Save the Night | Be the Solution, Stop Light Pollution
Save the Night | Be the Solution, Stop Light Pollution
Many of the light fixtures sold today are LED integrated fixtures (often called "LED fixtures"), meaning that the light source is built into the fixture itself and there is no changeable bulb. While these fixtures can be of great quality, there are some underlying problems that stop us from recommending them in most cases.
First, nothing lasts forever. Many light fixture manufacturers offer exceptional warranties, some even a lifetime, but these are never a guarantee. In today’s day and age, we see businesses come and go almost daily, so we know that not every company offering a lifetime or particularly long guarantee will be around when it comes time to take advantage of it. And even if the company lasts, that doesn't mean the company will still be manufacturing the fixture in question when you need it.
The second reason to avoid LED integrated fixtures is that LED technology is continually evolving and getting better. If an LED with a lower color temperature and/or lower lumen output comes along that is better for the environment, you would have to replace the fixture instead of just replacing a bulb to take advantage of that development.
Finally, you may find that the LED integrated fixture you purchased turns out to be brighter than necessary or you decide you would prefer a lower color temperature after installing it. Wouldn't it make more sense to be able to just change a bulb?
For all these reasons, fixtures with replaceable LED bulbs – where that is an option – are the way to go, in our opinion. For some fixtures, such as streetlights and parking area lights, LED integrated fixtures may be the only option.
DarkSky International (formerly known as the International Dark Sky Association) provides objective, third-party certification for products that minimize glare, reduce light trespass, and don’t add to skyglow. You can search for "DarkSky Approved" products on their website using the link below.
Just keep in mind that under Nantucket's outdoor lighting bylaw, the color temperature must be 2700K or less unless an exception applies. Some LED integrated fixtures approved by DarkSky International are 3000K.
Similarly, some LED integrated fixtures approved by DarkSky International may not satisfy the lumen restrictions of Nantucket's bylaw.
As we learn of products sold on island, we'll note those as well. Please reach out to us if you stock comparable products!
Guide to Bulb Shapes and Sizes available at: https://www.bulbs.com/learning/shapesandsizes.aspx
Sylvania LED "Vintage" A19 Bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base (Available on Amazon here)
TCP LED Filament A19 Bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base - FA19D4024E26SCL92 (Available on Amazon here).
TCP LED bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base - LED8P20D24KFL (Available on homelectrical.com here.)
TCP LED bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base - L7P20D2527KNFL (Available on homelectrical.com here.)
Phillips LED bulb - Dimmable (the more you dim, the warmer the light) - E26 Base - 471136 (Available on bulbamerica.com here).
TCP LED Filament G16 Bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base - FG16D2524E26SCL92 (Available from Light Bulb Surplus here).
Feit Electric LED Filament A15 Bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base (Available on bulbs.com here).
TCP LED Filament T10 Bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base - FT1007D2524SB (Available from Light Bulb Surplus here).
Satco LED PAR 30 Bulb - Dimmable - E26 Base - S29410 (Available on Build.com here)
Sunco PAR38 LED Flood Bulb - Dimmable (Available on Amazon here)
Remember to use the right size bulb for these kind of fixtures. If the bulb extends below the bottom of the fixture, the fixture is no longer "fully shielded."
While some uplighting is permitted under Nantucket's outdoor lighting bylaw, the most dark-sky and neighbor friendly fixture is fully shielded.
Fully shielded are the most dark-sky and neighbor friendly. The limit on unshielded string lights, all bulbs combined, is 2000 lumens for residential properties and 4000 lumens for nonresidential properties, and the brightness can't exceed 50 lumens per linear foot.
25 ft with 23 bulbs (30 lumens each, 690 lumens total), 2700K (Available on Amazon here)
If your floodlight has an exposed bulb, it may be possible to add a shield to convert it to a fully shielded fixture. However, keep in mind that the fixture would have to be pointed down to be considered fully shielded.
Available on Build.com here. Note: this must be pointed down to qualify as fully shielded.
Available on Build.com here. Note: these must be pointed down to qualify as fully shielded.
Available on build.com here. Note: these must be pointed down to qualify as fully shielded.
Available at Home Depot here. Note: these must be pointed down to qualify as fully shielded.
Available on Amazon here. Note: this must be pointed down to qualify as fully shielded.
Required for flagpoles that are taller than 20 ft.
Available at FlagpoleWarehouse.com here
BUG rating must not exceed B1-U0-G1
Contact Nantucket Lights for guidance on ordering.
Contact Nantucket Lights for guidance on ordering.
Contact Nantucket Lights for guidance on ordering.
Available from Cooper Lighting Solutions
If the bulb is at the top of a unshielded fixture, it may be possible to add a shield to convert the fixture into a fully shielded fixture.
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