Energy efficiency is no longer a luxury; it’s necessary in both commercial and industrial spaces. Whether you're an electrician, contractor, or facility manager, you’ve likely been tasked with reducing energy consumption while upholding the facility’s operational performance.
One effective way to achieve this is to transition to LED lighting, so you can lower the amp load. But what exactly does this mean, and how can you go about it? In this post, we’ll walk you through what amp load is, why LED lighting is a smart choice, and how to reduce the amp load with LED lighting.
What Does Amp Load Mean?
Amp load refers to the amount of electrical current, measured in amperes (amps), that a circuit draws while in use. Simply put, the more devices or fixtures connected to a circuit, the higher the amp load.
Exceeding the maximum amp load capacity of a circuit will trip the circuit breaker. In extreme cases, it can even cause overheating or a fire within the electrical system. This makes managing the amp load crucial, especially in large-scale commercial or industrial lighting setups.
Amp load management is more than just about preventing circuit overloads. It’s also about optimizing energy use and infrastructure to keep systems safe and efficient. The smaller the amp load for the same performance, the greater the energy savings and operational reliability.
Why Use LED Lighting?
If you’re still wondering why LED lighting is the go-to choice for so many installations, here’s the simple answer: efficiency. LED lights consume significantly less power than older technologies like fluorescent or metal halide, which directly cuts down the amp load.
Replacing fluorescent lights with LED tube light fixtures or panels can cut energy bills, extend equipment life, and allow for more sustainable business practices while addressing amp load challenges. But that’s just the beginning.
- Decreased power consumption: LEDs use significantly less wattage compared to traditional lighting, which means they require fewer amps for the same brightness levels.
- Long lifespan: With regular use, LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours, reducing maintenance time and costs for facility managers and contractors.
- Reduced heat output: Unlike incandescent bulbs that waste most of their energy through emitting heat, LEDs produce minimal heat. This decreases the strain on nearby systems and contributes to the building’s overall efficiency.
- Customizable brightness: LEDs are compatible with advanced dimming systems, giving you greater control over energy consumption.
- Eco-friendly: LEDs are free of harmful chemicals like mercury and consume less energy, reducing your carbon footprint.
Calculate the Amp Load for LED Lighting
Before you can make a plan to lower the amp load, the first step is to accurately calculate the current amp load. For LED lighting systems, the process is straightforward:
- Collect lighting specifications: Identify the wattage of each LED fixture in the system. This information is readily available in the product's specifications.
- Follow the formula: To calculate the amp load, use the formula
Amps = Watts ÷ Volts.
- Account for multiple fixtures: Multiply the amp load for one fixture by the number of fixtures in the system.
- Add a buffer for safety: Make sure the total amp load remains well below the circuit’s maximum capacity. It’s a common safety practice to only use 80 percent of the amp load.
By understanding these calculations, you can prevent overload issues.
Strategies To Reduce the Amp Load
Reducing the amp load doesn’t mean compromising performance. There are plenty of practical strategies you can apply to get the most out of your lighting system while minimizing energy draw.
Switch to Low Wattage Bulbs
Many LED fixtures have selectable wattage outputs for more control over energy usage. Opting for lower wattage options in your space can reduce the amp load without sacrificing the lights’ brightness.
Upgrade to High Voltage
Using high voltage circuits, such as 277 volts instead of 120 volts, reduces the amount of electrical current required for the same wattage. This can significantly decrease the overall amp load.
You’ll need to use an LED driver to regulate the voltage and current. Otherwise, you run the risk of shortening the lifespan of the LED fixture.
Optimize Lighting Layouts
Examine the placement of the fixtures. Optimized layouts require fewer lights to achieve the desired illumination, further reducing the amp load. Focus on placing lights where they’re most effective rather than applying the same lighting design to the entire space. This will prevent under-used areas from being over-lit, which will reduce the amp load.
Implement Lighting Control Systems
Motion sensors, dimmers, and programmable lighting schedules reduce wasted energy by running lights only when needed, which decreases the amp load over time.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
There are a few common missteps that can derail your efforts to reduce the amp load in LED lighting. Here’s what to watch out for:
Using Non-Dimmable LED Fixtures
Not all LED fixtures are compatible with dimmer switches. Installing the wrong type of LEDs will render the dimmer switch useless. Make sure to pair compatible dimmer switches with dimmable LED lights.
Skipping Voltage Matching
Always ensure that the voltage rating of your LED lighting matches the voltage of your power supply. Mismatched voltages can reduce efficiency, overload circuits, or cause premature damage to LED fixtures.
Overlooking Fixture Placement
Inefficient placement of fixtures can lead to unnecessary installation of additional lights, increasing the amp load rather than reducing it.
Ignoring Upgrades
Relying on older systems to power modern LED lights can introduce compatibility or safety issues. Outdated wiring or aging ballasts can negate the energy-saving effects of LEDs.
Achieve Efficiency Without Sacrificing Quality
Now that you understand how to reduce the amp load with LED lighting, you’re in a prime position to make informed decisions for your next project. Reducing the amp load is about creating safe, efficient systems that sustain long-term performance.
Whether you’re retrofitting an existing lighting system to LED or designing a new one from scratch, optimization can greatly improve the facility’s energy use and resource allocation.
Are you looking for more expert tips on LED lighting solutions? Get in touch with Eco LED Mart today! We’re prepared to help you illuminate your facility efficiently.
