LED

Similar Terms: Led,LEDs

A light-emitting diode LED is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used in many types of lighting such as flood lights, trailer lights, navigation lights, interior lights etc.

Also available as higher output CREE or COB LED lighting.

LED lighting is a type of lighting that offers a number of advantages over traditional lighting options such as incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent bulbs. LED lights use a series of light-emitting diodes to produce light. Power consumption, lifespan and durability are some of the areas in which LED lighting is considerably better than other lighting options.

Power Use

When compared to other types of lighting options such as incandescent bulbs and CFL (compact fluorescent lights), LED lighting uses far less energy. Various estimates of potential energy savings Range from 82% to 93%.

Longevity

LED lights are known for their extremely long lifespan. An average LED bulb can last up to 60,000 hours of use, compared with 1,500 hours of use for a 60-watt incandescent light bulb. You would have to replace a standard light bulb about 40 times to equal 60,000 hours of use. LED Navigation lights are made up of lots of lights so if one does fail, there are still other lights which will enable you to reach your destination.

Durability and Safety

LED light bulbs use small diodes that are more durable than traditional light bulbs. Traditional lights can crack or shatter easily when dropped or banged, but LED lights withstand impact better, resisting against the vibration and pounding which often occurs when travelling at high speed or in small crafts.

Another consideration is that LED bulbs do not contain potentially harmful gases or chemicals. Incandescent bulbs may contain halogen, xenon or krypton while CFL bulbs can contain mercury, which is a neurotoxin. LEDs also have minimal heat build up meaning that they don't have to allow for expansion or contraction.

Effects

One advantage of LED lights is their ability to produce directional light. Basically, wherever the light is pointed, a steady Beam of direct light will light up the area, making them ideal as LED underwater lights. LEDs also come in a wide Range of colours including white, cyan, blue and red. The colour of the light can improve brightness or be used in certain applications (such as red & green being useful for Navigation lights), or can simply have aesthetic appeal.