Top Ten Things To Look For on LED Lights

Nov. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- 1. How can I compare the quality of light?

Quality of a light source is generally described as providing full spectrum light. Full spectrum light is color-corrected light that simulates the clear brilliance of white light and the optical beauty of outdoor light at noon. There are several specifications commonly published to provide information on the quality of the light emitted, CRI, GAI, and CCT.

2. How efficient is it?

Efficacy is the specification that measures the efficiency of a light source by comparing lumen output to wattage consumed. Efficacy is derived by dividing wattage consumed into lumens emitted.

3. How consistent are the LEDs?

When LEDs are manufactured the most challenging part is producing consistent and precise white color. Binning is the process of sorting the white LEDs into groups of similar white colors. The regulation of this process is outlined by the ANSI standards for tolerances of white color variations to fit within a color temperature group, or bin. Some LED manufacturers have adapted a more stringent process of sorting called micro-bins which allows for much smaller white color variations.

4. How dimmable are LEDs?

LED technology responds to voltage and subsequent changes in current differently than traditional
incandescent lighting, presenting a unique engineering challenge for maintaining consistent dimming.
• Low power LEDs, powered by constant voltage drivers are more easily dimmed with conventional dimming technology than high powered LEDs that require the use of constant current drivers.
• Full scale dimming claims with corresponding dimmer usage recommendations should be confirmed by lighting control suppliers in order to have assurances of actual performance.
• LEDs also require a minimum current level in order to function and turn on at a brightness between 15-25% of their full intensity, thereby preventing full scale dimming down to 1% without additional technology.

5. What is the significance of heat sink?

Semi-conductors and other electronics have a limited tolerance to the effects of heat on lifetime and performance. Higher power LEDs (with higher current) are generally less efficient and result in heat buildup. A proportionally sized heat sink and heat transference system must be engineered to optimize the LEDs within a fixture. The larger the surface area of a heat sink made of a solid conductive material such as aluminum, the more ideal it is for creating airflow, dissipating heat, and extending the usable light of the LEDs.

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6. Will I get enough light with LEDs? For how long?

LED fixture manufacturers should be able to demonstrate the real life performance of any given product through extended whole fixture testing.

7. Should I be concerned with safety and wiring requirements around LEDs?

National Electric Code (NEC) regulations do not permit exceptions to Class I and Class II wiring requirements for LED fixtures even where they use low voltage power supplies. In order to avoid potential risks of shock or fire hazards, it is important to follow local codes as though working with traditional lighting technologies and utilize products that have been listed with UL and CUL or CSA.

8. Are the LED fixtures covered under warranty for performance?

WAC Lighting offers a 5 year warranty on all of its products, including LED fixtures and drivers.

9. Are the LED fixtures engineered to be sustainable?

WAC Lighting's LED luminaires are generally engineered for an average life of 50,000 hours or better based on an end of life standard at a loss of 30% of original luminance, significantly longer than CFLs and incandescents.

10. What is the shelf life of an LED fixture?

As technology continues to advance, inexpensive products that don’t meet the needs of the application quickly become obsolete. The risk of adopting new technology has costs, but as seen in the electronics industry, the rewards and quality of life improvements are great as well. WAC Lighting believes that in engaging advances in technology, it is responsible to design products that meet or beat the performance requirements of their respective applications.