Jamin,
Since the size and the design of the bulb are
independent of the type of lighting source, you should still be able to use your
fixtures if you want to. The primary considerations (I apologize for
redundancy with previous posts) are wattage versus light output [efficiency],
color temperature of the light (generally 2800-6500 degrees kelvin, with
daylight defined generally as between 5500 and 6500 degrees kelvin), color
rendering accuracy of the bulb (CRI, with 100 exactly reproducing daylight at
that color temperature), amount of ultraviolet light (UV) emitted, with
virtually zero being ideal, and anticipated lifespan of the bulb. Each
type of lighting source has its advantages and disadvantages. Most
incandescents use a relatively high amount of energy, have low color temperature
(reddish light), put out virtually no UV, and have a short lifespan.
Fluorescents are fairly efficient, have varying color temperatures, are
generally poor in CRI, although there are some exceptions, emit a lot of UV
light (this can be filtered with straight bulbs, but is very difficult with
spiral bulbs), and have a moderately long lifespan, but their output drops off
with hours of use. LEDs are very high efficiency, currently can have
varied color temperature, although earlier versions were very high (blue)
historically, have had relatively poor CRI, and have high lifespan.
However, studies on LEDs show that their characteristics change with hours of
use, and effective lifespans for museums are much shorter than advertised.
You are correct that the technology is changing fast,
and in a matter of months or a few years, the situation may have changed
completely. LEDs may be the future, but from most perspectives, they are
not quite there yet for museum use. However, with the phased-in nature of
the changes (between 2012 and 2014 in the US), LED technology may be
adequately improved by the time you need to buy replacement bulbs. Or,
another technology may be available. BTW, the law does not require phasing
out incandescents, but provides for increased efficiency standards, so it is
possible they may still be available only more efficient, or,
alternatively, manufacturers may stop making them if their efficiency can't
be improved. And, as I understand it, the law only applies to
incandescents between 100 and 40 watts. PAR 38s are likely to be
available with different lighting sources even if the incandescent version is
phased out.
The overall issues are much more complicated and
nuanced than this response, so please do further research to fully understand
the issues and possibilities. Good luck!
Marc
American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
4
Rockville Road
Broad Brook, CT
06016
www.conservator.com
860-386-6058
Marc A. Williams, President
MS in Art
Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
Former Chief
Wooden Objects Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 12:42
PM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] PAR lightbulb
ban
Hello listers –
Our maintenance person just informed me of an e-mail he was
sent regarding a ban on PAR lightbulbs – one of the types that we and
presumably other museums use in track lighting fixtures for galleries.
The ban will go into effect on July 14th, 2012, after which no one
will be able to manufacture these bulbs in the US. Distributors will be
allowed to sell their remaining stock.
My questions for the list – in the ever-changing world of
museum lighting, what bulbs would you suggest to replace our current PAR
38s? We will need to eventually replace about 350 throughout our
galleries, so cost is an issue. However, we are not completely opposed
to a higher up-front cost if certain bulbs really do last longer and therefore
cut down on the number of bulbs we purchase and the staff time to replace
them. Are LEDs the way to go? Have color rendering issues been
resolved to museum satisfaction? What other cutting edge (or not)
options are there that museums have used successfully
themselves?
I have searched the listserv and looked at the many of the
lighting discussions, but with the rapidly changing nature of the lighting
world and in light of the recent ban, I figured one more post couldn’t
hurt. Bonus points for the “plain English” explanations!
Thanks in advance,
Jamin Landavazo
Chief Curator
Reno County Museum
100 S. Walnut
Hutchinson KS
67501
(620) 662-1184
Kansas Underground Salt Museum
3504 E. Ave
G
Hutchinson KS 67501
(620) 662-1425
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