Guide to LED

What is an LED?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. They have been around for over 50 years, initially used as indicator lights and on audio equipment and have developed to the efficient light sources readily available today. Instead of traditional technology used to generate light of filaments or gas, LED’s work due to the movement of electrons in a semi-conductive material which generates photons (light). LED light is a solid state light – there are no filaments, gases or moving parts with makes them low maintenance and reliable.

What makes them so good?

LED’s have a long lifetime, normally in excess of 10 years, they are very efficient and generate more light per unit of electricity than previous technologies. In general LED lamps use 90% less electricity than standard lamps.

LEDs do not produce any ultraviolet radiation which causes colours to fade on paintings and fabrics. There is no buzzing or flickering which http://www.healthandrecoveryinstitute.com/antabuse-disulfiram-alcoholism/ people can be sensitive too.

Where should they be used?

LED’s have developed to now replace the majority of household lamps and LED’s are now a viable option for industrial lighting in many applications including warehousing and office lighting.

What is the light quality?

LED’s are available in a number of different colour temperatures suitable for different applications. Warm white lamps replace traditional halogen or incandescent lamps and are often used in more relaxing areas such as around the home. Cool white lamps are often used in bathrooms and work areas as it is a closer simulation to daylight. Industrial lighting applications use mainly cool white or daylight colour temperatures to simulate daylight. See colour temperature technical section

Different beam angles are available to create different lighting effects. White beam angles give a good even spread of light over a wide area whereas a tighter or narrower beam angle will give more of a spot effect. For floodlighting applications a wide range of different lenses are available to give the required effect. Our technical sales team can advise on the best beam angle for the required application.

What types are available?

Many types of LED lamps are available including GLS, Candle Lamps, and Reflector lamps. Also available are LED floodlights, bay lights, panels and tubes. See our LED lighting section for our full range