UK Electronics Company Develops World’s First True Replacement for the 60W Incandescent Bulb
BICESTER, OXFORD, UK, 2nd September, 2011 – Zeta LED, the leading UK developer and manufacturer of LED lighting systems, has today launched production of the LifeBulb, an 8 Watt Omni-Directional Light Emitting Diode (LED) replacement for the now defunct 60 Watt incandescent light bulb. In addition to offering identical lighting output and no flicker, the award-winning LifeBulb will last more than 25 years and consumes a fraction of the energy required to power the once ubiquitous 60W light bulb, which became the latest casualty of the EU phase out of GLS (General Lighting Service) light sources as of 1st September 2011.
Having completed the design stages and with operational units undergoing stringent testing with the Technology Strategy Board, the LifeBulb will be the world’s first omni-directional, 360 degree ultra-efficient LED lighting system when it enters into production. The LED component is encased in an aluminium cage to allow air to flow through without overheating, and it provides instant light, without requiring the warming-up process of most energy efficient bulbs. It uses only 8W of energy but has the brightness of 60W, as well as a whole life span of 25 years when used for four hours a day.
The LifeBulb has been developed by Zeta LED, part of Zeta Controls, a former Oxford Brookes University spin-out with over 20 years experience in electronic products. In 2010, a development contract for £450,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Technology Strategy Board was awarded to Zeta Controls to develop an ultra-efficient lighting prototype for domestic use. The contract is part of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) which invests in supporting cutting edge UK projects.
“September 1st 2011 marks the demise of the 60W incandescent light bulb as we know it, and is also a turning point in how we consume energy in the home,” explained Phil Shadbolt, Managing Director, Zeta Controls. “The LifeBulb is an extraordinary product which is totally unique and provides a fully-functioning answer to all the critics concerns over 60W replacement offerings. With an estimated market value in excess of £16 billion globally, our goal is now to ramp up production to meet anticipated demand.”
Zeta Controls Managing Directors, Paul Tyrell (left) and Phil Shadbolt (right) with the 8 Watt Omni-Directional LED LifeBulb.
About Zeta Controls
Zeta Controls Ltd was formed in January 1989 as a spin out from Oxford University. The company is privately owned by its two founder Director/Shareholders who each own 50% of the share capital.Paul Tyrrell is the Chief Technical Officer and Philip Shadbolt is the Managing Director.
Zeta’s area of expertise is developing electronic control systems. There are presently two market sectors in which Zeta operates; Solar, where Zeta develops LED lighting products which are independently powered by Solar PV arrays; and LED where Zeta designs, manufactures and supplies a range of LED Lighting products across a wide variety of markets.
For more information, please visit Zeta Controls.
Media Contacts
James Kennedy
AxiCom PR for Zeta Controls
james.kennedy@axicom.com
+44 020 8392 4091