LED technology has become the talk of the town ever since it made the headlines. This article unveils everything you need to know about it in detail and lets you understand what all the hype is about. So stay tuned!
What is LED?
A light-emitting diode, abbreviated LED, is a kind of semiconductor device known to emit light as soon as an electric current passes through it. Light gets produced when the particles known to carry the current amalgamate together within the semiconductor material.
The vogue of LED technology is a constant trend that is likely to increase further in the coming days thanks to its eclectic range of attributes, including higher efficiency, a longer lifespan, and low heat generation. This is why LEDs are proactively employed in numerous applications, including automotive lighting, street lighting, LED mirror and even indoor farming. In other words, this technology has become an increasingly important part of our everyday lives.
How to choose the right LED product?
So you are all set on making the switch to LED lighting? Irrespective of the reason—whether you were lured by longevity, advanced energy efficiency, or durable nature—it will indeed turn out to be your smartest bet. Albeit embracing this technology can mean a higher upfront investment, in the long run, it will help to save you money.
Having said that, choosing the right LED product can be a daunting errand, but there are a few parameters to consider for setting the seal on the right one for your needs. Have a quick glance at some of them:
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Material
It is imperative to highlight here that the materials employed in LED products can directly impact their performance, durability, and even their environmental impact. Therefore, it becomes indispensable to scout for products made from high-quality elite materials such as aluminum or high-impact plastic that are purposefully designed to bear daily wear and tear.
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Lumen Output -- Brightness
To measure the total amount of light emitted by the LED product, the term lumen output is used. The higher the lumen output, the brighter the light would be. Thus, it becomes pivotal to consider the size of the space where you are thinking of putting the LED product and the level of brightness required.
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Color Temperature
This parameter helps to determine the warmth or coolness of the light and is measured in Kelvins (K). When the kelvin value is lower, it indicates warmer, more yellow-toned light. On the other hand, a higher value would indicate more blue-toned light. So based on your immediate requirements, go with products with an appropriate brightness rating.
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Color Rendering Index
It is a quantification of how precisely colors are rendered under a particular light source. That means the higher the CRI, the more specific the color representation. Additionally, this index is calculated from 0-100, and if the output achieved is 100, it states that the colors of the objects under the light source appear the same as they would under sunlight. Remember, it is a perfect score! Similarly, when the CRI is over 80-90, it is considered great. And when its range is below 80, the CRI is considered poor.
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System Efficacy
As the name indicates, system efficacy helps determine the efficiency of a given LED product and is measured in lumens per watt, also known as luminous efficacy or luminaire efficay, expressed in lm/W. Efficiency is also used to discuss the broader concept of using power resources efficiently.
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Driver
LEDs require a power supply (or a "driver"). The power supply converts line (AC) power to the appropriate DC voltage and current and may also include supplementary electronics for dimming and/or color correction control. There will be a portion of power losses during the process. It is important to use high-quality power supply with the right voltage and current to make sure that the mirror light is safe, stable and durable with no flicking to affect the eyes.
Why is LED technology considered better than its traditional lighting counterparts?
LED technology is hailed for offering a plethora of benefits that are worth getting recognition for. Read along!
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Energy Efficiency
LEDs are highly energy-efficient and consume 80% less energy when compared to their traditional counterparts. They are known to convert nearly all of the energy they use into light, dwindling any chances of energy being wasted as heat.
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Longevity
In contrast to traditional bulbs, LEDs have a much longer lifespan. And if you go by figures, they can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent products. What’s more, LEDs also surpass the longevity of fluorescent bulbs by 3–4 times.
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Durability
LEDs are formulated with the aid of solid-state components, making them more durable than their traditional opponents. You won’t see them getting damaged easily by shock or vibration, and they can readily bear extreme temperatures. This makes them the ultimate choice for outdoor lighting or in areas that experience high foot traffic.
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Environment Friendly
The materials utilized in the making of LED products are 100% recyclable and contain no toxic elements. They also emit insignificant amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to a cleaner environment. Further, their longer lifespan and higher efficacy mean fewer resources are required for manufacturing and disposal.
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Enhanced Lighting Quality
All thanks to LED products that furnish better color rendering and brightness, paving the path for colors to appear more natural and vibrant. Additionally, their ability to offer a wide range of color options makes them the superior choice when it comes to fulfilling decorative purposes. And issues like glare and flicker are less prominent with LED lighting, making it less fatiguing for your eyes.
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Low Heat Emissions
LEDs are known to produce a much smaller amount of heat than traditional lighting, making them safer and more comfortable to use in close proximity to people and objects.
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Work Well in Cold Conditions
Traditional lighting sources don’t work to their full potential, especially in extreme cold conditions. When the temperature drops considerably, they require a higher voltage to start. Also, their intensity diminishes with time, and this fall is higher in cold weather.
LED lights, on the other hand, perform flawlessly regardless of the weather conditions. This is why you will also find their application in freezers, meat lockers, cold storage spaces, or refrigerated display cases.
To wrap up
The ability to perform extremely well and offer a number of benefits makes LED technology simply the best. And it’s no surprise that LED lighting has emerged as the preferred lighting solution for many applications, from residential to commercial to industrial settings.
