How Do LED Lights Work?
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are an innovative lighting technology with increased energy efficiency and improved light quality. Instead of using a filament, LEDs use diodes to power the light. Diodes work as semiconductor devices that enable current to flow in one direction. The voltage will be applied to the diode, and the electrons and electron holes will combine with the semiconductor material, releasing energy in photons, creating visible light. LEDs are used for bulbs, strip lights, commercial and industrial fixtures, vehicle lighting, and more.
What is a Watt?
Watts are the amount of power consumed to power a light bulb. Since LEDs consume less energy than traditional lighting fixtures, the wattage for an LED bulb will be much lower than that of a fluorescent or incandescent bulb. If you’re using an LED to replace a traditional bulb, shop based on the ‘equivalent wattage’ to ensure the bulb emits the same amount of lumens.
How Do We Help Clients Choose the Right Products?
Various LED bulbs and fixtures are available, making it difficult to choose the best product for your application. However, our trained customer service team is ready to help by asking the right questions to understand your goals and what you want to accomplish. Our excellent team of product support specialists undergo months of comprehensive training and continued education throughout to ensure they have the expertise and product knowledge needed. They can assist you in selecting the fixture, layout, and implementation you need to succeed with your project. Our commercial account teams, with designated account representatives, will provide you with complete lighting layouts and consultations based on your specific lighting needs. We have over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry, and are confident in recommending our lighting options that have been effective in the past.
Can You Cut LED Strip Lights?
Yes, LED strip lights can be cut to the length needed to match the application. First, disconnect the light strip from power. Never alter a strip light while it is plugged into a power source. Measure the application area and then cut along the designated cut points indicated with a dotted line or a 'scissor' icon. Always consult a licensed electrician before making any alterations to a strip light.
What is CCT in Lighting?
In lighting, Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) describes the shade of white emitted from a bulb or fixture. CCT is measured in Kelvin (K) on a scale of 1000 to 10,000. The lower the value, the more yellow the light will be; the higher the value, the more blue the light will be.
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2500K or lower produces an ultra warm white.
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2700K to 3500K creates a warm white. This may also be called 'Soft White'.
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4000 to 5000K produces a natural white. This may also be called 'Daylight'.
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5000K or greater emits a cool white. This may also be called 'Bright White'.
Are All LEDs Dimmable?
No, not all LEDs are dimmable. The product specifications table on our individual products will state whether they’re dimmable and the dimming type they use. The most common types of dimming used for LEDs are Triode for Alternating Current (TRIAC), Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM), and 0-10V.
Does Switching to LEDs Save You Money?
Yes, upgrading your existing lighting with LEDs leads to increased cost savings over time. The high energy efficiency and the long lifespan of LED's, means electrical costs and replacement costs are reduced. Additionally, commercial LED fixtures are built with durable construction and integrated LEDs, lowering maintenance costs and eliminating future bulb replacements.
