An LED (short for Light Emitting Diode) is a two-LED semiconductor light source that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. This process releases photons. LEDs transfer energy more efficiently than incandescent and fluorescent lights. LEDs consume less energy and produce less heat than traditional light bulbs.
LEDs built into the housing allow for a 1/2′′ profile.More lighting fixtures employ LEDs. These are permanent LEDs, not disposable LED lights. Built-in LEDs allow manufacturers to make sleeker, smaller fixtures. These thin LED variants can be fitted where no other recessed light can. LEDs are often used to emphasize art, and all current picture illumination uses LEDs.
What’s the LED lifespan? Long! LED lights endure 25,000 to 50,000 hours. An incandescent lamp lasts 1,000 to 2,000 hours. LED illumination doesn’t burn out; it fades over time. “50,000 hours to 70%” is a common LED fixture label (“L70”). This means that LED lights will last at least 50,000 hours before losing 70% of their power (a 30% decrease).This technology’s extended bulb life and low power make it promising.
With LED technology, you can make your own lighting designs that use different colors, brightness, warmth, and efficiency.
Temperature correlation (CCT)
Most LED lights provide several white color temperatures. CCT is measured from 1,000 to 10,000 Kelvin (K). Higher Kelvin means closer color representation to sunlight. Warmer whites are 3000K or lower; neutral whites are 4000K. White light at 5000K and higher is “cool.” Between 2500K to 5000K is typical for business and household lighting. When picking a light fixture, consider the color temperature. It must fit the mood and ambiance you want to create.
Color rendering index (CRI)
As LEDs grew increasingly common, the CRI scale gained prominence. CRI and color temperature go hand-in-hand when choosing lighting. CRI measures how well a light source displays natural colors. We’re used to seeing things on social media via filters and programs that affect how they seem in real life. CRI aims to remove filters and correctly represent colors, from art to food. LED light sources with a CRI of 90+ provide the greatest color rendering. Higher CRI LED lighting produces more realistic colors.
Power and luminous flux (watts and lumens)
LED lighting commonly lists lumens and watts combined. Lm/W=lumens per watt. People often associate watts with light output. Lumens quantify light’s “perceived strength.” Lumens measure light brightness. A watt quantifies the amount of energy you consume, which affects your electricity costs.
When choosing LED lights, consider “lumens per watt.” A 9-watt LED bulb can produce 1,000 lumens. A 100-watt incandescent light produces the same lumens.
Dimming
Smart home lighting control is growing in popularity. Dimmers are recommended for adjusting the light level in a room. Good LED lighting manufacturers utilize dimmable LEDs, but you should always verify this before buying. Dimming saves electricity and money.
Other useful terms
Line voltage and low voltage
Line voltage is used in sockets and junction boxes (220 V in post-Soviet space, 110-120 V in the US, Canada, and several European nations). Line voltage luminaires support “plug-and-play.”
Low voltage lighting utilizes 12V or 24V and requires a transformer to scale down the main power. Low-voltage lighting transformers can be built into the fixture or put somewhere else (power supply for LED strips, for example).
Rating L70/LM80
L70 measures how long a light source takes to lose 70% of its initial brightness. LM80 measures LED lumen deterioration.
“Listed as DLC”
In several countries, energy companies discount LED lighting for business buildings. DLC is a list of authorized LED luminaires energy providers use to offer savings. To get the LED discount, your fixture must be on this list.
IC Rated
IC Insulating contact is “rated IC.” Insulated ceilings (stretch or plasterboard suspended) can use IC-rated recessed lighting without getting too hot.
As more households and businesses migrate to LED lighting, it’s crucial to understand this terminology. Our crew is always available to serve clients with queries or needs.