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Lighting That Lives On: Exploring the Lifespan of LEDs

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. 
 
 
 

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