Levitons Step Forward: LED Bulbs and Dimming

You may have noticed the staggering rate at which LED bulbs are gaining popularity. It seems like everywhere we look, people are attempting to go Green, both in big ways (solar panels) and small ones (LED bulbs). We’re big proponents of taking care of the Earth in any way we can, so we’re thrilled to see that people are finally jumping on the LED bandwagon in droves. However, just like with any new product, once something gets really popular, the market becomes oversaturated and the average consumer can become a bit overwhelmed.

For the best Leviton deals please visit us at, Electric Supplies Online.

So, what exactly is an LED bulb? “LED” is an acronym for “light-emitting diode” (now you know why they’re called LEDs!). LED bulbs offer a longer life than incandescent bulbs as well as some fluorescent bulbs. They’re also a bit more efficacious; for the same amount of power in, they tend to emit more light than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs offer the lowest energy consumption of any lighting product to date, and are made without mercury, making them a green alternative to fluorescents (which do contain mercury). And, best yet, they are available in “dimmable” models so you can save even more energy! Let us explain.

An easy way to save energy these days is to select your favorite incandescent, dimmable LED or dimmable CFL bulb – and pair it with one of our universal dimmers. You see, dimmers are a great way to save energy even without LED bulbs, as they allow you to control the amount of light in the room and therefore, prevent you from using more energy than you really need. When you add an LED bulb to a universal dimmer, you’ve got a match made in energy-saving heaven!

Replacing standard switches with dimmers and using dimmable LED bulbs helps to save energy and, of course, the associated utility costs. The chart below shows how, as bulbs are dimmed, the wattage used is also reduced – saving bulb life and energy costs!

For the best Leviton deals please visit us at, Electric Supplies Online.

Plus, using dimmers in your home helps to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. What more can you ask for!

repost: http://blog.leviton.com/led-bulbs-dimming

Celebrate Earth Day Everyday: A Green Reminder From Leviton

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day 
Reinforce your commitment to greener living. Saving electricity, recycling and protecting our natural resources help preserve the planet and ensure a sustainable future for everyone. It’s smart to be green.
Make the Switch to Green Living
Replace standard switches with dimmers, timers, occupancy sensors and CFL lampholders for a quick energy payback. Switching to lighting controls makes sense.
Our highlighted products will help lower your electrical costs and add convenience to everyday living.  Using energy-saving devices cuts down on the amount of harmful gases released into the atmosphere as by-products of electrical power generation.
Green Product Choices
These are some of the many energy-saving products in Leviton’s broad selection. Visit the Lighting Control, Energy Management and OEM sections of leviton.com for a complete selection of smart green choices.
 

(VPI06) Vizia +® Incandescent Dimmer	(IPI06) Decora® IllumaTech™ Preset Dimmer	(VPT24) Vizia +® 24-Hour Programmable Timer Switch with Astronomical Clock
(LTBxx Series) Decora® Preset Countdown Timer Switches	(PR180-1LW) Decora Passive Infrared Wall Switch Occupancy Sensor

Earth Day Facts

• U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day in1970.
• The name Earth Day was chosen in part because it rhymed with birthday.
• Earth Day marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement.
• Approximately 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day.
• Earth Day is now observed in 175 countries around the world.

Conservation Begins at Home

• Each person throws away approximately 4 pounds of garbage every day.
• Most families throw away about 88 pounds of plastic each year.
• People at home use more than 1/3 of all energy.
• One third of all water is used to flush the toilet.
• Each gallon of fuel releases 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air.

The Importance of Conservation

We need energy – and lots of it – to light our homes, schools, offices, hospitals, hotels, and restaurants. Lighting, in fact, consists of nearly 25% of the United States electricity budget, which is approximately $37 billion annually.Because it consumes such a large portion of the country’s energy, lighting has emerged as a priority for energy efficiency efforts. Such efforts can reduce carbon emissions and save our environment.

One of the best and simplest ways to save energy is to use dimmers and other devices that manage daylight and electrical light, generally referred to as light control. No one knows this better than Lutron, the company that invented the first solid-state dimmer and pioneered the lighting control industry. Lutron most famous products are Lutron Diva and Lutron Maestro.

Lutron products range from dimmers and wireless occupancy sensors, to automated shade systems and sophisticated whole home and whole building light management systems. You’ll find them in the most architecturally and environmentally advanced buildings from Boston to Beijing.

For great savings stop by Electric Supplies Online.

repost: http://www.prlog.org/11649240-the-importance-of-conservation.html

8 Ways to Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning: Save Money This Summer

Start with these tips to cool off ASAP — then try our longterm improvements to keep your home's temperature low in the years to come.

FOR RIGHT NOW
1. Close your windows.
It may seem counterintuitive, but on hot summer days, opening the windows will often make your home warmer, not cooler. When night falls, if the air outside is cooler than inside, open windows wide, particularly those oriented toward prevailing winds so you can take advantage of cross ventilation. This will allow cool night air to circulate, and prevent a good deal of the sun's heat from reaching indoors. Be sure to close them — along with blinds and shades — before the sun hits your house in the morning. Also, put houseplants in front of sunny windows to absorb some of the sun's energy.

2. Use fans strategically.
Ceiling fans: Make sure your fan is running in the right direction: In the summer, you should feel the breeze from your fan blowing down (you can also use ceiling fans in winter to create an updraft). And remember, ceiling fans cool people, not rooms, so turn it off when you leave the room.

Stand-alone fans: When placed directly in front of you, these fans will, no surprise, help keep you cool. Use a spray bottle to spritz yourself while in front of the fan and you can dramatically change your temperature; as the water evaporates off your skin, your body sheds heat.

DIY wind tunnel: If there's a cool breeze, particularly at night, set one fan facing in on the side of your home receiving the wind, and another facing out on the opposite end of the house. You'll maximize the cooling power of a natural breeze.

3. Eat cold meals.
Just as drinking a nice cold cocktail cools your body, eating cold food helps keep your internal temperature lower on a hot day. Try a simple watermelon salad, for instance, or a cold soup. If you do cook, use the grill or the microwave — your oven and stove will only make your kitchen hotter.

4. Shut off the lights.
While modern lightning, like compact fluorescents and LEDs, are more efficient, incandescent light bulbs can produce as much heat as they do light. It's always a good idea to shut off lights to save energy, but on hot summer days, it’s doubly important to do it so you can keep room temperatures down. The same goes for many electronics. Consider unplugging any device that isn't needed. Even in standby mode, many electronics remain hot.

5. Take a cold shower or go swimming.
It may sound obvious, but it's worth saying: If you're hot, lower your core temperature by immersing yourself in cold water. Unless there's 100% humidity, the evaporation of water off your skin will further cool you once you emerge from the water. For a shortcut, dab cold water or ice cubes on your wrists. Because your blood vessels are so close to the skin there, you'll feel the cooling effects sooner.

RELATED: 6 Surprising Truths About Swimming Safety »

FOR THE FUTURE
6. Install attic insulation.
While attic fans may not help to significantly cool your home, attic insulation can by keeping cooler air in your home from escaping through the ceiling. If you have central air, be sure to seal ducts — especially at vents and registers — or else you could lose up to 20% of your cooled air.

7. Plant trees strategically.
Your house gets hot because the sun beats down on it. Let nature help reduce your energy bills by planting deciduous trees on the east and west sides of your home; in the summer, their broad leaves will shade your house, while in the winter, bare branches won't stop the sun's warmth from reaching your walls. Also, consider planting trees or shrubs to shade high-heat areas — air conditioning units that emit heat, for instance, and driveways and walkways that absorb it. Of course, sitting under a shady tree on a hot summer day isn't a bad way to pass the time, wherever the tree stands!

8. Install awnings.

Like trees, awnings can save you money on energy bills by cutting down on the heat your house absorbs.

re-post:http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/green-living/cool-without-air-conditioning

When to Turn Off Your Lights

The cost effectiveness of when to turn off lights depends on the type of bulb and the cost of electricity. The type of lightbulb you use is important for several reasons. All lightbulbs have a nominal or rated operating life, which is affected by how many times they are turned on and off. The more often they are switched on and off, the lower their operating life.

INCANDESCENT LIGHTING

Incandescent lights should be turned off whenever they are not needed, because they are the least efficient type of lighting. 90% of the energy they use is given off as heat, and only about 10% results in light. Turning lights off will also keep a room cooler, an extra benefit in the summer.  

HALOGEN LIGHTING

While halogens are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, they use the same technology and are far less efficient than CFLs and LEDs. Therefore, it is best to turn these lights off whenever they are not needed.

CFL LIGHTING

Since they are already very efficient, the cost effectiveness of turning CFLs off to conserve energy is a bit more complicated. A general rule-of-thumb is this:

• If you will be out of a room for 15 minutes or less, leave it on.
• If you will be out of a room for more than 15 minutes, turn it off.

The operating life of CFLs is more affected by the number of times they are switched on and off. You can generally extend the life of a CFL bulb more by switching it on and off less frequently than if you simply use it less.

It is a popularly held belief that CFLs use a lot of energy to get started and it is better not to turn them off for short periods. The amount of energy varies between manufacturers and models—however, ENERGY STAR© rated bulbs are required to endure rapid cycling for five-minute intervals to ensure that they can hold up to frequent switching.

In any case, the relatively higher "inrush" current required lasts for half a cycle, or 1/120th of a second. The amount of electricity consumed to supply the inrush current is equal to a few seconds or less of normal light operation. Turning off fluorescent lights for more than 5 seconds will save more energy than will be consumed in turning them back on again. Therefore, the real issue is the value of the electricity saved by turning the light off relative to the cost of changing a lightbulb. This in turn determines the shortest cost-effective period for turning off a fluorescent light.

The value of the energy saved by turning a CFL off depends on several factors:

• The price an electric utility charges its customers depends on the customer "classes," which are typically residential, commercial, and industrial. There can be different rate schedules within each class.
• Some utilities may charge different rates for electricity consumption during different times of the day. It generally costs more for utilities to generate power during certain periods of high demand or consumption, called peaks.
• Some utilities can charge commercial and industrial customers more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) during peak periods than for consumption off-peak.
• Some utilities may also charge a base rate for a certain level of consumption and higher rates for increasing blocks of consumption.
• Often a utility adds miscellaneous service charges, a base charge, and/or taxes per billing period that could be averaged per kWh consumed, if these are not already factored into the rate.

LED LIGHTING

The operating life of a light emitting diode (LED) is unaffected by turning it on and off. While lifetime is reduced for fluorescent lamps the more often they are switched on and off, there is no negative effect on LED lifetime. This characteristic gives LEDs several distinct advantages when it comes to operations. For example, LEDs have an advantage when used in conjunction with occupancy sensors or daylight sensors that rely on on-off operation. Also, in contrast to traditional technologies, LEDs turn on at full brightness almost instantly, with no delay. LEDs are also largely unaffected by vibration because they do not have filaments or glass enclosures.

CALCULATING ENERGY SAVINGS

To calculate the exact value of energy savings by turning a lightbulb off, you need to first determine how much energy the bulb consumes when on. Every bulb has a watt rating printed on it. For example, if the rating is 40 watts, and the bulb is on for one hour, it will consume 0.04 kWh, or if it is off for one hour, you will be saving 0.04 kWh. (Note that many fluorescent fixtures have two or more bulbs. Also, one switch may control several fixtures—an "array." Add the savings for each fixture to determine the total energy savings.)

Then you need to find out what you are paying for electricity per kWh (in general and during peak periods). You will need to look over your electricity bills and see what the utility charges per kWh. Multiply the rate per kWh by the amount of electricity saved, and this will give you the value of the savings. Continuing with the example above, let us say that your electric rate is 10 cents per kWh. The value of the energy savings would then be 0.4 cents ($ 0.004). The value of the savings will increase the higher the watt rating of the bulb, the greater the number of bulbs controlled by a single switch, and the higher the rate per kWh.

The most cost-effective length of time that a light (or set of lights) can be turned off before the value of the savings exceeds the cost of having to replace bulbs (due to their shortened operating life) will depend on the type and model of bulb and ballast. The cost of replacing a bulb (or ballast) depends on the cost of the bulb and the cost of labor to do it.

Lighting manufacturers should be able to supply information on the duty cycle of their products. In general, the more energy-efficient a lightbulb is, the longer you can leave it on before it is cost effective to turn it off.

In addition to turning off your lights manually, you may want to consider using sensors, timers, and other automatic lighting controls.

For great savings on light bulbs that will help you save BIG, stop by Electric Supplies Online.

re-post: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/when-turn-your-lights

Juno LED Light Track Fixtures

LED Track Fixtures

Now there’s a trac fixture family specifically designed to optimize the performance of LED MR16 lamps. Juno LED-Compatible MR16 Trac Fixtures enable you to take maximum advantage of the economy, energy efficiency, and manufacturer’s rated life of these readily available lamps.

Using enclosed MR16 track fixtures, originally designed for halogen lamps, can compromise LED lamp performance and significantly reduce service life due to overheating. However, Juno LED-compatible fixtures incorporate ventilation features designed specifically for LED lamps, permitting them to operate within recommended temperature ranges, thus maximizing light output and avoiding expensive, premature lamp failures. They provide complete physical and electrical compatibility with virtually all available 12V MR16 LED lamps, enabling you to fully experience the multitude of benefits these products have to offer.

Juno LED-Compatible MR16 Trac Fixtures are available in five designer-grade styles that are as attractive as they are functional. They are ideal for retail, hospitality, commercial, and residential applications. And there is a fixture series for virtually every Juno trac system, including line voltage Trac-Master®, Trac-Lites™, and Quick Jack systems and low voltage Trac 12™ and Flex 12™ systems. The fixtures feature durable die cast aluminum construction with beautiful black, white, silver, or satin nickel finish and are designed for fast, easy lamp installation and removal. They are dimming-compatible with most LED lamps (refer to lamp manufacturer’s data sheets) and can also accommodate MR16 halogen bi-pin cover-glass lamps up to 50W maximum.

For great savings stop by Electric Supplies Online.

repost:http://www.junolightinggroup.com/Whats_New/New_Products/Juno_LED_Compatible_MR16_Trac?alttemplate=newsArticle2

Lumark: LED Wall Packs and Flood Lights

Lumark Lighting LED Wall Lights

The patent pending Lumark Crosstour™ LED Wall Pack Series of luminaries provides an architectural style with super bright, energy efficient LEDs. The low-profile, rugged die-cast aluminum construction, universal back box, stainless steel hardware along with a sealed and gasketed optical compartment, make the Crosstour impervious to contaminants. The Crosstour wall luminaire is ideal for wall/surface, inverted mount for façade/canopy illumination, post/bollard and low level pathway illumination including stairs. Typical applications include building entrances, multi use facilities, apartment buildings, institutions, schools, stairways and loading docks.

Lumark Flood Lights

The Lumark Floodlight is a compact, economical alternative to traditional floodlighting. It is is ideal for small yards, walkways, entrances and decks, as well as for accent lighting.

Currently Electric Supplies Online is having a big sale on some of Lumark's LED Wall Packs and Flood Lights, come visit and save big!

Check Out Cooper Lighting's video on these great products:

For great savings stop by Electric Supplies Online.

Leviton's: 4-Port USB Charger

4-Port USB Charger:

Our new 4-Port USB Charger offers a ground-breaking 4.2 Amps (Type A, 2.0) of charging power controlled by a microprocessor, providing the ability to charge up to four high-powered electronic devices simultaneously, including multiple tablets. The device is strategically designed with four generously spaced vertical USB Ports which provides additional room for maneuvering of charging cords and reduces stress on the cables while charging. Leviton's 4-Port Charger is a perfect addition for your home.

re-post: http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/SectionDisplay.jsp?section=63493&minisite=10251

For the best Leviton deals please visit us at, Electric Supplies Online.

Here is a video of how helpful and efficient Leviton's 4-Port USB Charger can be:


re-post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p864phDDKc

For great savings stop by Electric Supplies Online.

Lutron's Maestro Occupancy Sensor: The Benifits

Lutron Maestro Occupancy Sensor

Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensors automatically turn lights on when you enter a space and off when you leave, making them a convenient way to save energy in a home or commercial space. They’re ideal for rooms where lights are accidentally left on, such as an office, or rooms that you often enter with your hands full, such as a laundry room or supply closet. 

Lutron offers a variety of sensors to meet the needs of any space, including sensor switches, dual-circuit switches, and dimmers. Lutron also manufactures models to comply with California Title 24 and other building energy code requirements.
re-post from: http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/Sensors/Occupancy-Vacancy/MaestroOccVacSensors/overview.aspx

Want to lear how to install an Occupancy Sensor? Take a look:

Video from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBfYWUOVfQE

NuTone: Bath and Ventilation Fans

Homes are now built much more efficiently than they once were, making them far less costly to heat and air condition. That said, having proper ventilation throughout the home is now imperative in order to provide a safe and comfortable living environment. NuTone ventilation fans provide the best solutions to ensure that contaminants are constantly removed from the indoors.

High quality NuTone ventilation fans offer a variety of performance levels, functionalities and styles to suit each need in any area of your home.  From a bathroom fan or bathroom ventilation with variable air movement, sound levels and ENERGY STAR® qualified efficiency certified by the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI), you can trust that NuTone fans will serve at every level.  NuTone fans function as BOTH traditional bathroom fan for removing humidity and odors on the spot, OR as continuously running fan to constantly remove contaminants trapped throughout the home. Problems such as humidity, odors, dust, pet dander, and various chemicals will be eliminated. This type of ventilation is referred to as “whole house” and is increasingly being required to meet building codes or to meet the requirements of green building programs such as LEED, ENERGY STAR® for Homes or the National Green Building Standard.

Visit us at Electric Supplies Online, your number one stop for ALL NuTone Ventilation fans!

re-post from: http://www.nutone.com/products/product-line/bath-and-ventilation-fans

"LIGHT"-NING Hand Towels: The Best Cleaning Wipes

New Cleaning Wipes

Recently Unilight, a local electric store in California, was selling cleaning wipes. We decided to buy a couple of them and put them to use. The results of the cleaning power was just AMAZING! They clean even the dirtiest items and make them look NEW, not to mention they leave a great clean smell too. These bottles come with 90 wipes and are multi-purposed. You can use them to clean your hands, tools, machinery, equipment, pipes, and a variety of nonporous surfaces. These wipes are fortified with new generation cleaning agents that can remove the toughest soils such as: tar, asphalt, oil, grease and break dust, and the best part is they will not irritate your skin. One wipe does it all and it is a product that will last. It is sure worth every penny. Do not miss out wether it is to clean the toughest messes or simply to clean your hands, LIGHT-NING Hand Towels, are the cleaning wipes for any mess, see for yourself.

For great savings stop by Electric Supplies Online.

Lutron: The Future of Wireless Lighting Control

How does Maestro Wireless work?

Maestro Wireless uses radio frequency (RF) technology. RF signals travel through walls and floors with a typical range of 100 feet* for example, from driveway to foyer or from bedroom to hallway.To install Maestro Wireless, simply replace your existing wall switch with the 600 W dimmer to gain wireless control. Setting up Maestro Wireless is easy, too. Maestro Wireless technology offers impressive lighting control functionality and convenience that will fit almost any commercial or residential application. The Pico Wireless control and Radio Powr Savr™ sensors give the system even greater flexibility, plus the added benefit of improved energy savings. The system is incredibly easy to install and operate, allowing you to control lighting levels with any combination of up to 10 dimmers, switches, sensors and wireless controls — all with the touch of a button.

Re-post from: http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/SingleRoomControls/MaestroWireless/Overview.aspx

Features and Benefits:

Energy Savings Dimming saves energy and extends bulb life, but it is still easy to leave a room and forget to turn off the lights. Maestro Wireless dimmers are compatible with Radio Powr Savr occupancy/vacancy sensors and daylight sensors. The sensor will turn the lights off for you after you leave, which means convenience as well as even better energy savings.

Safety:

Maestro Wireless technology features a delayed fade-to-off option that allows you to safely exit a room before the lights turn off completely. The Pico Wireless control helps take safety to the next level. Turn on lights from your car so you never again return to a dark home.

Here is a outline of how Wireless Lighting Control can be set up.

http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/lutron-maestro-wireless-dimmer-info.html

For great savings stop by Electric Supplies Online.

How to test a Leviton GFCI

Test Your GFCI Devices Monthly!

Leviton offers a wide variety of GFCI devices to protect you in your home, office, construction site, or wherever you use electrical products in damp or wet locations. These devices are designed to reduce the occurrences of serious injury or death associated with electrical accidents. Whether you need a GFCI Box-Mount Receptacle, Portable Cord Set or Field-Wireable unit, Leviton has a GFCI device that meets your needs.

Check out our Leviton Devices by visiting us at Electric Supplies Online

All of Leviton GFCI products conform to the latest industry standards as outlined by OSHA, UL, CSA, NEC and others.

Did you know you should test your GFCI every month? Here is how you test your GFCI

Here is an educational device that can help you check your GFCI Devices:

For great savings stop by Electric Supplies Online.

Light Up Your Pockets with BIG SAVINGS: Lumark Crosstour Sale

HURRY! DON'T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

Enjoy 85% Energy Savings with Crosstour Outdoor Wall Mount Lighting

Superior optical control with uniform energy-conscious illumination

Lumark Crosstour™ LED Wall Pack Series of luminaries provides an architectural style with super bright, energy efficient LEDs. The low-profile, rugged die-cast aluminum construction, universal back box, stainless steel hardware along with a sealed and gasketed optical compartment makes the Crosstour impervious to contaminants.  For more information, please click specification sheet or Crosstour information page.

For more SUPER SAVINGS visit us at Electric Supplies Online!!!

SAVE BIG: Beat the Heat with Westinghouse

Come checkout our biggest sale of the summer & BEAT THE HEAT!

Westinghouse Ceiling Fans 

The Westinghouse ceiling fan assortment features a wide range of modern and traditional ceiling fans, as well as sleek and powerful industrial varieties.  Choose the ceiling fan that meets your needs and suits you

Visit us at Electric Supplies Online today and save BIG on Westinghouse!!!