What is LED lighting?
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are a digital light source. LEDs began life as indicator lights in electrical components manufactured by Hewlett Packard. Light is the result of electrons that release energy in the form of photons better known as electroluminescence.
Their energy efficiency, low maintenance, robustness and long life mean they are now a brilliant alternative to the delicate, energy-hungry analog light sources we all grew up with. Originally, its cost limited its use as a daily light source. However, ever-increasing energy prices, combined with an improved manufacturing process, have made them a viable alternative to Mr. Edison’s invention.
Today they are used in televisions, traffic lights, car headlights, flashlights, and signs all over the world.
Why should you use LED lighting?
LEDs consume less energy. The first and foremost reason to use LEDs is that they can consume up to 85% less energy than traditional lighting. Lower energy consumption is good for the environment, but it is also good for business. Less energy use equals more money saved. LEDs last longer. The average age of an LED light is 10 years. Even then, they will only need to be replaced as their light fades. Over a long period of time, its light output gradually dims. They can also last longer; it depends on the application. LEDs are much safer – LEDs use low voltage (12-24) volts and pose less fire risk than light bulbs and, in particular, neon lights. LEDs do not emit ultraviolet rays and very little heat, so they can be used in areas where too much heat is dangerous. LEDs are easier to maintain. The LEDs can be left alone and all they need is a quick cleaning every now and then. LEDs are solid state. There is no filament or glass to break and they are robust even in wet conditions. They can even be used underwater in some circumstances. LEDs are easier to dispose of. Although there is no real way to recycle them at this time, they are small and therefore easier and less harmful to the environment than disposing of glass bulbs and gas-filled tubes. LEDs are much, much smaller. Therefore, they can be used in much more creative ways than traditional lighting. For example, light boxes can be thinner, LEDs can even be embedded in acrylic panels for certain applications. Have I heard that it is more expensive?
Initially, LEDs may be more expensive than traditional light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, but their benefits more than outweigh this. Companies are faced with energy audits and a commitment to reduce their carbon emissions, regardless of the need to cut costs. LEDs are part of the answer to these problems.
What do I do with my existing lighting? Many companies believe that upgrading their existing lighting, for example the fluorescent tubes in the lighting strips and ceiling signage, will be enormously disruptive and costly. We call it retrofitting. There is a range of retrofit LED products that can use existing analog luminaires. You get the benefit of lower energy consumption, low maintenance and long life, but you don’t have to invest in new luminaires. Switching to LED is as easy as changing a light bulb. What are the products that exist?
LEDs are manufactured in a variety of colors and hues. Simple electronics can control the brightness and duration of each LED, so the effect you can get with an LED product LED Christmas Lights is extremely varied. The market is expanding rapidly.
Simple LED modules Individual modules are generally produced in banks of 4 LEDs, but they also come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and are generally powered by a simple 12v transformer. They can be installed without the need for an electrician.
LED grilles
LEDs can be purchased already attached to a plastic sheet or run along the edge of a piece of acrylic which can then be cut to suit the particular application. The compact formation of these LEDs means that a very uniform light area can be achieved.
Stylized LED light boxes
When fluorescent tubes are placed too close to the front of a light box, a streaking effect is often seen. Fluorescent tubes are also short-lived. If one leaves, you will face a costly call for a replacement. LEDs allow for a slimmer softbox and more uniform light source for your graphics. The long service life and low maintenance means that site visits are required much less frequently. Just one pass once in a while should!
Retrofitting of Non-LED Products
Today, there are retrofit products that simply fit into current lightbulb and fluorescent fixtures. This is a short to medium term solution when you have a lot of traditional lighting, such as strip lighting, and you don’t have the budget to change fixtures. You will instantly benefit from the energy savings associated with LED lighting. The most common products are fluorescent tube replacement units and halogen replacement bulbs.
Neon Replacement LED Tube
Neon is an attractive way to advertise your business. It is also very expensive to produce, requires high levels of energy to function, and is also bad for the environment. You can now simulate a neon effect with a variety of neon tube replacements. LED tubes can be cut and bent into any shape, just like traditional neon. But, because it runs cold and uses low voltage, anyone can install it; You do not need a qualified electrician to connect to the electrical network.
Low energy LED products LEDs are low voltage and this gives us the opportunity to use solar energy cells and wind turbines for the first time. Now it is possible to have a luminous sign that works with its own energy.
What products should I use? The LED market, like all markets, is full of good and bad products. LED lights are made on a single sheet called a wafer, just like computer chips. Up to 6000 LEDs can come from a single wafer. There are imperfections on the surface of each wafer, so individual LEDs are rated once pressed. Quality control differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is important to make sure you select a reputable supplier. There is a level of quality with LEDs ranging from the whitest and brightest lights to inexpensive mass-produced LEDs that won’t last as long or give you the same quality of light.
