Lighting is a critical aspect in a number of industries such as manufacturing, mining, marine, packaging, and even sports. Electrical fixtures for such industries are designed for heavy duty performance and can last even in the most adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures and climate.

Apart from ensuring proper lightening and enhancing the output, electrical lighting also helps in maintaining safety in your workplace. If you have a well-lit work space, then your workers can avoid unwarranted accidents like stepping on sharp tools, bumping into equipment, etc. You can use a wide range of electrical light fixtures such as LED, magnification lights, fluorescent lamps, halogen machine lighting, etc.

You must choose the right light fixtures based on the environment you work in and the lighting demands of the space where you need to install them. Let us look at some industrial lighting fixtures that are available.

5 Types of Industrial Lighting Fixtures

In industries like mining, transportation, steel, marine, etc., there are high risks of explosions which you cannot overlook at any cost. You have to make sure that the lighting fixtures have the ability to withstand the heat and pressures that are generated by an explosion. Explosion proof fixtures meet some of the most stringent quality standards of the National Electric Code.

Indoor fixtures can be installed in a number of indoor work areas like workshops, workstations, bays, etc. As different work environments have different requirements for lighting systems, it would be ideal to contact a supplier who can offer you customized lighting requirements. Ensure that the lighting systems are capable of withstanding harsh working conditions as well as extreme temperatures.

Roadway fixtures are ideal for places where you need high mast lighting. Safety is extremely important on the roads and is of major concern for the protection of all those present on the road, which is why you need a brightly lit road. You can control the amount of light generated by these roadway fixtures to make them brighter or dimmer, based on the time of the day they are being switched on.

Every sports ground requires proper lighting. It isn’t a pleasant experience for the spectators when they can’t clearly see what’s going on in the ground/field and it would equally hinder the players from performing well if the lighting is compromised. Regardless of which sport it is, be it tennis, football, cricket, basketball or rugby, flood lights are an indispensable part.

Places like nuclear plants, mining fields, oil rigs and underwater operations require high quality and failure-free lighting solutions. It is important that there are various kinds of light sources as well as lights so that the work doesn’t halt due to lighting failure of any kind. Ideally, you must not use regular industrial lighting fixtures in such places. Make sure the lighting you use are reliable, have a long life and have low maintenance costs.

With the arrival of spring and the inviting weather it brings, you may want to spend more time outside, especially after having been cooped up all winter long. While it’s not yet warm enough to jump in the pool, there are numerous other ways to enjoy a pleasant evening with friends and family in your back or front yard. Without the proper outdoor lighting, though, come nightfall all the fun will have to stop. Because of your limited sight, you run the risk of hurting yourself and others. Whether you’re barbecuing, roasting marshmallows, watching your kids jump on the trampoline, or gazing up at a meteor shower, make sure you have the right lighting to maximize your experience! Check out these __ reasons to install adequate outdoor lighting.

Before you install lighting, consider how you use your outdoor space. For example, if you have a patio, deck or pool area, consider installing zoned lighting, which highlights a designated area. You’ll also want to illuminate areas such as your driveway, garage, sidewalk and entry way. All of these areas are important to light to ensure safe navigation and prevent a trip to the emergency room. Without proper lighting, one could trip over a hidden step, fall off the deck or worse – overcook the meat!

The more light the better. By installing the right fixtures in the right locations, you’ll eliminate all the scary spaces, increasing safety and peace of mind, not to mention guests will be able to find your house with ease. Illuminating your outdoor spaces will allow you to get the most of your day, and since the weather is only going to get warmer from here on out, we have a feeling you’ll want to be outside as much as you can!

When you add flood lights to your back patio, deck or front lawn, you’ll be able take full advantage of these spaces. Instead of having to go inside when dusk comes, you’ll be able to relax with your friends and family outside for as long as you like.  You could even enjoy a nice dinner around the patio table.

A well-lit yard and landscape deters unwanted guests from coming onto your property.  There are numerous types of lights you can install to increase home security:

Many homeowners make the mistake of adding security lights to the front of the home while ignoring the back. The back of your home can be one of the most vulnerable places because of fencing, so make sure you install lighting in this area as well. When deciding where to install your outdoor lighting, determine the darkest areas of your home as well as any places where an intruder could enter.

Your home is one of your most prized possessions. When you’ve spent countless hours perfecting the exterior of your home as well as your lawn and garden, why allow it to go unseen when nighttime comes? You can highlight the best features of your home by installing uplights, garden lighting and low voltage exterior lighting around your trees and shrubs. Not only will the perfect lights add appeal to your home, it will add an undeniable sense of warmth too. Friends, neighbors and passersby won’t be able to stop themselves from glancing at your home each time they walk or drive by it.

One studied alternating current (AC), and the other, direct current (DC). And yet, the world would not be where it is today without their contributions to science and electricity. In light of Nikola Tesla’s birthday on July 10, Mr. Electric is taking a look at the electric Tesla vs. Edison feud.

The main focus for Tesla was alternating current: an electric charge that periodically reverses its direction and is delivered to customers through a transformer. It travels at a much higher voltage than direct current and is more effective because of its ability to travel greater distances while maintaining a constant voltage.

Edison focused his research of electricity on direct current. A key difference between alternating current and direct current is that direct current only flows one way. The voltage of direct current is also constant but it is better when the electricity produced has to travel in short distances.

Edison was working on a system to generate direct current. When he could not get it to perform correctly he hired Tesla, an engineer and graduate of The Polytechnic Institute, who studied electromagnetism, promising him $100,000 if he could correct the problems Edison was having with his research and invention. Tesla corrected the problems but was not given the money. Tesla resigned and Edison spent the rest of his career trying to discredit Tesla’s research and work with electricity.

Today, nearly every home and business in the world is powered using Tesla’s alternating current. The ability of alternating current to travel over long distances and efficiently power everyday home and business electrical equipment eventually overtook Edison’s research on direct current. Edison did not lose out completely, as most battery-powered devices, fuel cells and light emitting diodes use direct current. As the push for alternative energy sources is on the rise, many manufacturers are looking at how batteries and electricity can change the way we look at fuel and the way goods are produced. Whether the electricity being used is AC or DC, Tesla helped us get where we are today.

Technology giant Google made its start as a search engine, subsequently branching into email, cloud storage, advertising and so much more. Now the company from Mountain View is surging forward with a new application, promising to tell consumers if their roofs are suitable for installing solar panels. The program, called Project Sunroof, works in conjunction with Google Maps to analyze your roof's size, orientation and shade levels to tell you at a glance how much solar energy you could get from it. Read on to learn more about how this convenient software works and how it can help you.

A Mix Between a Solar Electrician and a Search Engine

The program is simple to use – all you have to do is enter your address, and Google does the rest. According to the company, the program analyzes all of the following to determine how much sunlight you can soak up:

The program also provides information about what tax credits are available in your area as well as the local rules regarding selling solar energy back to the utility company when your panels are producing more than you need. It then spits out a recommended installation size, which you can modify based on how much electricity you actually consume according to your average electricity bill.

Pay Nothing and Start Saving Today

Google's entry into the solar market comes at a time when the options for solar are expanding, including the ability to lease panels from solar companies and enjoy savings on your utility bills while paying nothing for the installation and setup. A good setup can last for 30 years or more, with little to no maintenance from an electrician once the installation is completed.

Of course, solar isn't for everybody, since many roofs might be too shaded or otherwise not suitable, and some states still don't have good solar policies. Therefore, Project Sunroof can be a good place to get started to see if your house is a prospect before you even call a solar electrician. Currently, the program is working on a trial basis in Boston, San Francisco and Fresno, with more cities sure to be on the way.

Don't Forget About Human Experts Just Yet

Of course, even a technology company as powerful and ubiquitous as Google can't fully substitute for an experienced solar technician when it comes to analyzing how you can benefit from panels. If a Google query indicates that your home is a good candidate, have a qualified electrician or solar expert make the final determination and help you decide if solar panels are right for you.