Welland's CRS Electronics will see its LED exterior lights showcased at Banff Park Museum. Completed just before the Olympic Torch Relay passed through Banff, the 73 exterior lights enhance security around the museum and highlight the exterior of the recently restored wood structure. The combined electricity consumed by all 73 light-emitting diodes is less than that used by a single 400-watt incandescent light bulb.

"We are delighted that our product was chosen for an installation in this landmark location, it was also fun to see our lights at work at Banff leg of the Olympic Torch Relay," CRS president Scott Riesebosch said. The MR-16 LED light was chosen by Calgary-based lighting engineer and designer Kevin Hooper, principal of Lighting Solutions Inc. Hooper described the installation as "interesting and challenging."

"The CRS MR-16 lighting units were an excellent choice," Hooper said. "The bulbs are high performance both in terms of energy efficiency and durability. CRS supplied extraordinary service and technical support."

The museum is a heritage wooden structure that required a lighting system that is both unobtrusive and brought out the beautiful color of the wood, and could be installed in restricted and recessed spaces. The entire museum is lit with less power than a single commercial floodlight often used for exterior lighting. Hooper said there were other considerations when selecting the MR-16.

"The building lights are installed in difficult-to-reach locations, requiring time and use of ladders or even boom trucks to replace a burnt out bulb," Hooper said. "With CRS LED lights lasting up to 25 times longer than standard exterior bulbs, less bulb changes saves money."

Hooper used CRS LED units for interior lighting on other museum projects. "The lack of heat produced from LED lights is exactly what museums need. The heat and ultra violet (UV) rays generated by traditional light bulbs can damage artifacts and requires additional air conditioning to stabilize temperatures. Museums can cut energy costs in lighting and cooling by installing LED lighting."