IT was just an indicator. A decade, hence, light emitting diode (LED) technology is taking on the spotlight as more than an adjunct fixture in toys, appliances and gadgets. At the Energy Smart Philippines 2015 exposition, the Businessmirror scoured exhibit floors and discovered myth-busters associated with the LED technology.
Myth 1: LEDs last forever. LEDs have a long source life, but like all light sources, they slowly fade over time. While LEDs do not catastrophically fail, lumen maintenance is a critical factor in determining useful lifetimes.
Myth 2: LEDs are not bright enough. Since its use had spread to traffic lights, those are signs that LEDs are bright enough to be seen in daylight.
Myth 3: LEDs have problems switching rapidly. LEDs are capable of reaching full output almost instantly after switching them on and can be switched continuously without shortening useful life.
Myth 4: Three-watt LEDs are brighter than one-watt LEDs. The wattage of LED is not directly comparable to either the wattage of traditional light sources or even one LED to another. Light output and light extraction efficacy, rather than raw wattage are key factors when looking at an LED source.
Myth 5: LED system cost too much. The initial investment in LED is higher, but the return on investment in an installation is surprisingly rapid when taking maintenance and energy cost savings into consideration.
Myth 6: LEDs contain hazardous substances. Compared with high-pressure sodium, fluorescent or induction, it does not contain mercury, lead or other toxic materials and are recyclable.
These are just a few of the myths that Philips Electronics & Lighting Inc. (Peli) listed and addressed—the company lists 15. Indeed, LED lighting has come a long way and is now part of a rapidly growing, high-efficient way to light up homes and buildings. It is also an innovative solution to provide increased security and functionality among communities and businesses around the globe.
Homeowners like LED because it is an energy-saving device. A small lamp of a few watts is able to approximate the light emitted by the old incandescent lamp of a much higher wattage, documents provided by Peli said.
In many cases, LED lamps have surpassed the performance of conventional lighting sources and their relative long lifetime have resulted in significant cost savings, it added.