Case Studies

Lighting

OPERATING IMPACT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

LED lighting helped restore cherished landmark while saving an estimated 80% in lighting energy usage

New San Francisco crab wheel glows with savings thanks to GE Tetra

PowerStrip LED sign lighting

THE SITUATION

On San Francisco’s northern waterfront lies the world-renowned

historic shing district, Fisherman’s Wharf. The city’s most popular

tourist destination attracts more than 10 million visitors a year who,

at the gateway, can glimpse a nearly 16-foot iconic symbol of the

area’s rich history and vibrant culture—the “crab wheel.” The original

crab wheel sign was constructed with plywood and sheet metal that

became weathered over time due to saltwater and rust damage.

Seeking to extend the life of one of the city’s most photographed

landmarks, the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benet District (CBD)

contracted GE Lighting and Arrow Sign Company to redesign

the wheel with durability and eciency in mind.

THE SOLUTION

The crab wheel was rebuilt using aluminum, polycarbonate and

high-density foam materials, while the original wood handles lining

its perimeter were kept intact. GE donated its Tetra

PowerStrip LED

sign lighting to replace the traditional T12 uorescent tube lighting

previously used in the sign.

The new sign will consume 80% less energy for Fisherman’s Wharf,

with the LED lighting system using 676 total watts versus the 4,000

total watts used with the previous uorescent lamp layout. Additionally,

the switch to LED lighting means greater longevity for the sign’s lighting

system due to a rated xture lifetime of 50,000 hours.

“With its location in the heart of a large tourist area, service calls and

permits to the crab wheel are dicult, expensive and inconvenient for

visitors. We expect the sign’s new LED lighting to signicantly reduce

our annual maintenance spend.”

- Troy Campbell, Executive Director, Fisherman’s Wharf CBD

For more information, visit gelighting.com/retail.

catch of the day: energy savings

• 80% less energy consumed

with LED vs. previous

uorescent system

• Reduced maintenance

time and costs

• Reduced energy usage

furthers the CBD Sustainability

Committee’s mission to

“become 100% sustainable

by the year 2020”