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Q&A: How to select outdoor commercial flood lighting fixture?

When selecting an outdoor commercial flood lighting fixture, consider the following factors:

  1. Purpose: Determine the purpose of the floodlighting. Are you trying to illuminate a large area or highlight a specific feature?
  2. Lumens: Flood lights require 700 to 15,000 lumens. The brighter the lights are, the more lumens they emit, and the more secure your space. Motion sensor flood lights require between 300 and 700 lumens. These lights have ranges, so brightness may vary.
  3. Color temperature: Choose a color temperature that suits your needs. Lower color temperatures (around 2700K) produce warm, yellowish light, while higher color temperatures (around 5000K) produce cool, bluish light.
  4. Mounting: Choose a fixture that can be easily mounted in the desired location. Consider the size and weight of the fixture and ensure that the mounting method is appropriate for the location.
  5. Durability: Outdoor lighting fixtures should be durable and weather resistant. Look for fixtures with a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates the fixture’s ability to withstand water and dust.
  6. Energy efficiency: Choose an energy-efficient fixture to save on electricity costs and reduce your environmental impact. Look for fixtures with a high lumen output per watt.
  7. Maintenance: Consider the ease of maintenance and replacement of the fixture, as well as the availability of replacement parts.
  8. Warranty: Look for fixtures with a warranty to ensure that you are protected against defects or malfunctions.
  9. Budget: Consider your budget when selecting a fixture. Outdoor commercial flood lighting fixtures can range in price depending on their features and quality.

By considering these factors, you can select an outdoor commercial flood lighting fixture that meets your needs and provides reliable and efficient illumination for your outdoor space.

For a free job site evaluation, please contact JXT COMPANY.  We are a Duke Energy Saving Program Partner, and we can save you about 50 to 85% of lighting fixtures’ costs.

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Q&A about how often to change residential and commercial air filters?

The frequency at which you should change your indoor air filters depends on several factors, such as the type of HVAC system, filter you are using, the level of air pollution in your area, and the amount of usage your HVAC system receives. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to change your air filter every 1-3 months.

For the indoor space with pets, allergies, or heavy foot traffic, you may need to change the filter more often. If the room or the space is in a particularly dirty environment, such as an area with high levels of air pollution, you may also need to change the filter more frequently. On the other hand, if the room or building is in a clean environment and your HVAC system is not used frequently, you may be able to go longer between filter changes. It’s also important to check your air filter regularly and replace it when it is dirty, regardless of the time elapsed since the last change. A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills and reduced indoor air quality.

If you are not sure, please contact us for a free onsite visit to determine.

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Time for a Refresh on Fire Safety & Prevention

Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9 this year. With that being said, when was the last time your customer’s fire and smoke damper actuators were inspected? (If you or your customer just had to pause and think hard about that question…it’s time for an inspection!)
OSHA states that “The employer shall ensure that all supervised employee alarm systems are tested at least annually for reliability and adequacy.” Meanwhile, the National Fire and Protection Code and Standards state that the requirement for testing fire and smoke systems and dampers is one year after installation and then once every four years after that. Hospitals, however, are required to inspect every six years. (Reference NFPA 80, NFPA 90A, and NFPA 105 for further information.)
Now if you’re thinking to yourself that fire and smoke dampers actuators are a pain to get to, well…we agree. So to help ease some of the pressure for the task you’re about to undertake, here is how our techs suggest going about inspection:
1. Ensure unobstructed access to the damper.
2. Test the damper for correct airflow. Then, verify that it opens by following either Option 1 or Option 2. (There should be no interference due to rust, damaged frame or blades, or other moving parts.)
OPTION 1-Dampers with position indication wired to indication lights or control panels:
Use the signal from the damper’s position indication device to confirm that the damper is in the fully open position. (Switches can be wired to local or remote-control panels and/or BAS to indicate that the damper is in the fully open position, fully closed position or neither.)
Remove electrical power or air pressure from the actuator to allow the actuator’s spring return feature to close the damper.
Use the signal from the damper’s position indication device to confirm that the damper reaches its fully closed position.
Return electrical power to re-open the damper.
Use the signal from the damper’s position indication device to confirm the damper reaches its fully open position.
OPTION 2-Dampers without position indication:
Visually confirm that the damper is in the fully open position.
Ensure that all obstructions (especially hands!) are out of the path of the damper blades.
Remove electrical power or air pressure from the actuator to allow the actuator’s spring return feature to close the damper.
Visually confirm that the damper closes completely.
Return electrical power to re-open the damper.
Visually confirm that the damper is in the fully open position.
3. If the damper is not operable, then it’s time for repairs. If the actuator has failed, replace it with a UL-approved actuator. After these repairs, the damper should be tested again.
4. If there is a latch, verify that it is operable.
5. Perform any other damper manufacture-recommended maintenance.
6. Following the test and any repairs document the location of the damper, the date, the inspector, and deficiencies or repairs. Keep the record for the life of the damper and have it available as you may need to show it to an inspector.
JXT Company supplies Edwards Signaling strobes and horns, Belimo’s complete line of fire and smoke damper actuators; Belimo’s Universal RetrofitLinkage/Actuator Kit; Siemens’ Non-Spring Return Direct-Coupled Actuators; CO and NO2 Sensor; Stainless-Steel Pressure Transmitter and many more.