Fluorescent Lighting Adaptor Kits | Citta

Project Overview

Conversion of 135 existing T8 fluorescent light fittings with magnetic ballasts in the parking garage, fire stairs and corridors - to T5 with electronic ballasts using Eco-Saver T8 to T5 adaptor kits.

The project should save about $4,680 in electricity costs in the first year, representing a payback period of around 8.7 months.

Product Details

Older style T8 (25 mm diameter tube) fluorescent light fittings utilise an electromagnetic ballast to stabilise current in the lamp. These ballasts waste up to 26% of the electricity that is used to power the lamp in lost heat. Modern T5 fluorescent lamps (16 mm diameter tube) fluorescent lamps utilise an electronic ballast, which is almost 100% efficient by comparison, providing a similar lighting output whilst offering substantial savings in running costs. Replacing the entire light fitting can significantly erode these savings, however, as a certified electrician must be used to undertake the work on top of the capital cost of the new fitting.

Eco-Saver T8 to T5 adaptor kits were interchanged with existing fluorescent tubes with no modification to the existing fitting thereby eliminating the requirement for an electrician. These kits utilise a built-in electronic ballast and operate at a maximum of 23 Watts per tube, as opposed to around 46 Watts the for existing T8 fittings, saving 50% on electricity costs whilst providing equal or better light output. Cost of replacement T5 tubes is around the same price as a T8 tube, however T5 tubes last 3.5 times longer due to the more efficient electronic driver, offering further savings in lamp replacement costs. Genuine replacement tubes are available and also come with the same 3-year warranty as the original tube, however, aftermarket replacement tubes are also available at all reputable lighting supplies stores.

Alternatives considered

An alternative would have been to hire an electrician to replace all the existing light fittings with T5 units. Although the electricity cost savings would be similar going forward, the upfront capital cost would have been much higher as the fittings themselves cost about twice as much as the adaptor kit and would cost at least $60/hour to install. Then there is the waste issue of disposal of 135 working light fittings.

Another option would have been to get an electrician to open up each existing fitting, remove the electromagnetic ballast and install a new electronic ballast. Again, this would be a very costly exercise in terms of upfront capital expenditure and would only save about 28%, as opposed to 50% in ongoing electricity costs.

Using the Eco-saver adaptor kits was the cheapest option and offered the biggest overall electricity cost savings. Not only were the adaptor kits less than half the price of a new light fitting, the residents of the building were able to carry out the installation themselves, saving on electricians fees.

Product / Service providers

Sustainability Now had good knowledge of energy usage in a Strata building, were very competent helpful in recommending solutions for energy saving options. The products were fairly priced.

Pricing

Total cost was $3,850 including GST.

Sustainability Now did a payback period analysis for us based on our electricity costs.

Results & Savings

The project should save about $4,680 in electricity costs in the first year, representing a payback period of around 10 months.

Summary of savings afforded by replacing existing T8 fluorescent tubes with T5 conversion kits

Notes:

1. Electricity cost saving calculations based on the EnergyAustralia LoadSmart time-of-use contracted electricity tariff.
2. Assumes increase in electricity network fees of 36% over 3 years in accordance with IPART estimates, then at a CPI of 3% per annum thereafter
3. Australian Greenhouse Office greenhouse gas emissions factor for NSW of 1.068 kg CO₂-e / kWh

Timeframe

The project took 2 months from the outset to final implementation