An unintended consequence for “going green” is the cost of replacement. We are starting to see municipals changing out incandescent traffic lights to LED based traffic signals. Two problems occur:
1. The LED lights don’t generate enough heat during the winter, and they are easily covered with snow and ice creating hazardous traffic crossings.
2. The failure rate of LED based lights due to low level surges is dramatic compared when the traffic system was comprised of incandescent bulbs.
The surge problem was addressed by installing surge protectors at each traffic cabinet.