THAMESIDE CHURCH RECEIVES A NEW NIGHT-TIME LIGHTING UPGRADE

[SITED NEXT TO the River Thames adjacent to the notable suspension bridge in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, the Grade Two*-listed All Saints Church has until now been illuminated externally for many years using old and worn-out sodium floodlights.

With spare lamps beginning to become harder to source and running costs increasing, Church Lighting Systems – part of CLS Electrical Services Ltd – were asked to provide a cost-effective energy saving solution to replace the 11 existing 250w sodium discharge floodlights with more energy-efficient LED fittings. Working closely with a UK manufacturer, CLS sourced a suitable replacement: an exterior slimline warm white LED floodlight that exceeds the light output of the sodium fittings but more than halves the power consumption.

Installation began in the early hours by disconnecting and removing the existing sodium floodlights, nine of which were ground mounted and two fixed to the tower, illuminating the spire. The existing wiring and controls were tested for insulation resistance and found to be suitable to be re-used with the new LED fittings, meaning no additional cost was incurred replacing them. In addition, the original concrete bases could also be re-used, reducing installation time and, ultimately, cost.

Work progressed very well and the favourable weather meant that the replacement fittings were installed in one day. The results speak for themselves; and to finish the team returned in the hours of darkness to position the new light fittings to provide optimal illumination to the exterior of the magnificent church.

Both ‘team CLS’ and the church wardens were left happy and following a quick photo shoot, they were left to enjoy their renewed lighting installation. q