What is an LED?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. An LED consists of a semiconductor that emits light when an electrical current is passed through it. This differs from traditional incandescent lamps that use heat to alight a filament which then glows.
What different types of LED lamps are there?
LED lamps come in a variety of shape and base types. The majority of LED lamp suppliers are mainly manufacturing E27 base type lamps which may seem confusing as most UK homes still use old B22 base. If you would like to change your B22 pendant to E27 we supply them here.
These are some of the main base type you will come across:
Will my LED lamp fit in my old light fixtures?
Yes, it will. LEDs are fitted in the same way incandescent and halogen bulbs are. So long as you match the right fitting size, it really will be as easy as changing a light bulb.
How long do your LEDs last?
Verbatim lamps have a lifetime of 25,000-50,000 hours.
MEGE products have a lifetime of 50,000 hours.
YYC products have a lifetime of 35,000 hours.
Take an LED product with a 50,000 hour lifespan. Depending on how long you have it on per-day, it’ll last up to 2 decades:
- 7 years (24 hours per day)
- 7.4 years (18 hours per day)
- 11.4 years (12 hours per day)
- 17.1 years (8 hours per day)
If you would like to check the lifetime of a particular product we stock, please contact us.
Why are LEDs more expensive to buy?
LEDs have a more costly upfront price however in the long run, they save you money by reducing your electricity bill. Here's a few examples of why LEDs are more expensive to buy:
- There’s more sophisticated technology both in the bulb and manufacturing process of LEDs.
- More parts are used be make an LED bulb.
- Certain components are costly before construction (such as bulbs containing a driver for example)
- Even though LEDs run considerably cooler than halogens and incandescents, the little heat they produce still needs to be dispelled. This is usually performed by use of aluminium which is costly.
What are LED temperatures and which is best for me?
LED temperature refers to the colour the lamp gives off. Unlike traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs that tend to produce a warm white light, LED lights are available in many different colours. To replicate the colour temperature produced from a halogen, you would need to opt for a warm white/daylight coloured bulb. If you prefer the cooler light often associated with office spaces, then you would probably prefer the cool light bulbs.
This is an example of how the different temperature may look:
How long do LEDs take to full brightness?
LEDs reach full brightness instantaneously with no warm up time like traditional CFLs. This is another energy saving advantage of choosing LED over other alternatives.
Are LEDs dimmable?
Yes, LEDs are available in both dimmable and non-dimmable. Our industrial range of lights are non dimmable as standard however by purchasing dimmable drivers, you can easily convert them - made easy by our "Plug 'n' Play" system. With our domestic household lamps, they will state whether they are dimmable or not; as the drivers are internal we unable to alter the dimmability of the lamp.
Due to LEDs consuming very little power, they may not be compatible with your existing dimmer switches. If you are buying Verbatim lamps, then please use their dimmer guide - found here.
Will LEDs operate outdoors?
LEDs are ideal for outdoor use and when compared to CFLs, LEDs perform far better when it's cold in the winter. Some of our LEDs are still able to perform in temperatures of -20 which is why they can be installed in refrigeration units. Our LEDs are extremely durable and built with high quality components which cannot be said for quite a lot of LED on the market.
If you want to learn more about LEDs, please click here.