Integrated LED Lighting – Pros and Cons

Integrated LED lighting … what is it?  Up until recently, light fixtures and light sources were two different things – you bought a light fitting, and you bought the light globe to go into the fitting. Makes sense, given that the light globe had a much shorter life span than the light fitting.

The introduction of LED technology, however, with it’s longer lifespan, has meant that lighting manufacturers can start to reinvent how they design light fixtures. One of these reinventions is what is referred to as “integrated LED” lighting.  What is integrated LED? It simply means that the light source, the LED, is integrated into the light fixture, it is part of the fixture, and not separate to the fixture itself.  

Why the move to integrated led lighting?

There is an obvious down side to not being able to replace a globe in a light fixture. When the LED does fail, in most instances, the fixture itself will need to be replaced. There are many fittings that will allow your electrician to replace or “repair” the LED light source, however, it can be a costly exercise, and in many instances, more costly than replacing the whole fixture.

It’s not all bad news, however, as integrated LEDs typically last for many years, often a decade or more. For many homes, this will be about the time you will be looking to upgrade or revamp your living spaces, and may be looking for new lighting designs and technology to compliment this.

For lighting manufacturers, the move to integrated LED lighting means a few things.  For one, it allows manufacturers to optimise the operation of all components of a light fixture to ensure seamless operation.  It also allows manufacturers to value add to their lighting products.  Things like smart technology, and colour temperature control, all designed to give you, the consumer, greater control over how your light fitting compliments your decor and your style.

What are the pros and cons of integrated LED lighting?

PROS
• Longer life span than fluorescent or incandescent globes
• Longer life span than screw-in LED globes
• Allow more control over the light output and appearance. For instance, many integrated LED fixtures allow you to change colour temperature from warm to cool white; as well as allowing you to dim the light, all at the touch of a button
• Provide a visually appealing spread of light
• Provide an energy efficient form of light
• Compliment the use of smart lighting technology relatively seamlessly

CONS
• Non-replaceable, or, if replaceable, can be at a high cost, therefore rendering an expiration date on the light fixture itself
• Up-front cost is generally higher

Why choose integrated led lighting?

The great thing is that, while up-front costs of an integrated LED light fixture may be more expensive, the cost savings in energy and typical globe replacement, will more often than not, cover your up-front outlay.

The other great thing about integrated LED lighting is the scope of design it allows lighting manufacturers! No longer constrained by a globe, manufacturers can create designs that they couldn’t have considered prior! A circular fitting that emits light from right around the fitting, an angular fitting that emits light from every angle, slimline designs that are not constrained by large globes, the list goes on, and so do the designs! Some of our favourite designs include.

Whether it be a new integrated LED pendant to add some wow factor, or an energy saving LED option for your outdoor spaces, if you are thinking about adding an integrated LED light to your space, talk to Rovert Lighting & Electrical to help you find a design to suit your space and your needs.