The New Frontier of Clean Lighting
A new era of lighting technology is here and it’s clean. Now, we’re not exactly talking about renewable energy, but instead about everything else that goes into lighting. From the lamps to the switches to even the power cords, these everyday items have now been engineered with antibacterial properties to limit the spread of germs, mold, and mildew.
Today, these benefits have never been more critical.
In a world where COVID-19 exists, this marks a huge innovative step for the industry. Essential businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, daycares, schools, banks, and more are looking to hygienic electric supplies as an added layer of protection. What was once seen as common electrical supplies could soon become the next step to keeping workspaces and learning spaces cleaner than ever.
Clean, Antimicrobial Lighting
Clean where the sun don’t shine, easily.
Although UV or narrow-spectrum light is effective at killing harmful bacteria in the air and on surfaces, and was one of the first ways lighting was used in this application, it still had harmful effects to your skin and your eyes. Because of this, UV lighting could only be used in limited situations where there were no patients present, such as operating rooms between procedures.
Today, LED lighting is once again on the forefront of this innovative opportunity. By intensifying the blue light emitted by LEDs, “reactive oxygen species are produced that damage and kill the harmful cells.”
What this means is that LEDs can be engineered to help kill bacteria without the negative consequences or harmful effects of UV lighting. One of the harder challenges right now for lighting manufacturers is figuring out ways to balance both the white ambient light used to illuminate a space with the blue light used to disinfect it. However, as major lighting manufacturers realize the potential of this new technology, it might not be a challenge for long.
The Market Makes a Brilliant Discovery
Just last year, Hubbell Lighting introduced their own version of antimicrobial lighting called SpectraClean™. Similar to existing products on the market, it can work as a general lighting solution or part of a customized disinfection schedule.
But Hubbell Lighting is also taking it a step further. They’ve released several lighting solutions that can work in almost any situation.
For instance, their blended option combines both the traditional LED light source with the disinfectant properties. Anytime it’s on, so is the antimicrobial lighting.
For added power, they have an independent option that can use its disinfecting power when a space is not in use. Not only does it work faster, it also allows you to switch the luminaire between a regular lighting mode and a disinfecting mode.
Although antimicrobial LED lighting is still gaining traction and is in an early-adopter phase, more manufacturers and more consumers are considering different ways to make our everyday environments cleaner. Once it catches on, it could be the next big push in the lighting industry.
Of course, this is still a new market, but its applications are nearly endless. It’s suitable for any area that is at high risk of containing infectious diseases, such as hospitals, gyms, restaurants, food processing plants, dorms, mass transit, and more.
Antimicrobial Wiring, Wallplates, and Switches
Speaking of healthcare and food-processing plants, many manufacturers already provide the healthcare and food and service industries with antimicrobial power cords, light switches, and wallplates.
Legrand specifically has plugs, connectors, portable cords, and cord drops in their SteriGuard™ line that can be used in food and beverage processing plants.
But how exactly can they inhibit bacteria, mold, and mildew growth? Antimicrobial additives are actually embedded inside the devices.
If the outer coating is damaged or cut, the additives continually move to the surface. And although this innovative feature seems too good to be true, the Legrand SteriGuard line already meets high safety standards. It’s NSF and CSA certified, UL listed, and JIS Z2801 tested.
What has once been seen as a germ-heavy, touch-heavy surface can now be kept safer and cleaner in even the harshest, most challenging environments.
Automated Light Sensors
Light sensors are not new to the lighting industry. For years they’ve helped businesses cut down on lighting costs and reduce energy consumption, but now automated sensors are being looked at in a new light.
Not only will they help save energy and money as they always have, but light sensors will also help keep a high-touch light switch from gathering even more bacteria. As many businesses reopen and seek to provide the safest environment for their employees and customers, automated light sensors are definitely one of the best ways to help limit exposure to germs and bacteria.
Washdown Lighting Fixtures
Usually, water and electrical products don’t mix, but this is another story. Suitable for commercial, industrial, and food-processing lighting applications, these washdown lighting fixtures are rated specifically for wet conditions, including high-pressure cleaning.
They’re engineered to work in tough, moisture-heavy environments that undergo rigorous cleaning protocols. Whereas other lights would easily be susceptible to corrosion or leaking, washdown fixtures help limit contamination.
How We Can Help You
For nearly 70 years, City Electric Supply has been at the forefront of the most innovative lighting solutions to hit the market. Whether you’re looking to create an automated, touch-free lighting experience, or looking for the newest antimicrobial lighting solutions available right now, we have both the infrastructure and the industry experience to help you with both. Shop over 30,000 products straight from our online store, or stop by any of our 500+ branches today to see how we can help you.
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