When it comes to lighting solutions, Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology has emerged as a game-changer by revolutionising the way we illuminate our surroundings. LED components offer energy-efficient illumination to innovative design applications. In this guide, we take a look at the type of LED components available, their business applications, and what makes them different to fluorescent lighting.
What are LED lighting components?
LED system components are components that allow users to design, build and install a wide variety of different LED lighting setups for more workplaces or businesses.Essentially, they work together to produce light efficiently. Generally, important components parts of any LED lighting system will include a variety of LED modules, drivers, housings, and accessories.
What types of LED lighting components are available?
There are plenty of LED componentsavailable on the market, including lighting modules, bezels, flexible arrays, driver accessories, and more. This allows businesses to create advanced lighting setups that suit their needs from scratch. We have broken down a few popular LED components below:
COB LEDs
Chip-on-board (COB) LEDs are compact LED modules that consist of multiple LED chips/dies on a single substrate. They are designed to provide higher LED density than traditional mounting while eliminating the need for multiple soldering. They are ideally suited to both high and low-bay lighting rigs, as well as LED downlight and spotlighting systems.
LED bezels
They are a type of housing used to mount and secure LEDs in a professional-looking installation. The bezels hold the LEDs themselves in a pre-drilled slot, creating a clean and tidy look, and are sold ina broad array of sizes for housing various LED types to suit a wide range of environments.
LED drivers and driver accessories
These are the parts of the system that provide constant current control in high-brightness lighting setups. They are incredibly efficient in operation and provide a rangeof additional functions in addition to their simple power interface. These may include PWM dimming controls, thermal shutdown protection, low voltage current regulations, and more. Some examples of LED driveraccessories include repeaters, dimmers, power supplies, bridges, resistors, splitters and clamps.
LED lenses
LED lenses allow for repositioning and reshaping of LED optics, creating more focused and intense lighting output at a more practical range of angles than the default 180 degrees. They offer greater control over LED arrays in terms of positioning for directional illumination/reflection.
LED strip lights
These are lighting components consisting of various LED mountings aligned in a row, and they are commonly found in commercial, residential and industrial spaces of all sizes. They can either be sold on flexible strips (otherwise known as LED tapes), or in a rigid array (also known as LED modules).
Business applications of LED lighting components
LED lighting components find various business applications across different industries. Here are some common business applications of LED lighting components.
Commercial spaces
LED lighting is widely used in offices for general illumination purposes, task lighting, and accent lighting. Energy-efficient LED fixtures also help contribute to cost savings and create a comfortable work environment for workers. LED lights can also be used in retail stores to enhance product visibility, reduce energy costs, and create attractive displays in retail environments.
Hospitality industries
LED lighting is generally employed for ambient lighting, decorative purposes, and accentuating architectural features. Smart LED systems may offer colour-changing capabilities for mood enhancement.
Industrial facilities
High-bay LED fixtures are there to provide bright and uniform lighting in warehouses, improving visibility and safety for workers. LED lights are also used for task lighting in manufacturing processes, ensuring well-lit workspaces.
Healthcare facilities
LED lighting is used in patient rooms, hallways, and surgical suites for bright and efficient lighting. Turnable LED lights may be used for circadian rhythm support.
Entertainment venues
LED lighting components, including colour-changing LEDs, are generally used for stage lighting and creating visual effects during performances.
Transportation
LED lighting is employed for runway lighting, terminal illumination, and signage, ensuring clear visibility for travellers.
LEDs vs Fluorescent lighting
Fluorescent lights are now being replaced by LEDs. As such, most people are interested in knowing their differences, and how they compare to each other. Below, we take a look at what makes these lighting solutions different, and what to expect.
Brightness
While both types of lighting can output extremely bright and clean light over a large area, the key difference is that LED varieties can generate the same level of brightness at far lower wattages than their fluorescent counterparts. This means that LEDs achieve brightness at a lower rate of energy consumption, heat generation, and day-to-day running costs.
Cost
While the initial price of LEDs tends to be slightly higher comparatively, as newer technology becomes more common, the initial cost difference may start to quickly reduce. Another thing to consider is LEDs are much more efficient and cost-effective over the working life of the bulb. As they run on much lower wattages to produce the same amount of light, they are cheaper in the long run. Additionally, lower power consumption means less heat and slow rates of degeneration.
Bottom line
Overall, LED lighting components help to transform the way we view light. Additionally, as businesses increasingly prioritise efficiency, sustainability and smart technologies, LED lighting components emerge as pivotal tools to meet these particular demands. As such, no matter what tool, they each play a vital role in shaping lighting solutions today.