We are hugely dependent upon technology and sometimes take it for granted. It is always worth reminding ourselves where it all began so we can fully appreciate how lucky we are.
Take Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for example. They have come a long way in a relatively short time. When they were first used as low-intensity light emitters in electronic devices, it is difficult to believe anyone would foresee them one day lighting our homes. But here we are!
The scientific principle behind the LED is electro-luminescence. Electroluminescent materials emit light when they receive an electrical current. The phenomenon was first discovered in 1907 by H J Round. The discovery of the light bulb by Thomas Edison predates this by many years.
Nick Holonyak is widely considered the 'father of the LED.' He developed the first practical LEDs in 1962 and it was in the very same decade that they became commercially viable. At this early stage they were used as electronic components in computers, remote controls and other appliances.
It would be a few more decades until LED technology was developed to encompass the entire visible spectrum of light, therefore making them a viable alternative to other forms of lighting. Modern high-power LEDs producing high intensity white light were developed in the 1990s by Japanese manufacturers, and it would not be long after that before LEDs began replacing the light bulbs in our homes.
LED Lights have revolutionized the lighting industry. They are many times more efficient than traditional forms of lighting such as CFL bulbs, etc. This is because LED Lights convert more of their energy into useful light and waste less as heat. About 90 per cent of LED Bulbs energy is turned into visible light. The lifespan of an LED Bulb and lights is also a lot longer than the older forms of lighting products. You can expect them to last up to 30,000 hours, with some more recent models, such as the GU10 24 SMD LED, lasting as long as 50,000 hours. That's why the phrase 'long lighting life' get attached with the LED lights and bulbs.
LED Lights are now available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. You will be able to find them in the most common lighting fittings including GU10, MR16, E27 and B22. They are also available as flexible LED Tape, which is becoming a popular substitute for older forms of effects lighting.
Choosing the Correct Number of LED Downlights
While a single downlight can be used to create a focal point within a room, several or more downlights are needed to provide enough illumination to light an entire room. The question is, how many are needed?
The Pros and Cons of LED Lighting
The lighting industry landscape has been undergoing somewhat of a renaissance of late. The energy guzzling incandescent bulb, which has been around since the late nineteenth century,
Some Advantages of LED Strip Lights
LED Strip Lights offer a number of advantages over more traditional luminaires, such as incandescent, halogen and fluorescent.
