LED LIGHTS EXPLAINED

LED LIGHTS EXPLAINED

Beginning with the acronym LED itself, it stands for Light Emitting Diode and is the title for an electronic part that gives off light. These diodes are constructed to lamps, called luminaires, for use in a range of domestic and commercial uses. LED bulbs tend to be more energy efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs, and have a much longer operating life.

With LED lighting, the watt is no longer an indication of brightness since most people are utilized to with traditional bulbs. Though wattage is still shown on LED bulbs, this is only an indicator of their energy consumption. The dimension to look out for is the lumen (lm), and the higher the lumen, the brighter the bulb. 230lm is equal to a conventional 25W bulb, and in the opposite end of this scale, 1340lm is about as bright as an old 100W light bulb.

WHAT IS A L.E.D. DRIVER?

As LEDs operate on DC power, they require electronics from the luminaire to convert mains power and power the light source. This is called the driver.

WHAT IS LUMEN DEPRECIATION?

Unlike traditional light bulbs, LED lighting does not simply'burn out' like old-fashioned bulbs as soon as it reaches the end of its life (except in the instance of driver failure). Instead, its light output slowly decreases during a lengthy period of time, called lumen depreciation.

The widely-accepted standard is L70, which is the stage at which light output drops below 70 percent of its initial level. This dimension indicates the amount of working hours you can count on from the LED before its output falls below a helpful level.

Even though a lumen is used to state how much lighting a source of light supplies, the lux measures the intensity of light as seen from the human eye.

What's GLARE?

Glare is the term used to express the visual discomfort experienced by excess brightness and can be calculated using a precise formula. UGR (Unified Glare Rating) measures the luminance of a lamp divided from the backdrop of visible luminance in the space. The amount calculated is the UGR and the lower, the better. Low levels of UGR will go unnoticed whereas greater amounts will surely cause a distraction.

WHAT IS COLOUR TEMPERATURE?

Frequently known simply as LED colour, this is a measurement which suggests the warmth of this light emitted from the luminaire. It's measured in degrees Kelvin and, put simply, the higher the number, the thinner the light. The most Frequent colour temperatures are as follows:

2700k -- Often known as Warm White, it creates a color about equal to a conventional light bulb

3000k -- Slightly less warm in look, roughly corresponding to halogen lamps such as those used in floodlights for exterior lighting alternatives

4500k -- Sometimes called Natural or Neutral Whitethis color temperature is similar to natural daylight

6000k -- A bright blue-white sometimes termed Cool White that is like the flash of a camera

MAINTAINED Vs NON-MAINTAINED LED LIGHTING

Maintained lighting is made to be lit continuously and will keep working even in the event of a power failure. This type of emergency lighting or maintained lighting permits a unit to function as a normal light fitting while still supplying the essential backup in the event of a power cut.

Conversely, non-maintained light is designed to turn on in the event of a power failure. Connected to the lighting circuit, it reacts to a power reduction by ensuring emergency exit routes remain illuminated.

WHAT IS IMPACT PROTECTION (IK) AND INGRESS PROTECTION (IP)?

An IK (Impact Protection) evaluation measures the degree of security provided by electric equipment enclosures against external mechanical influences.

Similarly, an IP (Ingress Protection) evaluation measures levels of alternative defense. The rating comprises the attribute letters IP, followed by two numerals which signify conformity with stated conditions. The first number indicates the amount of protection of persons against contact with moving and live parts and security of their equipment against ingress of solid foreign bodies. While the next number indicates the level of security of the equipment against harmful ingress of water. From zero protection to being water and dust tight, the higher the rating, the better shielded the light fitting.

A PIR sensor (Passive Infrared Sensor) radiates wavelengths to find heat energy in nearby objects. Therefore, when a PIR sensor is incorporated in lighting, the unit can capture movement and trigger the lighting so. PIR detectors are best for use in outdoor security lighting.

OTHER COMMONLY USED LIGHTING TERMS:

Lamps are rated in watts to signify that the rate at which they consume energy.

• LPW (Lumens per Watt) is a measurement of how effective the light source is in converting electrical energy to lumens of visible light. (Modern lighting adopts the concepts of efficiency and efficacy, together with the overall aim of supplying energy-saving solutions.)

• LOR (Light Output Ratio) is a figure that shows how much light gets lost inside a luminaire.

• Dimming Control is another popular energy-conserving device. It is used to reduce the light output of a supply by reducing its operational wattage. Lamps will say whether they are dimmable and therefore, whether the lamp lumens can be varied while maintaining reliability.

• Floodlight is a luminaire used to light a scene or object to a degree considerably brighter than its environment.

• Accent lighting is directional lighting, employed to emphasize a specific object or to draw attention to a screen.