T8 Lights loosing their brightness?

[dnw64]

In Cincinnati they are replacing their original led traffic signals as they have significantly dimmed in the six years they have been installed

The reds and greens have probably been on for over 20,000 hours each. The generally advertised lifespan of most LEDs is 10,000 hours.

 

[teejk]

This is one of the issues with America. People always talk about "American energy", "American oil reserves", "American" this and that.... but the reality is none of these things are nationally owned. There's no such thing as "the American power grid". All that means is it's a power grid located in America. It doesn't belong to Americans. (the slight exception being co-ops.) It's a necessity item, but it's consumer driven.

For example... there's two major railroads that cross over each other here where I live in South Bend, Indiana. That's at the far northern border, just below Michigan, and about 100 miles east of Chicago. On the Norfolk and Southern line, several times a day, every day, I see fully loaded coal trains around a mile long traveling through northern Indiana. They are destined for coal fired power plants. That seems normal, eh?

Well, these trains are fully loaded and passing each other going in opposite directions, some going east and some going west. Why? We don't produce any coal in this area. If this were "American" coal going to "American" electric power plants, they wouldn't be passing each other on a daily basis. They'd go to the nearest power plants, for efficiency's sake. But they aren't efficient, because they're market driven. It's a huge waste of energy.

I can only imaging the same thing happening on the power grid on a daily basis, only instead of trains on tracks its electrons on wires zipping all over the place, sold to the highest bidder, instead of being used in the most efficient manner.

Do you know for certain that they are hauling coal? Maybe it's silica sand (fracking) that is big business around here...or grain.

 

[Zerk]

Keep in mind utilities may not want to buy your power, and at some point may not. In some areas the government forced them, and the home owners were not happy when it ended. When they stopped getting someone elses money. Which is also what a rebate is.


Power company makes money by selling power, it is their business model. They have big efficient power plants that make it.

You can always cut the cord if you don't like reliable power.

 

[Zerk]

This is one of the issues with America. People always talk about "American energy", "American oil reserves", "American" this and that.... but the reality is none of these things are nationally owned. There's no such thing as "the American power grid". All that means is it's a power grid located in America. It doesn't belong to Americans. (the slight exception being co-ops.) It's a necessity item, but it's consumer driven.

For example... there's two major railroads that cross over each other here where I live in South Bend, Indiana. That's at the far northern border, just below Michigan, and about 100 miles east of Chicago. On the Norfolk and Southern line, several times a day, every day, I see fully loaded coal trains around a mile long traveling through northern Indiana. They are destined for coal fired power plants. That seems normal, eh?

Well, these trains are fully loaded and passing each other going in opposite directions, some going east and some going west. Why? We don't produce any coal in this area. If this were "American" coal going to "American" electric power plants, they wouldn't be passing each other on a daily basis. They'd go to the nearest power plants, for efficiency's sake. But they aren't efficient, because they're market driven. It's a huge waste of energy.

I can only imaging the same thing happening on the power grid on a daily basis, only instead of trains on tracks its electrons on wires zipping all over the place, sold to the highest bidder, instead of being used in the most efficient manner.

There are different types of coal. Plants are built to run on certain types of coal. So the coal in their backyard may not be the same coal they are running. Though it may be.

Granted the government does not own the grid. But it regulates it in most states. Gives them permission to spend money and gives them permission to do projects. It is regulated.


Companies negotiate prices and contracts with coal companies. Just like the pipe lines for natural gas. Sometimes they have holding areas too. Ever drive by a gas station and gas at the next one, if it is cheaper, or at a time when you need gas?



Bottom line is, its complicated.

 

[grsthegreat]

In southern Ohio we are charged a use fee for power used and fee for supply fee.
In Cincinnati they are replacing their original led traffic signals as they have significantly dimmed in the six years they have been installed

there having to replace all the LED railroad crossing lights here in town.....there are maybe 1/3 as bright as when they were installed. So much for all the hype about led's not fading

 

[Zerk]

Someone does have to pay for the infrastructure. er.

Yep. That is why utilities are or may increase meter charge. Even if you are generating enough of your power, someone has to pay for the line to your house, and for the guy to come when you call. It would be ok if they put you on the bottom of the list when a storms goes through, but they can't.

Personally I think if you can connect to the grid for reliable power, renewables are probably a waste of money. I laugh when people tell me they were told it will last for 30 years and such and such company will warranty them if it does not.

Everything breaks down, everything has to be maintained. Everything has to be replaced.
I am in favor of increase meter charge if you don't purchase enough power. I also think it should considered for electric car registration or cars that use less gas. They are still using the road. If they are not paying gas tax, they need to pay something.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have a few Hampton Bay LED low voltage floodlights for landscape lighting. It almost appears that the beam burned a path through the snow and ice. Is that even possible? That they give off that much heat? MOST of that Hampton Bay LED lighting I have has quit. I bought it new at the RESTORE, cheap, so it's not a big deal.

I thought, there would be a huge problem with vehicle and traffic LEDs not generating heat to melt snow and ice. But have heard nothing of the sort.

 

[Zerk]

Sun melts snow too. I have left game cameras out all winter, and as long as above snow line, I have got pictures. Wind blows too.

Snow doesn't stick to everything. Your house is not covered.

 

[Zerk]

I thought, there would be a huge problem with vehicle and traffic LEDs not generating heat to melt snow and ice. But have heard nothing of the sort.

Do they have heaters? A lot of of electrical equipment has heaters to keep moisture out. I have not heard they do. But I could see doing it.

 

[teejk]

Do they have heaters? A lot of of electrical equipment has heaters to keep moisture out. I have not heard they do. But I could see doing it.

But any heat appliance (clothes dryer, oven, hair dryer etc.) is one of the biggest energy suckers we have. If you have to heat the lights, what's the point?