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Circadian Lighting

The Equilux system incorporates the following key features in order to best replicate outdoor environmental light:

More Blue in the light

Natural daylight should have a high amount of blue, short wave light.

A photoreceptor in the horse’s eye is targeted by the blue light which then stimulates the circadian control centre in the brain.

Enriched blue light boosts levels of alertness and activity helping to promote feeling of health and well being.

Co-ordinating the seasons

Dawn and dusk should occur at regular times that gradually change to reflect our changing seasons. As spring gives way to longer summer days, as light begins to fade earlier on Autumn evenings and then the long winter nights drawn, the effects of the changes in light can be seen in our horses.

By regulating dawn and dusk we are able to provide stability, for example daily feed times. This stabilises and strengthens our horses 24 hour rhythms.

Undisturbed nights

Dim red light or darkness is required for the nightly rise in melatonin levels that regulates the horse’s body clock.

White light at night disturbs the melatonin production and reduces rest, immune function and therefore daytime performance capabilities.

Correct lighting at night, dim red, ensures our horses rest and regenerate overnight but allows us to see for our nightly management routines.

Efficient Use of Energy

Using the latest in LED technology, Equilux Performance lighting functions at a fraction of the cost of traditional lighting in stables.

Intelligent – each light has its own real-time self-adjusting sensor that detects the intensity of natural light in the stable provided by doors, windows or sky lights. As the natural levels of daylight change during the day, the system will continuously adjust up and down to maintain just the correct level of biologically effective light within the stable, thereby reducing energy requirements.

Electricity is measured in units called kilowatt hours (kWh). The average energy consumed by the Equilux system when run continuously for a 24 hour period is 500 W or 0.5kWh, which is significantly less than the cost of traditional stable lighting.

 

Average 24 hour usage costs (kWh)*

  • Equilux: 0.5
  • Incandescent bulb: 1.75
  • Double fluorescent bulbs: 2.75

*Energy rates vary by country

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