The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LSD 54-2010 The Strengths and Potentials of Metal Halide Lighting Systems.

This new white paper, developed by the NEMA Lamp Section, reviews the beneficial characteristics of metal halide high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, including high energy efficiency and viability in outdoor and other lighting applications. The paper argues for the inclusion of HID lamps in ENERGY STAR® requirements and for allocations of federal funding to help propel further research and development.

As described in LSD 54, other benefits of metal halide lighting include long lifetime, high maintained light levels, and the broadest ambient operating temperature range of any light source. In light of the attention given to solid state lighting, the section produced this paper to remind stakeholders that HID lighting remains an excellent choice for many lighting solutions.

“Continued breakthroughs in technology make metal halide a fantastic option for specifiers and consumers,” said Pamela Horner of Osram Sylvania, chair of the Lamp Section. “These lamps are now one of the most energy-efficient white light sources available on the market, and LSD 54 makes the case for increased use of and investment in this technology.”

LSD 54 may be downloaded at no charge by visiting www.nema.org/stds/lsd54.cfm.

This publication joins around 40 other white papers in the NEMA LSD series, which covers a range of lighting topics. Other parts of the series cover subjects like ballast disconnects, occupancy sensors, and photoluminescent exit signage. To view a comprehensive list of NEMA LSD white papers, go to www.nema.org/stds/lsd.cfm.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.