Reducing energy costs is a key consideration in providing electrical power no matter in what environment. LED lighting is one of the main ways to decrease electrical energy costs.
An LED lamp produces light using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These LED lamps have a lifespan and electrical efficiency which are several times greater than incandescent lamps and significantly more efficient than most fluorescent lamps utilizing chips which are capable of emitting more than 300 lumens per watt. Here is a comparison of the different lighting lamps and their respective specifications and performance including cost. The LED lighting values are obtained from the range of performance from different LED manufacturers.
| Incandescent | Halogen | CFL | LED Light | |
| Watts | 60 | 43 | 14 | 8.5-9.5 |
| lumens (mean) | 860 | 750 | 775 | 800-815 |
| lumens/watt | 14.3 | 17.4 | 55.4 | 85.8-94 |
| Color Temperature kelvin | 2700 | 2920 | 2700 | 2700 |
| CRI | 100 | 100 | 82 | 80-85 |
| Lifespan (hours) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10,000 | 10-25,000 |
| Lamp lifetime in years @ 6 hours/day | 0.46 | 0.46 | 4.6 | 4.6-11.4 |
| Energy cost over 20 years @ 12.5 cents/kWh | $315 | $226 | $74 | $45-50 |
| Total cost over 20 years | $333 | $277 | $77 | $51.4-58.2 |
| Total cost per 860 lumens | $333 | $318 | $85 | $55-67 |
Selection Criteria to Keep in Mind
With all of the LED lamps and bulbs in the market it is sometimes difficult to know which light is the best for the specific circumstance. The selection of LED lighting should be based on certain specifications which will ensure the most appropriate lighting for the environment.
Wattage Rating
This refers to the amount of energy used when a lighting fixture is switched on. A 3-watt bulb consumes less power than a 10-watt bulb. An LED light can use lower wattage to produce the same intensity of light as an incandescent or fluorescent light source (lumen/watt).
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) – The Kelvin Scale
Light color, or color temperature, is described using the Kelvin scale (K). LEDs are available in warm colors to match the yellowish light of incandescent bulbs or in cooler colors with whiter or bluer light. A lower kelvin number means the light appears more yellow; higher kelvin numbers mean the light is whiter or bluer. A CCT of 2700-3000K range will match the color of incandescent bulbs, a CCT of 3500-4100K range will emit a whiter light while a 5000-6500K range will provide a bluer white light. It is important to choose the appropriate color for the environment in which the lighting will be used.
Lumens (lm)
This measures the brightness level of the light source. The amount of wattage required to provide the same lumens is referred to as luminous efficiency or lumens per watt.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
This is the current industry standard that measures the accuracy with which a light source renders the colors of objects it illuminates. 100 is the maximum value of a CRI. In other words, the CRI of a light source quantitatively measures the ability of the light source to reproduce the colors of various objects as compared with a natural sun light source. Most LED lights do not have a CRI above 90. However, the CRI has its challenges since a light that enhances some colors’ saturation, at the expense of fidelity, can be preferred by people.
Efficacy
Measured in lumens per watt (lm/W), this indicates how much light a lamp or a lighting system produces per unit of electrical power consumed.
Using these criteria, one may choose the best LED light for a specific area.
A home office, for example, would require an LED lighting fixture that has a total brightness level of 3000 to 6000 lumens and a color temperature of 3000 to 5000K. This is to ensure that an office space has cool white lights that mimic natural light, resulting in an increased production of serotonin necessary to keep people focused, energized, and alert.
For the bedroom, however, the lighting fixture most appropriate is almost the opposite of those used for the home office. The goal is to create a relaxed, peaceful, and calm atmosphere. The best option is an LED bulb with a total brightness level of 1500 to 4000 lumens and a color temperature of 2700 to 3000K.
In addition to the criteria listed above, you should also look for the stamp of safety standards on the label of LED lighting fixture and retrofitting kits.
- UL Listed indicates that product samples used for laboratory testing meet UL’s safety requirements.
- UL Classified indicates that the product has undergone evaluation for specific properties from a qualified laboratory.
- UL Recognized indicates that a particular component is part of a larger specific system, such as an LED driver that is part of the luminaire housing.
- ETL Listed indicates that a product has been tested and met the same minimum UL safety requirement.
WorldBond
WorldBond (WB) is the sole USA and Canadian arm for the sale of LED products made by one of the largest LED manufacturing companies in Asia DBA Tynrich which, since its inception in 2001, has established itself as the number 1 professional LED lighting supplier. Using only Cree & Nichia chips and Mean Well drivers, WorldBond LED lighting provides only the highest quality products. All products carry UL, CUS, and CE product certifications and have been exported to over 20 countries worldwide. WB focuses on the commercial and industrial US markets emphasizing external lighting in an incandescent lighting.
Visit our website for more information on LED lighting. You can also reach us at sales@pentech.com or call at (650)965-3636. We can help answer any questions you might have and aid you in choosing the most appropriate LED lighting.
Peninsula Technical Sales represents electronic equipment manufacturers and is proud to offer our services online and to the following cities and their surrounding areas: San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Milpitas, and Santa Rosa.