When retrofitting from T12 lighting to T8 lighting, frequently we see an opportunity to “delamp.” This means we reduce the total number of new T8 light bulbs installed, compared to the number of older T12 light bulbs that we’re replacing. Not only does delamping reduce cost for the customer by purchasing fewer light bulbs, but more importantly, it increases the Idaho Power rebates available.

We, like other retrofitters, frequently retrofit four T12 lamps to two T8 lamps. This usually gives adequate light in most office environments and many retail environments, where significant natural light exists.

However, delamping isn’t appropriate in every scenario. When the owner of a jewelry store approached Bright Ideas about retrofitting his T8 lighting to T12 lighting, he insisted on using four T8s lamps in the place of four T12s. Typically, we recommend installing two T8s lamps where four T12s used to be. But the jewelry store owner wanted maximum light on his product. It turns out, he was absolutely right in wanting the four lamp T8 fixtures. We put in some of the brightest full spectrum light bulbs on the market today when we retrofitted the fixtures from four lamp T12 to four lamp T8.

The owner was very happy with the new lights. Not only was he getting about a 30 percent energy reduction, but perhaps more importantly, he had better light in his store. The lights are brighter and more like daylight. That makes the diamonds shine even brighter than before. The cost of the better lighting is practically nothing if it helps the owner sell more diamonds each year.