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Keeping LED Lights Happy: A little know-how leads to long life

LED lights have many advantages: very long life; very low energy use; instant on; durability; and more. They are an investment worth making; and worth protecting. Far more robust than either incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, LED lights will outlive both many times over with just a couple of precautions.

Getting the full rated lifespan requires just a little care. There two things to be careful of (hey, even Superman has kryptonite and Lois Lane): high heat, and high voltage.

First: Release the Heat. Make sure LED lights stay cool and out of heat traps.

An LED chip, the part that actually emits light, needs to stay under 180ºF (82ºC). Once the surface temperature of the chip approaches 185ºF (85ºC), the chip overheats, and the light producing material erodes quickly. If temperatures exceed 200ºF, the chip will fail. In an open light fixture, this is no problem; but LED lights are often surrounded by heat sources (the sun, transformers, stoves, etc.), and heat can build up quickly if it’s trapped.

For instance, LED light bulbs made for household current have a transformer fitted into the base of the bulb, changing 120VAC into the low voltage LED’s actually use. The transformer sheds waste heat right next to the LED chips. Quality LED light bulbs have carefully designed cooling systems; but need at least some air flow to dissipate heat.

Fully enclosed fixtures that trap heat raise concerns. LED lights in sealed glass globes, and left on in full sun on a hot day (120º F in Phoenix, AZ, for example) can experience surface temperatures far exceeding the failure limit. Ensuring adequate airflow ensures an LED keeps its cool.

Second: Tame High Voltage. Protect LED lights with regulated power.

Not an issue with LED lights that come with their own factory-supplied transformers or drivers. These regulate power on their own and need no additional protection when plugged into a household circuit.

DIY installations can be another story. Flexible LED strip, sign modules and many other LED lights depend on a separate power supply. It is vital that this be regulated to prevent voltages higher than the LED light is built for (usually either 12 or 24VDC).

Voltage surges can also be an issue when LED lights are installed on a boat or RV. Vehicular power systems can easily go past 15V. Solar power stations also spike far past LED limits. Some modern RV’s, boats and vehicles have regulated systems that may be tied into; but regulators of adequate capacity are an absolute necessity.

Good quality LED lights really can last for tens of thousands of hours. They just need a little know-how in their installation. Protect them from heat and high voltages, and they’ll be lighting the way for many years.

Contributor: Joel Zenzic
Posted By: Mary Wecker

By Mary [05/01/2014 - 00:00:00] - Add Comment

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