What is LED lighting? LED stands for light emitting diode, a semi-conductor that, when an electric current passes through it, converts electricity into light.
LEDs are gaining popularity because of their many benefits. Initially, they were significantly more expensive than other lighting options, however, as the technology improves, LED continues to become an affordable option. In Australia, there has been a dramatic shift to LED lights.
With this shift in use of LED, what do you need to know about LED lighting? Get everything you need to know in our simple and concise guide to LED lights.
LED lighting is energy efficient
LED lights are much more energy efficient than other lighting options, including incandescent bulbs. In fact, LED globes can use up to 75% less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Primarily, this is due to the fact that LED globes convert almost 100% of their energy use into light, while incandescent globes spend 90% of their energy use as heat.
LED lighting has a longer lifespan
An LED globe can last from 20,000 to 80,000 hours, far outlasting your average fluorescent or incandescent globe.
LED lighting breeds less bacteria
LED bulbs are an increasingly preferred light source by café and restaurant owners, because they have been proven to breed less bacteria than their fluorescent and halogen counterparts, making them the perfect substitute for many retail food outlets where food is kept, or displayed, under lights.
LED lighting is environmentally friendly
LED lights do not contain mercury and other toxic chemicals. Compared to fluorescent lamps, for instance, which use mercury as an essential component, LED bulbs are much better for the environment. When fluorescent lamps are thrown into landfills, they can cause mercury contamination and pollution.
LED lights also don’t emit UV rays, and are 100% recyclable, so significantly add to a reduced carbon footprint.
LED lighting is cool to the touch
Compared to a halogen globe, for instance, which can heat up to 310°C, the maximum temperature of an LED lamp is only 60°C, which makes it cooler to touch.
LED lighting is ‘Instant On’
LED lighting has an ‘Instant On’, which means that when you turn on an LED light, you do not need to wait for it to emit full light. The moment you switch on an LED light, you immediately get its full brightness, unlike fluorescent globes, which need a ‘warm up’ time before they achieve full brightness.
LED lighting does not attract bugs
UV light and heat are two things that attract bugs. Other light sources become a haven for bugs and insects because they emit both these things. Since LED lights do not emit UV rays and they radiate far less heat, you do not need to worry that they will attract those pesky bugs!
LED lighting is commonly used for traffic, vehicle, signal, and street lighting
LED lights are now the preferred light sources for traffic, signal, street, and vehicle lights because they are strong, made from durable materials, last longer, use less electricity, are easy to use, and have the ability to focus light in a single direction. This enables motorists to see better on the road and enhances the safety of motorists. Also, since LED lights are much brighter, they can be seen even in glare conditions.
If you are thinking about making the switch to LED in your home, office, retail or commercial space, speak to Rovert Lighting and Electrical. We can help walk you through the many benefits of LED lighting, and provide high-quality LED lighting solutions for you. Contact us for more details on LED lighting.