What is an LED light?
LED is an abbreviation for a ‘light emitting diode.’ It is made up of a semiconductor that converts electricity to light. This semiconductor is enclosed within a fixture or lamp which now becomes an LED light common in residential and commercial properties.
The efficiency, versatility, and lifespan of this device are higher than the traditional lighting techniques like fluorescent and incandescent lights.
Types of LED Lighting
There are three types of LED technology used in LED lighting; it includes COB, SMD, DIP.
Surface Mounted Diode (SMD) LEDs
This device is made up of soldered LED chips that are mounted on the circuit board. They are brighter and smaller than DIP LEDs. This property makes it easier to enclose an LED in small electronics and multiple lighting options like strip lighting. Three diodes can be placed on one SMD chip, meaning you can create a wide array of colors for greater variety to customers. The most common types of SMD chip sizes are SMD 5050 and SMD 3528. The former is 5mm, and the latter is 3.5mm.
Dual In-Line Package (DIP) LEDs
The chips in DIP LED are what many people know as LED lighting. Although they are older than the younger options, DIP LED chips are standard today in electronics because of their miniature size. They only emit a low amount of brightness.
Chip on Board (COB) LEDs
These are the latest creations in LED technology. They are the brightest out of the three options since more than nine diodes can be present on one chip. The increase in the number of diodes helps to improve the brightness of the bulb using less energy. Now, due to their circuitry makeup, they cannot emit different colors.
Benefits of LED lighting
In the next few years, the LED lighting industry is predicted to grow exponentially. Today, LEDs are used in almost every ceiling lamp. But why are LED lights so special and popular today?
Firstly, LED lighting uses 90% less energy as compared to halogen and incandescent bulbs. They also use approximately 60% less energy in comparison to CFL bulbs. The efficiency of LED lights varies according to the selected fitting, but LED is number one when it comes to efficiency.
Secondly, LED lighting is the greener option. It helps business and homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint. The use of LED is a great addition to companies which are under pressure to meet energy quotas and government incentives.
Lastly, the increased efficiency helps to lower the electricity bills. Since electronics consume a lot of electricity, LED helps you to save thousands of pounds per year.
What to Look For When Purchasing an LED Light
Before you head to a shop to purchase an LED light, consider the following:
Lumens, and Not Watts
For traditional lighting, watts are ideal, but in LED bulbs, lumens is the unit of measurement. So, when you go shopping, look at the lumen chat to show the watt-lumen conversion.
Select the Right Color LED
Incandescent lights provide a warm yellowish hue, while LEDs offer a wide array of colors. Some of the popular colors for LED are ‘soft white,’ ‘warm white,’ and ‘bright white.’ The yellow hue is produced by the soft and warm white options, while bright white LEDs produce a white light that is often seen in retail stores.
Be careful when getting Non-Dimmable LEDs
LEDs may not work well with dimming switches because of their circuitry. You may need to replace the switch or pay more for an LED that is compatible with traditional switches.