What is an LED light?

LEDs (an abbreviation for light emitting diodes) are solid state semiconductor devices. LEDs create light when their semiconductor crystal is stimulated. This technology has been around since the 1960s and was first used in traffic lights and alarm clocks. LEDs are much smaller in size than traditional light bulbs and fit easily into electrical circuits. Recent technological advancements have lead to LEDs being desirable for home, office and commercial lighting spaces. Their extensive benefits include long life, superior energy efficiency, generate very little heat, have low maintenance, low environmental impact, instant light, easily dimmable, silent operation & low voltage power. For more information see our LED Benefits page.

What is an Incandescent Light?

Incandescent lights are the second oldest form of electric lighting. They work by heating an electrical element until it is white hot and can create light. Incandescent lights are an inefficient source of lighting as almost all their energy is converted into heat, and little is converted into light. They also require high power usage and have a low life span. Australia has placed a ban on producing these lights and has restricted imports as well. The only suitable replacements for the incandescent lights are CFLs and LEDs.

What is a Halogen Light?

Halogen emits light by passing electricity through its tungsten filament, which is enclosed in a bulb containing halogen gas. Halogen lighting is an extension of incandescent lighting, both are relatively small in size and both are easily dimmable. Halogen is superior to incandescent lighting as it lasts longer & offers a brighter, more vibrant light. However, they are more expensive and radiate a huge amount of infrared heat, making the lights a fire hazard as well as being an inefficient light source.

What is a Compact Fluorescent Light?

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are miniature versions of full sized fluorescents. CFLs produce their light by heating a gas, which can be harmful to both the user and the environment. CFLs screw into standard lamp sockets and offer a similar light to incandescent bulbs.  Although CFLs are energy efficient and often less expensive then other energy efficient lights, they have many disadvantages. Firstly, they contain small amounts of mercury, secondly, they have a flicker effect and unable to turn on instantly and thirdly, they can produce a constant humming sound, which can lead to headaches.

1. This is the product failure horizon. The light will also produce 80% light output at 40,000 hours. This is determinable from IES-LM80 test data and the predictability afforded from thermal monitoring and subsequent current regulation.
2. Surface temperature at an ambient room temperature (TA) of 25°C.
3. Halogen downlights have a greater efficacy than incandescent downlights and therefore emit less heat, however their smaller surface results in a higher surface temperature.
4. At an ambient temp of 25°C the average LED bulb will have a surface temp of 85°C. If the ambient temp rises then this surface temperature will rise past the level set by Australian and International standards level of 90°C that denotes a fire risk which then demands various clearances and coverings to be applied to the bulb. Any LED without thermal monitoring will rise above the 90°C mark and pose a risk. Consequently, thermal monitoring can be used to guarantee the product life of an LED downlight. A current rollback at 90°C from thermal monitoring will produce a very short life LED and a current rollback at 75°C will produce a very long life product.
5. All recyclable parts are easily dismantled at the end of the product’s life, without the need for special tools.
6. CFL downlights actually produce more light than this level of efficacy. However, the nature of the curled bulb design and its non directional light prevents all of the light generated from CFL’s from being emitted in the form of a downlight. The reasons CFL’s are not suited to downlights are also the reasons that make them great for replacing normal bulbs.
7. This extremely low lumen output for 10W is the result of running low output LEDs at maximum power to reduce product cost and product life. This is common among most major suppliers that sell both replacement LED and halogen bulbs.
8. All warm temperatures products in this table are 3000k and have a high CRI of 90. Cool temperature products are above 3000k and have an average CRI of 85.
9. Data from EnergyStar and Brightgreen. All Brightgreen products are tested at a NATA accredited laboratory: test reports are available on request.
10. Includes cost of power and replacement bulb cost.
11. Down lights are a considered a form of direct lighting which is the most efficient form of lighting as nothing is lost between the light source and the area being lit. If used in a flood format from 45-60 degrees it gives optimal coverage as it is not as spot light <45 degrees which has a limited coverage and is not a broad flood light, or omni, >60 degrees which floods walls thus becoming a form of indirect lighting that looses efficiency as it reflects off dull surfaces.