Why do Stadium Lights Take Long to Turn On?
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps (HID) will be used for the bulk of the illumination in most venues. Compared to other exterior illumination, stadium lights typically have a much greater wattage. The drawback of these lights is how long it takes for them to switch on and become fully functional. This can occasionally lead to issues, as was seen at Super Bowl XLVI when play was postponed for 34 minutes as a result of some stadium lights going out due to an outside power source.
Why does it take so long for Metal Halide arena lights to power up?
Many venues still use Metal Halide (MH) lighting, which has the drawback of taking a few minutes to produce the appropriate amount of light. Actually, it can take them five to twenty minutes to achieve roughly 90% of their maximum brightness. Typically, stadiums make up for this by turning on the lights before it gets dark so that by the time the lights are truly needed, they have achieved the necessary level of illumination.
When the lights are first switched on, people in the public will typically notice a faint glimmer. The light will gradually change color and become brighter during the up to 15 minute warm-up time until it achieves the ideal temperature. The lights are on and working properly.
The warm-up time (also known as the run-up time) is the term commonly used to describe this holding interval. Another connected issue is that after turning off the lights, you have to wait for the arc tube to calm down once more before turning it back on. The restrike time refers to the amount of time that must pass for the lights to calm down before they can be turned back on.
Compared to Metal Halide, do High-Pressure Sodium Lamps start up more quickly?
There is also a lag time when turning on a High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) light before it reaches its peak strength. It could take up to ten minutes. Arc tubes in high-pressure sodium lights are supported by a structure. The center of the spark tube has a very high pressure (this makes the lamp more efficient). As the arc steadily warms up, the mercury gas inside will ignite and emit blue light. As the light is released at maximum intensity, the bulb continues to heat up and eventually the sodium will change to vapor.
Are Metal Halide Lamps hazardous and what temps do they reach?
Metal halide lights can rupture suddenly due to both internal and exterior factors and can reach temperatures of 1000°C to 2000°C. Oregon State Authorities first issued a caution about this risk in 2005. Following an instance in which 80 Lake Oswego instructors showed signs after being exposed to ultraviolet radiation from a cracked Metal Halide bulb in the school gym, the caution was given. Temporary blindness, irritated epidermis, and burned corneas were all consequences of the event.
Only Metal Halide lights that self-extinguish if the casing is broken are being pushed for installation in public spaces.
What is the sollution?
With the replacement of LED lights, we have witnessed an incredible development in all alternative methods of sports stadium lighting. A Metal Halide light can fall or erupt for a variety of reasons, and if they do, they shower molten glass onto anything below. This is one of the greatest risks associated with Metal Halide lighting. If it is flammable, a fire like the one that recently devastated an industrial location in New York can and will be started by it.
The LED lamp is a secure substitute for Metal Halide and will also switch on and off immediately. The same issue that led to the New York metal halide bulb falling does not affect LED lights.
Three things make LED stadium lights superior to Metal Halide.
Better efficiency, less electricity used, and lower upkeep costs (dimming and instant on and off).
LED illumination, which was created in 1962, has lately advanced significantly. It is the best choice for stadium lighting because it is more affordable, environmentally friendly, and provides superior, lower-glare lighting. LED lighting is also much easier to regulate and allows for immediate on, instant off, and simple dimming options.
We at BENWEI understand how crucial safety is. Call us if you require professional assistance with lighting your exterior spaces.
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