Answering Your LED Questions
A few answers to common LED questions
We wanted to take a moment to tell you more about Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) by answering some common questions. We begin by defining what a LED means and describe a few of its technical details. We then look into the importance of LED technology, the advantages of using LEDs, and some must-know tips for getting the most out of your lights.
Read on to learn more!
First thing’s first, what is an LED?
LED is an acronym for ‘Lighting Emitting Diode’. A Light-Emitting Diode is an electric component device that emits light when connected to a direct current. LEDs emit light in the visible spectrum and invisible spectrum including both ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths.
Why is LED technology important for today?
It has low energy consumption and longer lifetimes when compared to other lamp types. With today’s concern of climate change and reducing our carbon dioxide emissions, LED plays a significant part in this movement.
When you convert to LED, how much money will you save?
It depends what type of lamp you are converting from. Typically the savings consist of at least 70%+ on your energy consumption usage. Over time switching from traditional lighting to integrated LEDs will save you even more money down the road.
Can LEDs be dimmed?
Some LEDs can be dimmed, and if so, will require a dimmable driver. For better dimming it requires the LED to be operated with dedicated constant voltage or constant current dimming drivers. The new development in lighting and controls are designed with Integrated LEDs in mind.
Do LED Retrofit Bulbs contain toxins, such as mercury and heavy metals?
LED Retrofit Bulbs do not contain any hazardous materials, and therefore when your LED stops working, you don’t have to worry about disposing it in a particular procedure, as you have to with CFL and fluorescent lamps.
What are the common LED color temperatures?
We use the kelvin scale to measure the color temperature of the light. The common range of white LEDs used is 2200k to 7500k. The lower the number, the more yellow tones (warmer lights), and the higher the number, the more blue tones (cooler lights).
These temperatures are often categorized under the following names: 2200 – 3200 WW (Warm White), 4000 – 4500 NW (Natural White), 5000 – 5500 DW (Day White), 6500 – 7500 CW (Cool White).
- The most commonly used color temperature is between 2700k to 3000K.
- For an office working environment, the recommended color temperature is 3500K.
- Color temperature 4000K & up is used mostly for exterior environments, retail displays especially in the jewellery business, as well as hospitals.
Is integrated LED better than LED bulbs?
Due to the way that they are installed, integrated LED bulbs have an even longer lifetime rating than screw-in LED bulbs. They also tend to be more visually appealing and much more energy-efficient. LEDs in fixtures offer new design opportunities, added value for the fixture and the output is optimized.
However, some people view a possible downside to integrated LEDs being that there can be an expiration date on the fixture. Whether it’s replacing a retrofit lamp (bulb) or removing an integrated LED fixture – lighting will need to be replaced eventually. Depending on the luminaire, when an LED integrated lamp dies in 10+ years or when an LED fails, the owner will sometimes be required to replace the LED module, or replace the entire fixture. However, Zaneen has taken this into consideration and our luminaires allow for the easy removal and/or access to the LED compared to other manufacturers.
If these issues arise, Zaneen will be happy to discuss how LED modules can be replaced in our fixtures, and details on our warranty coverage. For any further questions, we are always here to help.
What is typical lifetime of an LED?
Zaneen has LED fixtures that can last 50,000, 60,000 or 70,000 hours – so typically a lifetime of 10-15 years. Keep in mind, that this estimate is based on max intensity, so if you dim your product you can save on money and overall lifetime of the LED.
When I specify an LED fixture, should I look at Wattage or Lumens?
We suggest looking for higher lumens with lower wattage, which means more light output for less energy!
Remember, if you have any thoughts, questions or suggestions regarding this article we would love to hear from you!
Our direct contact is zteam@zaneen.com.
Ciao for now,
Z-Team
