Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a type of semiconductor that converts electricity to light. This conductor has become increasingly popular in the last 40 years because it is efficient and more environmental friendly than other lighting sources.
Light Emitting Diode simply means that the semiconductor, uses about 10 milliamps to operate a tenth of a watt of electricity. LED’s are small so they maximize intensity when affixed to fluorescent ballasts or plug-in fixtures. They also allow for maximum intensity, which prevents the power source from losing roughly 20 percent of the power it would normally lose. Because these little guys save energy at such a phenomenal rate, they are ENERGY STAR certified, which means they can be a part of green building.
Benefits to LED lamp
The most obvious benefit to this type of lighting that we’ve already discussed is the amount of energy they save.
They are good for the environment because they maximize energy, but they’re also good because they traditionally last longer than fluorescent or incandescent lights. You’ll be able to tell if your light is getting old because the amount of light you receive will decrease. Therefore you don’t have all or nothing. The light squeaks by until nothing is left.
What Goes up Must Come Down
No product is perfect and yes, the LED does have some flaws. For starters, it’s best used in a single direction light. This means it works well for office overhead lighting, but will not work in an area that needs multiple directional lighting. Most manufacturers recommend that they be used for reading, outdoor landscaping, recessed lighting and overhead lighting.
Right now light emitting diodes are more expensive to produce than other types of lighting. This can be a downfall for some producers and consumers. However, demand may drive the prices down in the near future.
Another issue with LED light is that it’s very heat sensitive. These lights are frequently more sturdy than other lights, but they will wear out if used improperly. Although they don’t like huge quantities of heat, they doesn’t produce massive quantities of heat like other lighting sources.