Sep 7 2011

LED Lighting for Household Use

Today’s homeowners have many options when it comes to lighting their homes. Finding the right lighting solutions to meet expectations and desires can be a complicated process due to the variety of options. This article will discuss one such option to choose from, LED light bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs are being replaced with more eco-friendly LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. These bulbs are being revered for lasting longer while simultaneously using less power to operate. The bottom line savings on the electric bill over time, coupled with the low maintenance cost to replace them and eco-friendly viability, place LED technology at the forefront of the lighting industry. LED lighting sources can be used both indoors and outdoors by homeowners. This article will cover three uses for LED lighting technology inside the home.

The first is using LED lighting solutions for recessed lighting (or can lighting) fixtures. Using LED can light bulbs in recessed lighting fixtures is a relatively new phenomenon. Traditionally, incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs have been utilized in these situations. However, with LED technology continuing to be developed and tested, the LED option is becoming more prominent in these instances. A recessed light is a light fixture that is usually found in ceilings, which have light shining in a downward direction from a hole in the ceiling. Can lights have two parts- the housing and the trim. The housing is the light fixture where the bulb is installed and the trim is the portion of light visible to the human eye that shines downward. Can lighting is noted for being similar to that of a narrow spotlight. The benefits of installing led can light bulbs inside your home are plentiful. The recessed lighting gives a clean lighting effect to the room. Increasing the amount of light in the room, can lights can make a room appear larger than it actually is. LED can light bulbs can also put a beautiful touch when directed at artwork or centerpieces of the room. Rooms that contain ceilings made of concrete or plasterwork may not be ideal for can lighting situations.

The second application for using LED light bulbs inside the home is for lamp lighting purposes. LED lamp light bulbs are also a relatively new trend as more and more traditional incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs are being replaced. Lamp lighting can be found all over the house in various styles, designs, and shapes. There are lamps that stand alone and those smaller lamps designed for end tables. Lamps on night stands and counter tops all can have LED bulbs installed. The lower energy required to power these bulbs bring a lot of comfort to those that use LED technology to supply their lamp lighting needs. With less power consumed, money is being saved. LED bulbs also give off low to no heat compared to their traditional counterparts. This brings relief to users as the risk of getting burned by a bulb is significantly lower. Also, with less heat given off, the chance of fire is reduced. Some standard lamps are capable of supporting LED light bulbs; other lamps are being sold on store shelves that are designed with LED light bulbs already installed. Look for colorful LED lamp light bulbs if looking to mix up the style of the room a little bit.

The final application is more of a feature of LED lighting technology, and that is a dimmable feature. LED dimmable light bulbs are yet again a new technology that is being installed in households. Dimming options give the user a way to manipulate the light source to set an atmosphere or ambience to their satisfaction. Dimmable LED’s are usually placed in overhead lighting sources. Oftentimes, these lights can be dimmed to create more of an intimate setting. During dimming, the LED dimmable light bulbs are still operated at the same voltage and current as if they were at full light output. No efficiency is loss when the bulbs are dimmed. The lifespan of the lamp is not affected when using LED dimmers. Shortened lifespan of the lamp has been a problem in the past with using traditional fluorescent light sources for dimming. Dimming the LED light source may actually increase the life of the bulb itself, as when dimmed they run at cooler operating temperatures. With a cooler operating temperature, comes less exposure to heat and less of an opportunity to burn the bulb out.

These three applications for LED lighting are easy to implement and can be found at brick and mortar stores along with on many e-commerce websites.

 


Sep 2 2011

LED Safety Lighting can Save Lives

LED’s are versatile bulbs that can be used in many different everyday applications. This post is focusing specifically on the idea of safety lighting. Oftentimes, people don’t even bother to think about the bulb that is currently in their safety light. What people do care about is a safety light that will work in a time of emergency. Choosing LED bulbs for these applications seems to make the most sense. Using LED technology to put these kinds of bulbs in safety lights give the user many advantages. Money is saved due to less power being used and people can feel good about reducing their carbon footprint. On top of this, LEDs are known to have a longer lifespan. Safety lighting is needed most often in emergency situations. It’s comforting to know that you can rely on LED light sources to burn brighter and longer without burning out when compared to traditional incandescent and compact fluorescent light sources. Here’s a look at some common safety light applications where LEDs are being used.

Local police forces across the United States are implementing LED technology every day. More and more police cars are equipped with LED lighting for the top of the vehicle. LED’s for police beacons offer a brighter and more effective light for emergency situations. The beacon lights coupled with the police light bars on the top of cop cars are almost completely converted to LED technology across the country. These lights are being used not only for police cars but for all types of emergency vehicles- ambulances, fire trucks, etc. Members of police forces are also carrying LED safety baton flashlights. These flashlights produce a bright shine with the capability of lighting a room like a lantern, producing a steady power beam, and have strobe functionality. Additionally, police use full size LED strobe lights for emergency situations where they are needed. For residential settings, LED light bulbs have been placed in street lights to shine bright over neighborhood sidewalks and streets.

LED safety solutions for the more common consumer are available at local hardware stores and through online outlets. Personal safety devices such as bicycle lights and reflectors are incorporating LEDs. For bicycles, LED lights can be placed on handlebars and the spokes of the bike for additional safety. Clip on LEDs can be used when running or jogging to stand out against the darkness. Place a safety light on your pets to protect them at night when walking or running with them along the side of the road. There is a large selection of LED flashlights available for emergency use. One consumer trend that involves LEDs is replacing traditional flare lights with a more multidimensional and safer flare. Traditional flare use is being reduced due to safety hazards, pollution, and fire liability. With LED flare lights there is no dangerous flame. They seem poised to take over the flare market with their non-spark and waterproof ability. LEDs can be used for outside the home to light up the area making it a safer environment.

LEDs are being used by businesses and in commercial property settings for their safety lighting solutions. Modern day alarm systems are being equipped with LED light sources to flash in emergency settings. LED exit signs are replacing old and outdated exit signs. LED light sources are being placed outside large buildings for safety precautions. Prisons and jails across the country have installed LED spotlights to keep an eye on the grounds.

There are options available to consumers if they don’t want to buy new LED safety lighting solutions. For example, there are power converters and adapters available for sale that converts old, traditional lighting solutions to LED capable solutions. LED power adapters and transformers are very popular sellers. Going back to our exit signs, there are LED exit sign retrofit kits available to convert your current exit sign system to an LED lighting system. These retrofit kits will allow you go keep your current signs, but drastically increase their efficiency. Due to the longer lasting lifespan of the bulbs, maintenance costs go down as they won’t need to be replaced as often. It is estimated that by using one of these exit sign retrofit kits, exit signs will stay illuminated for 15-20 years.

Next time you go to buy a safety light of any kind, keep in mind that LED lighting solutions have many benefits to the consumer. Safety is not something to mess around with, so update your outdated safety light with LEDs and be protected for years to come.