This article continues our multi-part series focused on architectural coordination as it relates to mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems, based on updates to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), ASHRAE 90.1, and related standards. This installment highlights the growing importance of functional testing for lighting control systems—a code-mandated step that ensures buildings not only … Read more
Did you know that routine testing of your emergency lighting is not just a code requirement but also a critical safety practice? Power failures are unpredictable, and ensuring your emergency lighting functions properly during an outage could make the difference between life-or-death in some instances. Thankfully, advancements in technology are making this critical system more … Read more
As we head into the summer months, many of us look forward to spending our evenings under the stars. But sadly, that precious view is rapidly diminishing. Experts estimate that by the end of 2025 only a few true dark sky locations will remain in the United States. One of the two main culprits: light … Read more
When planning for new lighting in your building, you will need to assess whether the current energy code will require new lighting controls to be included. But anyone who has picked up a code book knows it can feel a bit like fumbling your way through a “Choose Your Own Adventure” novel. So, to help … Read more
With energy codes pushing for more complex lighting controls in buildings, it’s no wonder Owners can feel overwhelmed when faced with questions about how they want their lighting to function. To make this subject feel less daunting, below are strategies to keep the systems simple and easy to use from an Owner’s perspective. Strategy #1: … Read more
Armed with the knowledge that germicidal lighting, such as Germicidal Ultraviolet-C (GUV-C) Light, possesses the proven ‘superpower’ of eradicating harmful viruses including COVID-19, many people have begun searching for ways to safely incorporate it into their everyday lives. But, with new products hitting the market daily, consumers can easily become overwhelmed and confused given the … Read more
“Hearing can be deceiving, seeing is believing, but feeling – that’s the naked truth” is a phrase which can be applied to many highly anticipated events in life. For the building industry, Pennsylvania’s long-awaited jump to the 2015 (2018 in Philadelphia) ICC International Codes last October was one of these greatly anticipated events. Historically, anticipation … Read more
For many years now, the design community has been laser-focused on creating ‘green’ buildings that use less energy and have a smaller impact on their surrounding environments. That is until recently. Due to growing concern amongst the healthcare community that Americans are spending too much of their days indoors coupled with the scientific community’s increasing … Read more
Since 2009, the lighting industry has made remarkable improvements in LED technology for exterior lighting. Manufacturers have been able to significantly increase light output, improve the color quality and reduce electrical usage all while lowering upfront costs. These advancements have made upgrading to exterior lighting to LED sources a viable way to create a positive, … Read more
Over the past ten years, LED products have taken the lighting world by storm. They are flooding the market, but not all of them stack up. This is true especially when it comes to their ability to mitigate electromagnetic interference. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is often referred to as ‘static’. It is a disturbance to an … Read more
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