LED (Light Emitting Diode)
When electrical current flows through a semiconductor, it excites the electrons within the diode, making them release photons, which we see as light.
Lumens
Standardized unit of measurement of the total amount of light that is produced from a light emitting source. The higher the number, the brighter the light.
IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating)
Specifies the protection of electrical equipment in a given environment. All of our off-road light bars, work lights, and mimi-aux's
are IP67 or IP68 rated. The higher the numbers, the greater the level of protection.
IP67 indicates the lamp is protected from dust and capable of withstanding water immersion up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.
IP68 indicates the lamp is dust tight and can be continously submersed in water without damage.
Optical Efficiency
Measures how much the total lumens sent into that component come out of it, through the optical surfaces. The higher the rating the
greater the amount of light being broadcast. (See Raw vs. Effective Lumens)
LED Watts vs. Power Consumption
Because an LED can be driven at its full capacity doesn't mean there is benefit in doing so. For example, a 3W LED can be driven at
3W, a 5W LED can be driven at 5W, etc. Driving an LED at maximum power generates higher temperature, which decreases lifespan. A balance between LED wattage and the lights; other
components, such as the heatsink, allow for maximum operating efficiency and light output, while prolonging life expectancy.
LEDs offer many advantages over incandescent lamps in terms of safety and
economy. A major safety factor is “turn-on” time. An incandescent bulb filament
must heat up in order to achieve maximum brightness, which can take 200-300
milliseconds; while an LED achieves full brightness in 100 nanoseconds.
Incandescent bulbs also exhibit an additional disadvantage in that their turn-on
times are increased when they are operating at lower voltages due to the voltage
drop in the wiring harness. A study by NHTSA of 546 large trucks showed that
some trucks have such large voltage drops in the wiring that the voltage across the
signal lamp is reduced to the range of 5.5 to 8.8 volts. This may also result in a 5%
decrease in light output. By comparison, the turn-on time of LED lamps is relatively
insensitive to low voltage.
For the trailing vehicle, the 200 milliseconds faster illumination of LEDs over
incandescent bulbs, means a braking distance response increase of an additional
19.1 feet, which is equal to a full car length of extra stopping distance at 65 MPH.
Incandescent vehicle lighting, while suitable, is very inefficient. It draws a lot of
power from the engines electrical system, requiring the engine to work harder,
which increases fuel consumption.
A vehicle equipped with all LED lighting, uses 65% less power than the same
vehicle equipped with incandescent bulbs. The lower amp draw not only improves
fuel efficiency, but helps to extend the life of the battery and charging system.
It requires 12 LED S/T/T to equal the current draw of 1 incandescent S/T/T
Faced with rising operating costs and shrinking profit margins, commercial vehicle owners along with fleet managers are looking for
ways to reduce expenses. One of the leading problems concerning fleet maintenance are compliance infractions due to lighting. Budgets take a big hit when you add
the infraction penalties to downtime losses, maintenance and replacement costs due to the simple failure of an incandescent bulb. The use of LED light technology
in commercial vehicles provides fleets with the benefit of an added element of safety, durability, and productivity, plus higher profitability due to decreased
downtime caused by lighting failures.
It’s true that LED lights are initially more expensive than their incandescent alternatives, but you have to consider the total cost
of ownership. When comparing the life span and maintenance costs, LED lights end up saving money.
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| Lamp Cost (based on avg retail price) | $1.50 | $24.95 | $24.95 | ||
| Labor (based on $45/hr) | $11.25 | $11.25 | $22.50 | ||
| Downtime (based on $60/hr) | $30.00 | $30.00 | $45.00 | ||
| Replacement Cost | $42.75 | $66.20 | $92.45 | ||
| Life Expectancy (hrs) | 1,200 | 50,000 | 100,000 | ||
| Replacements over 100,000 hrs | 55x | 2x | 0x | ||
| Final Cost | $2,351.25 | $132.40 | $92.45 | ||
Every element of an incandescent bulb is fragile, from the thin glass housing, to the wire filament. Even a small amount of shock or
vibration can compromise the filament, and even break the glass, exposing the internal components to environmental conditions, which ultimately leads to failure.
LED’s do not respond to changes in pressure, vibration, shock, or power surges the same way that incandescent bulbs do. LED lamps are filled with an epoxy
compound that encapsulates the internal components, keeping them from moving, and provide stability during sudden shock, or impact. The sonically sealed
polycarbonate lens and housings protect the LEDs from road and weather conditions, while providing increased impact resistance over glass or acrylics.
Fully Potted Components Provide Ultimate Protection
Lifetime Warranty
Super Bright LEDs, Inc. warrants that products carrying a Lifetime Warranty will be free from defects in the material and workmanship for the
lifetime of the product. If an LED or other internal component fails, return the product to Super Bright LEDs, Inc. for inspection. If, after inspection, Super Bright LEDs verifies that the
defect was not caused by negligence, abuse, unauthorized repair or disassembly, we will replace the product with the same product. In the case the exact product is no longer available,
a product of equal value may be substituted.
