Industry knowledge
How do LED downlights work?
LED downlights, also known as recessed LED lights or LED can lights, work on the principle of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) converting electrical energy into light. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how LED downlights work:
LEDs: At the heart of an LED downlight are light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are semiconductor devices that emit light when an electric current passes through them. Unlike traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, LEDs do not use a filament or gas to produce light.
Semiconductor Material: LEDs are typically made from a semiconductor material, such as gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, or other compounds. The specific materials used determine the color of light emitted.
P-N Junction: LEDs have a p-n junction, which is the boundary between two types of semiconductor materials – p-type and n-type. When an electric current is applied to the LED, electrons from the n-type region and holes from the p-type region recombine at the junction, releasing energy in the form of photons (light).
Electroluminescence: The process of releasing light in LEDs is called electroluminescence. When the electrons and holes recombine, the energy level difference between them results in the emission of photons with a specific wavelength, which determines the color of the light.
Phosphor Coating (for white light): For white LED downlights, blue LEDs are commonly used. A phosphor coating is applied over the blue LED to convert some of the blue light into other colors, typically yellow. The combination of blue and yellow light produces white light.
Optics and Heat Sink: LED downlights are designed with optics to direct and spread the light in a downward direction, making them suitable for recessed installations. Additionally, they incorporate a heat sink to dissipate the heat generated by the LED to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the LED.
Driver/Transformer: LEDs require low voltage DC (direct current) to operate. The power supplied to households and commercial buildings is AC (alternating current). Therefore, LED downlights include an LED driver or transformer to convert the incoming AC power to the appropriate low voltage DC power needed by the LEDs.
Switching and Control: LED downlights can be controlled using standard on/off switches, but they can also be dimmed using compatible LED dimmers, allowing users to adjust the light intensity according to their preferences and needs.
What is the lifespan of LED downlights compared to traditional bulbs?
LED downlights have a significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs, such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. The lifespan of a lighting source is typically measured in terms of "rated hours," which refers to the number of hours the bulb is expected to operate before reaching the end of its useful life. Here's a general comparison of the lifespan of LED downlights versus traditional bulbs:
LED Downlights: LED downlights have an average rated lifespan ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 hours. Some high-quality
LED downlights can even exceed 50,000 hours. This means that if the LED downlight is used for 5 hours per day, it could last anywhere from approximately 14 to 27 years before it reaches its rated life.
Incandescent Bulbs: Traditional incandescent bulbs have a much shorter lifespan compared to LEDs. They typically have a rated lifespan of around 1,000 hours. If used for 5 hours per day, an incandescent bulb may last around 200 days or less than a year.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): CFLs have a longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs but still fall short of LED downlights. They typically have a rated lifespan of around 8,000 to 10,000 hours. If used for 5 hours per day, a CFL may last around 4 to 5 years.
Fluorescent Tubes: Fluorescent tubes are commonly used in commercial settings. They usually have a rated lifespan of around 10,000 to 20,000 hours, depending on the type and quality of the tube.
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