Case Studies

Cracking the Light Bulb Code: All You Need To Know About Bulb Types

Cracking the Light Bulb Code: All You Need To Know About Bulb Types

To this date, there is a vast range of light bulbs currently available in the market. Knowing which is which will not just save you time, but also avoid errors and incur unnecessary costs, or worse, losing your clients’ trust. Generally, light bulbs are mainly categorised according to its base, shape, and size. The codes seen on light bulbs’ box packaging pertain to these aforementioned attributes.

BASE, SHAPE, & SIZE


For example – on the A60 light bulb, the letter – in this case, A – refers to the light bulb shape. The A shape is the classic bulb shape that has been the most common shape for GLS or General Lighting Service applications. The number that follows the letter indicates the nominal major diameter of the bulb in millimetres.

So in the case of the A60 light bulb – it has the classic light bulb shape, with a 60mm diameter.

The C series light bulbs refer to ‘candela’ or candle-shaped light bulbs, usually used in chandeliers, wall lamps, and more.

The P & G series are spherical, golf ball-shaped light bulbs.

The R and PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) series are reflector or spotlight light bulbs used in directional, ceiling lighting fittings.

The F series light bulbs are UFO-shaped big light bulbs, useful for their broader lighting scope.

On the other hand, choosing the correct base is very important, as they are not interchangeable. Each base corresponds to a certain holder where it is perfectly compatible.

B22 – Found in most ceiling fittings in the United Kingdom, the B22 or Bayonet base is a push-and-twist type of base that has a standard diameter of 22 mm. 

B15 – A smaller Bayonet base type that is 15 mm in diameter


E27 – Commonly used in ceiling fittings, table/desk lamps, or floor lamps, the E27 is also referred to as the Edison Screw (ES) base type with 27mm in diameter 


E14 – Also referred to as the Smaller Edison Screw (SES) base with a 14-mm diameter, usually used in wall lamps, and indoor lighting fittings

COLOUR TEMPERATURE, EQUIVALENT WATTS, AND OTHER IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES

The lighting’s colour temperature set the mood in every room and should be able to fit its purpose – whether it’s for mood lighting, task lighting, or just for general lighting purposes. The standard colour temperatures range from 2700K/3000K Warm White, 4000K Day White, then to the coolest 6400K White. The unit Kelvin is used to measure the light’s colour temperature. The lower the number, the warmer the colour.

LED Bulbs use way less wattage but give off more, if not the same light output as traditional, incandescent light bulbs. For example, this 9W A60 light bulb has an equivalent wattage of 60W. This means that it emits the same light output as that of a 60W, only it uses far less power of only 9W. This also shows how efficient and how much energy is saved by switching to LEDs.

Explore more light bulb shapes & sizes, base types, colours, and more on at vtacexports.com. 

Read more
V-TAC LED Work Lights Bring Safety & Efficiency To Work Sites

V-TAC LED Work Lights Bring Safety & Efficiency To Work Sites

For construction sites, proper artificial lighting is required to effectively and safely complete the job even beyond daylight hours. From simply illuminating entry & exit ways, circulation, and storage areas, lighting also contributes to achieving security and safety protocols by keeping trespassers away from the site.

Work sites generally run off mains electricity at a voltage of 230 V or sometimes reduced to the voltage of 110 V when necessary. V-TAC offers a wide range of lamps available, including work lights of different watts and voltages. Each unit has a dual voltage feature 100-265V for compatibility and a plug-and-play design with built-in wires and a British standard plug for convenience. Equipped with highly efficient SMD LEDs provided by Samsung, the V-TAC LED Work Lights are available at a staggering 5000-lumen and 10000-lumen models at only 50W and 100W respectively, and boasts of a 30000-hr lifespan. Truly a remarkable feat in outdoor lighting efficiency.


V-TAC’s LED Work Lights are also virtually perfect for any construction environment. The yellow body increases its visibility, and units are designed with a tough, airtight diecast Aluminium exterior that is IP65 waterproof and dustproof for an excellent outdoor lighting performance with no compromise regardless of weather, force, and other environmental factors. 

The work lights are also compatible with V-TAC’s floodlight stands – providing enough overhead lighting for sites and ultimately minimising shadows.

Read more
Why Electricians Choose V-TAC

Why Electricians Choose V-TAC

Originally published at Professional Electricians Magazine

Despite the pandemic-induced global supply chain crisis, V-TAC has been fortunate enough to continue serving its customers and maintain offering market-leading prices through certain logistical advantages. While it is true that its manufacturing facilities are located in China, the said company has well-equipped 2 warehouses and facilities in United Kingdom, 1 in Bulgaria and 1 in Poland which contains ready stocks to continue fulfilling orders. 

Of course, the team has been closely monitoring global logistical capacities as shortages of containers due to backlogs, increase in sea freight, to name a few, could eventually affect prices and future order fulfilment capacities. But V-TAC has been continuously offering a number of solutions so its customers can cut down on costs and ease delays on projects and deliveries where the timeline is critical. 

The all-in-one, new & improved vtacexports.com offers both new and existing customers an easier way to check prices, stocks, product specifications, and the entire V-TAC catalogue. The website now features real-time inventory status, which would help users know to curate their orders better as it shows which SKUs are on-hand and ready to be delivered. The ‘Find Your Local Wholesaler’ or the Store Locator option is still available so users can also opt to order from the nearest shop where a specific product is in-stock.

Besides seeing exclusive trade prices, existing trade account owners can now instantly add their orders to their ‘shopping cart’ for a smoother, faster transaction.

The entire product catalogue on the revamped vtacexports.com is now presented according to their respective product group and variations (Watts, Colour Temperature, Size, etc.), making it easier for users to compare all available models in a specific product range.

Multiple product images (product image, box image, infographics, application images, and such) for each SKU have been added, with a more informative specs sheet readily downloadable for clients’ use and reference. Product manuals, certificates, and other relevant info also remain available in standard downloadable formats.

This improved resource can help in expediting purchasing decisions so customers can order early, allowing both V-TAC and its customers to offer better lead times and availability for any lighting requirement. In addition to this, V-TAC’s relationship managers are always hands-on – they are ready to help customers with any queries, and are well-equipped to help with product availabilities, finding alternate product offerings, and can guarantee to offer the best prices possible for you or a project. 

While social distancing is still enforced, the V-TAC team can easily be reached through the before mentioned website, via landline (+442072991212), or email (support@vtacexports.com). If you are not a current customer, feel free to reach out and the team will gladly help you open a trading account.

Read more
How V-TAC Stays On Top Of The Rising Cost of Imports

How V-TAC Stays On Top Of The Rising Cost of Imports

As we witness the world hit a critical pause due to the pandemic, the lighting industry supply chain has felt a massive blow as factories stopped production because of government-mandated community curfews, quarantines, and lockdowns imposed to prevent further transmission of the virus. With SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) originating in the province of the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province, offices and various manufacturing facilities in China were the first to close down, and for companies sourcing from the far east nation, it was uncertain which products will be limited and when products will be shipped out of the mainland.

In a survey done by the Lighting Industry Association, 69% of the respondent companies are said to have difficulties in production, and one of the main reasons was a slow return to the manufacturing capacity of factories in China, along with late deliveries, and shortage of shipping capacity to name a few. This has eventually affected the supply chain in a number of ways, like lead times being delayed and stocks getting depleted. 


As one of the leading suppliers of LED lighting in the UK and Europe, V-TAC is fortunate enough to continue serving its customers and maintain offering market-leading prices through certain logistical advantages. While it is true that its manufacturing facilities are located in China, the said company has well-equipped warehouses and facilities in London and Sofia which both contain ready stocks to continue fulfilling orders. Of course, the team has been closely monitoring global logistical capacities as shortages of containers due to backlogs, increase in sea freight, to name a few, could eventually affect prices and future order fulfilment capacities. But V-TAC has been continuously offering a number of solutions so its customers can cut down on costs and ease delays on projects and deliveries where the timeline is critical.

The new and improved vtacexports.com offers both new and existing customers an easier way to check prices, stocks, product specifications, and the entire V-TAC catalogue in real-time. This improved resource can help in expediting purchasing decisions so customers can order early, allowing both V-TAC and its customers to offer better lead times and availability for any lighting requirement. In addition to this, V-TAC’s relationship managers are hands-on – they are ready to assist customers on any queries, and are well-equipped to help with product availabilities, finding alternate product offerings, and can guarantee to offer the best prices possible for you or a project. While social distancing is still enforced, the V-TAC team can easily be reached through the aforementioned website, via landline (+442072991212), or email (support@vtacexports.com). If you are not a current customer, feel free to reach out and the team will gladly help you open a trading account.

Read more
The All-New Slim Bulkhead: Compact design with complete functionality – and more.

The All-New Slim Bulkhead: Compact design with complete functionality – and more.

The Slim Bulkhead range – a redesign of its classic, bestselling round bulkhead – is the newest addition to V-TAC’s ever-growing catalogue of energy-efficient lighting innovations. Despite having a flatter, lower body depth, the diameter remains around the same – specifically 315 mm & 380 mm for 14W and 20W models respectively. 

Ready for heavy-duty outdoor installations, the new bulkheads remain tough and durable with impressive IP65 and IK08 ratings, with covers treated with thermal barrier coating (TBC) for that added boost of resilience against weather, dust, and various forms of vandalism. The new range also comes with optional, interchangeable Chrome & Eyelid bezels to fit any modern indoor or outdoor aesthetic.

Equipped with LEDs provided by Samsung, the Slim Bulkheads provide high quality, evenly distributed lighting that is remarkably sustainable in terms of energy savings.


All Three Colours In One

Since bulkheads have multiple applications both indoors and outdoors, V-TAC has designed this range to accommodate all standard colour requirements in any location. All models of the Slim Bulkhead series have a built-in toggle switch so users can easily choose between three different standard colour temperatures – warm white (3000K), day white (4000K) and bright white (5700K).

Battery & Sensor Upgrades

Besides the classic standard model, the series has three available models –– one with the Microwave Sensor upgrade, Emergency Battery Back-up, and a 3-in-1 model which includes both upgrades.

The two models with sensors feature a Corridor Function, which enhances the light’s efficiency even further through a combination of automated settings. This enables the light to automatically and gradually dim as a passersby walk along the coverage area.

Users can easily set and customise said function through the DIP switch at the back.

  • Detection Area – Can be reduced or set to full depending on the location.
  • Hold Time (5s 90s 5 min 10 min) – The time during which light will switch on upon activation.
  • Daylight Threshold – The light switches on at lowlight situations and vice-versa. You can set sensitivity as per your need. If disabled, only the motion sensor will work.
  • Standby Period – The time during which light continuously dims down
  • Standby Dimming Level – Dimming level when light is on during standby period.

The Emergency Battery Backup model has rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries and includes a test button, a battery protection circuit, an inhibiting mode, and a green LED light that indicates charging. This feature enables the light to operate at 1.5W for 3 hours upon the start of a power failure and other emergencies. Perfect lighting for stairwells, garages, hallways, parking areas of both residential and commercial establishments.

Fuss-Free Installation

The new Slim Bulkheads have also been designed for quick and easy installation and ultimately lessen maintenance and installation costs. Each unit has a push-fit terminal box and a hinged gear tray for simple and trouble-free wiring. Conduit entries are also laid out and plotted on convenient parts of the fitting. These features shorten the time of threading wires to their correct length, and each unit can be easily mounted in just a few minutes.

The Slim Bulkhead range comes with a 3-year (stand-alone, emergency battery, emergency battery + sensor models) & 5-year (sensor model) warranty and is tested and certified as per European standards.

To know more about the technical specifications of V-TAC’s new Slim Bulkheads range, visit www.vtacexports.com or call +442072991212.

Read more
V-TAC Smart: Using App & Voice Controls As A Safety Measure In The Time of COVID-19

V-TAC Smart: Using App & Voice Controls As A Safety Measure In The Time of COVID-19

The IFTTT technology of V-TAC’s Smart Series can play a huge role in lessening the risk of contracting harmful pathogens by avoiding having to physically press switches and instead enabling users to control their lights and almost every electrical appliance in their household and workplaces through a mobile app and via smart speakers like Amazon Alexa & Google Home. This innovation enables an efficient, systematic, and unified control on all your smart devices that is fully contactless and hands-free.

In a study done by the NIH, it was concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 can remain active on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days, remained infectious on a cardboard surface for 24 hours, and four hours on copper. The results may vary in real-world conditions and the communicability will be affected by the amount of virus present, humidity, temperature, and other factors, but it tells that regularly sanitising surfaces and completely avoiding surface contact will greatly contribute to minimising the chances of becoming infected or spreading the virus further.

The V-TAC Smart series include efficient LED lamps, lamp sockets, Wi-Fi switches, wall plugs & sockets, and power strips. The LED bulbs, available in standard Edison screws and B22 holders, can be directly synced with the app so you can dim, change its colours, and instantly change the mood in any room.


With switch bases designed as per UK standards, the Smart Wi-Fi Switches can replace traditional switches. They support 2.412-2.484GHz wireless frequencies so it could easily work with most WiFi connections at home, offices, and other commercial establishments.

The plugs & sockets easily convert common home appliances like fans, audio systems, coffee makers, kettles, chargers, portable heater, and more to a smart device – just plug it and it makes the device fully controllable on your smartphone or tablet. 


Ultimately, the V-TAC Smart app can be readily integrated on any Amazon Alexa or Google Home speaker. This makes it possible for users to control each and every device or lighting group to be controllable via voice control.

More Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Home

Apart from giving users complete independence from physical switches, upgrading to a smart home can also help you save on your energy bill. Through the V-TAC Smart app, you can easily assign lighting groups and set schedules on when your lights and devices should activate and switch off. This function also adds an extra layer of security when the entire household is away on vacation – lights can be automated to switch on and off on certain times of the day to make it seem like the house is occupied.

With the V-TAC Smart series, the possibilities are endless. At market-leading prices, our team also wants to make upgrading to a smart home a cost-effective process. Contact us at support@vtacexports.com or +971 42356668 so we can provide you top-notch service – send us queries about product specifications and quotes and we will get back to you as soon as we can.


Read more
UV-C lamps can be highly effective in disinfecting indoor spaces and would lessen the rate of transmission of COVID-19

UV-C lamps can be highly effective in disinfecting indoor spaces and would lessen the rate of transmission of COVID-19

With community centres, restaurants, and other commercial venues slowly starting to continue operations, and schools/childcare settings gradually welcoming students, establishments are looking for various ways to effectively lessen the risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in their respective premises. Traditional cleaning methods, while effective, take more time and still pose a risk of exposure to the virus from the disinfection itself to waste disposal. Deep cleaning and decontamination services are advisable yet not cost-effective when done weekly or every other day.


One efficient way of keeping these areas regularly sanitised and safe is through the use of UVC Germicidal Lamps. UVC or Germicidal UV (commonly shortened to GUV) has been proven to be the most effective portion of the ultraviolet spectrum against infectious pathogens. In a position statement released last 12th of May, the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) stated that “GUV of 254 nm has been shown to be effective in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with the Ebola virus (Sagripanti and Lytle, 2011; Jinadatha et al., 2015; Tomas et al., 2015). Other studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of GUV during an influenza outbreak in the Livermore Veterans Hospital (Jordan, 1961).”

The UVC Germicidal Lamp can swiftly and effectively sanitise corners and other areas that can be easily missed by traditional cleaning methods.

Based on current data and empirical evidence, the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) also believes that UVC can help prevent COVID-19 transmission by reducing contamination. “UV light, specifically between 200-280nm (UVC or GUV), inactivates (aka, ‘kills’) at least two other coronaviruses that are near-relatives of the COVID-19 virus: 1) SARS-CoV-1[ii] and 2) MERS-CoV[iii] [iv] [v]. An important caveat is this inactivation has been demonstrated under controlled conditions in the laboratory. The effectiveness of UV light in practice depends on factors such the exposure time and the ability of the UV light to reach the viruses in water, air, and in the folds and crevices of materials and surfaces.”

With its expertise in product development and manufacturing, V-TAC launched its remote-controlled UVC Germicidal Lamp that is effective in killing viruses and bacteria in enclosed spaces. The said lamp can be used to safely disinfect offices, schools, and various commercial spaces.

The new V-TAC UVC Germicidal Lamp is fully remote-controlled, and comes with automatic timer settings and motion detection features to lessen the risk of people getting exposed to UV-C. Each package also comes with clear, prominent labels and comprehensible instructions on the manual to further avoid accidents due to improper use.

The UVC lamp is also directed to institutions and not to the consumer market to further lessen chances of human error. Like all disinfection equipment, operating the device should only be handled by trained and knowledgeable personnel. 

Interested in knowing more about using the UVC Germicidal Lamp for your business? Send an email to support@vtacexports.com or call us at +442072991212.

Read more
What Is Healthy Lighting and Why Does it Matter?

What Is Healthy Lighting and Why Does it Matter?

Life on earth evolved in day and night cycles as both plants and animals have a biological clock that controls the circadian rhythms. Today though, our increasing reliance on artificial lighting is adversely affecting that crucial rhythm.

For close to a century, incandescent lighting served the world well. Easy to produce and dispose of, they had a perfect CRI score of 100. But they kicked off a serious problem. In the 1990s, scientists blamed electric lighting for changing our sleep schedules from a natural 4-hour phase with an hour of wakefulness in-between to a single eight-hour phase every night. Incandescent lighting was also energy-hungry and vastly contributed to global warming.

Today, 90% of our day is spent indoors watching TV, using our smartphones, or working. These devices have a lot of blue light that our systems are very sensitive to. Researchers have linked high levels of blue light with an increase in diabetes, retinal degeneration disease, and cancer.

The negative health effects are already evident. One billion people suffer from Vitamin D deficiency while seasonal affective disorder – a type of depression that can occur in winter when there is less natural daylight – is rising. Shift workers face increased risks of cancer, obesity, and sleep problems.

Well designed lighting can go a long way in mitigating most of these problems. For instance, light trespassing into bedrooms can be reduced by the use of outdoor luminaires that shine light upwards or use shields to block stray light rays. Outdoor garden lights can be dimmed using intelligent control systems and wireless networks of motion sensors.

It is recommended that indoor spaces use warm white LEDs in the evenings with a colour temperature of 3000K or lower – and as little blue light as possible. At night, there should be no exposure to light or light should be limited to 600 nm. It is crucial that light is in-direct (to avoid glare), is flicker-free and has the ability to dim.

Interested in lighting up your space? Get in touch with V-TAC today.

Read more
Recommended Lighting Levels for Residential and Office Spaces

Recommended Lighting Levels for Residential and Office Spaces

As a rule of thumb, lighting for an area should be sufficient to work, use the facilities, and move safely without straining eyes. but, ensuring an area has adequate lighting can be tricky as there aren’t always clear guidelines on recommended light levels. Additionally, it can be difficult to measure how much light is needed.

Below is a helpful guide on the recommended lighting levels for common premises. 


Lighting for residential settings

A well-designed lighting system will ensure a space always has the right amount of light. It affords the ability to adjust the lighting to suit different situations and avoid over-lighting or underlighting.

General lighting should provide the minimum required lighting levels. For living rooms and bedrooms, consider using dimmers and control settings to afford lighting flexibility. For homes intended for the elderly, higher lux ranges are recommended.

Well-positioned lamps and socket outlets may be required to provide light for specific tasks including reading and food preparation. High colour rendering lighting may be significant and is an aspect that needs consideration.

Recommended lighting for individual rooms

Hallways

Downlights that sit flush with the ceiling can maximize the headroom in what’s often a cramped space. A lux level of 100 – 150 is recommended.

Living rooms

Downlights that sit flush with the ceiling can maximize the headroom in what’s often a cramped space. A lux level of 100 – 150 is recommended.

Living rooms require a relaxed ambiance and the flexibility to adjust lighting levels. Ideally, illumination should be set between 100 – 150 lux with the flexibility to be reduced to 60 lux.

Consider wall-mounted uplighters to avoid glare while table lamps can provide the localized lighting required for specific activities.

Dining rooms

Dining rooms should have about 150 lux but since the dining table is used for a variety of other activities, it is wise to include some flexibility. 150 – 200 lux works well for dining scenarios while 400 – 500 lux is suitable for when the kids are doing their homework. High CRI lighting is a necessity here.

Kitchens

The detailed tasks carried out in a kitchen make high lux levels mandatory. 150 – 200 lux is recommended at floor levels and 400 lux for worktops – downlights can deliver focused high lux lighting.

Bedrooms

Lighting levels in the bedroom should be controllable with the ability to provide 60 – 100 lux of light up to a maximum of 150 lux. For task lighting, consider localized lighting up to 400 lux. High CRI lights are a welcome addition – for example, it can help choose clothes.


Lighting for offices

Office lighting requires more attention because the employer has a legal responsibility to meet the recommended lighting levels.

According to the 1974 Health & Safety at Work Act, the employer must ensure the health and safety of its employees. This includes the responsibility to provide the necessary lighting for work to be completed safely. The act further states that the employee’s eyesight or overall health must not be in danger at any moment.

Regulation 8 of the Workplace Regulations Act 1992 dictates that the employer must make sure that:

  • There is natural light, so far as is reasonably practicable
  • Suitable and sufficient emergency lighting is provided where needed
  • Every workplace has suitable and sufficient lighting

Illumination levels in workplaces are generally determined by the tasks performed in the working area.

More often than not, offices are over lit due to the overwhelming use of outdated lighting systems. These lighting systems were intended for paper-based tasks, which required light levels of 500 – 750 lux. Today’s work generally revolves around computer-based tasks where lighting levels of 100 – 500 lux will suffice.

The HSE breaks down lighting requirements into five main categories.

A quick summary of the HSE guidelines is listed below.

  • Hazards should be easily noticeable so they can be assessed
  • Different colours should be distinguishable for safety reasons
  • Lighting should not cause stroboscopic effects, glare or flickers
  • No veiling reflection effect
  • Adjacent areas should not have substantially different levels of lighting
  • Individual needs must be considered and met
  • The lighting system must not pose a health and safety risk
  • Safe emergency lighting

When in doubt, always refer to an expert

The above lighting levels are simply a guide and if you have any specific requirements, they will need to be carefully considered. V-TAC is able to draw upon years of experience to advise on the ideal lighting solution for any application. Do get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you.

Read more