LED Lighting

LED lighting has come forward in leaps and bounds in the past few years. The lamp life and efficiency are several times better than what is found on the market currently. Originally very highly priced, the LED lights have slowly reduced in manufacturing costs and therefore less expensive for the end user. Savings on reduced power consumption and longevity of the LED can increase the cost issue when compared to incandescent lamps or other types of High Intensity Lighting.

The way the LED functions is through Direct Current (or DC) electricity and this requires cooling fins or heat sinks to prevent from getting too hot, which is one of it's disadvantages. Other disadvantages are that in some applications slow rewiring may be required or a ballast may have to be removed in the case of fluorescent lighting. Having said that, there are many types available for a straight one on one replacement with constant further development in technology.

Another disadvantage is that the LED only emits light in one direction and requires multiple lamps arranged or reflectors to give the same disbursement.The amount of light produced though is equal or greater than its fluorescent and incandescent counterparts.

The LED can be used across the board, from the domestic installation through to the commercial and heavy industry arenas. LED's can save a lot of money in the maintenance areas, reducing the need for replacing lamps continuously which not only reduces item cost but also in labor cost as well. This proposal is good for the consumer but the manufacturer will not need to supply as many replacement lights due to the long lamp life, which is 50,000 hours with some manufacturers.

LED lights used in security or areas where lighting is on practice 24 hours per day would pay for themselves due to the fact that when you calculate the existing lights power usage versus the LED power draw, even though the cost of the LED may be a little more, the significant reduction in power used would more than compensate the initial cost of the lamp and any labor tasks that may be required to change wiring etc.

In summary the color quality and efficiency of the LED is better. There is very little heat and the power draw and the longevity of the light reduces energy and maintenance costs, also cutting back in cooling costs as well. They can also be dimmed where needed but they can be susceptible to surges and excess heat dependent on application and brand.