Experts upcycle existing installation to save money and improve lighting

[LAST YEAR Upper Holloway Baptist Church in north London invited Church Lighting Systems – part of CLS Electrical Services Ltd – to offer practical solutions to a number of issues with their lighting. With a large number of light fittings no longer working, and some that were not used due to loud buzzing and cutting out during services and events, it was clear that something had to be done to not only resolve the current issues, but also provide a longterm solution.

The premise was simple: to provide a costeffective solution to fix their failing existing lighting; to increase illumination levels while providing a low-energy solution, lowering the ever-rising electricity costs; and reducing the need for on-going regular maintenance.

A full new lighting installation wasn’t a viable option for the church, so a retrofit solution was offered, utilising the existing wiring and switching, but replacing the existing light fittings with LED alternatives.

The existing lighting consisted of a mixture of 16 5ft fluorescent batten fittings, 18 250W metal halide wall uplighters and four GU10 spotlights illuminating the baptismal pool.

The church was happy to retain the existing switching arrangements, so they were left unchanged. The high-level fluorescent battens – of which only a few were working – were replaced with new 45W LED battens, which provide a 3,000K warm colour output. The 18 wall uplighters were removed and replaced with 40W, 3,000 lumen, 3,000K warm white LED uplighters. Changing those fittings alone reduces the power consumption by 3,780W per hour, a huge saving over the year!

The four high-level GU10 fittings were removed and two 3,000lm LED spotlights were installed. These have a warm white colour output and have narrow beam reflectors installed, meaning that a higher level of illumination is now available for the baptismal pool located in the centre of the worship area.

The work was carried out just in time for Christmas and the results were met with high praise from the members of the church. While CLS were carrying out the work, a survey was requested to replace the remaining lighting in other parts of the church, such as the corridors and meeting room. Hopefully, in the near future the church will also benefit from renewed lighting in those areas. q

• As well as providing a lighting design and installation service, CLS Electrical Services Ltd cover all aspects of electrical installation work. To find out more visit the website at www.churchlightingsystems.com.