The LED technology has taken the world by storm and is estimated to become a $ 30 billion industry by 2015. Initially used as indicator lights in cell phones and flashlights, LED lights are quickly overtaking other light sources because they are energy efficient, long lasting and environmentally friendly.
LED vs the Traditional Light Bulb
Light bulbs are either an incandescent or fluorescent source of light. In an incandescent bulb the light is produced by passing electricity through a conductor which heats the thin tungsten filament inside the bulb to a point where it gives off light, whereas in a fluorescent lamp light is produced by passing an electrical discharge through iodized gas. Such bulbs are not energy efficient as approximately 10% of the energy is used to produce visible light. Apart from which, these bulbs or tube lights are made from blown glass which can be molded into specific shapes.
In comparison LED (light emitting diodes) also known as solid state lighting, have a simple and strong structure and versatility of design which allows these LED's to be assembled in a variety of shapes. Such LED lights contain a light-emitting semiconductor which determines the color of the lights because of the material and processes used to make them. A diode is created when any two conductive materials come in contact and it only allows light to flow in one direction. When electricity is passed through the diodes contained within the semiconductor, the atoms within the first conductive material begin to heat up and initially begin to shed electrons to the other material, during this process light is created.
LED lights are measured in lumen depreciation as opposed to watts because LED lights decrease in light output over time rather than burning out like other technology. As a lumen is the amount of light emitted from a light source, this method allows you to measure the decrease in the amount of light emitted by LED's.
Why Are LED's Becoming So Popular?
LED's carry a great potential as an energy saving light source which can greatly enhance our building environment in a time when energy and power savings is becoming increasingly necessary. Initially LED lighting went unnoticed because of their low intensity and lack of color but with new innovation and advancement in LED technology the demand and popularity of this light source has increased.
What is an LED Light Strip?
These are products made up of a number of small LED lights placed on a strip which can then be affixed to clean and dry surfaces and many come with adhesive backs to make the process even easier, this is a fun and creative way to use LED lights . LED light strips come in different lengths and light outputs depending on your needs as well as in white or multiple colors. The output can either be standard, high or super high and standard lengths can be combined to create the length that you require. LED light strips can be used for decorative purposes or to illuminate your artwork, inside your cabinets, to light your pool or spa or to illuminate your workbench.
Advantages
· Not sensitive to temperature while fluorescent and incandescent lights are.
· More resistant to vibrations and breakage.
· Easy to maintain.
· Lack infrared or ultraviolet emissions.
· They do not emit chlorofluorocarbons or CFC's.
· Can be dimmed and allow for color control.
· They come on instantly unlike fluorescent or incandescent lights which take a few seconds before they come on.
· They are not sensitive to humidity and do not produce any harmful materials.
· Have a projected lifespan of 50,000 hours which is far greater than other light sources.
· Have a high level of brightness and intensity and radiate less heat than other sources.
· Do not contain movable parts, filaments or mercury.
In today's day and age when energy conservation is extremely vital LED lighting has opened up new avenues for the world to explore as a more efficient, yet cost effective source of energy. By reducing the cost, complexity, installation and control with new technology, Led lighting is quickly being adopted in the market and will eventually replace incandescent bulbs.