After 10 years working side by side with Project Managers from all over the world, I am going to appeal to common sense. Please, in luminary comparisons, compare apples to apples and leave the pears on another tree.
This is how it usually works: from the study we deliver a lighting project in which we define brand and model of each of the luminaires (apart from each and every one of the technical characteristics, lúmen outputThe project is then put out to tender, and the Project Manager will be in charge of receiving and comparing different offers from different lighting brands.) Then, the project goes out to bidding, and the Project Manager will be in charge of receiving and comparing the different offers from the different lighting brands. It is there, in these comparisons, where the lighting project usually dies.
Contrary to what we might think, it does not die because it “wants to lower” costs. Dies of ignorance.
Here is an example:
To the professional’s eye, these two luminaires are the same, although one is cheaper than the other. Therefore, the decision is clear, isn’t it?
Good. The most important information is missing in this comparison. The only one that will allow us to guarantee that the amount of light in the space will be as planned, and that it will continue to comply with regulations. Apples. This data is the Luminous Flux.
Gentlemen, the amount of light is measured in lumens. And the watts indicate how much energy the lamp consumes, but not how much light it emits. If we start adding this vital information to the comparatives, we will realize that more often than we realize, when it comes to making a choice, we are killing the lighting project.
Yes, by choosing the cheapest one, in this case, we will be left with practically half of the luminous flux, comparing apples with pears. We will not comply with regulations. We will not follow the guidelines set by the specialist. The user of the space will not have the right amount of light. The project will not look good.
There can be a huge difference between the lumen output of two luminaires that have the same power consumption, and this is because one may be much more efficient than the other. And efficiency, like everything else in life, is ultimately related to price and no one gives anything away for free.
