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LED Lights: Main Parts and Classification Standards

LED Lights: Main Parts and Classification Standards

In countries such as Canada, the United States, Mexico and members of the European community, there are some classification standards for LED lights. 

In other words, it is a group of specifications that allow compliance with all the safety, performance and electrical efficiency requirements of LED systems.

Although this technology offers countless advantages, it also contains some risks, such as light pollution. Similarly, its use can affect the balance in the population of some insects and birds and the life of some plants. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate its use.

Components of LED products

First, let’s classify the elements of an LED system, understood jointly or individually, that are evaluated to comply with the essential efficiency and safety requirements.

These elements can be classified into:

  • LED: An LED light is a device that incorporates semiconductors, which emit light when receiving electrical energy.
  • Modules: These are a set of LED lights that make up a unit and can have mechanical, optical or electronic components. Some of these models of LED systems can integrate a system controller.
  • Lamps: This LED luminaire can emit a directed lighting flow in all directions. The lamps have a base connected to the electrical network and an LED unit (module) that emits the luminous flux. In addition, a controller is integrated.
  • Luminaires are lighting equipment made up of a casing or “housing”, an LED module that emits the luminous flux, an LED controller and an optical controller to distribute the luminosity flux.
  • Standards that LED lights must meet.

A norm is a regulation established to regulate a given system’s behaviour or achieve a required order. In this sense, the standards in LED lighting systems seek to technically regulate the operation of these systems (individually or considering everything as a single device).

Below are the main factors for the optimal performance of LED products:

Energy Efficiency and Performance

These are the standard efficiency rules for LED systems. To comply with these specifications, the lamps must have the following characteristics:

  • Electrical: Consumption and power factor (kW).
  • Photometric and Radiometric: Luminous flux, performance index and colour temperature.

 

Security

Regarding safety, LED lights must comply with:

  • Mechanical and electrical characteristics: It is intended to be a safe product for handling, installation and removal.
  • Characteristics of chromaticity: colour uniformity and maintenance of this colour in the long term.

With all these classification standards for LED lights, what is sought is to control the impact of the use of this technology in people’s daily lives. 

It is notorious that its use is increasing; therefore, these standards seek the optimal integration of LED technology, reducing the adverse effects on our quality of life and the environment.

LED Lighting in Offices: The Two Main Options

LED Lighting in Offices: The Two Main Options

Traditionally, fluorescent tube luminaires have been used for workspaces. However, LED office lighting alternatives now offer savings of 40% or more.

Office spaces typically use a 2′ x 4′ or 2′ x 2′ grid drop ceiling, and corresponding luminaires are designed to accommodate these dimensions. LED products for commercial spaces come in two main configurations:

· LED tubes designed to replace fluorescent tubes

· Integral LED luminaires without tubes

The best alternative varies depending on the type of project. LED tubes offer lower cost and ease of installation, while luminaires offer a slight increase in efficiency in exchange for higher installation costs and complexity.

Lighting has extensive hours of use in offices, which allows significant savings with LED products.

When is it convenient to use LED tubes in offices?

LED tubes use the same luminaire body as fluorescent tubes, which is why they are the most economical option for improving existing installations. Changing the entire luminaire is unnecessary, and there are significant savings in materials and labour. LED tube configurations vary, but there are three general types:

· Direct Connect LED Tubes:  As the name implies, these tubes connect directly to power. If there is a fluorescent ballast, it is necessary to disconnect it.

· LED tubes compatible with fluorescent ballasts:  These tubes are compatible with T8 electronic ballasts, so it is not necessary to modify the internal connections of the lamp. Fluorescent tubes are removed, LED tubes are installed, and the luminaire is ready.

· LED tubes with the external power supply:  These have a  driver or external power supply. A driver is similar to a fluorescent ballast but exclusively for LED lamps. The consumption of LED tubes varies according to the manufacturer.

LED Lighting for Sports: Main Advantages

LED Lighting for Sports: Main Advantages

The lighting of sports areas is essential for the athletes’ safety and the show’s quality. For this reason, sports institutions and team owners strive to establish quality lighting, such as LED technology. What are the benefits that it brings?

Benefits of LED lighting for sports

Efficient Consumption

If the main reason to change the lighting of a sports space is to reduce the cost of energy, then LED lighting is the way to go. The energy savings reached 75%, and if we multiply this by the number of lights needed for stadium lighting, the long-term savings can be in the thousands of dollars.

More Pleasant View

LED lighting in a sports complex creates a better experience for those who watch games in that venue. It will present a much more engaging viewing experience for fans – not just those on-site but also those enjoying it from home.

Versatility

LED sports lighting can be very versatile. For example, you can change a stadium into a cozy mode as the fans arrive, then get more empowered as the event draws closer. Different lighting effects can also be achieved for the play area, stairs, corridors, etc.

Another aspect in its favour is that LED lights turn on instantly, unlike HID lights, which take time to warm up and work at total capacity.

Durability

The easy maintenance of LED lights is a determining factor in choosing this technology in sports centres. Maintenance costs are significantly reduced since the bulbs have a long lifespan.

Ecological

LED Technology also benefits the environment by not using mercury or other toxic materials. In addition, the fact that the lamps are low consumption means that the CO2 emission is lower, which represents a benefit for the atmosphere.

The use of LED lighting for sports brings many advantages. The event’s visibility will be optimal, and it can transform any site into an emblematic place for fans. 

In addition to reducing costs and improving operational efficiency, you will take care of the environment with its use. LED technology is here to stay.

LED Light Strips – Ideal for Your Decorations

LED Light Strips – Ideal for Your Decorations

The lighting system has always had a position of importance when it comes to decorating any space. We spend much time selecting the lamp model and the type of bulb that is best for each case. LED light strips are an excellent lighting solution that will give your room that avant-garde touch.

LED light strips are a new trend in room decoration and are multipurpose elements. You can use them to illuminate any room in your home or office, maintaining low energy consumption. This post will show you what features they have and where to use LED light strips for rooms.

LED light strips – Know their characteristics

LED light strips come in a flexible strip, with LEDs assembled on one side. The light intensity from each LED can vary, as can their size and the separation between them. They do not consume much energy since they work with 12 or 24 volts.

Let’s see other characteristics of LED strips:

As for the type of LED, you will find descriptions such as SMD5050 and SMD3014, among others. This refers to the type of LED and the size of the chip in millimetres. For example, an SMD3414 LED would be a 3.4mm x 1.4mm chip.

The number of LEDs per meter is expressed as 30L/m, 60L/m, 120L/m and 240L/m. The more LEDs per meter, the more lighting you will have.

 The amount of lumens represents the total light the strip will provide and is expressed in Lm/m (lumens per meter) or Lm/LED (lumens per LED). In the second case, it is the number of lumens that each chip of the LED tape has.

The IP protection level tells you if the LED strip is protected against liquids or solids and to what degree. LED room light strips must have a degree of protection IP20.

If you want to install them outdoors or in places where they will be exposed to moisture or steam, then look for one that has IP65 or IP68.

The colour temperature is quantified in degrees Kelvin and covers the three possible light tones in a white LED tape. These are Warm (with a temperature between 2700-3500K), Natural (with a temperature between 4000-4500K) or Cold (with a temperature between 5000-6500K).

Remote control LED strips are those that change colour, called RGB (Red, Green, Blue). These LED strips combine the colours red, green and blue to obtain 16 million different shades.

Other considerations when using LED strips

You’ll notice that LED strip lights don’t look very good when turned off, and they’re designed to stick to flat surfaces. We recommend that you install them in a discreet place in the room so they are overlooked. 

It can be in mouldings, hollow places, under cabinets, or perhaps behind the TV.

Now, if you buy a longer LED strip than you need, you can cut it, and to do this, you must pay attention to the cutting line between the copper studs.  The strips usually have cut lines every three LEDs – cut it on that line, and you won’t damage it. The rest of the LED strip can be reused using electronic connectors.

LED Light Rings for Makeup and Photography

LED Light Rings for Makeup and Photography

LED ring lights can provide adequate lighting in various applications. Its circular shape allows the light to reach the target from all angles, thus achieving a very uniform illumination.

In addition, thanks to their LEDs, their energy consumption is low, and they emit little heat.

LED rings can be designed to illuminate wide ranges of colour and intensity. They provide optimal lighting conditions on all surfaces, and today they are part of the work team of various disciplines such as photography, makeup, video creation and cinema.

Functionality and Advantages

The design of the LED rings varies a little between applications. They usually differ in the size of the lamp and the lighting power they offer. An ample LED ring light may need a tripod to set it up, while a small one tends to be more portable.

The power of the LED rings varies according to the application, but generally, its consumption is low. For example, they can be found in power ratings such as 35W, 50W and 65W.

A higher power corresponds to a higher illumination level, and many have adjustable intensity.

Among its advantages, an LED ring light stands out for:

  • Safety because they do not contain polluting materials such as mercury.
  • Ease of use and management.
  • Long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours) and low power consumption.
  • You can generate warm, cold or neutral light tones through a dimmer.
  • It serves as a main light and also as a fill light.

Proper lighting is crucial in many situations, which is why LED ring lights are popular in many fields. 

Its applications include video marketing, online training, work videoconferences, and social networks.

Use of LED Light Rings for Makeup

Neutral light, similar to natural daylight, is ideal for makeup application. Even lighting from all angles emphasises skin tone and texture, as well as the makeup’s actual colour.

In this sense, an LED ring light is the ideal lamp for makeup, as it avoids shadows and provides uniform white light. In addition, the LED rings do not cause discomfort while applying makeup, thanks to their low heat emission.

The LED light rings allow you to appreciate the face in its entirety and accurately observe all the details. They are usually installed in dressing rooms for the makeup of film, theatre and television actors.

It is also common to see LED light rings next to mirrors in beauty salons, which are becoming more frequent in homes.

Using LED Ring Lights for Photography

Proper light control is key in getting the best results when taking pictures. Excellent lighting decreases shadows, sharpens and deepens the image, increases brightness, and brings out details.

LED ring lights have become popular in professional photography, ideal for achieving these magnificent image effects – whether for portraits, fashion or advertising.

Several models of LED light rings have different accessories to use in photographic work. LED rings are beneficial, whether you need to take pictures indoors or outdoors, with different powers and types of light, dimmer or diffuser, etc.

Due to its versatility, an LED ring light is an excellent work tool in photography.

LED Light and Solar Energy: A Promising Combination

LED Light and Solar Energy: A Promising Combination

Energy consumption is one of the highest operating costs in a building, and this applies to homes and businesses. LED light and solar power are two promising technologies for reducing energy costs. Both have a relatively simple installation and are not demanding in terms of maintenance.

You could say that LED lights and solar panels are opposites. While an LED bulb converts electricity into light with high efficiency, a solar panel converts light into electricity. Both are electronic devices that use semiconducting materials to perform their function. This article describes some expected benefits offered by LED lighting and solar photovoltaics.

LED lamps and solar panels offer easy installation and short-term savings.

Advantage #1 – Long Shelf Life

LED lamps and solar panels perform their function without the need to move. For this reason, they do not suffer any mechanical wear. LED lamps generally offer a lifespan of between 25,000 and 100,000 hours, depending on the type of lamp. On the other hand, good quality solar panels continue to produce electricity after 25 years of use.

When buying LED lighting products or solar panels, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s guarantees. Leading LED lighting providers generally offer a warranty of 5 years or more. In the case of solar panels, a quality product generally has a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects. In the case of energy production, solar panels now have guarantees of up to 25 years.

Advantage #2 – Safety for People

Motionless operation of solar panels and LED lamps are also a safety advantage. As these devices have no moving parts, there is no risk of injury to the user.

Other forms of renewable generation or energy savings involve heavy machinery or flammable substances. For example, wind turbines have blades that rotate at high speed, and biomass generators use biofuel. These technologies are also recommended but require additional security measures.

Good quality LED lights, and solar panels are very safe for the user.

Advantage #3 – Short Term Return on Investment

Being technologies that are easy to install and maintain, LED light and solar power come with low labour costs. Generally, the most significant expense is buying the lamps and the panels themselves.

An LED lighting system generally has a payback period of fewer than three years. When ancient and inefficient lamps are replaced, it is possible to recover the investment in less than a year. The return of LED lighting is also short in buildings that operate 24 hours, such as maquilas and call centres.

Solar panels recover the initial investment in 4 to 8 years in most projects.

However, the return may be faster in sunny places with expensive electricity. It is also worth mentioning that solar panels last more than 25 years, and the payback period is a small fraction of their useful life.