FAQ

1. Why LED's?

As a rule, LED bulbs use 75 - 85% less electricity than standard bulbs. They have an unparalleled even spectrum of light and have a lifespan beyond ten years. Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a very long life light which is the most energy efficient street light system available anywhere in the world today. Conventional gas discharge or incandescent lights have served us faithfully for generations, but they rely on tungsten halogen, mercury and sodium vapour or compact fluorescent, to produce their light. All these light sources have mercury or lead in their composition making them increasingly difficult to dispose of under current guidelines and they all produce ultra violet light. Technology has advanced to a point where LED’s or light emitting diodes are set to become the standard light source for the 21st century.

2. Worldwide Roadmap to phase out Incandescant Light Bulbs

After the EU Nations, the US, Australia and others have imposed restrictions to phase out incandescent light bulbs, it’s reported that China is in the process of making the roadmap for banning the use of these bulbs. The restriction is expected to be unveiled and the initial plan is to stop producing 100-watt incandescent bulbs after 2015 and ban them completely from 2018. China has provided subsidies for using energy-saving light bulbs since 2008, prompting many incandescent bulb producers to cut their output.

3. Do LED light bulbs contain mercury?

No. LED bulbs do not contain mercury. They can actually be recycled as they do not contain hazardous substances and are manufactured without hazardous substances.

4. How do LED light bulbs compare to CFL bulbs?

Studies show LED light bulbs use 60-75% less energy than CFL bulbs and in many cases last 10 times longer than CFL light bulbs. They are much more durable, environmentally friendly, vibration and shock resistant and offer excellent light quality, both indoor and outdoor.

5. Do LED bulbs produce as much heat as CFL or Incandescent bulbs?

LED light bulbs emit much less heat than a CFL or incandescent bulb. In many cases, you can actually feel the temperature difference just by being near the light. LED light bulbs will always operate at a lower temperature than a CFL or incandescent which has immediate benefits in reduced cooling bills in the summer months where we are paying for our Air Conditioning to cool our offices.

6. Why are LED lights more expensive?

LED light bulbs use an actual circuit board to operate and are made of electronic components. Essentially, they could be considered an electronic device. This technology continues to gain advantages almost daily. The manufacturing and supply/demand of general lighting products are gearing up today, and we will see costs continue to decline as the adoption rate of LED Lighting increases.

7. Is LED light a different type of light?

Yes, LED light is said to be a safer, healthier light. LEDs do NOT produce any sort of ultraviolet radiation which causes fabric fading, color fading in Art, carpeting and other soft goods. There is none of the 'buzzing' or 'flickering' that many people are sensitive to with LED Lights. Residential and especially commercial and industrial plants, stores libraries, galleries, and warehouses can immediately benefit from LED Lighting.

8. How long do LEDs for general lighting really last?

Remember, the longevity of LED Lighting can be 50000 to 100000 hours if proper use. LED's are Solid State devices (SSL – or "solid state lighting"); they will not burn out. Life expectancy for SSL lighting is upwards of 50,000 to 100,000 hours or more which means no maintenance costs for facilities workers to replace lights. Over time, the cost of the fluorescent or incandescent bulbs themselves can add up to a significant savings when converting to LED's.

LEDs consume far less energy than standard light bulbs, achieving up to a 2/3 reduction in energy costs. LEDs also require less heat energy to operate, further reducing energy costs through air conditioning and obviously reducing the environmental impact through reduced carbon emissions.

Whilst the initial capital cost is slightly higher than traditional alternatives, LED lighting offers significant savings in the long term in terms of reduced energy, consumption, heat load and maintenance costs

LED lights are typically rated to last about 50000 - 100000 hours. An incandescent light bulb is rated for about 1000 hours. CFLs or Fluorescent Tube lights are rated for 6000-8000 hours. The product replacement cost math is easy: (see chart below showing the next 10 years)