What does LED stand for? LED stands for light-emitting diode, which is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it. Light is produced when the particles that carry the current combine together within the semiconductor material. LED technology is one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. Quality LED light bulbs offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting. LEDs generally consume very low amounts of power.
LED lights use about 80 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent, resulting in substantial energy cost savings, especially for spaces with lights that are on for extended periods. LEDs also aim light in a specific direction unlike conventional bulbs, which emit light—and heat—in all directions. This directional lighting capability reduces wasted light and energy. Quality LEDs have an expected lifespan of 30,000 – 50,000 hours or even longer, depending on the quality of the lamp or fixture. A typical incandescent bulb lasts only about 1,000 hours; a comparable compact fluorescent lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. With a longer operational life, LEDs can reduce labor costs of replacing bulbs in commercial situations, achieving a lower maintenance lighting system.
LED lights are more durable. Without filaments or glass enclosures, LEDs are breakage resistant and largely immune to vibrations and other impacts. Traditional lighting is usually contained in a glass or quartz exterior, which can be susceptible to damage. LEDs, on the other hand, tend not to use any glass, instead they are mounted on a circuit board and connected with soldered leads that can be vulnerable to direct impact. LEDs provide instantaneous turn on and do not have issues with frequent switching. LEDs turn on and off instantaneously. There is no warm-up period like in the case of metal halide lamps. LED lights do not have the environmental issues common to traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent or halide lamps. Both of these lamps contain mercury internal to the bulb thus require special handling at the end of the product’s useful lifespan. LEDs do not contain mercury or any other harmful solutions. In many cases LEDs operate on low voltages and temperatures without significant degradation. This makes them suitable for use in outdoor lighting applications. Today, light can do so much more than brighten our path. It can change the way how we see things. It can lighten our impact on the environment, make our surroundings more secure or boost comfort and productivity of any indoor space.
