrunning the Driver extending life by up to 50%.
Construction of luminaires – ensure components can be replaced with ease on site and precise / comprehensive details of same are recorded to avoid return to site issues eliminating additional costs for both Challenger and the End User. 3D production does reduce unit weights and reduces the need for recycling as the units can be reincarnated at the end of life, or recycle responsibly. With current certification all aspects of luminaires and their components must conform to waste recycling standards to make a difference.
In future WE have to reduce maintenance costs and attendance times – maximising productive hours available. For example, why be held up in traffic when parking is available on the edge of Town – with LED technology and components, an electric scooter in central locations, coupled with a backpack must be the
considered way forward. Given traceability is in place, conclusive site visits will be effected. This aspect can be enhanced with Blutooth technology assessing failing and failed luminaires. Currently some 30% of visits are affected hence massive cost reductions are achievable which brings us in a full circle to site planning ensuring the luminaires are accessible and in realistic numbers achieving acceptable light levels, highlighting where necessary.
Emergency lighting – with the advent of Blutooth technology and remote monitoring – on site testing can be avoided reducing maintenance costs and enabling the performance of units to be assessed on a regular
basis. The advent of LED and Lithium batteries have greatly increased the life expectancy of EML units which will extend life in the region of 7 – 10 Years with a reduced number of luminaires due to the inclusion of Lens technology distributing the light output over far greater distances, reducing both costs and energy savings contributing further to maintenance.
Challenger should be seen as a ‘Team Member’ not a Subcontractor – working closely together with Clients and Suppliers, many hurdles can be overcome, safety not being ignored. It is worthy of note that there are numerous manufacturers of LED luminaires – the vast majority being imported from the Far East (excluding the obvious
LED’s), hence it is highly relevant compatibility is established at the beginning of time ensuring spares will be available over time to effect on site remedials, eliminating the need for new luminaires avoiding end of life recycling, contributing to the wellbeing of our Planet.