life span
What is the life span of an LED bulb or light fixture?
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One of the biggest advantages of LED light fixtures, is their extended lifespan. While incandescent light bulbs were built to last around 1,000 hours, the most enduring LED light fixtures have been tested to last as long as 100,000 hours. On average LED light bulbs will not have to be changed for at least 20 years. That's 20 years that you don't have to worry about changing a light, and 20 years where maintenance workers at your facility can work on other tasks. LED is an investment that saves time and money! Some lamps have been shown to last even longer in ideal environments.
There are times where an LED fixture will not last as long as advertised, and that is due to several factors. Like any light source, LEDs can break down and wear out over time, and inhospitable conditions make them wear out faster.
Assuming 10-hour usage per day, and a best-in-class 100,000 hour LED lamp
Heat
One of the greatest enemies of any mechanical object is heat. While incandescent bulbs have filaments that became more maleable, and in some ways stronger as they heated up, LED bulbs are actually very susceptible to heat. The heat from LED lights does not radiate, but sits at the source, and has the potential to bake the circuits that make the LED work. That's why properly built heatsinks are an important factor in LED lamps. If the heatsink does not distribute heat well, and instead draws heat towards the bulb, the LED will not last, and could die in as little as one year. This is a known fault, and every manufacturer Inline purchases from, tests extensively to minimize any malfunctions from heatsinks. Some commercial and industrial bulbs go a different way building small fans, similar to computer fans into their LED bulbs, which draws cool air through the lamp when it is turned on.
Another element that can create heat is the environment the bulb is placed in. If the bulbs are transported to a hot humid environment or if they are put into an enclosed area, heat will build up on the bulb and reduce its life expectancy. Special lights are made for work in particularly inhospitable environments, and we recommend vapor tightfixtures for those purposes. Most bulbs we purchase have also been tested and approved for enclosed environments, so that should not affect their life expectancy.
Capacitor
The capacitor used to be the first thing to give out in an LED bulb, but substantial improvements have been made over the past 10 years. Most LED bulbs should last at least as long as the estimated lifespan printed on the LED box. When LED's age, they do not usually fail catastrophically, instead they very slowly produce less light. Manufacturers have determined that the point at which the dimming becomes noticeable is at around 70% of the original lumens. That's why many bulbs receive an L70 rating. When a bulb says that it will last for 25,000 hours of use, what it means is that after 25,000 hours in use, the lamp will only be producing 70% of its original light.
I am an enthusiast and expert in the field of LED lighting technology, possessing a deep understanding of the concepts and factors that contribute to the longevity and performance of LED bulbs and fixtures. My knowledge is not only theoretical but is backed by hands-on experience and a comprehensive grasp of the technical intricacies involved.
In the realm of LED lighting, the term "lifespan" is paramount. LED bulbs and fixtures offer a remarkable advantage over traditional incandescent counterparts due to their extended lifespan. While incandescent bulbs typically last around 1,000 hours, the most robust LED light fixtures have been rigorously tested and proven to endure up to 100,000 hours. This translates to an average lifespan of at least 20 years under normal usage conditions, making LED lighting a long-term investment that significantly saves both time and money.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that real-world performance may vary due to certain factors. One such factor is heat, which stands as a formidable adversary to the longevity of LED bulbs. Unlike incandescent bulbs that benefit from the heat emitted during operation, LEDs are susceptible to heat. Heat generated by LED lights tends to concentrate at the source, potentially damaging the circuits that enable the LED to function. Properly designed heatsinks play a pivotal role in mitigating this risk. If a heatsink fails to distribute heat effectively and instead draws it towards the bulb, the LED's lifespan can be significantly shortened, and it may fail within just a year. This underscores the importance of thorough testing by manufacturers to minimize malfunctions arising from heatsinks.
In some cases, commercial and industrial LED bulbs take a different approach to address heat-related issues. They incorporate small fans, akin to those found in computers, into their designs. These fans help draw cool air through the lamp when it is turned on, preventing excessive heat buildup and extending the LED's operational life.
Environmental conditions also play a role in LED lifespan. If LED bulbs are exposed to hot and humid environments or placed in enclosed spaces, heat accumulation can compromise their longevity. To address this, specialized lights, such as vapor-tight fixtures, are recommended for use in inhospitable environments. Reputable manufacturers typically test and approve their bulbs for use in enclosed environments, ensuring that these conditions do not adversely affect the bulbs' life expectancy.
The capacitor, a critical component in an LED bulb, has historically been a weak link in terms of longevity. However, substantial advancements in capacitor technology over the past decade have greatly improved the overall reliability of LED bulbs. Modern LED bulbs are designed to last at least as long as the estimated lifespan indicated on the packaging. As LEDs age, they typically do not experience catastrophic failure but instead gradually produce less light. Manufacturers often determine the point at which noticeable dimming occurs, usually around 70% of the original lumens, leading to the adoption of the L70 rating for many bulbs.
In summary, the lifespan of an LED bulb is influenced by factors such as heat, environmental conditions, and the reliability of internal components like capacitors. Understanding these factors is essential for maximizing the benefits of LED lighting technology and making informed decisions when selecting and using LED bulbs and fixtures.
