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LED Technology

 

Why Use LED Lighting?


Benefits of LEDs


Why Choose Lumenstar?


Certifications

 

Why use LED Lighting?


With recent advancements in illumination efficiency and output, the market has shifted towards a sustainable lighting future with LEDs. The term LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which are tiny light bulbs that fit easily into an electrical circuit.  But LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs because they do not have a filament that will burn out, and the LEDs are always cool to the touch. They are illuminated solely by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material. A semiconductor is something that will conduct electricity. This semiconductor material is referred to as Solid State Lighting. In a solid state, the LEDs resist vibration and are much more durable than traditional forms of lighting.  LEDs use these Light emitting diodes instead of electrical filaments (incandescent) or the gas and mercury used in the compact fluorescent's (CFL's). 

 

LEDs have evolved to become the most efficient form of lighting in the 21st century.  They can be used for, but are not limited to Home Lighting, Office lighting, Marine and RV applications.

More information about LED technology can be found by visiting   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED


Longevity & Lifespan

The cornerstone of the technological advancements in LED Lighting are attributed to the efficiency, lifespan and quality of light LEDs produce.  Where traditional methods of lighting are inefficient and produce wasted energy in the form of heat.  LED Lighting is a viable alternative for the energy conscious consumer, with minimal heat production and efficiencies that far exceed anything in the market today.

A quality LED product will pay for itself with increased efficiency and a long lifespan (+50,000 hours), ultimately reducing energy demands and variable overhead costs associated with frequent bulb replacement.  When LEDs ultimately do expire, they will not come to an abrupt end like incandescent and compact fluorescents. But will simply start fading slowly and eventually burnout completely. This change may be unnoticeable for a very long time.

 

Speculating that the average business runs their lights for 10 hours a day, this would mean a lifespan of over 13.5 years. The lifespan of LEDs are not affected by being turned on and off frequently and they will illuminate instantly.
Differentiating between a quality product and a cheap product is exposed in the quality of components used.  These components will directly reflect the efficiency, color temperature, heat dissipation and luminous efficacy of the product.

 

Durability

The term Solid State Lighting is the catalyst behind the durability of LED Lighting. With no filaments to break or burn out, LEDs will withstand electrical fluctuations, shock, vibration and day to day wear, they will also operate in extreme environments from -40°C to 185°C.

For many owners of Recreational vehicles or Yachts, the vibration from the engine, road, ocean or other environmental element often shortens the life of traditional lighting.LED Lighting has stood the test of time in electronic devices and is quickly becoming the consumer's choice for efficient illumination.

Color Quality and Control

LEDs have a superior ability to emit a wide variety of color temperatures. They consistently distribute light without the use of filters or gels to distort color temperature. LEDs require a coating to be applied to each diode individually. This coating creates color consistency which is vital to achieving the desired color temperature.

 

Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin, and a Kelvin is the standard measurement for a hue of light. For example the hue of a 3000K light is warm white.

 

Most LED Light bulbs today are available in the RGB color index and standard lighting colors listed below:

 

*      Warm White (3000K)

*      Daylight (4500K)

*      Cool White (6000K)

One factor that many people do not consider when purchasing a light bulb is wasted energy in the form of light. Excess energy refers to the light output that is unnecessary to properly illuminate a given space. Where there is excess light there is usually excess heat as well. These problems are common with most forms of traditional incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescents.

LEDs have solved this problem and are a much more efficient lighting option because they are directional. LED bulbs and lamps can be manufactured in 30°, 60° & 90° angles of light distribution. This control of light distribution gives flexibility to the lighting environment and creates a more useful and efficient form of illumination.

How is LED Light output measured?

Light output is measured in a form called Lumens; a Lumen is the total "amount" of observable light in a defined angle or beam. The higher the Lumen output the more light that will be created.

Something to consider before purchasing the LED bulb with the most Lumen output is the Luminous Efficacy.  This refers to how many Lumens are produced per watt of power used. This ratio can be very useful to inform you how efficient the bulb manufacturer's products will be. Some manufacturers tend to overpower their LEDs to produce more Lumens. This is a costly mistake because it will severely shorten the lifespan of the bulb and cost more money in energy.

Voltage regulation - Vital for long lifespan

The term voltage regulation simply means that the bulb can handle fluctuations from the power source. Electricity has a tendency to fluctuate daily and can potentially cause harm to all electrical devices if not properly protected. Voltage regulation is crucial to the lifespan of LED Lighting. When a bulb or lamp is not properly regulated and the power surges, it can cause irreparable damage to the bulb or lamp. Voltage regulation simply protects the LEDs, circuitry and components from unnecessary harm.

*  11-15VDC

*  10-30V DC

*  100-120V AC

 

The Voltages above demonstrate the range of electrical fluctuation a specific bulb can handle.

 

Benefits of LEds

 

Cost Savings

·         Luminous Efficiency

·         Long life +50,000 - 100,000 hours

·         Reduced maintenance and labor costs

·         Save money on electricity consumption

·         Reduced heat saves money on A/C costs

 

Reduce Environmental Impact

·         Earth Friendly (no mercury or harmful gases)

·         Keeps waste to a minimum in landfills

·         Replace one bulb and keep one ton of carbon dioxide out of

the atmosphere through the lifetime of the bulb

 

Customizable Lighting

·         LEDs are directional, no more wasted light where it is not necessary

o    30° 60° or 90° light spread

·         Colors Available:

o   Warm white (3000K)

o   Daylight (4500K)

o   Cool White (6000K)

o   Red, Green, Blue, Amber & selected custom colors

·         Most products available in multiple voltages upon request

 

Additional Benefits

·         Safer, no burns when light is touched

·         Simple to install (direct replacement for incandescent, CFL & Halogen)

·         No RF wavelengths emitted to interfere with radio frequency

·         Lights instantly (no warm up period like CFLs)

·         Silent operation

·         Won't cause migraines like CFLs

·         Produce enhanced lighting colors conducive to alertness

·         UV free - Won't attract bugs in outdoor applications

 

Flexible Products

Bases                   120V AC

12V DC

 

·        E26, E17, E12

·        GU10

·        Recessed: Round, Square & Rectangular

·        Surface mount: Square & Rectangular

 

·        Ba15D/S, Bay15, G4

·        GU5.3 (MR16)

·        Recessed & Surface mount puck lights

Color Temperature

Trim

Warm White (3000K) Daylight (4500K)

               Cool White (6000K)

        Red Blue Green Amber

 

Chrome Brushed Nickel

Black White Aluminum

Clear

Degrees °

Transformers

 

30 60 90

5W - 120V AC --> 12V DC with or without connections

 

Why choose Lumenstar?

Quality Components

 

Component selection (LEDs & circuitry components) is obtained through a series of manufacturer testing periods. Only manufacturers that meet strict quality control testing will be allowed to provide LEDs and components for our products. Manufacturers must use automated systems, meet product quality standards and be ISO Certified.

 

Lumenstar's products are quality controlled by means of material and product testing.

Material Testing

Individual LED testing ensures resistibility to high voltage and allows our products to use only the highest quality LEDs to achieve a +50,000 - 100,000 hour life.  LEDs that do NOT exemplify the requirements of a stable, low voltage, high resistibility LED will be rejected. 

Component testing is completed to ensure that electricity is managed efficiently and effectively to allow the LEDs to perform their intended function to the highest standards.

Product Testing

 

Pre-production

    • Individual component testing
    • LEDs - Color temperature, brightness, voltage stability

In process production testing

    • Quality procedure testing ensures consistent production quality standards
    • Aging test - demonstrates products ability to perform it's intended function in the required environment
    • Voltage fluctuation test - demonstrates component stability during voltage changes

Assembly Testing

    • Establishes that all components are working correctly in unison, in order to achieve the highest quality LED Lighting product
    • Temperature control room - removes any unwanted water vapour

Final Testing

    • Bulb is illuminated before shipment to check color temperature and quality of illumination

 

 

 

Certifications

 

Manufacturing process Certifications

Management of our manufacturing process is ISO 9001:2000 certified.  This allows our products to reach its life expectancy and give a consistent color and intensity of illumination.

 

Product Certifications

 

 

Product Line

120V AC bulbs

Yes
Yes
Yes

120V AC Lamps

                         -

Yes
Yes

12V DC Lamps

                         -

Yes
Yes

Lumenex/ X-Fusion HO bulbs/Lamps

120V AC 12V DC

                         -

Yes
Yes

 

What do the Certifications mean?

cETLus

A product bearing the cETLus Intertek Listed Mark is determined to have met the minimum requirements of prescribed product safety standards in Canada and United States. The ETL Listed Mark is the legal equivalent of the UL Listed and CSA Listed Marks throughout the United States and Canada. For over 100 years, dating back to Thomas Edison's Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL), "ETL" has been a leader in electrical safety compliance.

 

For more information click here Intertek Listed FAQ

TUV NORD Certification

TÜV NORD CERT is an expert, independent and experienced partner for system certification.  Within the framework of a system certification, sequences and processes are assessed and evaluated. In this process, the quality of the products themselves is not the most important aspect

 

The three standard variants of system certification are: 

  • Quality Management Certification 
  • Environmental Management Certification 
  • Occupational Safety and Health Management Certification 

 

 

CE Certification

The CE marking is a kind of trade passport for the European marketplace: it allows the manufacturer to freely circulate their product throughout the 28 countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). There is only one set of requirements and procedures to comply with in designing and manufacturing a product for the entire EEA. The various and conflicting national regulations are eliminated. As a result, the product no longer needs to be adapted to the specific requirements of the different member states of the EEA.   In addition, it may be considered a benefit that by implementing the requirements, the product will be safer for the user and this may also reduce damage and liability claims