The Sonpak has been making lighting history every since it was first launched 25 years ago. It was the first discharge flood supplied with a 70W tubular high-pressure sodium lamp, itself invented by Thorn.
Almost overnight it did away with the power hungry tungsten halogen ‘shovel’ floodlights, producing more light than a 300W flood for 70 per cent less power! Bearing in mind the huge market for these floods that’s a major contribution to energy consumption.
Of course, the original fitting of 25 years ago was a different animal from the one known to the trade nowadays. At first it was only a 70W unit made in black GRP.
Obviously it struck the right note with contractors faced with the problem of recommending low energy, reliable and maintenance free floodlighting at affordable prices and has done ever since. Now – 25 years and many modifications later – it takes another step forward. The new lighter, brighter Sonpak is the envy of the industry offering – more than ever before – better lighting, easier installation, simplified stocking and greater eye-appeal! There are two units – 70W and 150/250/400W rather than the previous three. Apart from improved light distribution – the asymmetrical reflector allows greater downward beam control – Sonpak LX fittings are very light in weight (the higher rating is about two thirds the weight of its predecessor) and they’re more compact and easier to install and handle on site. The precision instrument look of the new floods is also an improvement. What’s more, it’s the latest addition to the company’s LumExpress range, which means excellent availability from wholesalers, and the fittings are no more expensive than the previous Thorn range.
All the Sonpak LX floods are similar in design and finished in black, though the larger model has an aluminium body with a toughened glass front, whilst the smaller Sonpak LX employs polypropylene and a vandal resistant polycarbonate visor. All are sealed to IP65, supplied complete with either metal halide or high pressure sodium lamp. Accessories include a spigot, louvre, wire guard and, importantly, a spill shield.
We like to think that the Sonpak has done a lot for the stockist and contractor as well as ourselves. It has generated enormous turnover, undergone successive modifications to meet the challenges posed by white light metal halide lamp developments and materials and changes in regulations on light spill, and always emerged a winner. It is still, in 2006, one of the UK’s leading luminaires. It is trusted by electricians everywhere because of its good design and reliability.
They say that if you make a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door. Well, after 25 years, our doorstop is pretty well worn. We don’t think our competitors’ mousetrap equals our new and improved one!
With the present rate of technological progress, it will be interesting to see how the science of floodlighting develops over the next twenty-five years.