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Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient. Until
recently, LEDs were limited to single-bulb use in applications such as instrument panels, electronics, pen
"clustering" the small bulbs. The first clustered bulbs were used for battery powered items such as
flashlights and headlamps. Today, LED bulbs are made using as many as 180 bulbs per cluster, and
encased in diffuser lenses which spread the light in wider beams. Now available with standard bases
which fit common household light fixtures, LEDs are the next generation in home lighting.
The high cost of producing LEDs has been a roadblock to widespread use. However, researchers at
Purdue University have recently developed a process for using inexpensive silicon wafers to replace the
expensive sapphire-based technology. This promises to bring LEDs into competitive pricing with CFLs
and incandescents. LEDs may soon become the standard for most lighting needs.
Benefits of LED light bulbs
Factors in Choosing an LED light bulb
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient. Until
recently, LEDs were limited to single-bulb use in applications such as instrument panels, electronics, pen
"clustering" the small bulbs. The first clustered bulbs were used for battery powered items such as
flashlights and headlamps. Today, LED bulbs are made using as many as 180 bulbs per cluster, and
encased in diffuser lenses which spread the light in wider beams. Now available with standard bases
which fit common household light fixtures, LEDs are the next generation in home lighting.
The high cost of producing LEDs has been a roadblock to widespread use. However, researchers at
Purdue University have recently developed a process for using inexpensive silicon wafers to replace the
expensive sapphire-based technology. This promises to bring LEDs into competitive pricing with CFLs
and incandescents. LEDs may soon become the standard for most lighting needs.
Benefits of LED light bulbs
- Long-lasting - LED bulbs last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescents
- Durable - since LEDs do not have a filament, they are not damaged under circumstances when a
regular incandescent bulb would be broken - Cool - LEDs do not cause heat build-up producing 3.4 btu's/hour, (vs 85 for incandescent)
- Mercury-free - no mercury is used in the manufacturing of LEDs.
- More efficient - LED light bulbs use only 2-10 watts (1/3rd to 1/30th of Incandescent or CFL)
- Light for remote areas - because of the low power requirement for LEDs, using solar panels
becomes more practical and less expensive than running an electric line or using a generator
Factors in Choosing an LED light bulb
- Desired wattage - read the package: for example, a 3W LED is equivalent to a 45 W incandescent
- Choose between warm and cool light - new LED bulbs are available in 'cool' white light, which is
ideal for task lighting, and 'warm' light commonly used for accent or small area lighting. - Standard base or pin base - LEDs are available in several types of 'pin' sockets or the standard
"screw' (Edison) bases for recessed or track lighting.
- Recessed/Track bulbs: Available in pin base or standard (Edison) base, LEDs are ideal
for track or recessed lighting. LEDs do not contribute to heat buildup in a room
because no matter how long they remain on, they do not get hot to the touch. Also,
because they are 90% more efficient than incandescents, the frequency of changing
bulbs is greatly reduced.
- Diffused bulbs: clusters of LEDs are covered by a dimpled lens which spreads the light
out over a wider area. Available in a range of wattage and sizes, these bulbs have
many uses, such as area lighting for small rooms, porches, reading lamps, accent
lamps, hallways and low-light applications where lights remain on for extended
periods.
- Spotlight and Floodlight LEDs: The spotlight LED lacks a dispersing lens, so it appears
brighter as its light is directed forward. The floodlight model gives a spread-out
dispersed light. Well suited for ceiling lights, outdoor floodlights, retail display
lighting, landscape lighting and motion sensors.
LED Colors
- Red - is the traditional color for maintaining night vision.
- Green - is now the preferred color for pilots and the military as it retains night vision
but does not erase the red markings on maps and charts - Blue - appears to be a good reading light for elderly eyes.
- White - most popular as it produces a soft light, w/o harsh reflection, glare or shadows
- Amber - are used outdoors as it does not attract flying insects
