Do LED Bulbs in ILTs Need Annual Replacement?
With many states requiring the move to LED light bulbs, has anyone challenged the expectation of annual bulb replacement in ILT's that have LED bulbs?
My Pest control guy claims they would only need to be changed every 3 years as they are so much better. I just want to have appropriate documentation of that for the SQF auditor.
expectation of annual bulb replacement in ILT's that have LED bulbs?
I'm not familiar with this as a requirement for SQF food manufacturing, is there a specific packaging SQF requirement that stipulates this?
The simple answer is that you do not need to change the bulbs annually, what you do need to do is document somewhere in the annual assessment with the PCO that the ILT's are in good condition and functioning properly and cover on an internal audit/inspection. If you are catching things in the ILT's regularly then they are effectively doing their job and the bulb, so long as it is working, is attracting the flying insects. You could just pull the specification on the ILT and show the auditor (if asked) that the bulbs are indeed LED and do not need to be changed on a frequent basis.
You will soon see a lessening and then elimination of any requirements for LED's, but that is besides the point here.
Like TimG I see no specific specs for the lights, the only thing I ever cared about as an Auditor was they were functional, kept clean, etc, audited and stuff like that.
By the way, friend was just in Home Depot and they had a brand new huge display for incadescent bulbs, yeah!!!
For what its worth. Regular bulbs degrade FAST. Honestly, im not sure why even a year is adequate.
Bulb Replacement Tip
How often should I change the bulbs in ILTs? That depends. Most ILT manufacturers recommend replacement once a year, but qualify that with data that shows that lamp or bulb output drops off quickly. A typical bulb loses 20 percent of its efficiency in just the first four days. Output continues to drop at a decreasing rate to 60 percent in less than three months and after 8,000 hours of use, the UV light (which we can’t see) is no longer attractive to flying insects.
On the flip side LEDs dont seem to be as attractive.
For what its worth. Regular bulbs degrade FAST. Honestly, im not sure why even a year is adequate.
Bulb Replacement Tip
How often should I change the bulbs in ILTs? That depends. Most ILT manufacturers recommend replacement once a year, but qualify that with data that shows that lamp or bulb output drops off quickly. A typical bulb loses 20 percent of its efficiency in just the first four days. Output continues to drop at a decreasing rate to 60 percent in less than three months and after 8,000 hours of use, the UV light (which we can’t see) is no longer attractive to flying insects.
On the flip side LEDs dont seem to be as attractive.
True, but we only use ours during warm months here. In the winter we turn the lights off, because there's no bugs. I replace mine annually, always have, and I will continue to do so simply because it's not expensive, and it's easy. The lights have the date right on them so I don't need to track anything, etc.
True, but we only use ours during warm months here. In the winter we turn the lights off, because there's no bugs. I replace mine annually, always have, and I will continue to do so simply because it's not expensive, and it's easy. The lights have the date right on them so I don't need to track anything, etc.
That makes sense. To be fair, IMO they still seem to attract / catch insects at a year. Even when used year round. I posted that only becuase I dont think many people are aware how fast the degrade.
I think we all use the one year and now three year for LED replacement because the MFG recommendeds it. Does kinda seem like these guidelines are not based on science tho.
I think we all use the one year and now three year for LED replacement because the MFG recommendeds it. Does kinda seem like these guidelines are not based on science tho.
If you have the spec sheet from the manufacturer that states 3 years, it would be super difficult for an auditor to challenge that. They could dive into the weeds and try to present a study such as you posted in post #5, but unless the bulb in that study is the exact composition of what you're buying for the ILT's, you can argue the manufacturer spec overrides.
Then they could dive into trending analysis to argue more, but the goal of PC program is to prevent pests from entering to begin with. If they argue that the bulb must be losing efficiency due to low findings at the ILT, you can reply back your facility inspections for door seals is preventing them from entering.
Really the only issue here would be if you're seeing all sorts of flying insects hanging around the facility. Then I'd be inclined to say the bulbs really need to be changed lol.
If you have the spec sheet from the manufacturer that states 3 years, it would be super difficult for an auditor to challenge that. They could dive into the weeds and try to present a study such as you posted in post #5, but unless the bulb in that study is the exact composition of what you're buying for the ILT's, you can argue the manufacturer spec overrides.
Then they could dive into trending analysis to argue more, but the goal of PC program is to prevent pests from entering to begin with. If they argue that the bulb must be losing efficiency due to low findings at the ILT, you can reply back your facility inspections for door seals is preventing them from entering.
Really the only issue here would be if you're seeing all sorts of flying insects hanging around the facility. Then I'd be inclined to say the bulbs really need to be changed lol.
No, I understand. Although (after re-reading) I think my wording reflects otherwise, im not really arguing that the change frequency needs to be changed or that LEDs shouldnt be used, etc. I agree that the paper the MFG provides should be adequate for audit purposes, it alway has been.
I guess my point really should be just that the type of device, placement, type of bulb, and frequency of bulb changes can effect the ability to capture insects. Or maybe, just because its the recommendation, doesnt mean its the best practice. Maybe more for those that might need a more substantial program or have more insect pressure.
My wife has a shirt that says "hold on let me over think this". I should probably go put it on. lol
My wife has a shirt that says "hold on let me over think this". I should probably go put it on. lol
My dad was an engineer, and needed that t shirt, lol. We lived lakeside growing up, and from the time I was born till the day he died, my dad was trying to reinvent the mouse trap on how to install a large boat lift. He had a folder with all sorts of designs and ideas drawn up....
And every spring my brothers and I would just lift the damn thing up and toss it in the lake...lol. Sometimes the best thing to do is suck it up and grind, eh?