Orlando Streetlights Turn Purple Due to Manufacturer Defect
Orlando, Fla. – A peculiar sight has caught the attention of residents as many streetlights in the city have started emitting a blueish-purple glow during the evening. This unusual color change is the result of a defect identified by Duke Energy and Acuity Brands, the manufacturer of the lights. They have stated that the lights are still functional, but the discoloration is due to a manufacturing error.
What is Causing the Color Change?
According to Acuity, the blueish-purple hue stems from a phenomenon known as “spectral shift caused by phosphor displacement,” which generally occurs several years after installation. This issue is particularly unique to LED lighting, which is typically known for its durability and efficiency.
Though LED lights are designed to emit bright white light, they don’t produce it naturally. Instead, they create white light by combining various colors—often a mixture of red, blue, and green. To achieve the desired white light, manufacturers coat blue LEDs with a phosphor material that absorbs certain wavelengths. However, the phosphor coating on some bulbs has started to peel away, exposing the blue light beneath, thus leading to the purple color.
Are the Purple Lights Dangerous?
Despite the unusual color, Acuity has reassured the public that these lights are not hazardous to drivers. “The light output is in no way harmful or unsafe,” they stated. However, experts from Scientific American caution that the shift to a purple hue could make it more difficult for drivers to see fine details on the road since the human eye is not particularly sensitive to blue light. Additionally, differentiating colors at night may become challenging under the new lighting conditions.
What Actions are Being Taken?
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has acknowledged that they are collaborating with Acuity to replace the affected lights. This is not just a localized issue; reports of similar color shifts have arisen across the country and even internationally in locations such as Texas, Massachusetts, Canada, and Ireland. The FDOT noted that while the lights may not be their intended color, they still provide essential safety benefits when on the road.
Duke Energy has indicated that approximately 2,000 streetlights under their service in Florida have been impacted. “While most of our LED lighting performs very well, we have identified a small number of fixtures that changed color due to a manufacturer defect,” the company stated. They are working diligently to replace or repair the purple lights as reports come in.
Reporting a Purple Streetlight
Residents who notice purple streetlights can report them through the designated street light repair tool available online. For Florida Power & Light customers, there is a hotline available at 1-800-4-OUTAGE for reporting these faulty lights. The utility companies have expressed their commitment to rectifying this issue and appreciate the community’s patience as they work to resolve it.
Conclusion
The phenomenon of purple streetlights serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in modern lighting technology. While the issue is being addressed, residents can rest assured that their safety remains a priority, and the lights, despite their unusual appearance, are not a cause for alarm.
