subject: The Functionality And Diversity Of Led Lighting [print this page] LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are a big hit in both the residential and the commercial markets because of their functionality and diversity. They are increasing in popularity over both incandescent and fluorescent lighting for a variety of reasons which should be explored. LED lights come in several appealing colors such as white, green, red, blue and amber. Surprisingly, a true white LED does not yet exist but is created by either placing a yellow phosphorous coating over a blue bulb (most common) or by placing a red, blue and green LED close together to produce a white light effect.
A single high powered LED bulb emits around 80 lumens of light whereas a common 60 watt incandescent bulb will produce around 900. Therefore LED bulbs have to be grouped together in mass to produce the desired lighting needs. However, within the past two years, the output has doubled for LEDs and it continues to expand as the demand increases.
Speaking of brightness, another feature that makes LED lighting so desirable is that it can be used on a dimmer. The "cool" lighting nature of the LED coupled with its 80 CRI make it a good choice for mood enhancement or focal point lighting. CRI is a Color Rendering Index that gives value to a light source's ability to illuminate various colors accurately. A CRI of 100 is considered to be the truest rendition of color revealed by the natural lighting of the sun. The LED's 80 CRI sets it at a rating between good (75 CRI) and very good (85 CRI).
LEDs don't burn out like a traditional bulb, but progressively grow dimmer until they can no longer produce enough light to be considered useful. Usually, its lifespan has ceased being useful when it produces 70% or less of wattage and needs to be replaced at this point. During laboratory testing, an LED can burn for around 100,000 hours. However, due to the heat buildup inside the seat of the LED fixture, the normal lifespan of an average LED falls between 35,000 and 60,000 hours.
White LEDs are also safer in that they don't emit infrared or heat radiation like a normal bulb. They also don't produce UV rays or contain toxic mercury like fluorescent bulbs do. Research is continually improving upon LED lighting and lighting fixtures at a fast pace so the LED of tomorrow could well become the most sought after lighting source.
If you're looking for an alternative lighting style that is energy efficient, long lasting, shock resistant, and can easily be focused then looking into LED lighting and lighting fixtures is a good way to go for your next lighting project.
