A Matter of Lumens

LED bulbs, talk about Lumens, not watts

As discussed in previous articles, the use of LED technology has given way to change the chip and stop thinking about watts when choosing a light bulb. Let's think lumens to choose the degree of luminosity that we get with our lamps. Instead of speaking in terms of power, we talk in terms of brightness, which is really what we want from a bulb.

What are the Lumens?

The lumens represent the actual amount of light (luminous flux) from environmental light source. The greater the number of lumens, a room is brighter. But the problem remains, how many lumens need to illuminate my room?

The lighting level is measured in a unit called lux (lx). This unit is derived from another, called lumen, which is the measuring luminous flux. An amount of illumination 1 lux equals 1 lumen per square meter. That is, if a room is illuminated by a light bulb 1,000 lumens, and the surface of the room is 10 square meters, the illumination level of 100 lx. To determine the light in a room, used a device called a light meter. Considering the amount of lux as required, should take into account the height of the light source and its luminous flux, after which, according to the formulas of lighting, it is determined that luminous flux shall have the lamps.

We can see how bulbs that have the same power emit more or less lumens, each manufacturer achieves a different amount, but the relationship becomes between 70 and 90 lumens per watt. Currently the most representative value is around 90 lumens / watt, although there are high quality bulbs (dichroic) with values ​​ranging up to 110 lm / W. So although we should not, it seems we again rely on the wattage bulb to find out we need, but is simply a review to understand how the relationship works. Compared with the incandescent bulb the relationship usually follows, with smaller varieties for manufacturer.

The difference in lumens provided by each LED bulb is due to the thickness of the phosphor layer covering the LED or chip. We can distinguish two situations when the phosphor layer is thick (with a color yellow-ocher ) bulb emits light that can be defined as warm , while when the layer is thin (colored pale yellow ), we need the light that is emitted is called cold light .

However, the performance also depends on the later type of lamp where the bulb and its color is installed.The lower dispersion of light in LED bulbs with less lumens makes illuminate more than other types of light bulbs with more dispersion.

LED bulbs, A Matter of CRI and CQS

LED bulbs, a matter of CRI and CQS

One aspect that has introduced LED bulbs technology is the emergence of a new jargon in our vocabulary, although no terms were already very familiar, as they could be " lumens "or" kilowatt hour ", there are new concepts we have to know and understand.

In this article we will focus on two of them, which are the Color Rendering Index - CRI (CRI English: Color Rendering Index) and Quality Chromatic Scale - ECC (English CQS: Color Quality Scale).

The CRI

The CRI measures how colors appear under the illumination source, compared with a reference source that has the same color temperature.

What comes to mean a roughly is how accurate is the reproduction of a color, a numeric value classifies the color quality produced by a light source. If incandescent bulbs are taken as the reference point (have the value 100), while an LED bulb quality is estimated to be about 80 at least. This CRI 80 is what the manufacturers listed on the packaging of their products.

Why the value of incandescent bulbs or the sun is taken, it is because they emit light in all directions within the visible spectrum and this does not happen with compact lamps (CFL) or LED.

Is it enough a CRI of 80?

For general for everyday use in our homes is the appropriate value. Higher values ​​are converted to other areas such rooms would be art exhibitions and similar centers. In contrast, values ​​below 80 make colors appear duller and yes are a not recommended choice.

CRI test is based on an average of eight colors pastel (little saturated), for the classification. This would mean that even if a bulb playing a couple of colors at a low value, the CRI can still remain high as long as these colors are not bad played one of 8 colors that are averaged.

LED bulbs can reproduce faithfully bright colors (saturated), but not always pastel colors, which can be misleading the CRI in this type of bulbs.

The CQS

To overcome the shortcomings hauling CRI LEDs method has been developed color quality scale as an alternative method. CQS considers a number of factors when trying to define the way a light source reproduces color. These include the chromatic discrimination, human preference and color rendering (the method evaluates 15 colors more accurately cover the range of normal colors of an object).CQS factors focus a little less on color fidelity and more on perception.

In future articles we will increase the vocabulary while we explain the most common concepts that we find in the printed features packages of this type of bulbs.

5 Factors to Consider in Choosing a LED Bulb.

5 Factors to consider in choosing a LED Bulb.

The aim of this article is to present a kind of guide of factors to consider in choosing an LED bulb that meets the needs of each. The LED revolution has qualified the lighting market and while previously only needed to know the power of the bulbs to choose the best option; today we know factors such as temperature, light output or power factor among others. Let's see one by one some of the most important criteria to keep in mind:

Power (W): The scale that we all know is still a factor to consider. This is to say we Watts (W) consumed by each device.

The Power Factor (PF): The PF is perhaps the least factor is taken into account and that affects the quality or consumption of a bulb or another. This refers to energy use a bulb makes electricity that arrives is measured on a scale from 0 to 1, meaning the% of energy into light. And a bulb with 0.7 turns indicates that 70% of the light power and has a loss of 30%. A greater PF, increased energy and monetary savings but also higher purchase price. Normally LED bulbs often have a higher PF 0.8, and this is perhaps the secret of his savings.

The luminous flux (Lm): Measured in lumens, this factor represents the amount of light that throws a device. There is a direct relation to the scale of power incandescent bulbs, and their most common range is usually from 450 Lm (40W approximately) 1,600 Lm (100W), but should not be confused. Since a quality bulb can produce more light (Lm) with less power (W), improving quality and saving our enlightenment.

The temperature (° K): This factor indicates the color of the light emitted from the bulb. Depending on the temperature, talk of a white yellow light (2.700ºK) or (6.000ºK). The temperatures used in lighting are usually the 2700ºK in homes, offices and 3000ºK to 4000ºK for storage. The bulbs with temperature 6500 ° K are those that show a comparable light of day light and usually common in hospitals or large factories. There is a table that you can ask when buying a device for detailed color that will provide the bulb in question.

Color temperature

The color index (CRI or Ra): The percentage CRI indicates the quality and reliability of the light emitted by the bulb compared to natural light. This indicated on a scale from 0 to 100, where 100 is light and natural color. For example, a CRI of 90 or 100 ensures excellent results, respecting the brilliance and luster of natural colors. Many users have problems detecting this scale because the references of products number usually appears with three figures. For example 827: Keep in mind that this code 8 refers to CRI (in this case 80) and the last two to temperature, adding 00. In our example would 2700ºK

Apart from these more technical criteria, it is also advisable to consider the energy label (A, A ++ ...) in terms of environmental friendliness, and the opening angle (NO) with respect to decorative criteria. Taking all of these objective factors into account, we find that LED lighting is one of the most successful measures to lower the rate of light that only raises and closing doors alternatives, something that readers of this blog know too well.

LED Commercial Lighting

LED Commercial Lighting, and it benefits:

Almost we all have a misconception about the price of LED lighting. Although we're talking about a technological product but the price relationship and quality is increasingly favorable. There is also energy savings and energy efficiency so important that returns your investment in a short time and also maintenance costs significantly reduction are achieved.

We are in an ideal time for LED commercial lighting. The LED Lighting is revolutionizing the world of lighting and the commercial lighting LED is entering hard and spent insurance. We continue to investigate and constantly renewing since technological advances are fast and require to be continuously alert to developments. Our research department is always alert and thinking to develop new technologies in adaptable led commercial lighting.

This is the time to decide and use LED commercial lighting, we will advise and inform you that LED lighting is most appropriate for your type of business, shop, office, workshops, etc. Every day the retail customer is more demanding and it is not enough to have adequate sales but also hope that the store is attractive and innovative products, which helps to communicate an image of modern brand. We are increasingly convinced how important the environment and the atmosphere around the product.

It is very important that you let advised by a specialist technician sector that will create that nice and modern feel and brand image that you want. We can offer the best solutions depending on the type of business. We can say that the characteristics of commercial lighting led assume over other types of lighting energy savings that can reach 80% of your lighting cost item.

But beware, we should not rush to replace all the lamps in the house or office to LED without a prior study. It is essential to evaluate all options and check that it really is advisable to make the change. Once satisfied that the change to LED is convenient and profitable, make sure that the lamps we buy are those that best suit our needs. Because, as discussed in the following entries in this blog, all LED Lights are not equal in Wattage.

The benefits of this type of installation are many but mainly low consumption, durability which can range from 30,000 to 50,000 hours, low heat emission, but the endless possibilities of creating environments in different intensities and with different degrees of inclination make it the perfect lighting for your business. We can inform you how you can improve your business lighting saving energy and improving your lighting efficiency. If you are thinking about changing the image of your business and need to save your money, we will be happy to assist.

LED LIGHTING: MYTHS AND REALITIES

MYTHS AND REALITIES OF LED LIGHTING

Every time comes a new technology being developed and implemented at high speed as LED lighting emerge staunch detractors and unconditional followers. The LED lighting meets all the requirements to become one of those technologies that look like one or several rivals: android or iPhone; diesel or gasoline; Windows or Mac; LED, fluorescent or sodium vapor.

And the question occurs in most cases, the answer "what is better?" Is not unique. Depending on the use you're going to give, hours of use or the place, we agree to go for one or the other technology.

Here we review some of the myths (or realities) over repeated around the LED technology. True or false?

THE LED LAMPS ARE EXPENSIVE: FALSE

Require more than other types of lamps initial investment, but this investment is beginning to recover from the first bill, so very short term are much cheaper. Of course, no hard to acquire indispensable peseta and the lamps manufacturers, importers or distributors official and recognized, to give us all product warranties just purchased.

AN LED INSTALLATION IS NOT ALWAYS THE MOST CONVENIENT: TRUE

It is essential to conduct a thorough study of the lighting requirements of each installation. Sometimes, LED technology may not be the most appropriate because, for example, hours of use. An installation requires a significant investment, which in most cases recover quickly. However, we must carefully consider the lighting needs to choose the best option. The professionals will tell us what kind of lighting for us. In fact, sometimes we need to pursue a different type of lighting for every room.

THE LIGHT FROM THE LED LAMP PRODUCES MORE LIGHT POLLUTION: FALSE

An LED lamp whose light output is properly directed not generate more light pollution than other lamp. In fact the unidirectional light output of the LED makes it easier to control it and direct it to the desired location. It is true that, by their nature, the light emitted by an LED lamp is more easily spread through the atmosphere, but this is easily avoidable with proper installation that conforms to the rules governing such facilities.

THE LED LIGHT IS HARMFUL HEALTH: FALSE

LED lamps do not emit infrared or ultraviolet radiation and contain no mercury, so they have less potential to be harmful in every way to health.

It is said that white light generated by LED lamps (which is achieved by applying phosphor coatings to the original blue light emitting chip) inhibits secretion of the hormone melatonin in humans, which occurs only in the dark, and it is essential to regulate the biorhythms of the human body (including the so-called circadian rhythms ). This is true half.

Any light radiation affects the production of melatonin (the sunlight and artificial, either a fluorescent or LED lamp). For example, if you work in an office for eight or nine hours straight, inadequate lighting (either LED, fluorescent or sodium vapor) can affect our body causing "mismatches" or discomfort: sleepiness, fatigue or dizziness or pain head (especially in the case of defective or poor quality fluorescent).

Types of LED Lights

Types of LED Lights: What to choose?

There are two main types of LED Lights, SMD and COB. Choose the LED lamp that is most appropriate for use. Within the LED lighting there are different types of lamps, such as SMD (surface mounted device) or COB (chip on board).We see the differences between SMD lamps and COB lamps.

Due to its construction, COB basically have a higher output and better dissipate heat than SMD. After reading characteristics of these LED lamps we may ask: if the LEDs do not emit heat, why it is necessary that this be dissipated? When we touch an LED lamp we do not burn fingers, however, LEDs that emit heat itself, but this is projected from the light direction. Consequently, the heat is poured into the back of the LED chip and to make this part from overheating, it is necessary to dissipate well.

Types of LED Lights

As for LED SMD (surface mount device), these are encapsulated in a semi-rigid resin is assembled superficially, and are usually the most suitable for installation in places where lighting step is not going to be on continuously or for when you need a dimmer light, since the LED chip can reach high temperatures. But then see the characteristics of both lamps.

COB LED Features:

·         Provides up to 120 lumen / watt, double light output provided by SMD LEDs.

·         Its opening angle can be up to 160 or the light intensity is increased without concentrating the beam so its manufacturing costs are lower than the SMD LEDS, about 20% less.

·         No need to run an electrical circuit, thereby hardly suffer devices.

·         Gives a multidirectional light and do not cause glare.

·         It withstands fluctuations of electric current.

SMD LED Features:

·         Emit a beam quality, while providing 60-70 lumens / watt, half the COB LED.

·         If an LED is damaged there is a device that makes up for the rest run smoothly.

·         They cannot be on continuously. At the meetings of the LED chip to the base of high temperatures that could damage the device occur.

·         Depending Of semiconductor material that can be manufactured more variety of colors. For the RGB model, the three primary color LEDs, you can develop up to 16 million colors with additive mixture.

·         They have a color rendering index (CRI) of 80% faithfully reproducing the colors.

·         The opening angle can be 360 or because the LEDs can be distributed throughout the body of the bulb.

·         They are very resistant to shocks since they have no filament.

·         Gives beam sensor only, so it is suitable for housing.

In addition to households, are used in aeronautical and automotive applications, traffic signals or to form numbers on digital clocks. The COB LED, however, by the way dissipate heat, are installed in places where one is required constant illumination. But regardless of the type of lamp you choose, it is important to look at the quality of it, because only then can we obtain greater efficiency offered by LED lighting. 

Innovation of LED Lighting

Almost we all know and are familiar with LEDs, we see in our daily routine LED televisions, cell phones, remote controls, digital watches and other LED appliances. 

Constant innovation and development allowed a Japanese scientist discovered some years ago that allowed gallium nitride create a blue LED. With all the elements at hand, researchers developed the first LED white light and in recent years the white LED has evolved by leaps and introduced new materials to create LEDs virtually the entire visible spectrum of colors and offering while light efficiency that exceeds that of incandescent lamps. These new LEDs, bright, efficient and colorful, are expanding their domain to a wide range of lighting applications, displacing its previous domain field was the mere indication, since today is the lighting technology most promising and which is likely to be the dominant source of light in the future.

LED Lighting

Among the many advantages of LEDs is that they operate at low voltages, between 1 and 4 volts, and drive currents between 10 and 40 milliamps, if higher values ​​apply to those indicated, the diode can be melted. Considering the particularity of low energy consumption and high brightness, and its undeniable advantage of outdoor use signs (e.g. traffic signs) will have the future of these small semiconductor devices is actually very promising, as indicated by the numbers current market growth worldwide.

The word LED is an acronym for " Light Emitting Diode ", or" Light Emitting Diode ", and refers to the light produced by a semiconductor (diode) to be within a solid and transparent capsule and works as a focus when a current is passed through its terminals. A lens that protects the LED emitting material and determines the light beam. Unlike traditional light emitters, LEDs have polarity (being the positive terminal anode and cathode negative terminal) so they work only to be polarized live.

Without going into more detail of its operation, we can say that when electricity passes through a diode, the atoms of one material (contained in a chip-reflector) are excited to a higher level. The atoms in the first material retained a lot of energy and require free. This energy releases electrons to the second reflector material within the chip and during this liberation light is produced.

 In other words, the electroluminescence occurs when stimulated by a voltage differential, the negative electric charges (electrons) and positively charged ions, to be combined, resulting in the release of energy as photons. This creates a much more efficient light energy conversion as occurs with much less loss as heat that as with traditional incandescent bulbs. The color of the light is on emitting semiconductor materials and processes of chip-reflector.

The color of the light from an LED is due to the amount of the photon energy. In turn, the amount of energy depends on the material used for the layers, so that LEDs, depending on the combination of the chemical elements present in the component material, can produce a wide range of wavelengths within the color spectrum, resulting in different colors.