In a feature by In Tents Mag, Pamela Mills-Senn writes about how LEDs will be the future of event lighting. See full article here.
The LED Advantage
LED fixtures are popular for many reasons, such as reduced power consumption and output. Their output is anywhere from 1/8 to 1/10 that of conventional lights, which eliminates the heat element that can damage tent fabric and be dangerous to the touch. Unlike conventional dimmable tungsten lighting that requires heavier cable, LED fixtures require less and smaller cabling, making concealment under carpeting or matting easier. Also desirable is their ability to change color.
"Conventional lighting fixtures do not change color without adding an expensive color changing accessory that is completely out of fashion. For this reason, conventional lighting fixtures have a gel filter added in a single color. The majority of LEDs have vast color-changing capabilities."
There are several types of LED fixtures. The broad-beamed washes provide a more diffused light commonly used for tented events. The profile/framing projector-type LEDs allow users to put in gobos, very useful for logos and branding or to frame light very specifically, such as on a podium, dance floor, stage, wedding cake, and so on. There are also wireless, magnetic pin spots and LED retro/vintage lighting—a trend to watch, especially the oversized lamps with large filaments.
Battery-operated LED fixtures are also often deployed to light up pathways or for up-lighting trees, tent exteriors, and so on. Among their advantages: they don't present a trip-and-fall hazard, you can drop them anywhere and they're ready to go, with most operable by wireless control. They can also be programmed to change color.
Shatter-resistant, acrylic LED bulbs are also trending. They allow customers to plug in more lighting together, use less electricity, and because they are shatter-resistant, they don't need to be replaced or even taken out of the sockets when moving the lights. Although these currently have a higher upfront cost, they're proving to be worth the investment in labor hours saved and not having to constantly buy and replace traditional glass bulb options.
Pamela Mills-Senn is a writer based in Seal Beach, Calif.
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