'A' Atop Old Main Tower at USU Receives Energy Efficient Upgrade

The lighted “A” atop Old Main tower at Utah State University is receiving an energy efficient upgrade. The iconic “A,” which can be seen throughout Cache Valley, will receive new light emitting diode strips to replace the current neon lights that shine both white and blue.

“There won’t be a noticeable difference to the white light, but the blue light will have a more intense color,” said Stanley Kane, university architect and director of operations at USU.

The university entered into a contract with YESCO to replace the existing neon, which has been subject to regular damage by birds, said Kane. Replacement requires having technicians climb outside the building to replace the glass tubes. The new LED lighting has a longer lamp life of approximately 10 years and will save a considerable amount of electricity.

 

A sample of the new lighting was already tested on the north facing “A” and has been checked for light level and color. YESCO has begun fabricating new lights for all four sides of the “A” and the university hopes to have them all replaced by the beginning of fall semester.

Comments and questions may be directed to Kane at stanley.kane@usu.edu or (435) 797-3755.