Intensity Measurement Tool Paves Way For More Commercial LEDs

The Missouri University of Science and Technology have recently developed a new piece of equipment which can quickly and easily measure the intensity of LED lights bulbs. The laser-guided instrument enables the intensity to be measured from a distance, which will be revolutionary for the introduction of LED bulbs into public places. In the UK, many councils have started to fit the light-emitting diodes into street lights, with Bath and North East Somerset Council pioneering the scheme in 2011, and the brightness of LEDs has already seen them implemented into traffic light and pelican crossing systems. This new technology will encourage councils and authorities to fit the energy-saving bulbs across many cities and motorways, as it will be easier for maintenance workers to detect when a bulb needs replacing.

LED light bulbs are one of the most popular energy-saving lighting methods around today. They consume a vastly smaller amount of electricity to produce a higher level of light than the traditional halogen bulbs that the public have become most accustomed to. They are available in an extensive range of colour temperatures, wattages, shapes and sizes, and it is widely said that there is an LED bulb for almost any purpose, be it commercial or domestic.

Unlike traditional halogen bulbs, which give no indication that they are about to stop working, LED bulbs slowly dim over the course of their (considerably longer) life span. This means that the process of replacing roadside, streetside, traffic light bulbs or any other form or commercial lighting will be much easier and cheaper than simply sending out a maintenance truck to replace a single bulb. Technicians will no longer have to use a cherry picker truck to carry out the sometimes dangerous checks, diversions will no longer need to be set up to avoid motorists from injuring a maintenance worker, and councils will be able to develop a scheduled replacement system based on data taken from the new intensity measuring equipment. 

Dr Suzanna Long, of Missouri University of Science and Technology, said: “In many of the nation's traffic lights, light-emitting diodes or LEDs with their brighter light and longer life have replaced standard bulbs. But knowing when to replace the signal heads has remained a guessing game," Dr. Long added. She hopes that the new system will be wheeled out across Missouri first, before governments and authorities across the world begin to examine the advantages of the equipment.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Light Fittings from BLT Direct

Brightening up your home or office needn’t be a time consuming process with BLT Direct, specialist online suppliers of bulbs, lamps and tubes. Lighting can change the ambience of a home, making features of specific walls or household items and creating moods simply by adjusting depth of brightness and colour of the light.

While the right light can set the tone for the living space, the fitting surrounding the bulb is an often neglected pause for thought. Rather than settle for a standard light fitting, BLT Direct has a huge catalogue of domestic and commercial fittings suitable for application as varied as flood lighting, bathroom lighting, factory lighting, office lighting and decorative lighting. The stylish art deco wall lights bring a modern edge to the bathroom, while decorated pull cords and circle wall fittings are more suitable for traditional spaces.

In the kitchen and main living areas, downlighters in brass, brushed chrome and white surrounds cast a pool of light below the wall they are affixed to. For commercial purposes, BLT stocks a range of vandal proof bulhead fittings that are ideal for external lighting of pedestrian areas and car parks.

These are available in PLC low energy, sodium and mercury alternatives. For a comprehensive range of light fittings and energy saving light bulbs in a variety of styles and brands, visit http://www.bltdirect.com.

About BLT Direct
BLT (Bulbs, Lamps and Tubes) Direct makes light work of buying light bulbs online in the UK and Europe. They specialise in supplying lamps, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Brands include Osram, GE, Sylvania, Omicron, Pro lite, Crompton, Ushio and Philips.

'Bring The Inside Out This Summer With BLT Direct!

As the first signs of summer emerge, there is nothing more favourable than spending time outside in the garden, eating al fresco and socialising over a bottle of wine. Despite this, installing garden lighting to complement your handy work can bring even the most avid gardener out is a sweat. With this is mind, BLT Direct, the leading online providers of energy saving lightbulbs, low energy light bulbs and light fittings, are answering some of the most common questions associated with installing outdoor lighting.

I only have a small garden space and I would like to steer away from using floor space to house some garden lights- is there are alternative?
Yes there certainly is, I would suggest investing in a wall mounted garden light. There are so many light fittings on the market that it can be difficult knowing which one to choose, but for the avid gardener who likes dual purpose lights, our Patio Infra Red Heater kills two birds with one stone. Allowing the user to heat their patio areas and light it up at the same time- this fitting is ideal for those summer barbecues when the temperature starts to drop in an evening.



I am keen to find a lighting solution ideal for my dark driveway, but the only driveway lights that I have found in many of the leading DIY stores have been really expensive, do you have any suggestions?
Yes. Our Wooden Bollard IP65 Rated Lights are ideal for this purpose, and offer a stylish take on the traditional driveway lights. The BOL-LED-1 lights feature quality Iroko wood that requires no treatment or varnishing and they contain a high power Luxeon LED. These lights make sure that because of their cut, they look stunning when approached from any angle and not only are they tasteful they are extremely cost effective.



I have had driveway lights installed in the past and lets’ just say, by daughters driving has almost knocked all of them down! Is there a hardier solution to the traditional wooden driveway lights?
There certainly is, it is possible to purchase driveway lights in a metal finishes, which should stand both the test of time and your daughters driving! Our Metal ‘Halo Effect’ Bollards are ideal for this, as they make use of robust technology and stunning LED light, to give an attractive look to any driveway or garden path.

About BLT Direct: BLT Direct are an online supplier of lighting solutions. They provide a wide range of lighting products, as well as light fittings and lamp disposal services, and are committed to offering energy efficient solutions to meet a wide range of home and business lighting needs. Take a look at BLT Direct’s Flickr profile: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bltdirect.

Editor’s Note: BLT Direct is represented by search engine optimisation agency, Top Position. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 0800 094 9001, Option 7.

BLT Direct on Flickr

Take a look at BLT Direct's range of photos on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bltdirect/. The profile includes sealed beam lamps, photographic lamps, downlights, energy saving lamps, wall lights and more.

You can view more pictures and products on our website: http://www.bltdirect.com . Also, don't forget to follow BLT Direct on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bltdirect

BLT Direct Encourage Sport In Youngsters With Cost Effective Sports Floodlighting

BLT Direct the online providers of energy saving lightbulbs, low energy light bulbs and light fittings are offering sports clubs everywhere the chance to get top of the range floodlights at a snippet of the price, just in time for that summer tournament or fundraising event. Costing on average, £3000 fixed sports floodlights can be extremely expensive, and something which many clubs have to carry out fundraising to afford, but this need not mean that it is impossible.

Offering an extremely cost effective alternative, BLT direct are now stocking a huge range of floodlights for all uses, starting from as little as £189.99, their LED floodlights come in a range of colours from aqua blue to red and amber. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, their LED floodlights feature a swivel base, which aid the mounting process and makes wide-angle adjustments easier. This floodlights internal power supply allows 110-240v AC (47-64Hz) and each LED has a 20mm lens with a 36-degree beam angle.

For small clubs everywhere, this is a great opportunity to enable them to extend their hours of operation, and beat the winter rush, where many manufacturers and distributors raise their prices as the need increases. Encouraging sport in young people is known to have a huge effect on both their health and well- being, and is something, which should be encouraged, even when the nights begin to draw in.

Alternatively, their Metal Halide Floodlights are weatherproof to IP65 rating. This floodlight has a toughened glass front and stainless steel bolts and screws, guarenteed to last a long time, this lamp comes complete with Photocell and Lamp.

About BLT Direct: BLT Direct has been a leading online supplier of light bulbs, lamps and tubes in the UK and around the world since the early days of the Internet. Our website provides instant access to almost 10,000 products including Energy Saving Light Bulbs, Fluorescent Tubes, Incandescent Light Bulbs and Light Fittings. Our exclusively online business allows us to provide our huge range of light bulb products to our customers at exceptional prices from high quality manufactures delivered to your door quickly and efficiently.

Editor’s Note: BLT Direct is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) team at Top Position, the online advertising consultancy. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.

BLT Offer Lighting To Aid Sleep And Wellbeing

Creating a relaxing ambiance in the bedroom to aid sleep and general well being need not be a time consuming and puzzling process with BLT direct, the leading suppliers of light bulbs, light fittings and low energy light bulbs- especially with their comprehensive selection of light fittings.

In such a style conscious time, it seems simply unacceptable to purchase a traditional light fitting especially when the correct lighting for a room can create an ambience and create a certain mood that can lift the spirits of those who live there. For those looking for something rather unique, BLT Direct has a huge catalogue of domestic and commercial fittings suitable for application as varied as flood lighting, bedroom lighting, factory lighting, office lighting and decorative lighting.

Their track lighting, it the ideal solution for either a bedroom or kitchen space, as the spot lights can be twisted to focus the light on whatever areas you feel necessary, creating various moods and effects throughout the room. The Triple Spotlights on Bar Chrome are a great idea and are an extremely cost effective way to transform the room in an instant.

Bedrooms that make use of an en suite may also make use of downlights, which are the ideal solution for those who like the idea of shedding a little light on things without the fear of overkill. Their range of IP65 rated bathroom downlighters, are now available in brass, white, chrome and brushed chrome. These fittings are also available in low voltage and mains GU10 versions if required.

For a comprehensive range of light fittings and energy saving light bulbs in a variety of styles and brands, visit http://www.bltdirect.com.

About BLT Direct: BLT Direct has been a leading online supplier of light bulbs, lamps and tubes in the UK and around the world since the early days of the Internet. Our website provides instant access to almost 10,000 products including Energy Saving Light Bulbs, Fluorescent Tubes, Incandescent Light Bulbs and Light Fittings. Our exclusively online business allows us to provide our huge range of light bulb products to our customers at exceptional prices from high quality manufactures delivered to your door quickly and efficiently.

Editor’s Note: BLT Direct is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) team at Top Position, the online advertising consultancy. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.

Shed Artistic Light On The Subject With BLT Direct

Screen sirens have long since depended on good lighting to emphasise their best features, along with a generous helping of air brushing, but often the benefits of sophisticated lighting can be neglected among amateur filmmakers and directors. Not only can cleverly placed light fittings cast shadows and create a mood, they can also mean the difference between an encore or a box office disaster.

It seems rather amusing to imagine Fame being acted out in half shadow, or the perils faced by Joseph and his Technicolor dream coat, if acted out under a harsh halogen glare.

BLT Direct, the leading suppliers of light bulbs, light fittings and low energy light bulbs, are now offering those serious about special effects and lighting for a certain mood, with a huge selection of solutions to suit every budget.

Budding directors should make sure that they illuminate sections of the stage that the audience should be focusing their attention on, like the actors facial expressions. Gradations of brightness allow the director to create relative emphasis on some aspects of the on stage activity, for example the lead actor may be brightly lit, while the backing singers may be dimly lit.

Ranging from T Class theatre lamps used in the stage and theatre industry, to purpose specific 650 Watt studio lamps, BLT have every angle covered, providing customers with not only the highest levels of customer service, but extremely competitive delivery rates to various destinations worldwide.

For a comprehensive range of light bulbs, energy saving light bulbs in a variety of styles and brands plus lamp disposal advice, log on to: http://www.bltdirect.com.

About BLT Direct: BLT Direct has been a leading online supplier of light bulbs, lamps and tubes in the UK and around the world since the early days of the Internet. Our website provides instant access to almost 10,000 products including Energy Saving Light Bulbs, Fluorescent Tubes, Incandescent Light Bulbs and Light Fittings. Our exclusively online business allows us to provide our huge range of light bulb products to our customers at exceptional prices from high quality manufactures delivered to your door quickly and efficiently.

Editor’s Note: BLT Direct is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) team at Top Position, the online advertising consultancy. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.

Mercury Lamps: A Comprehensive Guide

With so many energy efficient light bulbs on the market, it can be extremely difficult choosing one to suit your needs. Now BLT Direct, the leading suppliers of light bulbs, light fittings and low energy light bulbs, are offering sound yet practical advice on one of lightings most popular bulbs- The mercury lamp.

Also known as the mercury vapour lamp, this efficient lamp, uses mercury in an excited state to produce light. Usually confined to a small fused quartz arc tube mounted inside a glass bulb, this efficient light source can be either clear or coated in phosphor.

When a mercury lamp is first turned on, it produces a dark blue light partly down to the fact that only a small amount of mercury is ionized and the pressure in the arc tube is kept to a minimum level, usually inside the ultraviolet mercury bands. Once the gas has been left to heat up, it causes the mercury emission bands to broaden and the final effect is that the light produced is much whiter.

Offering the user with a long lasting solution to their lighting requirements, and an intense light, the mercury lamp is suitable for a number of applications including office lighting, lighting for public places, lighting for outdoor use or even for use in floodlights. Boasting benefits such as consistent quality, a low purchase price and maintenance fee, being easy to install and offering consistency of colour, there really is no reason to go back to the traditional light bulb.

Whether you require self-ballasted or blacklight lamps, BLT Direct have something to suit every need and budget requirement. For more information on the mercury lamps offered at BLT Direct, visit their website at http://www.bltdirect.com.

About BLT Direct: BLT Direct has been a leading online supplier of light bulbs, lamps and tubes in the UK and around the world since the early days of the Internet. Our website provides instant access to almost 10,000 products including Energy Saving Light Bulbs, Fluorescent Tubes, Incandescent Light Bulbs and Light Fittings. Our exclusively online business allows us to provide our huge range of light bulb products to our customers at exceptional prices from high quality manufactures delivered to your door quickly and efficiently.

Editor’s Note: BLT Direct is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) team at Top Position, the online advertising consultancy. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.

Minimising Pollution, Minimising Bills

We should all be concerned about how we affect the environment around us, and we can all help minimise our impact by taking the smallest of steps. We have heard of energy saving light bulbs, but still very few of us are making the switch even though they consume less power, and ultimately result in lower bills.

The Government is working to phase out the use of standard bulbs as part of its commitment to reducing CO2, and as such we are all being encouraged to switch to energy saving light bulbs. While changing the light bulbs in your home involves very little effort or expense the majority of people are posing the following question in response to the Government’s calls – why should we bother?

Putting green guilt and carbon footprints to one side, switching to more energy efficient bulbs, such as LED lightbulbs, will reduce your monthly energy bill. This therefore means that sticking to standard, inefficient light bulbs is not only bad for the planet, but its bad for your wallet too.

BLT Direct is one of the leading suppliers of lighting solutions and they stock a huge range of low energy, energy efficient and daylight energy saving light bulbs. These long life lightbulbs help to reduce running costs with an extended lamp life of up to 15,000 hours. Their LED light bulbs are an affordable and energy efficient lighting solution and are available in a wide range of styles and sizes.

BLT Direct is committed to providing environmentally friendly lighting solutions which are guaranteed to help you reduce your monthly bills and help save the planet. In addition to their wide range of low energy light bulbs they stock all kinds of other light bulbs and lighting solutions including specialist lamps, light fittings, ultra violet lamps, fluorescent tubes and lighting control gear.

About BLT Direct: BLT Direct are an online supplier of lighting solutions. They provide a wide range of lighting products, as well as light fittings and lamp disposal services, and are committed to offering energy efficient solutions to meet a wide range of home and business lighting needs.

Editor’s Note: BLT Direct is represented by search engine optimisation agency, Top Position. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: mailto:gareth@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726 233.

BLT Up The Ante On Green Office Credentials

BLT Direct, the experts in energy saving light bulbs and light fittings, are upping the ante on greener office lighting and encouraging businesses everywhere to join them in not only a spot of cost-cutting for 2009, but in conserving energy for future generations.

Steve Ellwood, Managing Director of BLT Direct, who are championing the use of energy saving lightbulbs and halogen lightbulbs, in the workplace said, “Conserving energy is not only a global issue, but businesses seem unaware of how much money they could be saving, through something as simple as purchasing a new light fitting or bulb.”

Recent figures released by the Carbon Trust, show that businesses account for 40 per-cent of the UK’s annual carbon emissions, which is in turn costing businesses an estimated £2 billion. In light of the recent economic downturn, this is one expense we could all do without, so it makes sense to not only invest in the future of younger generations, but to find ways of reducing the impact this is having on businesses across the UK.

Findings from the Carbon Trust indicated that 67 per-cent of workers are willing to contribute towards reducing their company’s carbon footprint, but they are unsure of how to go about it. What’s even more disturbing, however is that only 18 per-cent of workers felt that their businesses are actively reducing their carbon footprint.

Mr Ellwood added, “Bringing greener habits into the workplace is an essential part of tackling climate change, especially as a significant proportion of CO2 emissions come from businesses. Encouraging your workers to bring their green attitudes into the workplace, maybe by using a brainstorming session, could be a great way to achieve environmental harmony. It is important that every business makes a conscious effort to help the environment.”

If you replace the traditional light bulb with 0.7W energy saving light bulb, which has the equivalent normal wattage of 10W and ran it for a day, you would save £12.22 annually. This may be a small change, but in the long-term if you replace all of your bulbs throughout the house, you could easily up to £100 every year, if not more!

The Carbon Trust is able to provide any business with energy saving guides and resources on issues ranging from educating your staff on energy saving, posters to remind staff to turn the lights off and general overviews emphasising where most of the energy is wasted in the business environment. There are even resources focussing on reducing such problems such as purchasing energy saving fittings and energy saving lightbulbs.

Mr Ellwood added, “We invite all of our customers to call us for energy saving hints and tips and any questions that they may have with regards to purchasing energy saving lightbulbs. If we can cut the carbon emissions of just a few businesses, we will be extremely happy. Generating an awareness around this very important subject makes the whole project extremely worthwhile.”


About BLT Direct: BLT Direct has been a leading online supplier of light bulbs, lamps and tubes in the UK and around the world since the early days of the Internet. Our website provides instant access to almost 10,000 products including Energy Saving Light Bulbs, Fluorescent Tubes, Incandescent Light Bulbs and Light Fittings. Our exclusively online business allows us to provide our huge range of light bulb products to our customers at exceptional prices from high quality manufactures delivered to your door quickly and efficiently.

Editor’s Note: BLT Direct is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) team at Top Position, the online advertising consultancy. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.