What is LED Lighting?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, a bright, energy-efficient lighting component with no moving or fragile parts. Once used primarily for red on/off electronic device lights, today’s LEDs have evolved into a first class illumination solution for both commercial and residential uses.
LED Lighting Facts:
Maximum Efficiency- LED lighting use substantially less power than incandescent or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Replacing existing lighting with LED lighting can save between 50% and 90% of lighting energy costs.
Minimum Heat- LEDs generate very little heat, transferring power to light instead of heat. Heat from traditional lighting creates a higher load on air conditioning systems, adding to the energy inefficiencies of non-LED lighting. As a comparison, note the surface temperatures of these bulbs:
- Standard 60-watt incandescent bulb: 175°
- Standard 13-watt compact fluorescent lamp: 140°
- Standard PAR 30 75-watt bulb (used in recessed lighting): 212°
Replacing theses lights with LED Lighting replacement bulbs can decrease the heat given off to only 2° – 3° above room temperature.
LED Lighting – More Facts
Minimum impact on humans and the earth-
LEDs are 100% recyclable. Unlike fluorescent counterparts and high intensity discharge (HID) technologies, LEDs contain no toxic materials, hazardous mercury, or halogen gases. LEDs emit no ultraviolet (UV) rays or infrared (IR) radiation. Unlike compact fluorescents, LEDs do not require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or hazardous waste disposal. Retrofitting to LEDs creates energy efficiencies, reducing our carbon footprint—the impact of human activities regarding the amount of greenhouse gases produced.
Extreme durability, minimum maintenance-
LEDs have no filaments or moving parts and can withstand shaking and vibrating without breaking. They do not use ballasts which can fail and become a fire hazard. LEDs work well in hot or cold environments and can withstand moderate power surges. LEDs are not bothered by frequent cycling on or off and can be left on for extended periods without generating much heat.
Maximum lifespan-
LEDs last longer than any other type of light bulbs; LEDs may last up to 100,000 hours—11 years of continuous use.
Zero interference-
LEDs do not use ballasts which produce harmonic noise—or “hum.” LEDs do not produce electro-magnetic interference.
Natural, eye-pleasing spectrum-
White and soft white LEDs produce a full-spectrum light closely resembling daylight, illuminating tasks and enhancing work, school, and retail environments. LEDs can provide exceptional directional lighting to enlighten a work area and create a bright, clear light for showcasing retail products.
Click here for more on LED Lighting.
History of LED Lighting
Light-emitting diodes, known as LED’s, are an enticing option for those seeking to reduce their lighting costs. They’ve come a long way in just over one hundred years when British experimenter H. J. Round thought there was no practical use for his invention. However, in 1962, together with the General Electric Company, Nick Holonyak Jr. found visible spectrum LED’s extremely practical in electronics applications, winning awards for his research applying LED to industry.
In 2005, Business Week wrote about Holonyak in its Voices of Innovation column:
“…white-LED systems are starting to replace incandescent bulbs and even fluorescent tubes because LEDs draw less electricity—and last for up to 11 years. Holonyak foresaw it all. “I knew incandescent light was doomed a long time ago,” he says, and he predicted as much in the February, 1963, issue of Reader’s Digest.” Source: Business Week online archives.”
In fact, installing LED’s now can cut energy costs by up to 90%. This discovery captured Holonyak the title, Father of the LED.
Versatility and durability bring LED lighting to the forefront in the 21st century. Improved chip structures and manufacturing processes in the last year have exploded the use of LEDs in business and industry. As technology advances, LED manufacturers are producing vast selections in indoor and outdoor applications. Today, this form of low-wattage, economical, and beautiful lighting can be used to illuminate warehouses, schools, hospitals, offices, shopping centers, parking lots, and homes.
The use of LED lighting in floodlights has taken massive steps forward to produce a relatively cost efficient lighting solution.
Nowdays, LED Lighting can be found in floodlights from 10W all the way to 500W and even higher,although the costs of the higher wattage LED Floodlights can be exorbitant.
LED lighting is clearly the way that the future of efficient lighting is headed.