Learn About LED Lighting

The Basics

What are LEDs and How Do They Work?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs that waste most of their energy as heat, LEDs convert electricity directly into light with remarkable efficiency—up to 85–90% more efficient than incandescent lighting.

The process is simple but powerful: when an electrical current passes through a microchip, it activates tiny light sources (the diodes), producing visible light. Since LEDs still generate some heat, advanced heat sinks are built in to absorb and dissipate it, ensuring steady performance and long lifespan.

Lifetime of LED Lighting Products

One of the biggest advantages of LEDs is their extraordinary lifespan. Unlike incandescent bulbs that burn out suddenly, LEDs don’t “fail” in the same way. Instead, they experience lumen depreciation, meaning their brightness gradually fades over time.

• A typical incandescent bulb lasts only 1,000 hours.

• A CFL bulb lasts around 8,000–10,000 hours.

• A high-quality LED bulb lasts 25,000–50,000 hours (that’s more than 11 years if used 12 hours a day).

LED lifetime is measured at the point when light output drops to 70% of its original brightness (L70)—a far more practical metric compared to traditional “burnout” ratings.

Where Are LEDs Used in Lighting?

LEDs are now integrated into almost every form of lighting. Their compact size and directional light output open up endless design possibilities.

• General household lighting – LED bulbs shaped like traditional A19 bulbs or tube lights.

• Architectural lighting – recessed ceiling lights, downlights, or decorative fixtures.

• Task and specialty lighting – under-cabinet strips, spotlights, and accent lighting.

• Integrated fixtures – some designs have LEDs built in as permanent light sources, while others use replaceable LED modules.

This flexibility makes LEDs ideal for both retrofitting older fixtures and designing entirely new lighting solutions.

LEDs and Heat

Although LEDs are energy-efficient, they still generate heat. Proper thermal management is the key to their performance and longevity.

• Every LED bulb contains a heat sink that channels heat away from the chip.

• Poor heat dissipation can shorten lifespan dramatically—raising the operating temperature by just 10°C can cut LED life by 40%.

• ENERGY STAR–certified LED products undergo rigorous testing to ensure that their heat management systems keep light output stable throughout the rated life.

Advances in materials and design now allow LED bulbs to match the shapes and sizes of traditional bulbs, while still delivering consistent cooling and long life.

How Are LEDs Different from Other Light Sources?

LED lighting represents a complete shift from older technologies like incandescent and CFL (compact fluorescent lamps).

1. Efficiency

   • Incandescent bulbs waste around 90% of energy as heat.

   • CFLs are better but still lose 60–70% of energy as heat.

   • LEDs convert nearly all the energy into light, making them the most efficient choice.

2. Directionality

   • LEDs are directional light sources, emitting light in a specific direction.

   • Incandescent and CFLs emit light in all directions, wasting energy unless reflectors or diffusers are used.

   • This directional efficiency allows LEDs to reduce light loss and deliver up to 200 lumens per watt, compared to 10–17 lumens per watt for incandescent bulbs.

3. Color and Quality of Light

   • LEDs are available in multiple colors—amber, red, green, blue—and can be combined or coated with a phosphor layer to create white light.

   • Modern LEDs produce high-quality light with Color Rendering Index (CRI) values of 80–95, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural daylight.

4. Durability & Lifespan

   • Incandescent bulbs: ~1,000 hours.

   • CFLs: ~8,000–10,000 hours.

   • LEDs: 25,000–50,000 hours, reducing replacement and maintenance costs significantly.

Quick Comparison

👉 In short, LED lighting is more efficient, longer-lasting, and more versatile than any other lighting technology available today. Whether for homes, offices, or industrial spaces, LEDs provide not only energy savings but also design freedom and environmental benefits.