Alpenglow Reading Light
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Alpenglow Reading Lights are available in two types: The Fluorescent version that has been popular for the past 15 years, and now a White LED version.
Both are based on the ABI model 1812 type fixture which we have modified to use either the same quality compact fluorescent components as the Alpenglow overhead lights, or the latest warm white LEDs.
Advantages Over Regular Reading Lights
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New LED Reading Light
There still are no white LEDs that can match the efficiency and pleasant warm color of compact fluorescent, but they have improved to the point that for certain applications they have significant advantages, and we believe that for most of our customers, the LED version may be the better choice. Our new LED reading light is not a wimpy dim light as are many of the currently available LED lights. In fact, it is as bright as our 9-watt fluorescent version. It also is not the cold bluish-white color that is common in white LEDs. Many of the currently available white LED lights obtain their brightness by focusing all the light into a very narrow beam, typically 15 to 30 degrees. While this can result in a very bright light, the illuminated spot is so small, that it is of limited use. Ours are powerful enough to give adequate brightness over a 60 degree angle. Because of the expense of high power LEDs, the trend in LED light design is to drive the LEDs at the highest permissible level in order to minimize the number required. We have done the opposite. We use high-power LEDs rated at 3-watts each. Each one of them is the equivalent of over 30 standard LEDs and would be capable of the amount of light we want, but rather than using one, we are using three of them. Although that costs us 3 times as much, there are significant advantages which make it worthwhile. By driving them at much lower levels, they run cooler, are more energy efficient, and last much longer. Individual high-power LEDs often have an uneven light pattern. By using several of them we achieve a much more uniform illumination.
Viewing Angle
On our fluorescent reading lights, the bulb extends slightly beyond the end of the reflector which results in a very wide viewing angle. More than 180 degrees. This is desirable if reading lights are being used as the primary area lighting. It is a disadvantage if used where you want the coverage to be limited, such as in a double berth where one person may be sleeping. It also is a disadvantage if situated such that someone sitting opposite the light will be viewing the end of the bulb which can be quite bright to look at.
The LED version has a viewing angle of 60 degrees. That means that at 3 feet from the light, it is illuminating about a 3 foot diameter circle. Even though white LEDs are less efficient, by concentrating the light into this smaller area, the result is brighter illumination within that circle while using less power. Brightness is equal to the 9-watt fluorescent version while using 1/3 the power. The LED version is ideal for supplemental light for reading, or anywhere that you prefer the extent of the light to be limited. The LED version may not be ideal if you are trying to light the entire cabin with them, although they would be better than halogen or lower wattage LED reading lights. Compact Fluorescent overhead lights are still by far the best for general area lighting.
Color
Until recently, White LEDs were an extremely cold color. Actually almost bluish. There are now what the LED industry calls warm white LEDs. They are warm compared to the regular ones, but still not as warm as standard residential lighting or as our compact fluorescent lights. Light color is rated in degrees Kelvin. The higher the number, the colder the color. To give you some idea, incandescent bulbs and our compact fluorescent lights are rated 2700. Cool-white fluorescent lights (typical commercial lighting) is rated 4100. Many white LEDs are rated as high as 6000 or higher, which is quite blue. The majority of the white LEDs that are called warm are actually around 4000 which is similar to cool fluorescent. One of the reasons we waited this long before offering LED reading lights was the poor color. There now are a very few available that are warm enough to be acceptable. About the warmest we have found, and the ones we are using, are rated 3200. That is between warm and cool fluorescent. It isn’t as warm as some people prefer for overall area lighting, but we find it perfectly suitable for task lighting, particularly when there is also nice warm area lighting.
Bottom Line
We feel that most people will be best served with the LED version. The exception being when the reading light is the primary source of light. Actually, we don’t recommend any kind of reading light for primary area lighting. The highest efficiency and wide angle coverage is best accomplished with our overhead lights. If you must use reading lights as your primary lighting, then you will get greater efficiency and wider angle coverage with our fluorescent reading light than any other.
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Fluorescent Reading Light
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We still are also offering the fluorescent version of the reading light. Although it is not as bright when used for reading, it does illuminate a much greater area, so for some applications it may be preferable. These lights are available with either a 5-watt or 9-watt bulb. The 9-watt bulb is not the same as the one used in our overhead lights. It is a much shorter version and isn’t interchangeable with the overhead light bulbs. The 5-watt provides the same output as a standard reading light with a 15-watt incandescent bulb. The 9-watt is comparable to a 35-watt incandescent and much brighter than a 20-watt halogen. If undecided, you can order the 5-watt light and a spare 9-watt bulb so you can try both. The two bulbs are completely interchangeable, so you can switch back and forth.
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New Finish
We are now offering the reading lights in a titanium nitrite plated brass as well as chrome. The titanium plating is the same as what is now being used on high-end bathroom fixtures. It looks like brass, but slightly darker; kind of a polished bronze look. The photos above are of the titanium finish light. The one on the right depicts the color most accurately. It is an attractive permanent, corrosion-proof, durable finish that won’t wear off and tarnish like lacquer will eventually do. The titanium plating is our favorite.
Specifications
LED Reading Light Fluorescent Reading Light
Base Diameter 3 1/2” 3 15/16”
Overall projection from wall
(when pointed straight down) 6” 6 1/2”
Shade Diameter 3 7/8” 3 7/8”
Power Consumption 1/3 amp .5 amp (5-watt), .8 amp (9-watt)
Specifications subject to change as the LED industry continues to mature, and we continue to adapt and fine-tune our product.
Fluorescent version LED version