Project: Martens Traktor – LED tri-proof lights

Tractor dealer Martens Traktor in Bree (Belgium) replaced 70 fluorescent tube luminaires in its 2,000 m² hall with 70 LED tri-proof lights 150 cm of 55W, switched by motion sensors. The light on the floor more than doubled from 150 to 310 lux, while the power for lighting dropped by 58%.

Project facts

Client	Martens Traktor, tractor dealer
Location	Bree, Belgium
Building	Storage and workshop hall, approx. 2,000 m²
Completed	2018
Old lighting	70 × fluorescent tube luminaire, 130W
New lighting	70 × LED tri-proof light 150 cm, 55W
Mounting	8 m, suspended
Control	Motion sensors
Illuminance	150 lux before, 310 lux after
Planning	DIALux light study

The starting point

Martens Traktor stores and services tractors and machinery in a hall of around 2,000 m² with an overhead crane. The hall was lit by 70 fluorescent tube luminaires of 130W each: a total of 9,100W.

Too dark and failing tubes

With around 150 lux on the floor, the hall was too dark for moving and working on large machines. More and more tubes had failed, leaving dark patches in the hall.

High consumption

9,100W running 2,200 hours a year adds up to 20,020 kWh: more than €6,200 a year for lighting the hall at €0.31/kWh, with the lights often burning in parts of the hall where nobody was working.

The solution

Light study first

Before ordering, we made a DIALux light study of the hall. It showed that every old fitting could be replaced one for one by an LED tri-proof light, more than doubling the light level on the floor.

70 LED tri-proof lights 150 cm at 8 m

All 70 positions now carry an LED tri-proof light 150 cm of 55W, suspended in rows at 8 m between the roof trusses. At 155 lm/W, each one gives far more light than an old fluorescent fitting at less than half the power. The linear shape spreads the light evenly over the floor and along the crane runway, and IP65 protects against dust and moisture in a hall where tractors drive in and out. Read more in our guide on choosing LED tri-proof lights.

Motion sensors

The lighting is switched by motion sensors, so the luminaires only burn where and when someone is working. Unlike fluorescent tubes, LED switches on at full light instantly and does not wear out from frequent switching, which makes it ideal for sensor control.

LED luminaires used in this project

Energy savings in figures

	Before	After	Difference
Luminaires	70 × 130W fluorescent	70 × 55W LED tri-proof	one for one
Connected load	9,100W	3,850W	−58%
Load per m²	4.6W/m²	1.9W/m²	−2.6W/m²
Consumption per year	20,020 kWh	8,470 kWh	−11,550 kWh
Electricity cost per year	€6,206	€2,626	−€3,581
CO2 per year	3.0 t	1.3 t	−1.7 t
Average illuminance	150 lux	310 lux	+107%

How we calculated this

• Before: 70 × 130W = 9,100W × 2,200 h = 20,020 kWh per year.
• After: 70 × 55W = 3,850W × 2,200 h = 8,470 kWh per year.
• Cost: 11,550 kWh × €0.31/kWh = €3,581 per year.
• CO2: 11,550 kWh × 0.15 kg/kWh = 1.7 t per year.

The extra saving from the motion sensors is not included, so the real saving is higher.

Investment and payback

At current webshop prices, the 70 LED tri-proof lights cost €3,847. Half of the investment was covered by an energy-efficiency subsidy, leaving €1,923. With €3,581 saved per year, the luminaires paid for themselves in about six and a half months. Installation and sensors are not included in that figure.

Calculate the savings for your hall

The calculator below is pre-filled with the Martens Traktor figures. Change the values to see what a switch to LED would save in your own building.

The result

• More than twice the light: from 150 to 310 lux across the 2,000 m² hall.
• 58% less power: 3,850W instead of 9,100W for the same 70 light points.
• Light only where needed: motion sensors switch the luminaires on when someone is working.
• No more failed tubes: no dark patches and no more tube replacement.
• Lower running costs: €3,581 less on electricity every year, plus the sensor savings.

Frequently asked questions

Can LED tri-proof lights replace fluorescent luminaires one for one?

Yes. At Martens Traktor, each 130W fluorescent luminaire was replaced by a 55W LED tri-proof light at the same position. The light on the floor more than doubled, from 150 to 310 lux, while the power dropped by 58%.

Why combine LED with motion sensors?

In a hall where people do not work everywhere at once, motion sensors switch the light only where it is needed. LED gives full light instantly and is not harmed by frequent switching, unlike fluorescent tubes, so the two work well together.

Are tri-proof lights suitable at 8 m?

Yes. With 155 lm/W, a 55W tri-proof light produces around 8,500 lumen. In rows at 8 m, that delivered 310 lux on the floor here. For higher halls or lower lux targets, high bays can be the better choice; a DIALux light study shows which fits best.

How was the saving of €3,581 per year calculated?

The old installation drew 9,100W, the new one 3,850W. At 2,200 operating hours a year that is 11,550 kWh less. Multiplied by €0.31/kWh, that gives €3,581 a year. The extra saving from the motion sensors is not included.

Can you make a free light plan for my hall?

Yes. Send us a floor plan or a few photos with the ceiling height. We make a free DIALux light study, work out how many luminaires you need and send a non-binding quote at direct-import prices.