When we think of decarbonisation in lighting, the conversation usually centres on upgrading fixtures—switching from high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps to energy-efficient LEDs, for example. But there’s a critical part of the system that often gets ignored: the electrical infrastructure. Cables, transformers, and other components can significantly impact the energy efficiency and carbon footprint of a lighting system, particularly in high mast lighting setups.
If you're upgrading your lighting but overlooking the infrastructure, you may be missing out on further opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. Here’s why the cables and other elements deserve a closer look.
Cable Efficiency and Sizing: Do You Really Need Those Big Cables?
When you switch from traditional lighting systems to LEDs, you significantly reduce your energy consumption. But the cables that power those lights might still be oversized for the new, lower power demands. High-powered HID floodlights require larger cables to handle higher current loads, but once you switch to LEDs, those old, thick cables might be inefficient.
Why It Matters: Using cables that are too large for your new energy requirements could lead to inefficiencies. Re-sizing your cables to match the lower current of LEDs can minimise power loss and further increase energy savings. It’s like driving a huge truck when you only need a small car—you’re wasting energy.
Copper: The Hidden Carbon Footprint
Most electrical cables are made of copper, and while it’s a fantastic conductor of electricity, copper comes with a high carbon footprint. Extracting, refining, and manufacturing copper is energy-intensive. Reducing the size of your cables when appropriate not only improves efficiency but also reduces the amount of copper needed.
Why It Matters: Optimising your cable layout and sizing can lower the carbon footprint associated with materials. Less copper means less embedded carbon in your electrical system, making the entire setup greener.
Voltage Drop: A Silent Energy Thief
In large high-mast lighting setups, long cable runs are often required to cover vast distances. Over these long runs, voltage drops occur, meaning less power reaches the lights, leading to inefficiencies and potential underperformance. If your cables aren’t optimised during an upgrade, you may still experience power losses, undermining the benefits of your energy-efficient lighting system.
Why It Matters: Upgrading your cables reduces voltage drops, minimising power losses and making your lighting system more efficient. This is especially critical in high-mast lighting setups, where distances can be long, and every watt saved counts toward reducing emissions.
Lifecycle and Maintenance: Cutting Carbon Through Longevity
Old, outdated electrical infrastructure tends to degrade over time, requiring frequent maintenance or replacements. This not only increases your operational costs but also has a carbon impact. Upgrading cables and other electrical components during a lighting retrofit can extend the lifecycle of your entire system, reducing the need for maintenance and further lowering your carbon footprint.
Why It Matters: When you take care of the electrical infrastructure during your lighting upgrade, you cut down on maintenance and extend the life of your system. This reduces the need for carbon-heavy repairs or replacements in the future, making the entire setup more sustainable in the long term.
Smart Controls Need Smart Infrastructure
Modern lighting systems often come with smart controls, like dimming, motion sensors, and remote management. But these systems need the right wiring and infrastructure to function optimally. If your electrical infrastructure isn’t updated to support these smart controls, you could limit the potential energy savings and carbon reduction they offer.
Why It Matters: Smart lighting systems offer significant energy savings by adjusting lighting levels based on actual needs, but only if the electrical infrastructure can support them. Ensuring your cables and control wiring are up to the task maximises the carbon-saving potential of smart technology.
Don’t Forget the Cables
When it comes to decarbonising high mast lighting, it’s not just about upgrading the fixtures. If you ignore the electrical infrastructure—cables, transformers, and control wiring—you could be leaving significant energy savings and carbon reductions on the table. A holistic approach, where both the lighting and the electrical systems are optimised, is the most effective way to achieve maximum decarbonisation.
So, the next time you're planning a lighting upgrade, don’t overlook the cables. They might just be the key to unlocking further sustainability and efficiency in your system.