LED lamp: what it is, how they differ from other lamps, advantages and disadvantages

Why is the world so quickly beginning to use LED lamps? Five years ago they were a technical novelty, and now LEDs are installed in streetlights, in offices, hotels, in stores and residential houses everywhere. Let's consider the differences between LED lamps and other types of lamps. Also evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.

What is the difference between the LED lamp and other types of lamps

The main differences between lamps with LEDs from other types of lighting devices:

• In LED lamps, light is emitted by LEDs. These are miniaturized electronic devices. LED lamps are designed for 25-30 thousand hours of operation. They are suitable for installation in any lighting fixtures and are compatible with stretch ceilings. The brightness of lighting is stable even if there are voltage fluctuations in the power grid.
• In incandescent lamps, light is emitted by a glowing metal spiral. It gets very hot, so it is not compatible with stretch ceilings and is not suitable for all types of fixtures. It lasts approximately 1000 hours.
• Energy-saving lamps are equipped with phosphor. This is a sputtering on the inside surface of a curved glass tube. Light is produced as a result of a gas discharge. Energy-saving bulbs are fragile, take a long time to ignite, and contain mercury. However, they have a service life of up to 15,000 hours.

Characteristics of LED bulbs

Important parameters of bulbs with LEDs:

• Ability to work in a wide range of voltages of the power grid. When it drops, the light remains as bright. This option is not available in all LED bulbs. When buying, it is important to clarify the voltage range in which the bulb is able to work.
• The emission color in 2700 K is considered warm and is close to the radiation of the incandescent bulb. Light warm white in 3000 K is optimal for living spaces. Cold white lamps in 4000 K are installed in offices and industrial premises. There are LED lamps with the ability to change color.
• The power of LED lamps in 12 watts corresponds to the luminous flux of an incandescent lamp in 100 watts.

Advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps

Advantages of LED lamps:

• Economical consumption of electricity. An LED bulb consumes about 10 times less electricity than an incandescent bulb.
• Depending on the design and type of LED lamp can work 15-50 times longer than an incandescent lamp. Its surface does not heat up, it is impossible to burn yourself.
• LED lamp does not spoil the surrounding materials.
• If the luminaire has power limitations, you can install a brighter LED lamp than an incandescent bulb.
• Immediately after being turned on, LEDs produce maximum brightness.
• The design of the LED lamp does not use hazardous substances, unlike energy-saving lamps.
• Stable brightness under voltage fluctuations.

Disadvantages of LED lamps:

• High price.
• Some manufacturers have low-quality LED lamps. They pulsate, they have an uncomfortable color temperature and there is a discrepancy between the actual characteristics of those specified in the instructions.
• Such lamps can slightly distort the perception of colors in the room. I household conditions it is not essential, but if you have to take photos in this room, it may matter.
• Not all models support dimming.
• Over time, the brightness of LED lamps slightly decreases.

It is important to take into account that LED lamps from different manufacturers differ in the shade of light. Therefore, you can try to install different types of lamps or turn them on in the store on the tester. this will help to see which lighting is better suited.