LED Applications Explained: Indicator, Decorative, General Lighting

LEDs, or light emitting diodes, were originally developed for use as "indicators" on instrument panels and more recently in exit signs and traffic signals. The term "indicator" refers to using a light source as a self-luminous object - a point of light that can be viewed directly. Colored LEDs in particular are in very common use today as indicator lights.

Colored LEDs proved to be a good light source for decorative applications such as holiday or architectural string lights. Using less than 1 watt in most cases, colored LEDs are now common in the typical C, G and S shaped, candelabra base incandescent equivalents.

With recent advances in white LED technology, the possibility of using long-life LEDs in higher wattage general "illumination" applications in both indoor and outdoor spaces has raised the prospect of a big leap in lighting energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

LEDs are highly directional light sources. That is why they have proved very effective for use in flashlights. Their directionality also makes them good candidates for accent, flood and spot lighting applications. MR16 and PAR bulbs are logical opportunities for LEDs as replacements for halogen where dimming is not required.

The economics of LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs almost always cost more initially than incandescent, halogen or fluorescent equivalents. The principal economic benefit of an LED bulb is longer life. If an incandescent bulb last 2500 hours and an equivalent LED bulb lasts 25,000 hours, then the LED bulb is "better buy" if it costs less than 10 times as much. In addition, longer life LED light bulbs also provide maintenance cost benefits. If an incandescent bulb must be changed 10 times to every 1 time for an LED bulb, the maintenance savings is a clear benefit.

Use a Lighting Facts Label to make sure you buy a true replacement LED

Think of the Lighting Facts label like the EPA Mileage Label found on new cars. Instead of miles per gallon, the Lighting Facts label gives you light output, or lumens, which allows you to compare light output of an LED product with a conventional light bulb or fixture. The label includes other important information as well. Over 181 manufacturers of light bulbs and fixtures have partnered with U.S. DOE on this program.