LED Lights of all types – from energy efficient to decorative to outdoors.
“LED there be light”
What image comes to your mind when you think of LEDs? Do you see a sophisticated mounted panel light, the powerful beam of a car’s headlight, or colourful decorative lights? Either way, you are right. LED lights are now the norm, in most modern homes, civic installations, appliances, and industries.
Technology has come a long way, from incandescent bulbs and CFLs; the 21st Century has ushered in the era of LEDs. Light Emitting Diodes, or LEDs as they are commonly referred to, are known for their wide range of applications, flexible designs, durability and energy efficiency. They do not produce heat like the yesteryear bulbs and prove to be eco-friendly when compared with CFLs or halogen lights. LEDs are also called Solid State Lighting (SSL) as they are made up of solid material with no filament, tube or bulb to break. It is no surprise then, that LEDs are referred to as “lights of the future”. LEDs come in all shapes, sizes and features, based on the types of LED and their usage.
The sheer variety of the types of LED lights and lighting solutions can be overwhelming. Here’s a compilation for your benefit, so you may be able to select the most suitable type of LED light, catering to your specific purpose.
1. Traditional Inorganic LEDs
Inorganic LEDs are made from a crystalline semiconductor. Inorganic LEDs are bright, reliable and durable, which is why they are used as back-lights in a range of applications from watches to advertising boards.
Unique Advantages
Cost efficiency due to mass manufacture
Sturdy & Longer lifespan
Most suitable for
- ✔ Indoor and Outdoor lighting solutions
- ✔ Electronic Displays
- ✔ Advertising boards
2. COB (Chip On Board) LEDs
COB uses LED chips, and is known for its compact packaging. In fact, COB LEDs have around 90% reduced size, allowing a one-meter strip to hold anywhere from 400 to 800 LEDs.
Unique Advantages
Linear, dot-free lighting
Compact size
Energy Efficiency
Most suitable for
- ✔ Streetlights
- ✔ Nightlights for large stadiums, grounds or parks
- ✔ Film-making and photography
3. Miniature LED
Miniature LEDs are small size LEDs that are assembled into a lamp or light bulb for use in lighting fixtures. They can be white or multi-coloured, based on the application.
Unique Advantages
Cost-effective
Flexible and compact
Power Efficient
Most suitable for
- ✔ Indoor Strip lights
- ✔ Rope lights
- ✔ Festive or decorative lights
4. SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LEDs
As the name suggests, Surface Mounted Device LEDs are mounted onto and soldered onto a circuit board. SMD LEDs are compact since they have no leads or surrounding packaging that comes with standard LEDs. This means it’s best handled by automated assembly equipment, rather than with human intervention. An SMD LED also has a wide viewing angle, thanks to the fact that it does not have the standard LED’s epoxy enclosure that focuses the beam.
Unique Advantages
Small & compact
Automated production
High output
Most suitable for
- ✔ LCD display backlight
- ✔ Indicator lights on electronics like computer parts
- ✔ Aircraft Instrument Panels
5. Bicolor , Tricolor and RGB LEDs
These LED lights offer multiple color temperatures.
For example, a bi-color LED can either light up green or red, based on the flow of current. A tri-color LED can be either green, or red, or a mixture of both together, which forms a yellow color.
RGB (Red Green Blue) LED is capable of emitting either Red, Green, Blue or a combination of any of these colors, to give a wide spectrum of color possibilities.
Unique Advantages
Two or more colors from the same LED
Color tone can be changed, based on the time or occasion
Space-Saving
Efficient and precise
Most suitable for
- ✔ Film-making and photography
- ✔ Indoor lighting / Mood lighting
- ✔ Event Management like marriages, parties, nightclubs
6. Flashing LEDs
An LED flasher circuit consists of LEDs that blink in a certain rhythm, producing a visually appealing effect. This could be used either for visual or aesthetic appeal, or even as a warning sign. They can be single or multi-colored.
Unique Advantages
Time between flashes can be controlled
Various flashing patterns to choose from
Most suitable for
- ✔ SOS lights
- ✔ Strobe lights
- ✔ Festive lights
- ✔ Car light indicators
- ✔ Digital signage and visual marketing
7. Graphene LED
A graphene LED light bulb is an LED light bulb where the filament has been coated in graphene. Use of graphene allows LED lights to operate brighter, dissipate any extra heat that conventional LEDs tend to emit in very bright lights, and help consumers save on energy costs. Graphene LEDs are a more eco-friendly option over conventional LEDs.
Unique Advantages
Eco-friendly and recycle friendly
Ultralight, yet immensely tough
Wide range and precise color tuning
Most suitable for
- ✔ Indoor light bulbs / LED light for home
- ✔ Outdoor Flood Lights
- ✔ Flexible surface applications
- ✔ Aviation lights
- ✔ Defense Sector
8. Organic LEDs / OLEDs
An OLED is simply an LED where the light is emitted by organic molecules. OLEDs use polymers or small organic molecules as their optically active element. The organic thin films are sandwiched between two thin-film conductive electrodes, and the hydrocarbon chains emit lights when electricity passes through it.
Unique Advantages
Thin, lightweight and flexible
Do not require separate glass casing
Good color fidelity
Quicker screen response time
Most suitable for
- ✔ TV Screens
- ✔ Mobile, Tablet
9. LED Filament Bulbs
The LED filament is a narrow strip, on which individual LEDs are applied in a row. The LED filament is then housed inside a glass bulb, to resemble an incandescent bulb.
Unique Advantages
Retro design
Spherical Radiation
Energy efficient when compared to incandescent bulbs
Most suitable for
- ✔ Restaurants, Cafes
- ✔ Indoor Lighting
And the list goes on. Indeed, LED light types are innumerable, and it is the top choice for all lighting solutions. You will need to weigh all the advantages and suitability, when selecting the LED types of light for your specific use. The size, color choices, energy efficiency, eco-friendliness, budget, and recycle-ability are some of the factors that you will consider when narrowing down your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q1. What are the key benefits of using LED lights over traditional lighting options?
LED lights are energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and produce less heat compared to traditional bulbs. They also come in a variety of colors and designs, making them versatile for different lighting needs.
Q2. When compared to other lighting systems, how do LED lights help save energy?
LED lights use significantly less energy than incandescent and fluorescent lights. They convert more energy into light and less into heat, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced environmental impact.
Q3. Can LED lights be dimmed, and what are the benefits of using dimmable LED lighting?
Many LED lights are dimmable, providing flexibility in controlling light levels. Dimmable LEDs offer energy savings, extended lifespan, and the ability to create different atmospheres within a space.
Q4. What effects do LED lights have on the mood and atmosphere in various spaces?
LED lights can be adjusted to create different atmospheres and moods. Warm white tones can provide a cozy feel, while cooler tones are suitable for task lighting. Smart LED systems allow for customizable lighting experiences based on personal preferences.
Q5. Can LED lights be used for outdoor applications, and if so, what are their advantages in outdoor lighting?
Yes, LED lights are ideal for outdoor use. They are durable, weather-resistant, and provide bright and focused illumination. Additionally, LED technology allows for creative outdoor lighting designs.