Thorn Lighting says that it is set to accelerate the adoption of LED technology with the launch a new LED downlight - the Base LED:
A warm white light is achieved through patented technology that mixes the light from yellow and red LEDs, rather than just coating blue LEDs with a yellow phosphor. An integrated sensor monitors the output and ensures consistent colour quality throughout the life of the fitting.
Base LED is the first range to be launched following the recent cooperation between the Zumtobel Group, Thorn Lighting's parent company, and the leading American LED product Cree. The Base LED downlight uses Cree's award winning XLamp LEDs and patented colour-mixing technology to help produce an LED fitting that offers real customer benefits.
The successful collaboration with Cree started in the spring of 2008 with the aim to foster the proliferation of LED technology in the professional lighting sector. As Zumtobel Group CEO Andreas Ludwig commented: "Through our collaboration with Cree we have access to a unique source of technological knowledge."
"Combined with our lighting technology expertise, applications know-how and established marketing channels in the professional lighting sector, this will enable us to exploit synergies and build on the leading position in LED lighting that both companies already hold."
Dimmable too:
Available in 2700K and 3500K options, the Thorn Base LED has an excellent CRI (Ra) of 94 and is dimmable to 20%. The shielding diffuser increases the sense of spaciousness and ambience and ensures good glare control, while the integrated rear fins help dissipate backward heat safely through the body.
When installed, Base LED's smooth white bezel blends with the ceiling to ensure minimal visual intrusion into the application. For a more decorative look, a choice of smooth white decorative bezels with white, matt silver or matt copper inner trims are available. Other options include emergency versions and a housing for surface mounting. All Base LED fittings come complete with a three-year warranty.
Base LED is ideal for a range of commercial and residential applications, where the benefits of energy efficiency and long life no longer have to be sacrificed in favour of good quality light. Typical application could include corridors, staircases, bars, restaurants and hotels. The fitting also has an IP44 (splash-proof) classification, making it suitable for mounting in humid areas such as bathrooms.
As well as energy saving, there are a number of operational and environmental benefits of using a Thorn Base LED. The extraordinary long life of at least 50,000 hours means zero maintenance with no light source replacement, helping to reduce both costs and the amount of material going into landfills. In addition, Base LED is free from UV and IR radiation, emits half the carbon dioxide (CO2) of a conventional 18W compact fluorescent downlight and contains no mercury.
Base LED has finally put paid to the perception among specifiers, contractors and end users that environmentally responsible products come at the expense of performance, efficiency and comfort.