Megaman’s Adrian Kitching points out that while the rush is on to install LEDs into as many applications as possible, the technology was introduced with a specific purpose in mind and contrary to popular belief, it is not suitable for every application
It’s common practice that when a new technology enters the market, everyone is clambering to use it, but it’s important to remember what the customer actually needs rather than focussing on installing the lamps as quickly as possible.
This is certainly the case with LED technology. The banning of the incandescent light bulb really started the ball rolling for LEDs and there is no doubting that it can do wonderful things – but it is simply not suitable for every application. For example, it would be pointless to replace a 28W 2D lamp with a 22W LED because 2D bulkheads are mainly used to illuminate stairwells and rely on the horizontal distribution of the beam – whereas an LED alternative would give you the wrong type of beam distribution.
This approach of ‘making the technology fit the application’ has led to a lot of negative feedback for LEDs with many people looking for alternative solutions. The key therefore is in asking the right questions in order to determine the right solution because by understanding the application you stand a much better chance of ensuring that the end user is happy.
End of life
LEDs, like many other new technologies, have moved on at a rapid pace. Now LEDs offer a far more competitive solution with greater levels of sustainability, energy efficiency and performance. However, perhaps the greatest change has been a decrease in the price which has made it far more appealing to the end user who is looking for a good return on investment.
Care must be taken though, as this is where the term ‘buyer beware’ really comes into its own because the decrease in the cost has brought many unscrupulous manufacturers onto the scene.
Many manufacturers claim that the life expectancy of their LED lamps are 40-50,000 hours without explaining the rationale behind the statement.
Many assume that if a lamp has a longer life then it is a better lamp, however, it’s simply not as easy as that. Solid State Lighting (SSL) for LEDs has been around for many years and the recognised way to describe lamp life is L90 as this is the point at which the lumen output falls to 90% and thus the point at which a lamp change must be considered.
Some manufacturers will claim a lamp life of 50,000 hours in order to make the cost of ownership and payback models work to their advantage. What you need to bear in mind however, is that if this is based on L70 or 70% lumen output, then you are not getting a better deal because it will still need to be changed when the lumen output reaches 90% and therefore, the claim of 50,000 hours is not a true representation of the lamp life.
The big debate
Another issue surrounding LED technology, and one that has generated some debate, is the lumens versus candela argument.
When specifying lamps in the past we have always used Isolux cones and determined if the lamp is fit for purpose by understanding the candela output. However, now we are seeing more and more importers using lumen output figures which have little meaning and are of no real use to the end user.
Lumen output refers to the amount of light generated within the lamp, but it does not necessarily follow that all of the lumens are actually used. The amount of light in a beam is determined by the candelas and it is this figure which should be used to allow you to make a true comparison.
For example, the candela output of a Megaman 7W GU10 lamp is 600 candelas. However, there are major brands on the market which also quote 7W on the box but actually have an output of only 200 candelas. As you can see this is a substantial difference despite the fact that they both state 7W on the packaging.
There is a lot of conflicting information regarding LED lighting and there are some very unscrupulous companies out there who will try to sell you products that are simply not fit for purpose. However, don’t be put off by this because the more professional manufacturers will gladly provide you with the right information and work with you to ensure that the lamps which you are specifying and installing are suitable for the application.
LEDs provide an excellent source of light and will help you to achieve cost savings – you just need to make sure that you ask the right questions to avoid disappointment further down the line.
Megaman
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