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Good Electric: Are LED Lights Right For You

A light-emitting diode or LED is a kind of crystalline or amorphous solid with electrical properties and can act as a light source through electroluminescence. LED is widely employed in numerous areas ranging from domestic to industries. On top of being a kind of illumination, LEDs are also used as visual indicators in conveying messages, as in the case of traffic lights. Furthermore, LEDs often involve signal transmission, such as data communication between fiber optic cables. Most people started using LED because they are trying to save the amount of electricity consumption at home or in the workplace. Saving energy also means reducing electricity bills. This is why LED is more popular than halogen bulbs, as they can give off more substantial beams at a lower cost. Typically, a LED light equivalent to a 50-watt halogen bulb will only burn off about six to seven watts. Even though the purchase and installation of LED costs much more than a halogen bulb, it is more economically viable in the long run. Besides, LED is longer lasting than halogen bulbs. A 30 US dollar LED light will last for several years as compared to a three-dollar halogen bulb which at most runs for six months depending on how often it is being used. LED also does not give off as much heat as a halogen bulb, minimizing the possibility of a fire hazard when overused.

LED comes in three tones – warm, neutral, or cool, simulating actual lighting. While getting a LED light to replace the old halogen bulb, one needs to ensure several things. First, ensure that the LED bulb has the correct base fitting and can fit into the existing circuit without interfering with other electrical appliances. Examine the sizes of the original bulb; some LEDs may be of a bigger size than the current bulb. Next, identify the wattage of the bulb and the rating of the transformer that one is using at the moment. Transformer rating tells us the maximum and minimum loading, which signifies how many wattages of LED bulbs you should be looking out for. In this case, if the transformer is required, look for those equal to or above the sum of the wattage rating of all the lights on the same circuit.

Last but not least, it is possible to have LED, and halogen bulbs within the same light structure (i.e., chandelier) as long as the overall wattage does not exceed the maximum load the product can carry. Old halogen bulbs contain a certain amount of mercury; thus, it is recommended to dispose of them back to the retailer or at other proper outlets. LED is getting increasingly popular, so if you are not in the line, you can probably give it a shot today. Contact our electricians for all your residential and commercial electrical needs. From GPO, security, lighting, cabling, or complete electrical wiring fit-out, our team can help you. Contact us for a competitive quote today.