Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is defined as illumination where you need it, per watt of power consumed.  LED sources excel by reducing power consumption while focusing their directed light specifically where it is most needed.   LED sources are 5 times more efficient than incandescent and most halogen sources, while rapidly gaining ground on fluorescent.   LEDs have an extended life of up to 50,000 hours and cost up to 80% less to run than alternatives.

LED Track Head

No Ultraviolet Rays
UV rays can degrade materials like plastics and fabrics, as well as fade paint and dyes. LEDs do not emit ultraviolet rays, making them ideal to use in art galleries, museums and retail displays.

Cost Effective
Savings from LED fixtures should be calculated to include expenses throughout the useful lifetime of the fixture or lamp.  While the initial cost of the traditional incandescent lamp is comparatively little, its short life, coupled with its inefficient energy consumption make it an inferior choice when purchasing new lighting.

LED Bulb

LED Recessed
Fixture

Long Source Life
Traditional light sources report lifetime in terms of “mean time to failure,” which defines the average time it takes for some percentage (typically 50%) of all sources to fail completely and require replacement.  For LED sources, lifetime is reported as “mean time to reduced light output,” which defines how quickly the amount of light generated by the LED source will diminish by a readily detectable amount (typically 70% of original intensity).

Low Heat
LED sources provide illumination with very little heat emmision.  As such, they can be used in heat sensitive areas, near people, furnishings, and tight spaces where conventional sources could be uncomfortable, dangerous or potentially damaging. The reduction of heat from lighting in turn reduces the consumption of energy required to air-condition spaces.

LED Strip Fixture

Transformers
Certain types of LED fixtures do not require the transformers to reduce voltage that traditional low voltage fixtures require.  Therefore often the intial expense of installing transformers is eliminated and of course no replacment transformers are needed.

Durable
LED sources are durable with regard to impact, vibration and other disruptions. & Therefore, LED sources are ideal for remote locations, areas with high vibration (generated from industrial or earthquake activities) and other difficult environments for traditional lighting sources. LEDs withstand shocks, vibrations, frequent switching and temperature extremes.

Code and Regulation Compliance
Energy efficiency is an issue that affects everyone.  Regulatory bodies at all levels are posing new limitations on the amount of energy consumed by lighting.  See our Resources Page for links to California’s Title 24 Energy Compliance and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).   LED lighting is a one of the best alternatives to traditional lighting for compliance with many of these regulations, and has the potential to significantly reduce the energy consumption by light sources in the future.

LED Flood
Fixture

LED In Ground Fixture

Dimmable
Certain LED fixtures, such as the flexible and rigid strips, and the under cabinet or cove types, are dimmable if installed along with a low voltage electronic dimmer.

LED Dimmable Flexible
Strip Fixture

Many Applications
As you can see from the many types of fixtures that are shown on this page, manufacturers are creating LED fixtures for every application for which other types of fixtures are commonly used.   In addition, there are several sizes of RETROFITS available for recessed lights.

LED Quality
Not all LEDs are equal.  If not constructed properly, or if low quality components are used, LED fixtures and lamps will not give the benefits they should.  Purchase products from reputable installers and distributors.

LED 6" Downlight