FAQs

Q: Are induction lights affected by the cold?

A: No, induction lights will operate efficiently in temperatures from -20 degrees to 130 degrees.

Q: Are there different types of induction lights?

A: Yes. There are two major types of induction lights.

1. External magnetic induction uses a welded glass vessel with external magnets wrapped around the lamp in two places. External induction is more robust than internal induction and uses 10% less energy. External induction lamps burn for 100,000 hours and carry a 10-year replacement warranty.
2. Internal magnetic induction has a magnetic driver with a screw-on globe. It is more versatile when retrofitting existing light fixtures.  However, internal induction uses more energy and has a 60,000 hour life with a 5-year replacement warranty.

Q: What is CRI?

A: CRI is Color Rendering Index.  This index gauges the ability of light to illuminate color. The higher the CRI, the better we are able to distinguish true color. Induction has a high CRI of 80 and above — the highest of street lighting technologies. High Pressure Sodium, a yellowy light, has the lowest, about 24. Safety officers love induction lighting for its clean white light.  Induction maintains it CRI throughout its life unlike other technologies whose color shifts as they deteriorate.

Q: What are “full cut off” lighting fixtures?

A: “Full cut off” fixtures were developed to satisfy the emerging “Dark Skies” initiative. Dark Skies compliant fixtures emit no light above the horizontal plane of the luminaire.

Fixtures with hanging globes distribute light in all directions and produce glare. Uncontrolled light pollutes the skies making it difficult to see stars and generally lighting areas which may not be desired.

More than that, studies show that glare diminishes one’s ability to see in the dark. Glare makes a roadway harder to see. Glare is especially detrimental to older citizens who have increasing difficulty with night vision.

Q: How do you figure out the size of a replacement induction light?

A: Induction lamps produce more lumens per watt than other street lighting technologies.  Generally, we recommend dividing the wattage of a current light in half and using that size induction lamp.

The savings in lamp size generates 50% energy savings. Add to that the savings for the elimination of the ballast and the savings become 60-75%.

Q: What is lumen depreciation?

A: All lights become less efficient over time. While Induction loses less than 20% of its efficiency in 100,000 hours, Metal Halide loses 20% in just the first 2,000 hours, High Pressure Sodium in the first 4,000 hours. Energy usage remains constant or increases as efficiency is lost.

Q: Will Induction Lighting change the look of our town and neighborhoods?

A: Yes, and no.

Yes, Induction lights distinguish color more effectively than other technologies. Reds look red.  Blues looks blue. The light itself is clean and white, not cold and bluish. Because the light is
“full-spectrum” acuity is enhanced, we are able to see and to distinguish what we see more easily.

No, citizens may not even notice there are different lights when metal halide is replaced.  Induction is just a bit whiter and cleaner than a brand new metal halide — and it stays that way!

When replacing mercury vapor and high pressure sodium, people will perceive neighborhoods to be cleaner, safer, and more inviting. Studies prove it.

Q: Are all induction lights the same?

A: No, like every product, manufacturing varies. American Green Technology has studied manufacturers and assisted in the design of lighting fixtures. AGT products are lab tested, UL approved and often produce 20-30% more useful lumens with the same energy compared to some other manufacturers.