Duralec Blog

Supplier of Electrical and Lighting products

Lighting That Lives On: Exploring the Lifespan of LEDs

20 December 2022 Administrator General (0)
Lighting experts tout the longevity and potential money savings of LEDs. But do LED lights really last longer? LED lights are indeed known for their longevity and efficiency, providing a much more cost-effective solution than other types of lighting. Compared to traditional light fixtures, LEDs use almost 75% less energy while lasting up to 10 times longer – an estimated 50,000 hours in most cases. That’s enough time to leave a single LED light on around the clock for nearly six years! Not only does this mean significant savings in terms of electricity costs, but also fewer replacement costs over the lifespan of the fixture.
  
 

How often do LED lights need to be replaced?

Traditional bulbs typically have lifespans between 750 and 2,000 hours. Using this rating as an estimate, a 50,000-hour rated LED bulb will last approximately:
 
Usage Average Rated Life
24-hours continuously 5 years and 8 months
8 hours daily around 17 years
12 hours daily around 11 years
4 hours daily around 34 years
 
 

How long do LED light bulbs maintain their brightness?

LM rating stands for "lumen maintenance" rating, which is a test used to measure how much light output an LED will emit over its lifetime. LEDs commonly register around LM80 over the course of 50,000 hours.
 
LM rating and testing go far beyond just seeing if an LED lights up; it is also used to measure color shift and electrical performance throughout the life of a bulb or fixture. It's important that buyers understand this rating system so they can make informed decisions when shopping for lighting products or replacing entire lighting systems. 
 
 

What is LumiLED LED technology and how long do they last?

LumiLED LED technology offers a new level of efficiency and performance in area lighting. LumiLED is an integrated circuit chip developed to provide superior lighting solutions that are bright and long-lasting.
 
The 2835 SMD (Surface Mounted Device) is one of the newer, smaller LED chip types that produces 120 lumens per watt with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 80 or higher – making it one of the most efficient LEDs on the market today. Its low thermal resistance ensures that minimal heat is produced when in use which helps prolong its lifespan to more than 50,000 hours depending on usage conditions and application environment.
 
The chips are designed to produce very little heat and only need a fraction of the current required by other types of lighting sources in order to produce the same amount of illumination. 
 
 

Do LEDs last longer if dimmed?

When LED bulbs are dimmed, they draw less power and generate less heat, both of which can increase their longevity. In fact, some studies have found that dimming an LED bulb by as much as 30% can extend its life by 25%-100%.
 
 

Do LEDs last longer if sensors are added?

Many are now adding sensors to LED lights to make them last even longer. When sensors are added to a network of lights, it extends the life of the LEDs altogether by automatically controlling usage, dimming, and preventing unnecessary running time.
 
 

What else affects LED light lifespan?

  • The temperature at which the LED lights are run greatly affects their lifespan. Higher temperatures can cause them to overheat and burn out quickly.
  • The quality of the LED light itself can affect its lifespan. LED lights that are made with low-quality materials may not be able to withstand the same amount of heat or strain as those that are made with better materials.
  • The environment in which LED lights are used can also affect their longevity; they may be exposed to dust or chemicals that wear away at their components over time.

Shop DLC-rated, UL Certified, and weatherproof light fixtures at Duralec.

How do I know when my LED light needs replacing?

LED lights typically have a longer lifespan and can last anywhere between 25,000-50,000 hours depending on the type of bulb and the amount of usage. After this time has elapsed, the light may start to dim or flicker as the internal components begin to wear out. You may also notice that the color has shifted from its original hue or is not emitting as much light as before.
 
 

Why do LED lights fail? 

  • Improper installation is one of the primary causes of LED light failure. Improperly connecting or wiring an LED light to a circuit can lead to an overload of the driver or power supply components, resulting in a shortened lifespan of the LEDs.
  • If an LED fixture is not securely mounted, vibrations may cause the connection between components to become loose leading to overheating which will damage sensitive electronics in the driver and shorten their lifetime.
  • Improper ventilation can increase temperatures inside fixtures causing them to overheat faster than they would with proper ventilation. 
  • Components are not correctly selected and wired together according to specifications outlined by the manufacturer.
 

Thinking about making the switch to LED and have a few more questions?

The team of experts at Duralec has the knowledge and experience needed to answer all your questions. They will provide an in-depth explanation of the advantages that LED lights offer, as well as their value-added features and capabilities so that you can make an informed decision. 
 
 
 

How LED Lights Outshine the Rest: A Side-by-Side Comparison

13 December 2022 Administrator General (0)

 

LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are quickly replacing HID, HPS incandescent, and fluorescent bulbs as a better long-term solution for lighting. LEDs offer many advantages over traditional lighting sources including longer lifespans, lower energy consumption, and improved safety due to their low-voltage requirement. 

 

LED (Light Emitting Diode) Lights

LED is a semiconductor technology that converts electrical energy into visible light. LED bulbs are much more efficient than traditional bulbs, as they use up to 90% less power and last 25 times longer. LED light bulbs can be used in a variety of settings and applications, from home lighting to industrial and commercial lighting, and public safety. LED lights can be dimmed easily with no flicker or loss of output which is not possible with other bulb types. These lights contain no mercury or other hazardous materials like CFLs do, making them safer for the occupants and the environment. All in all, LED lights are the best choice for any home or business looking for energy savings and a long-lasting solution.

Can you put LED bulbs in normal fittings?
Yes, some LED bulbs are designed to fit into standard light fittings. However, you should always check with the manufacturer or consult an electrician before replacing an existing bulb with an LED.

 

High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights

High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights are artificial lighting sources used in many outdoor lighting applications. They are usually used to illuminate streets, parking lots, and other large outdoor areas, as well as industrial and commercial buildings. High pressure sodium bulbs perform at significantly higher temperatures than traditional incandescent light bulbs, allowing them to produce a greater amount of light with less energy. The yellow-orange hue of this light is due to the sodium vapor present in the bulb. HPS lights are often found in public areas such as parks and walkways where extended illumination is needed. Additionally, they are popular for streetlights because they provide good visibility without producing too much glare.

 
Advantages HPS LED
Provides a bright, yellowish light that makes them the ideal choice for outdoor applications such as street lights, security lighting, parking lots, and as grow lights for grow rooms or greenhouses YES YES
Use less electricity than other types of bulbs, making them somewhat cost-effective over the long term YES YES
Durable and can last up to 24,000 hours with proper maintenance YES Can last up to 50,000 Hours
Offer a great combination of performance and cost savings that make them the popular choice for most outdoor lighting needs YES YES
 
Disadvantages
HPS
LED
While it can provide strong, bright light, it requires high energy usage YES NO
Generate a large amount of heat which can be uncomfortable in certain environments YES NO
 
Suggested LED Replacements for HPS Bulbs
LED Area / Parking Lights  Shop Now at Duralec
LED Wall Packs Shop Now at Duralec
LED Flood Light Shop Now at Duralec
LED Canopy Lights Shop Now at Duralec
 
LED Equivalents
What is the LED equivalent to 250W HPS?  90-100W LED
What is the LED equivalent to a 600W HPS? 300-350W LED
What is the LED equivalent to a 1000W HPS? 500 - 550W LED

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights 

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights are a type of lighting that uses xenon gas and metal halide salts to produce a strong, bright light. Metal halide lamps are commonly used in stadiums and arenas, warehouses, and other industrial applications. They are often used for their improving visibility in dark or low-light areas due to the fact that they produce a much brighter light than other types of lighting solutions. 

 
Advantages HID LED
Require less maintenance and replacement YES YES
Durable and can last up to 24,000 hours with proper maintenance YES Can last up to 50,000 Hours
Produce a higher amount of light per watt of energy used compared to other types of lighting, making them more cost-effective in the long run YES YES
 
Disadvantages
HID
LED
More expensive than traditional bulbs and require a large initial investment, particularly if you are replacing an entire lighting system YES NO
Takes longer to reach full brightness compared to other types of lighting, usually taking several minutes before reaching full brightness YES Lights at full brightness instantly
Generates more heat than other types of lighting YES NO
Needs to be replaced more often than other types of lighting because the ballast inside them tends to burn out after a certain number of hours YES NO
 
Suggested LED Replacements for HID Bulbs
LED Retrofit HID Replacement Corn Cob Light Shop Now at Duralec
LED High Bay UFO Lights Shop Now at Duralec
 
LED Equivalents
What is the LED equivalent to 250W metal halide? 70-100W LED
What is the LED equivalent to a 400W metal halide? 120-200W LED
What is the LED equivalent to a 1000W metal halide?  240-400W LED
 

Do you have to buy a separate light fixture for HID replacement LEDs?  No, LED retrofit corn bulb replacements fit readily into standard light bulb sockets. They come with the same mogul base as most HID bulbs have. 

 

Incandescent Lights 

Incandescent lights generate light by passing electricity through a thin wire filament. This wire is heated to such an extent that it glows, producing visible light. These lights have been around since the 19th century and are still widely used today in many applications - in household lighting, outdoor lighting, automotive headlights, and even streetlights. They are also commonly used in businesses and factories for task lighting, overhead lighting, and emergency lighting. They have been the preferred option for those looking for an economical and efficient way to light their home or business space.

 
Advantages INCANDESCENT LED
Inexpensive to purchase and easy to install in most fixtures YES YES
Do not contain any toxic chemicals or require extra energy-saving technology YES YES
Produce a warm light that is often preferred for indoor use YES YES
The ease of dimming makes them ideal for creating different moods in rooms depending on the occasion YES YES
Their simple design makes them easy to replace when needed without causing too much disruption YES YES
 
Disadvantages
INCANDESCENT
LED
Much of the energy used to power them is wasted as heat rather than being converted into usable light YES NO
Have a short lifespan and need to be replaced quite regularly YES Can last up to 50,000 hours
Due to their fragile construction and short lifespan, these bulbs are more prone to breaking than other forms of lighting YES NO
Due to inefficiency and short lifespans, incandescent bulbs tend to be more expensive than other forms of lighting over time YES NO
 
Suggested LED Replacements for INCANDESCENT Bulbs
LED Retrofit HID Replacement Corn Cob Light Shop Now at Duralec
LED High Bay UFO Lights Shop Now at Duralec
 
LED Equivalents
What is the LED equivalent to 40W incandescent?  4-5W LED
What is the LED equivalent to 80W incandescent? 9-13W LED
What is the LED equivalent to 150W incandescent?  25-28W LED

Do you have to replace bulb mounts for LEDs? No, LED retrofit corn bulb replacements fit readily into standard light bulb sockets. Other options like the UFO Bay lights do not need to be mounted. 

 

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights create an electric arc between two electrodes inside a long, glass tube filled with either mercury vapor or a phosphor-based gas. This arc produces UV light which in turn causes the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to glow, thus creating visible light. Fluorescent lights are found everywhere from residential homes, to offices, schools, and commercial buildings. Newer types of fluorescent lamps have been developed such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)  which are even more energy efficient than traditional models.

Advantages FLUORESCENT LED
Produce light that is energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional incandescent bulbs YES YES
Lasts longer than incandescent bulbs and doesn’t produce as much heat YES YES
 
Disadvantages
FLUORESCENT
LED
They flicker and buzz, which can be distracting or even cause headaches YES NO
Produces a harsh light that can be uncomfortable to look at and can cause glare YES NO
Contain mercury and other toxic chemicals, making them dangerous to handle without proper safety precautions YES NO
Bulbs burn out quickly and need to be replaced often YES NO
 
Suggested LED Replacements for FLUORESCENT Bulbs
LED Strip Lights Shop Now at Duralec
LED Linear High Bay Lights  Shop Now at Duralec
LED Panel Lights Shop Now at Duralec
LED Troffer Lights Shop Now at Duralec
LED Canopy Lights Shop Now at Duralec
 
LED Equivalents
What is the LED equivalent of a 40-watt fluorescent bulb?  15-18W LED
What is the LED equivalent of a 72-watt fluorescent bulb? 32-35W LED

 

Do LED lights need ballasts? 
No, LED lights do not need ballasts. Ballasts are used to regulate the current in fluorescent and other types of lighting, but LEDs use direct current (DC) and require a driver instead.

 

Contact Duralec Today

LED lighting is evidently the better choice for many homeowners and businesses when it comes to replacing their traditional lighting fixtures. Contact Duralec today to learn more about their selection of energy-efficient LED lighting products. 

 

 

A Smarter Way to Light Your Space: Introducing Advanced Network Lighting Controls

06 December 2022 Administrator General (0)

 

The rise of smart devices has revolutionized the way we interact with our environment. Network lighting controls are an increasingly significant part of this development, offering businesses and homeowners a host of advantages. Network lighting controls offer an easy and efficient way to control lighting systems via a network of connected devices providing users with convenience, energy savings, and enhanced safety, while also allowing them to customize their settings according to their preferences.

With a wide variety of manufacturers, supported lighting network types, and intelligent lighting features available at Duralec, choosing and setting up an otherwise complicated lighting control system is easy and less daunting.

 

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Light Controls 

Power over Ethernet (PoE) light controls provide a reliable and cost-effective way to control lighting using an Ethernet connection. It allows for the synchronization of multiple lights, providing more accurate and efficient control from one or more user interfaces. This technology also eliminates the need for separate wiring for the individual lights, making installation much easier and cheaper.

With PoE, each light can be controlled independently, allowing users to easily create different lighting scenarios. Additionally, this technology is compatible with most existing infrastructure, making it easy to integrate into any system. PoE provides an efficient and reliable solution for controlling lighting in any environment.

Philips PoE Light Controls

PoE devices are available from Phillips. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

 

Internet of Things (IoT) Light Controls 

IoT light controls allow users to control their lighting directly from their smartphones or tablets,  or voice-control devices. This type of lighting system is becoming increasingly popular for its convenience and energy-saving benefits. Through IoT-enabled lighting systems, you can adjust the brightness and color of your lights, create schedules for when the lights should turn on or off, and even remotely control them from anywhere at any time.

In addition, IoT-enabled lights work simultaneously with other environmental controls such as daylight harvesting and occupancy sensors for smarter, more energy-efficient lighting. The sensors are usually mounted on walls or ceilings where it is pre-programmed to detect changes in the environment, triggering lighting controls accordingly. Such sensors can be used in conjunction with light control apps that automate dimmers and timers to gain more energy savings.

  • Occupancy sensors detect the presence of people in a room or space typically used to turn lights on and off automatically when someone enters or leaves a room.
  • Daylight harvesting sensors monitor and measure the amount of natural light that enters a building. They allow for effective control of artificial lighting, reducing overall energy consumption by harvesting the available daylight within a space.

 

Bluetooth Mesh Light Controls

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Mesh Lighting is an advanced NLC (networked Lighting Control) technology that connects fixture controllers, sensors, timers and other devices together to create a network of interconnected and remote-controlled lights. 

 

The mesh network also provides increased coverage and reliability, as well as improved energy efficiency and reduced interference. As each bulb can act as a router for other bulbs in the network, it ensures that the signals reach even further than with Wi-Fi networks. This makes it ideal for larger areas such as offices, industrial buildings, and warehouses.

With Bluetooth Mesh light controls, users can set timers and schedules for their lights, adjust brightness levels remotely, group lights, or even change the color from any device connected to the mesh network, giving complete control over their lighting with just a few taps on their phone or tablet. Bluetooth Mesh systems are relatively easy to install, allowing you to quickly set up the existing fixtures.

 

Sharkward Wireless Network Gateway

Sharkward has always been committed to developing, manufacturing, marketing indoor & outdoor lighting controls. We dedicates to the application research, products development, manufacture and marketing for LED commercial lighting controls. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

 

Keystone SmartLoop Bluetooth Light Controls

Bluetooth Mesh LED lights and controllers are available from Keystone. The Keystone SmartLoop Control app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

 

Wi-Fi and Z-Wave Light Controls 

Wi-Fi switch modules turn wall switches to smart switches via Wi-Fi. The modules can also be used to set schedules for when lights should turn on or off, saving energy and money. Wi-Fi switch modules are easy to install and require minimal wiring. 

Z-Wave is low-power wireless technology of a different frequency, so it won't interfere with other wireless signals in your space. Devices use Z-Wave technology to connect to a compatible hub or controller. Through the hub, users can control the LED lights, including changing their intensity and color temperature, dimming it, and turning it off and on. Z-Wave light controllers also allow users to set schedules and create scenes that adjust multiple lights at once. 

Both Wi-Fi and Z-Wave-enabled light controllers can be connected to existing wall switches without the need for any special tools or knowledge of electrical systems. They allow users to remotely control and automate lights and other electronic devices through a smartphone app or a touchscreen control device. Additionally, some models offer compatibility with popular smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, allowing users to control their devices and lights using voice commands.

 

CREE Synapse Smart Lighting Systems

Wi-Fi-enabled LED lights and controllers are available from CREE Lighting Systems. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

 

Enerlites Light Automation 

Wi-Fi-enabled LED lights and controllers are available from Enerlites. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

Z-Wave-enabled LED lights and controllers are available from Enerlites. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

 

EIKO Wireless Sensors and Controls

Bluetooth Mesh and Wi-Fi LED lights and controllers are available at EIKO. Contact Duralec today to get a quote.

 

 

Contact Duralec Today

Looking for the best in advanced network lighting solutions? Contact Duralec today for a quote. Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial lighting controls, Duralec has everything - all at an affordable price.