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About LED Light Bulbs

What is an LED?

To put it simply, a light emitting diode (LED) is technology that efficiently and cost effectively releases energy in the form of light when an electric current is passed through it. LEDs are commonly used for home, office and industrial lighting across the globe and are the standard when replacing outdated incandescent, halogen or fluorescent bulbs for more energy efficient lighting.

Benefits of Switching to LED Bulbs

In comparison to other lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LED light bulbs consume much less energy to emit the same amount of light or lumen rating. Other light bulbs release most of their energy in heat, so they consume more electricity to create a comparable brightness. This makes LEDs more efficient in terms of improved energy usage and lowered heat emissions. Manufactured using durable materials, LED bulbs are more resilient than traditional counterparts made of glass. An LED bulb will also far outlive other light bulbs (typically 10 times longer) and slowly dim over a period of time rather than burn out. While other bulbs contain substances that can be harmful to the environment, LED bulbs contain no mercury and are RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) compliant.

LED Light Bulb Benefits Include:

• Consume less energy
• Emit less heat
• Are more durable
• Last much longer, needing less maintenance and replacement
• Are not harmful to the environment

What to Consider When Purchasing LED Light Bulbs

• Wattage Equivalency – When shopping for LED bulbs, brightness equivalency is an important aspect to consider. To make sure lighting is consistent, Most LEDs will label their wattage equivalency to an incandescent bulb in their descriptions. An easy way to compare the two is to remember that between 1/4 and 1/5 of incandescent wattage is close to what you’ll need for comparable LED wattage
• Color Temperature – Measured in Kelvins, this tells you how the light itself will look. Depending on the space you’re trying to light, different temperatures can have a strong impact on the look and feel of a room. Lower color temperature values have a more “warm” appearance, while higher values give off a more “stark” white light
• Lumens – The total light that is given out by a bulb is measured in lumens. The lumen rating will tell you how bright an LED bulb is when lighted. LEDs that have high lumen ratings last much longer than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with the same lumen rating
• Driver Content – Some LEDs may need some form of voltage conversion to run properly because LEDs require a lower voltage and a direct current of electricity. LED drivers are used to convert voltage and electric current to best meet the requirements for LED bulbs to run most efficiently. Be sure to check if your lamp is self-driven or if a driver is needed for the fixture

LED Lighting Options

LED Standard Shape Bulbs

Due to their standard shape and size, these LED bulbs are the ideal option to replace lighting already found in your household or office. The dimensions of these bulbs will fit lamps and lighting fixtures with existing traditional incandescent light bulbs, but use up to 90 percent less energy. When looking at standard light bulb labels, the letter "A" stands for "Arbitrary" and the following number indicates the diameter of the bulb itself, which is measured in eighths of an inch.

• 100 Watt Equal A21 – Slightly larger than an A19, light emission equivalent to 100-watt incandescent bulb
• 40 Watt Equal A19 - Light emission equivalent to 40-watt incandescent bulb
• 60 Watt Equal A19 – Light emission equivalent to 60-watt incandescent bulb
• 75 Watt Equal A19 – Light emission equivalent to 75-watt incandescent bulb
• 3 Way LED Bulbs - With a standard bulb design and base size, this bulb will fit most three-way lamp fixtures
• GU 24 Base – With a standard bulb design, this LED has a two-pin base that locks into place rather than a screw fitting base

LED Tubes

LED tubes are an energy-efficient alternative designed to easily replace florescent tubes commonly found in offices and other climate controlled areas. LED tubes do not need to be replaced as frequently as fluorescent tubes and are available in a variety of color temperatures to keep lighting consistent across open areas. LED tubes are labeled by bulb shape and size. The “T” refers to the tube shape of the bulb and the accompanying number refers to the diameter of the bulb measured in eighths of an inch. The “K” indicates the color temperature, measured using the Kelvin scale.

• LED T8 2Ft Tubes – One inch in diameter, two feet in length and available in multiple color temperatures
• LED T8 4Ft 3000K – One inch in diameter, four feet in length and color temperature of 3,000K (Warm White)
• LED T8 4Ft 3500K – One inch in diameter, four feet in length and color temperature of 3,500K (Bright White/Cool White)
• LED T8 4Ft 4000K – One inch in diameter, four feet in length and color temperature of 4,000K (Bright White/Cool White)
• LED T8 4Ft 5000K – One inch in diameter, four feet in length and color temperature of 5,000K (Daylight White)
• LED Retrofit Kits (T8) – Easy-to-install kits to conveniently retrofit old lighting fixtures with LED T8 bulbs
• LED T8 U-Bents – One inch diameter LED tube with 160-degree beam angle
• LED T5 Tubes – 5/8 inch diameter available in multiple color temperatures

LED MR Bulbs

Multifaceted reflector bulbs, referred to as MR bulbs, are mainly used for track, landscape and recessed lighting where a more focused beam of light is desired. A reflector is housed inside of the bulb to achieve more directional lighting. LED MR bulbs have a bi-pin connector base in various sizes and several color temperatures are available to attain the desired effect. Like other light bulbs, the size of LED MR bulbs is measured in eights of an inch. These bulbs come in a range of beam angles, including narrow, spot and flood. Dimmable options are also available.

• MR11 – 1.38 inches in diameter, available in multiple color temperatures and beam angles
• MR16 – Two inches in diameter, available in multiple color temperatures and beam angles

Specialty LED Bulbs

Specialty LED bulbs are more decorative in nature to supplement the ambiance and décor of a room. These LED bulbs generally come in different sizes and color temperatures to offer stylish options while consuming only a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs.

• Colored LED Bulbs – These festive lights can easily change the tone of any room or add an accent to outdoor lighting with a touch of color
• Decorative LED Bulbs – LED options are now available for your chandeliers, candelabras and other accent lamps so you don’t have to sacrifice style for energy efficiency
• Elevator Lamps – High-quality LED replacement bulbs for elevators require less maintenance and replacing – particularly ideal for high traffic areas such as elevators
• LED Globes – Most commonly used as lighting for bathrooms and vanity mirrors, these LED alternatives require less energy and release considerably less heat than incandescent bulbs
• Miniature LED Bulbs – An energy-efficient replacement for incandescent or halogen miniature bulbs, available in a variety of voltage and base types
• Signage Lights – Ideal for high-quality displays, advertising or back lighting to attract and capture attention

LED Light Bulb Accessories

LED accessories include different magnetic lenses, color temperature filters and methods of attachment to optimize LED lighting and design.

• Soraa Snap System – Using magnetic filters and lenses, the Soraa Snap System is able to achieve lighting specifications by controlling color temperature and beam distribution angles

LED Filament Bulbs

LED filament light bulbs are designed to resemble a traditional incandescent light bulb with visible filaments. LED filament is made of a metal strip with a series of aligned LEDs covered in a transparent substrate made from glass or sapphire materials. The transparency of this material allows the light to disperse evenly without any interference. These LED filament bulbs are a perfect choice for bars, restaurants, retail shops or homes going for a vintage atmosphere.

• Decorative Chandelier - These antique style bulbs emit a warm amber-toned glow for a cozy and relaxed atmosphere
• Edison Bulbs - The visible glowing filament inside these standard-sized bulbs make it a popular choice for vintage styles
• Globe Bulbs - Similar style and vintage glow as other filament bulbs, but with a more rounded shape
• Tubular Bulbs - Similar style and vintage glow as other filament bulbs, but with a longer, tube-like shape
• Victorian Bulbs - Similar style and vintage glow as other filament bulbs - these bulbs are most popular for their intricate and artistic filament styles, adding elegance to any lighting fixture

LED Transformers & Drivers

LED Transformers and drivers regulate the amount of electricity to the optimal levels for LEDs to perform as effectively as possible. Most power outlets supply a higher voltage with an alternating current of electricity. An LED driver will transform that flow to a lower voltage with a direct current of electricity that is needed for LEDs to function properly.

• LED Drivers - used to convert voltage and electric current to best meet the requirements needed for LED light bulbs

LED R Floods & PAR Bulbs

R type floods provide a wider beam angle with a soft edge and are perfect for recessed downlights, track lighting, display lighting and various outdoor fixtures. PAR type floods provide a tighter beam angle with a hard edge and act more like a spotlight. PAR LEDs are commonly used for track lighting, recessed lighting and flood lights, and are great for both indoor and outdoor applications.

• AR111 - Aluminum-facetted reflector LED flood light, 4.37 inches in diameter
• PAR16 - Parabolic aluminized reflector LED flood light, about 2 inches in diameter
• PAR20 - Parabolic aluminized reflector LED flood light, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter
• PAR30 - Parabolic aluminized reflector LED flood light, about 3 3/4 inches in diameter
• PAR36 - Parabolic aluminized reflector LED flood light, about 4 1/2 inches in diameter
• PAR38 - Parabolic aluminized reflector LED flood light, about 4 3/4 inches in diameter
• R12 (GBF) - Reflector LED flood light, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
• R20 - Reflector LED flood light, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter
• R30 - Reflector LED flood light, about 3 3/4 inches in diameter
• R40 - Reflector LED flood light, about 5 inches in diameter

LED Retrofit Lamps

LED Retrofit lamps will allow you to upgrade existing lighting fixtures to energy efficient LEDs without having to replace the entire fixture for compatibility.

• G9 Retrofit Lamps - LED retrofit bulb for lamps with a two-prong base
• HID LED Retrofit - LED retrofit bulb for lamps with a screw in base
• LED PL Retrofit Lamps - LED plug-in retrofit bulb designed to replace compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
• Post Tops - LED retrofit bulb features an acorn-like design and is most commonly used for outdoor lighting in larger, open areas

About Energy Avenue

Energy Avenue is dedicated to connecting people to their projects. Our lighting experts are available to help you with your next project, whether a small residential remodel to large commercial applications. With the industry experience and capabilities to serve all types of customers over a range of different lighting projects, we have everything you need to get the job done, from start to finish.