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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: LED Lighting

How does an LED work?

LED's are semiconductor diodes which work by creating a positive - negative junction (or p-n). Once power is provided to the diode, a current flows from the anode (positive) to the cathode (negative). Electrons and electron holes then flow into the junction from electrodes, so when an electron meets a hole it creates a lower energy level providing energy as light. In practice 90% of the electricity consumed by an LED is converted into light, whereas a standard bulb only converts around 15%.

LED's can come in various colours which are created by the materials used to make it. For example; white light can be created by using a blue LED and coating it with yellow phosphor or with a combination of RGB light (red, green and blue).

LEDs are significantly more energy efficient than normal halogen bulbs, in fact around 90% more efficient. With the recent rises energy bills both commercial organisations and households can make real savings and reduce their carbon footprint by replacing inefficient halogens with LED alternatives (see cost saving example).

Are LED's costly?

Overall the cost of using LED lamps is cheaper than halogens due to their low running costs, but their initial cost compared to a standard bulb is considerably higher See our cost saving calculator which will give comparative costs and even payback periods

Where is it appropriate to use LED lamps?

LED lamps should be used when powerful directional light is needed such as spot lights, flood lights, track lighting etc...

Can I use my existing 12VDC transformers?

Most of the 12VDC transformers used to power halogen lights are not suitable for 12VDC LED lamps. For this reason we cannot offer a guarantee on our MR16 replacement lamps UNLESS they are used with our own specific LED lighting transformers. In most instances we recommend that MR16 fitting are converted to GU10 fittings using a simple fitting conversion kit available on the high street. Please remember that any electrical work should be carried out by a competent person. To learn more about using transformers with 12 VDC Led lamps please see our transformer technical guidelines note

Do LED lamps produce UV?

Our LED lamps do not produce any UV although it is possible to buy LEDs that are specifically designed to produce UV of certain frequencies. Please review our technical note on LEDs and UV For more information on CFLs please click this link to the BBC news website.

What about Compact fluorescents?

Many consumers have made a genuine effort to reduce their energy consumption and save money in the long run by using Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's).

Although 'CFLs' are seen as the "green alternative" to incandescent with their 10,000 hours lighting and provide the same amount of light as a normal lamp, CFLs still have their disadvantages. Many take a long time to warm up to the optimum light output and tend to flicker, you may also find that you get other types of light radiation and glare emitted from them that many people find uncomfortable.

The biggest issue with CFLs is their requirement of various chemicals to allow their efficient performance. CFL lamps contain both phosphor and mercury. These chemicals are hazardous to human health and the environment (Mercury has been banned from most electronic components). CFLS also tend to be made of glass so present an obvious health hazard of broken glass if they shatter whilst in use or when being disposed of. In Actual fact you now must make special arrangements when you want to dispose of CFL's.

If a compact fluorescent light bulb breaks, you can't simply clean it up as you would an incandescent, because of its mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says you should take these steps: Open windows and doors and walk out of the room for 15 minutes. Don't vacuum. On hard-wood floors, wear disposable rubber gloves and use cardboard or stiff paper to scoop up debris. Then clean the area with a damp paper towel. For rugs, use sticky tape to pick up any CFL fragments and powder. Place the debris and cleanup materials in sealed doubled plastic bags. Recycle if possible. After vacuuming the spot, remove the vacuum bag and seal. Put in a plastic bag, seal and throw away. Wash hands.

We would strongly recommend that you never use CFL lights in your kitchen or where food may be prepared!!
For more information on CFLs

LEDs have none of these problems, do not contain glass, and are fully recyclable.

Can LED lamps be used in existing light fittings?

Most LED bulbs work in standard light sockets and can be easily fitted in the same way as any other bulb. Fitting generally are the same i.e. GU10, MR16, E27, B22 etc.

How is the lifetime of an LED determined?

The lifetime of an LED is classes as the time taken for the output of the LED to fall to 70% of its original lumen output. Note an LED lamp will continue to function after this time.

Do LED's give off any heat?

LED's lamp designs use heatsinks to move heat away from the LED junction to allow the LED to remain at their optimum operating temperature, As a result the heatsink will get quite hot but no where near as hot as a halogen or filament lamp.

What is the light quality of an LED?

LED's produce a cleaner light quality than a standard bulb as there is no radiant glare. The brightness of the LED is determined by both the colour temperature and lumens. As the LED's are directional the light they create is focused on where you want it, not a 360 degree angle like standard bulbs. See our page on colour temperature comparisons to learn more.

The LED's are available in a number of different colours. Warm white and cool white tend to be the most popular but there are blue, yellow, green, red and RGB. Other colours are available but are usually special order.