FAQ

1. What is LED?

2. What are LED bulbs?

3. Why should I switch to LED lights rather than CFL bulbs?

4. Did you know the Incandescent bulbs have been phased out?

5. What is the color of light LED’s emit?

6. Which colour is best for indoor use?

7. Which colour is best for outdoor use?

8. What is lumen?

9. Do I need an LED-compatible transformer?

10. What are SMDs?

11. What does IP Rating (IP20, IP65 etc.) mean?

12. What is 3528?

13. What is 5050?

14. How often do I have to replace the LED bulbs?

15. Does the level of light produced reduce over the lifetime of the LED bulb?

16. What guarantee comes with our LED bulbs?


1. What is LED?

LED, abbreviation of light emitting diode, is an electronic device that lights up when electricity is passed through it.
 

2. What are LED bulbs?

LED bulbs are essentially high-tech versions of LEDs. They are electronic devices with mini transformers, chip-sets and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that convert electricity into light extremely efficiently.
 

3. Why should I switch to LED lights rather than CFL bulbs?

a) LED bulbs are 30-50 % more efficient than CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs;

b) LED bulbs have better design than CFL lamps;

c) LED lights are free of toxic chemicals and 100% recyclable. They do not contain mercury or other harmful gasses. CFL bulbs contain mercury;

d) LED diodes have an outstanding operational life time expectation of up to 80.000 hours. CFL bulbs have an operational life less than 10,000 hours.


4. Did you know the Incandescent bulbs have been phased out?

Governments around the world have passed measures to improve the energy efficiency of light bulbs used in homes and businesses. Very often, these measures effectively ban the manufacture, importation or sale of current incandescent light bulbs for general lighting. The aim is to increase the use and technological development of more energy-efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs) and LED lamps. In some countries, manufacturers will still be free to produce future versions of incandescent bulbs if they are sufficiently energy efficient.

Brazil and Venezuela started the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs in 2005, and the European Union, Switzerland, and Australia started to phase them out in 2009. Likewise, other nations are implementing new energy standards or have scheduled phase-outs: Argentina, Russia, and Canada in 2012, and the United States and Malaysia in 2014.”

Article by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(last modified on 3 February 2013 at 12:06)

Light goes out for incandescent bulbs

“Phased ban on the sale of incandescent lightbulbs is completed following EU directive to reduce energy use of lighting

Incandescent lightbulbs have been phased out in Europe from September 2009 and September 2012.
From 1 September, an EU directive aimed at reducing the energy use of lighting means that retailers will no longer be allowed to sell 40W and 25W incandescent bulbs. Similar bans came into effect for 60W and 100W incandescent bulbs over the past three years. The restrictions are predicted to save 39 terawatt-hours of electricity across the EU annually by 2020 …”

Article by Guardian.co.uk
(31 August 2012 12.13 BST)


5. What is the color of light LED’s emit?

White light LED’s can be manufactured in a range of white colors, typically grouped into 3 categories:

1.Warm White (2700-3500K): This one most closely matches the color of incandescent light and is most used in the home to create a warm atmosphere.

2.Natural White (4000K-5000K): This color of light is brighter white and does not have a yellow component feeling. It is typically used for office, retail, workshop lighting environments etc. A traditional fluorescent tube light normally emits light in this range.

3.Cool White: (6000-8000K): This color of white light tends to have a bluish tone. Lights in this category are typically used in manufacturing and high brightness environments.


6. Which colour is best for indoor use? 

The most popular colour for indoor LED lights is warm white which most closely matches the color of incandescent light and create a warm atmosphere.
 

7. Which colour is best for outdoor use?

The most popular colour for outdoor LED lights is white (cool white). It gives pure and crisp bright light that is perfect for lighting up outdoor spaces.
 

8. What is lumen?

The lumen (symbol: lm) is a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source.
 

9. Do I need an LED-compatible transformer? 

No. You may only need a transformer if you are buying 12V bulbs. They are GU5.3 (MR16), G4, AR111.
 

10. What are SMDs?

SMDs, abbreviation of surface mounted diodes, are the new generation of LED lighting. The majority of our bulbs contain SMDs that are three times brighter than the older LEDs. LED bulbs with SMDs generate a high quality light.
 

11. What does IP Rating (IP20, IP65 etc.) mean?

The IP rating (Ingress Protection) of an electrical product shows the strength of the enclosure that surrounds the electrical components.

In the case of LED strip, the IP rating measures the level of protection against water or liquids.
Example: LED strip with IP rating – IP20 is non-waterproof, LED strip with IP rating – IP65 is waterproof.

In the case of LED bulbs, the IP rating measures the protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (dust; body parts - hands and fingers) etc.
 

12. What is 3528? 

3528 means the size of SMD chips in millimeters - 3.5mm x 2.8mm.
 

13. What is 5050?

5050 means the size of SMD chips in millimeters - 5mm x 5mm.
 

14. How often do I have to replace the LED bulbs?

LED diodes have an outstanding operational life time expectation of up to 80.000 hours.

How long is 80.000 hours?

9 years (If you leave on the LED lights 24hrs)
18 years (If you leave on the LED lights for 12h per day)
22 years (If you leave on the LED lights for 10h per day)
 

15. Does the level of light produced reduce over the lifetime of the LED bulb?

Yes, but due to their extremely long life, this is barely noticeable.
 

16. What guarantee comes with our LED bulbs?

LEDlight-spot offers a 2-year warranty on all our LED bulbs.
 

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