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Louis Poulsen and the energy issue
It was always a desire for Louis Poulsen to follow the latest advances in technology, to minimise energy consumption
and to achieve the optimum atmosphere created by the light. That is why all Louis Poulsen products have to meet
a wide range of requirements. In our lighting philosophy, energy saving is an aspect of "function", so most of our
products are available with multiple light source choices, aimed at minimising energy consumption and maximising
comfort and atmosphere.
We face a constant challenge in updating our products to use optimal energy-saving light sources while also being
loyal to our lighting philosophy. Originally, we developed a large part of the Residential product programme, including
the PH lamps, for incandescent light sources. This was logical as the products are often used in settings where the
colour quality is a key factor - and the best alternative to daylight is still the incandescent light source.
Although energy-saving alternatives are not point-emitting - which was a key parameter, especially in the design of
the PH lamps - the development of energy-saving alternatives is moving very rapidly on all other parameters. Light
sources are getting smaller, sockets are getting narrower, colour rendering is improving and availability in the shops is
increasing in step with the increasing awareness of environmental impact. We at Louis Poulsen believe it is important
to offer alternatives to the incandescent lamps for all our products.
Energy saving alternatives to incandescent bulbs:
Louis Poulsen believes that you should consider the following aspects before you choose your light source:
Colour rendering
The colour rendering of energy-efficient light sources is still not as good as that of incandescent light sources – although
it is improving day by day. We express this feature as the RA index number. When the RA index number is less
than 100 - the figure for incandescent light sources - the colour of the surroundings is not reproduced as if in natural
light. You should take this into consideration when choosing between incandescent light sources and energy-saving
alternatives.
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Colour
The colour of energy-saving alternatives is often cooler. For some applications this is agreeable - for other applications
a warm tone is preferable. Remember this when you choose your light source.
Operating
Some energy-saving alternatives do not switch on instantly - and some may need 1-3 minutes to warm up to maximum.
Would this be something you have to consider in the application where you will use an energy-saving light
source? Please be aware that not all energy-saving light sources are dimmable. If the product is equipped with a
dimmer solution, dimmable light sources must be used. Louis Poulsen products with dimmers regulate from 100 to
0%, make sure that the energy-saving light source is prepared for that.
Design - shape and sizes
Energy-saving alternatives come in many different shapes and sizes. You must check if there is room for the light
source in the product, and you need to be careful that the lamp is not seen. For some products - e.g. glass products
- you should also make sure that shadows etc. appear as close as possible to what was originally intended for the
product.
Recommended energy-saving alternatives:
At Louis Poulsen, we have tested energy saving alternatives in all our products originally developed for incandescent
lamps. The alternatives listed below were evaluated with following questions in mind:
Is there enough space for the light source?
If the light source is visible - is the shape acceptable and similar to the original intentions?
Is the lighting experience close to the original – in terms of shadows, light level, etc.?
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