Page 27 - Gazette - November 2023

Clean your reflectors and LED lenses
regularly
WHY? Light output can be reduced up to 10% due LIGHTING
to the buildup of dust and dirt on the LED lens and/or
reflector. LESSONS
HOW? For LED fixtures, lightly dampen a clean, soft
cloth with a vinegar and water solution (1:100 ratio) and
Lights are a long-term investment, so it
use it to gently wipe down the lens. Avoid using abrasive
cleaners. makes sense that they are maintained
carefully in a way that extends their life as
SPECIAL NOTE: While fixtures are designed for use in much as possible.
a greenhouse environment and will tolerate humidity and
drips, they should not be cleaned with a high velocity
water stream or a pressure washer.

Relamp your HPS fixtures every 10,000
hours

WHY? HPS bulbs normally lose 1% output for every
1000 hours of operation. Decreased light intensity will
eventually cause a reduction in crop growth and yield.
HOW? Reach out to your Griffin sales rep and share the
model of your HPS fixture. We’ll get you options.

Replace your LED fixtures based on their
rated lifetime
WHY? The diodes in your LED fixtures will wear out
over time, reducing light output. A 1% reduction in
intensity results in a 1% reduction in yield. The fixture's
PAR maintenance value indicates the amount of light
output deterioration expected after a period of time.
For example, if a fixture has a lifespan value of L90 at
50,000 hours, this means that 90% of the light output is
expected to still be available after 50,000 burning hours.
The L90 is usually the replacement point.
HOW? Reach out to your Griffin sales rep to get the
process started. We’ll work with you to understand your
needs and goals, then connect with one of our trusted
suppliers to get you the best solution for your unique needs.

Manage your electrical service
WHY? LEDs are sophisticated pieces of equipment
with advanced electronics. These components can be
sensitive to power surges and other inconsistencies in
electrical supply. Ensure that supply to your facility is
stable, take steps to reduce interference in your lines,
and put equipment in place to protect your lights from
power surges caused by internal and external sources.
HOW? Talk to a licensed electrician with experience
installing advanced LED lighting, preferably in
horticultural applications. Follow all manufacturer
installation instructions and consult with the Griffin and
manufacturer’s support team as needed.

GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2023 | 27