|
|
 |
|
LED Lighting Basics
|
|
|
LED lamps are the latest in energy-efficient lighting technology, with the ability to
reduce energy costs dramatically when compared to incandescent, high pressure, and fluorescent lamps. In many cases, it’s
not unusual to see energy savings up to 80% over traditional light sources.
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is a semiconductor chip that produces
visible light when current flows through it. LEDs have been used for decades in the electronics industry as indicator lights.
With the advent of high output, high efficiency LEDs, this technology can now be used effectively for general illumination.
Prices have been coming down significantly over the past few years as more and more people embrace this energy-savings technology.
|
|
|
There are four essential components that make up an LED lamp:
LED chip – this is the semiconductor that actually emits
light. It is usually arranged in an array of some nature on the face of the lamp. Heat Sink – a thermally conductive material (usually aluminum) that transfers the heat generated
by the LED chips away from the semiconductor material. Without an effective heat sink, the LEDs would prematurely burn out
from overheating. With a proper heat sink, LED lighting produces almost no noticeable heat, unlike a typical incandescent
lamp. LED Driver – the job
of the driver, typically a small circuit board, is to regulate the voltage and current levels being fed to the LEDs in order
to guarantee longevity. Unlike an incandescent bulb with a lifetime of about 750 hours, a typical LED lamp has a life of about
50,000 hours! The quality of the LED driver circuit is what can ‘make or break’ the long rated life of the LED
lamp. Optics – the part of
the LED lamp you usually can see, the optics contain the reflectors and glass (or plastic) covering of the assembly, designed
to ‘throw’ as much light forward as possible. One of the many reasons LEDs cost less to operate than a standard
bulb is their ability to be designed to throw light only where it’s needed. This eliminates energy waste from light
pollution.
|
|
|
Here are some other benefits to using LED lamps
Mercury and Lead Free – unlike fluorescent, sodium, and metal halide lamps, there
are no hazardous materials used in an LED lamp, so there are no recycling or disposal issues, and no worries about mercury
dust in the air if one is dropped and broken. Maximum
Color Consistency – LED color output does not degrade over the life of the lamp, as is sometimes noticed with
fluorescent and metal halide fixtures. Safe
Source of Light – since LEDs do not produce and ultraviolet or infrared light, they are harmless to objects
being illuminated. Cold Weather Operation
- unlike some fluorescent lamps, which do not work well in temperatures below 40 degrees F, LEDs are not affected by cold weather and will provide maximum illumination the moment the lamp
is turned on, regardless of the temperature! This makes them a cost-effective replacement for walk-in coolers, freezers, and
outdoor lighting of all types
|
|
|
Some Things To Remember When Purchasing LED Lamps
Color temperature – light output
of every type of lamp is measured by a Kelvin temperature rating (K). A traditional incandescent light bulb has a rating of
around 3000K, which is on the yellow end of the lighting spectrum and is considered Warm White. Most fluorescent bulbs that
you may find in an office environment are around 4100K, which is considered Cool White. Simulated daylight is around 5000
to 6500K and visually appears bluish-white. You should choose a color temperature that is best suited for the environment
you want to illuminate. Color temperature is a matter of personal taste. There is no difference in energy usage regardless
of which color temperature you choose.
Choose
the correct lamp for the job – LED lamps are designed for specific applications. Using them outside of their
specified purpose will limit their effectiveness. For instance, an LED bulb designed to be installed in a recessed light fixture
will provide excellent forward throw of all available illumination. That same bulb installed in a table lamp will produce
very poor side lighting while producing a bright spot on the ceiling directly above the lamp. Make sure you have the right
bulb for the job!
|
|
|
Licensed electricians serving Orange
county, Sullivan county, and Ulster county in New York (845) 888-8000
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ All information contained within this site ©2004-2016, Wurtsboro Electric Service, Inc. All rights
reserved.
Reproducing or duplicating any information contained herein is prohibited by law.
|
|
|
|
