The Parts Of An LED Bulb



LED lights are becoming a staple today for homes, businesses, warehouses, factories and more, but the best way to understand why this type of lighting is successful can be found in learning about the parts of an LED bulb. These individual parts comprehensively make up a more modern choice in lighting that has the capacity to change everything from the amount of heat a bulb emits, to its lifetime, to energy savings, and for the better.

LED Lights Defined

Although they are more commonly called LED lights, the technical name is light emitting diode. The diode is considered to be an element that conducts electricity and in turn emits electroluminescence.

These lights are used in a number of different applications in homes, businesses, and even outdoor venues. They are commonly seen in the form of art lighting, curio cabinet lighting, emergency lights, exit signs, parking lot lights, security lights, solar lights, and under cabinet lighting to name just a few.

The Parts of an LED Bulb

Some LED light bulbs may look similar in nature to antiquated incandescent light bulbs, but do not let their outer appearance fool you. The internal workings of an LED bulb is where the changes begin.

There are four primary parts of an LED bulb:

LED Chip

This is perhaps the most important component of an LED light because it can determine its brightness, wavelengths, and voltage. These chips are comprised of semi-conductor layers that allow an electrical current to flow freely. There are at least four different types of LED chips for products including chip on board, multiple chips on board, multiple chips and cups on board, and surface mounted diode.

Driver

The LED driver can essentially act as a power regulator of sorts because it supplies and regulates the right current to the LED. In doing so it can protect the bulb from current and voltage fluctuations. This component provides constant power and can turn the LED on or off as needed. LED lights that experience functional problems can typically trace them back to the driver.

Heat Sink

The heat sink is tasked with drawing heat away from the LED chip. Essentially this part can aid in transferring heat from an electrical current, absorbing it, and then distributing it into the surrounding environment. The heat sink is critical in helping to regulate the temperature of an LED bulb.

Optic Lens

An LED optic helps control the characteristics of the output of the light and is one of the largest components of this type of bulb. The optic lens is found in the primary optic and secondary optic. The primary optic can be found on top of he LED chip whereas the secondary optic is responsible for collecting and redistributing light.

In addition to the above, the housing and base of an LED bulb both play important roles. The housing of the bulb is designed to be less warm to the touch than its incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent counterparts. The base of the light determines how it will fit a lamp which is why most LED lights come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

How the Parts of an LED Bulb Can Make It a Smarter Choice

The parts of an LED bulb can comprehensively make it a smarter choice than the more traditional fallback of the florescent light bulb. The main advantages of using an LED light bulb include:

  • Efficiency. In today’s modern environment the common tools we use are created for optimum efficiency. LED light bulbs are no different and generally work up to ninety percent more efficiently than older and more traditional light bulbs.
  • Durability. Light bulbs can be delicate and expensive, making durability a solid plus when it comes to LED bulbs. On average, LED lights are designed to last anywhere from twenty to fifty thousand hours depending on the specific bulb.
  • Directional Capability. LED bulbs are directional, which allows the light they emit to be more efficient and focused. This can be particularly useful in environments such as kitchens, warehouses, or factories where more light may be needed to complete a specific or detailed task.
  • Dimming Capabilities. Most florescent light bulbs are one light strength. LED lights can offer any environment more flexibility in lighting due to the ability to control it with dimming.
  • Heat Management. The heat sink part of an LED light is essential in helping the heat created by the bulb to be more evenly dispersed into the atmosphere. This type of thermal management is just one of the things that enables these bulbs to have a longer lifetime than their older counterparts.
  • Lifetime. A regular florescent light bulb can go out without warning, which is an inconvenience at best, especially in settings like a factory or warehouse where a bulb can be harder to get to for replacing. In contrast, LED bulbs are designed to gradually experience lumen depreciation which means the bulb begins to dim slowly over time, proactively signaling it will need to be replaced soon.

Choose An LED Lighting Expert for a Customized Experience

Depending on the use for which an LED bulb is needed, these can be found at a variety of different retailers. However, there can be varying sizes, colors, and types of bases that must be taken into consideration for it to be the proper fit.

Be sure to choose an LED lighting expert that can provide a one-of-a-kind experience through their years in the industry, a wide scope of products applicable to varied environments, and customization for use. A professional will have an intimate understanding of the LED light and how it can best work for the intended use. Without this knowledge a customer risks getting an LED bulb that may or may not work appropriately for a specific space.

The parts of an LED bulb can make a distinctive difference in the entire lighting experience of a space. Add to that the lifespan and efficiency of the light that can make it a smarter choice compared to other options, and the choice is clear. Why would you trust your lighting to anything less?