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LED Lighting

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient. New LED bulbs are grouped in clusters with diffuser lenses which have broadened the applications for LED use in the home.

LEDs are extremely energy-efficient. Until recently, LEDs were limited to single-bulb use in applications such as instrument panels, electronics, pen lights and, more recently Christmas lights.  Manufacturers have expanded the application of LEDs by "clustering" the small bulbs. Today, LED bulbs are made using as many as 180 bulbs per cluster, and encased in diffuser lenses which spread the light in wider beams. They are now available with standard bases which fit most common household light fixtures.

The cost of producing LEDs has often made them too expensive for the average home-owner. However, recent advances in a process for using inexpensive silicon wafers to replace the expensive sapphire-based technology may change this. It will now be possible to produce LEDs which are competitively priced with CFLs and incandescents. It is quite likely that LEDs may soon become the standard for most lighting needs.

What Are The Benefits of LED Light-bulbs?

• Long-lasting - LED bulbs last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescents, and far longer than typical incandescents.

• Durable - since LEDs do not have a filament, they are not damaged under circumstances when a regular incandescent bulb would be broken. Because they are solid, LED bulbs hold up well to jarring and bumping.

• Cool - these bulbs do not cause heat build-up; LEDs produce 3.4 btu's/hour, compared to 85 for incandescent bulbs. This also cuts down on air conditioning costs in the home.

• Mercury-free - no mercury is used in the manufacturing of LEDs.

• More efficient - LED light bulbs use only 2-10 watts of electricity (1/3rd to 1/30th of Incandescent or CFL)

• Cost-effective - although LEDs are expensive, the cost is recouped over time and in battery savings.

• Light for remote areas - because of the low power requirement for LEDs, using solar panels becomes more practical and less expensive than running an electric line or using a generator for lighting.

How To Choose The Right LED Bulb

There are many different models and styles of LED bulbs so when choosing a bulb, keep in mind the following.  Firstly, estimate desired wattage - read the package to choose desired illumination level. For example, a 3W LED is equivalent in output to a 45 W incandescent.  Secondly, choose between warm and cool light - new LED bulbs are available in 'cool' white light, which is ideal for task lighting, and 'warm' light commonly used for accent or small area lighting.  Thirdly, standard base or pin base - LEDs are available in several types of 'pin' sockets or the standard "screw' (Edison) bases for recessed or track lighting.  Finally, choose between standard and dimmable bulbs.

What Are The Types Of LED Bulbs?

• Diffused bulbs - In this style LED bulb, clusters of LEDs are covered by a dimpled lens which spreads the light out over a wider area. They are normally available in standard Edison bases, these bulbs have many uses, such as area lighting for rooms, porches, reading lamps, accent lamps, hallways and low-light applications where lights remain on for extended periods.

  
  
  

• Diffused high power bulbs – These are designed for standard household use. These bulbs produce light equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb.

• Track Lighting – These are available in pin base or standard (Edison) base, LEDs are ideal for track lighting. LEDs do not contribute to heat buildup in a room because no matter how long they remain on, they do not get hot to the touch. Also, because they are 90% more efficient than incandescents, and last 10 times longer than CFLs, the frequency of changing bulbs is greatly reduced.

• Recessed Downlight and Spotlight bulbs - LEDs are now available for standard recessed lighting pots and housings. The light output and color quality are similar to incandescent downlights, but draws only about one-fifth of the power.

• Spotlight and Floodlight LEDs - The spotlight LED lacks a dispersing lens, so it appears brighter as its light is directed forward. It runs cool and will last over 50,000 hours due to advanced thermal management design. The floodlight model gives a spread-out dispersed light. Well suited for ceiling lights, outdoor floodlights. retail display lighting, landscape lighting and motion sensors.

The Importance Of Selecting The Right LED Colour

• Red - red is the traditional color for maintaining night vision.

• Green - green is now the preferred color for pilots and the military. The green color is also great for retaining night vision, and it doesn’t erase the red markings on maps and charts.

• Blue - many people like the blue because it is very easy on the eyes. Blue appears to be a good reading light for elderly eyes. Elderly folks report that they can read under the blue light for hours without eyestrain, compared to severe eyestrain in less than 30 minutes with incandescent lighting.

• White - the most popular of the LED colors. It produces a soft white light, without harsh reflection, glare or shadows.

• Amber - LED amber bulbs do not attract flying insects, as do ordinary white bulbs. Amber LEDs are used outdoors in areas such as patios and decks where insects flying around lights are a nuisance.