Energy saving technology for neon light fittings

A system of energy saving adapters for neon light fittings has been introduced in Malta with the Sliema car park and Golden Gate becoming the first companies to fully convert their neon tube lighting systems using the new Westinghouse Retrolux T5 technology.

The light fittings enable existing T8 neon lights to be converted to T5 neon tube fittings thus reducing electrical consumption by up to 50 per cent, at an economical price, a spokesman for the manufacturers said.

Westinghouse developed these products with a worldwide patent after recognising the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and energy saving lighting systems from industry. The Kyoto agreement has put in place a framework for targets to be met in achieving reduced demand for electrical consumption and products such as these are the first steps in enabling industry to meet such requirements, the spokesman added.

Over the past six months a number of local companies have commenced the conversion of their light systems using the Westinghouse Retrolux energy saving technology, the spokesman said. These include Allied Newspapers Ltd, Bank of Valletta, Tumas Group of Companies, Frank Borda Ltd., Nylon Knitting Ltd, Michael Attard Ltd, Park Towers Supermarket, the Car Clinic and VTR and Bortex Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

Demonstrations are currently underway in several government departments including the Ministry of the Environment.

Jeremy Kirk, managing director of Frank Borda Ltd, commented: "We believe there is tremendous scope for the reduction in energy consumption across industry and commerce in general in Malta. By converting in volume existing lighting systems using Westinghouse Retrolux T5 technology we will substantially reduce demand on the ever growing electricity output with a consequential reduction in environmental damage caused by such power generation".

Westinghouse has developed a sophisticated software programme that enables potential customers to assess the investment required, the savings potential and payback period along with the resultant environmental reduction in carbon and CO2 output that will result from their conversion to this innovative technology. Potential clients need only note the number and type of tubes in use along with the daily hours usage in order for a detailed proposal to be generated.