Clipsal realises savings through lighting upgrade

A lighting upgrade at the Clipsal by Schneider Electric manufacturing plant at Gepps Cross is expected to save an estimated $50,000 in energy costs each year.

Moving into the facility in 2009, Schneider Electric retained the existing lighting system. It was felt that this incumbent system may be inefficient, so, to evaluate this, Schneider Electric carried out an energy audit, installing a Schneider Electric PowerLogic ION metering system. The audit revealed several problem areas, and it was decided that in order to achieve energy efficiency, reduce bottom-line expenses, and showcase combined Clipsal and Schneider Electric technologies, a retrofitted lighting system was required.

Clipsal’s new 250 W induction and T5 fluorescent high-bay lighting were chosen to replace the existing metal halide technology. Induction lighting provides distinct advantages over the existing HID lamps, including extended lamp life and higher efficiency.

A Clipsal C-Bus system is already installed in the commercial office at the site. To integrate into this, a combined Clipsal C-Bus and DALI lighting control system was chosen for installation in the manufacturing area. This combination of Clipsal systems allows for the integration of motion detectors, daylight harvesting and automatic emergency light testing. The project is expected to pay itself off within five years, less if energy prices continue to increase. The project is expected to be completed at the end of May.