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Journalism of Courage
How about saving energy this Diwali? Check out these motion sensor lights
Most of us dont mind running up a huge power bill,especially during the festive season. Switching off a light takes exactly the same amount of time and energy as switching it on,yet we are often not so keen,or prompt,with the former. So every year,we burn up hundreds of units of electricity which we could have easily saved.
The simplest power-saving technique anyone can deploy in their homes and offices is motion sensor lighting. Though still not so cheap in our country,the technology is quite simple. The motion sensing system detects the infrared energy created by human beings. To be precise,a skin temperature of about 93 degrees F radiates infrared energy with a wavelength between 9 and 10 micrometers so sensors are typically in the range of 8 to 12 micrometers. Every time there is some activity within this range in a room,the lights switch on. They switch off when the activity seizes.
While some lights come with in-built motion sensors,you can also buy the sensors separately and link them to your lighting system. So there is no need to switch on the bathroom light when you go to sleep. It will switch on by itself as soon as you get near the door. Just imagine how many carbon footprint points this one motion sensor device will get you.
While websites like Alibaba.com list many manufacturers of motion sensing lights,off-the-shelf options are still limited in India. An exception is the Philips CareGlow range of lights,which uses a combination of motion and ambient light sensing technology to provide light only when needed. It works in two ways,by switching on its energy efficient LED lights when the room is dark or when there is some movement in the area. CareGlow will remain lit as long as it detects motion and switches off if no motion is detected for five minutes. A single unit with a sensor will cost Rs 2,950.
Philips Guidelight Bug,on the other hand,is meant to light up rooms used by children,mostly as a night light. It switches on its comforting glow when there is a movement nearby,yet is soft enough not to dazzle young eyes. The Bug has in-built sensors that activate it for instant orientation in the dark and also turns on when the electricity is cut off. Price Rs 2,000.
If you want to rig your office or home with sensors and do your bit towards mother earth,then Hyderabad-based Sensomatic has a host of sensors for indoor and outdoor use. The sensors can be linked to your power system and will help save electricity,as well as act as a deterrent against intruders.
Beyond the bulb
Lights are no longer about naked filaments whose sole aim in life is to seduce moths and other members of the insect family. Lights are slowly becoming a lifestyle statement. Not convinced? Well,one look at the latest range of accessories from Philips and you will be wondering if you bought the sleek tubelight in your living room from a Phoenician trader.
Wine Cooler: This one will put a spotlight on your wine collection and set the mood by enhancing the dining experience multi-fold. There is zero light spill and the light reflects through the complete glass body of the cooler. Price Rs 8,850
Platter: How about a serving of surreal kababs or Diwali sweets? Well,the Philips Platter is bottom-lit and the light from the base surrounds the dish like a halo. Rs 8,550
Vase: It is not always that the vase looks more attractive than the flowers in it. But the intelligently-lit Philips Vase can change colours to compliment the flowers. Rs 9,100
Coaster: Available in a wide choice of colors,the Philips Coasters make even a glass of water look like a cocktail. The semi-hollow carved coaster can hold a glass perfectly and allows light to travel through the drink,making it look other-worldly. Rs 6,200
