What Is Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT)?

The colour temperature of a light is how it looks or feels to the naked eye; it’s the tone of the light. We typically use terms like “warm” and “cool” to refer to colour temperature. While different bulbs may all emit white light, that white light isn’t all the same. This is because there are various stages of light, each dependent on temperature for colour. This temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K).

Any LED will have a Kelvin rating which you can use to help gauge the colour of the light. Kelvins range from about 2400K-7500K for LED lights. Lamps that are at the lower end of the spectrum, 3000K and below, are considered “warm” lights. Colours become brighter, whiter, and “cooler” as the degrees increase.

Every manufacturer will have a different definition of what is “warm” or “cool.” Rather than relying on this subjective measurement, look at the Kelvin rating. It will give you are more subjective means of measuring the true tone of the light.

Choosing LEDs For Your Home Or Business

Whether you prefer to call it colour, temperature, or brightness, the tone of light given off by a bulb has a huge impact on the feel of a room and even the emotions and productivity of the people in the room. If they didn’t, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. Those differences are why we are so interested in understanding colour temperatures – so we can match the right bulb to the function of the room.

Bedrooms and other rooms where you want a cosy, comforting feel do best with warm coloured bulbs, those rated 2700K and under. Work spaces do best with bulbs in the 4000-5000K range, which most closely mimics natural daylight, helping to keep people focused and productive.

Still, relying on Kelvins alone may not be enough for you to obtain the lighting solution you’re looking for. Paint colour, furniture, flooring, and natural daylight can all affect how a colour appears. At LEDified we help home and business owners choose the right LED lights based on their environment and the ambience they are seeking. Our certified electricians can provide on-site assessments, recommend appropriate LED solutions, and install your new LEDs for you, making the transition simple and hassle-free.

Visit www.ledified.com.au to learn more about our residential and commercial LED services.

The post Interpreting Correlated Colour Temperatures (CCT) On LED Lights appeared first on Ledified.

LED Labelling Terms To Know

LED labelling in Australia is fairly straightforward once you understand what the terms means. Use this cheat sheet to understand labels better. This will help you choose LED bulbs that you’ll be happy with.

• Luminous Flux: Also known as lumens or reported as “total integrated flux,” the luminous flux is a measure of the total light output of a lamp. A higher lumen or flux number means the bulb puts out more light. Knowing the luminous flux of a bulb is necessary for selecting a replacement LED that is equivalent to your existing light.

• Luminous Efficacy or Lumens per Watt: This number indicates the efficiency of a bulb. Higher numbers equate to a more efficient product. Numbers are typically expressed as lm/W and reported as “efficacy.”

• Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT): The CCT is a measurement of light colour. This number may be accompanied by a graphic that ranges from orange to yellow to white to blue with a number or arrow indicated where the bulb falls on the spectrum. Values range from 2400K to over 6000K. CCT tells you if the bulb gives off “warm” or “cool” light. Warm lights are at the lower end of the spectrum, typically under 3000K. As values increase, the light becomes brighter or whiter in colour. Very high values can even give off blue light.

• Colour Rendering Index (CRI): The CRI tells you how accurately colour appears or is represented under the light. Higher numbers indicate a more accurate colour rendering. This is a useful measurement when comparing two or more different brands against one another. Just because bulbs may have the same wattage or lumens, does not mean the light given off from the bulbs will appear the same.

• Watts: Watts measure the amount of energy needed to light the bulb. Lower watts use less energy. Expect to see much lower wattage numbers on LED packaging than on any other type of bulb package. Lower power consumption is a primary benefit of LEDs.

The SSL Quality Scheme Label

The Lighting Council of Australia has introduced the Solid State Lighting (SSL) Quality Scheme as a way to regulate the marketing and manufacturing of LEDs and other types of solid-state lighting. Participation is voluntary; manufacturers that participate in the scheme will bear a SSL Quality Scheme Label, which will include all of the terms and values we’ve discussed above. The purpose of the SSL Quality Scheme is to provide consumers with an independent, third-party evaluation of the performance of a product. Look at SSL Quality Scheme certifications to choose a tested and proven product.

Cut Through The Confusion With LEDified

Don’t let LED labelling confuse you. Contact LEDified at 13LEDS for a full on-site evaluation and assessment of your needs, a thorough explanation of your LED choices, and installation by certified electricians. All you need to tell us is where and how you plan to use your new lights. We’ll do the rest. Visit www.ledified.com.au to learn more.

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LED Lighting: A Proven Directional Light Source

By definition, directional light sources release their light in a designated, focused direction. LED lights are efficient, proven directional light sources that stand out from other available options for a variety of reasons. Many other lighting solutions, while functional, can’t claim directional light features. For example, incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs aren’t able to emit directional light; instead they radiate heat and light in all directions simultaneously, ultimately yielding less favourable final results.

Knowing The Benefits Of Using LED Lighting Solutions In Your Home And Office

As a proven directional light source, LED lighting offers home and business owners an impressive range of benefits. First, users of LEDs will enjoy focused, concentrated light that can be specifically placed wherever it’s most needed in the room. Additionally, being able to direct and channel output means more efficient and evenly distributed light for consistent final results.

Due to LED downlights/directional lighting capabilities, these products can be used in an extensive range of applications. At LEDified, we deliver solutions for both commercial and residential applications with superior final results. Our business owners find that these directional lighting options can help them create the precise amount of light needed for workers to perform at maximum capacity. By directing the focus of the lighting concentration, their staff members are able to work in safely lit areas and achieve optimal production potential.

Likewise, our residential LED lighting solutions allow homeowners to enjoy unparalleled lighting precision throughout all of their living spaces. Every room in a home has its own unique set of uses; when working with LEDified, we can go through every space that requires lighting and create a customised strategy that optimises visual results for everyone living inside.

Best of all, as a directional light source, LED lighting offers home and business owners financial advantages as well. Having the ability to focus output not only offers optimal functionality, it also means that the products don’t have to work as hard as other lighting solutions. The result? Users of LED lights find that their utility bills are reduced as a direct result of using these products.

Want To Hear More About LED Directional Lighting

Still have questions about directional lighting? LEDified can help; our team of LED lighting specialists have the experience and skill needed to create a customised LED lighting solution in your home or office using the very latest innovations from our comprehensive product catalogue. Contact us today to hear more!

The post What Does It Mean For An LED Light To Be A “Directional” Light Source? appeared first on Ledified.

Understanding Which Factors Impact The Final Price On LED Lights

Here at LEDified, our consumers often come to us for answers on why different LEDs can have a huge variance in pricing. Our team understands that quality lighting solutions make a major difference in final results. Knowing the different factors that affect the final price (as well as guaranteed hours and overall warranty) can help ensure that you pick a quality product for your lighting project.

The first thing we discuss with our partners? LED chips. This component actually generates the light inside the bulb, allowing the chip to have the biggest impact on the overall cost of the product. High quality chips are created to maintain a specific standard of light output as well as colour consistency. Additionally, manufacturers have to create chips that also fall into specific colour temperatures as well. Some products are so low quality that they don’t even use lighting chips; instead they utilise low-power chips better suited for other purposes. The higher the chip quality, the higher the overall price points.

Other Factors That Contribute To LED Product Pricing

Beyond the LED chip, there are other components that also impact final product pricing. The power management system, also known as the driver, is what helps convert light and keeps voltage flowing effectively. Lower quality drivers can cause over/underpowered final output.

Additionally, the heat management system also plays a key role in the pricing variances. Maintaining the right temperature inside the product is critical to ensure a long lasting lifespan. Lower quality parts won’t be able to properly manage temperatures inside the product, causing it to overheat.

Finally, it’s important to consider the quality of the LED’s lens. The lens is tasked with focusing and directing the light appropriately. Even with other higher quality components, a low quality lens can compromise the final results you’ll achieve.

Contact LEDified Today For Your Risk-Free Project Quote

Yes, LED lighting pricing can vary. But, when working with LEDified you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re getting top residential and commercial quality product brands at competitive pricing. Most importantly, when working with our team of experts for a customised lighting solution, LEDified actually helps you save money. Don’t spin wheels with other providers who only offer limited product lines. Contact us today with general inquiries or to request a risk-free project quote!

The post Why Do LEDs Vary In Price So Much? appeared first on Ledified.

The Concerns

The biggest concerns about LEDs and eye damage evolve around the brightness of the lights, UV exposure, and the blue light emitted.

• Brightness: There’s no question that LEDs are bright, but that’s not a bad thing. The trouble comes in when the wrong light or a too-bright light is used where it shouldn’t be. You must match the light to the intended use or you’ll cause eye strain. Use LED labelling to gauge how bright a light will be. The Correlated Colour Temperature is a good indicator if the light will be more warm or yellow in colour or a cooler blue or white. The Luminous Flux will tell you how much light the bulb puts out. Higher values equal more light.

• UV Exposure: It’s true that some ultraviolet and infrared LEDs exist, but they are not available for consumer use. The LEDs that are available for commercial and residential use produce UV light that is well below any threshold that could be a problem and they emit even less because that UV light is converted to white light by the phosphors in the lamp. One simple testament to the safety of LEDs from a UV standpoint is the fact that museums now routinely use LEDs to light their pieces and collections. UV light is known to fade colours and damage fabrics over time so the fact that museums are confident in the safety of LEDs should make you feel better about using them in your own home. LEDs will actually do much less damage to carpeting, draperies and window coverings, and painted surfaces than other types of bulbs.

• Blue Light: Blue light LEDs appear bright white or even blue to the eye, which can cause eye strain to those with light sensitivity. It’s not dangerous, but if these colours are irritating to you, stick to the warmer coloured LEDs, which are rated with a Kelvin or K value of under 3000. LEDs are routinely tested for photobiological safety, especially as the technology changes and advances.

Get Answers To Your LED Concerns From The Experts

If you still have questions or concerns about LED lights and using them in your business or home, contact the experts at LEDified. We are Australia’s #1 full service LED lighting specialist, providing on-site assessments of lighting needs by certified electricians who then recommend and install appropriate solutions. Learn more about LED lights at www.ledified.com.au.

The post LED Lights Are So Bright But Are They Safe? appeared first on Ledified.

Infographic created by Electrical Services DFW

LED Technology Beginnings

Sometimes it seems like they showed up overnight, but LED lights have actually been around in their earliest form since 1962! A GE employee by the name of Nick Holonyak, Jr. is credited with developing the first visible light spectrum LED. Originally red in colour, these early LEDs were used in alarm clocks and timers and as indicator lights on machinery. During the 1970’s advances in LED technology led to the development of green, orange, and yellow LEDs. It wasn’t until 1995, that a white LED light was developed. In 1997, white LED replacement bulbs hit the open market.

From there, the technology and manufacturing processes advanced. Many of these advances focused on new ways to use LED technology or improve the technical challenges of using or manufacturing LEDs. As this research turned into reality, LED costs dropped. This drop in production costs is what really pushed LEDs out into the consumer market and made them a viable lighting solution. When the cost of a 60W equivalent LED dropped nearly 40% in 2001 and 2012, sales of LED replacement bulbs surged 22% worldwide.

Today, LEDs are used for much more than lighting a home or business. These smart, energy-saving little lights can be found in automobiles as indicator lights or even brake lights or headlamps. They are also used in traffic signals and street lamps. Consumers will find them in TVs, display cases, and even toys, but the most widely recognised use is still as a replacement bulb in a home or business. By 2030, LED lights are expected to make up 75% of all lighting sales.

Install LED Technology In Your Home Or Business With Help From LEDified

If you have been undecided about LED lights and whether the technology has caught up with our lighting demands, you can put your fears to rest. We can say without a doubt that LED technology is here to stay and has advanced to the point that it is economically worthwhile to install LED lighting in your business or home.

To learn more about LED lighting options, contact LEDified at 13LEDS. We make the process of changing over to LED lighting simple. Our certified electricians provide on-site assessments and installation of LED lighting systems that are appropriate for your needs. Visit www.ledified.com.au to learn more about our residential and commercial LED services.

The post A Brief History Of LED Technology appeared first on Ledified.

What Is Colour Temperature?

Colour Temperature is a measure of visible light or a way of describing the colour characteristics of light. It is measured in Kelvins (K) and carries labels of “warm,” “bright,” “cool,” and “natural,” “neutral,” or “daylight.” The colour temperature of a light impacts not only our ability to see the colours of objects under the light, but it can also impact our mood, productivity, and even sleep patterns.

Understanding LED colour temperature ratings is an important step in choosing the right LED lights for your application or use. But to understand colour temperature, you need to first understand Kelvins.

Interpreting Kelvins

To explain the Kelvin Colour Temperature Scale, imagine a black object being heated, like a light bulb filament. At some point the object gets hot enough to glow. As it gets hotter its glowing colour will shift from deep red to orange, yellow, blue, and finally to white hot. Kelvins (K) measure the light that is emitted as the heated object glows hotter and hotter or brighter and brighter. In general, a lower K value means the light is at the warmer or softer end of the spectrum and appears yellow in colour. As values increase, the light becomes brighter, whiter and bluer in colour.

You will see light bulbs of all types with a colour temperature ratings. This rating is intended to help you figure out if the bulbs will give off a more yellow colour or a whiter or bluer colour. Your colour choice should be dictated by what room you are planning to use the bulb in.

• 2700-3000K: Warm White or Soft White lighting labels. These are yellowish in colour, most closely mimicking incandescent bulbs. They are a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
• 3500-4100K: Cool White, Neutral, or Bright White lighting labels. These bulbs work well in kitchens and work areas or garages.
• 5000-6500K: Natural or Daylight lighting labels. Perfect for reading, downlights, spotlight or security lights or commercial applications.

Learn More About LED Lights And Colour At LEDified.com.au

Now that you know what colour temperature is and how the Kelvin scale can be used to help you identify the colour characteristics of a bulb, you will have a much easier time selecting the right LED light for your needs. If you’re still unsure about choosing LEDs, contact LEDified at 13LEDS for help with selection and professional installation. We provide residential and commercial LED lighting solutions throughout Australia and we are Australia’s #1 full service LED Lighting Specialist. Learn more at http://ledified.com.au/.

The post Why Does LED Colour Temperature Matter? appeared first on Ledified.

Installing LEDs At Work: Breakdown Of Commercial Benefits

Leading a corporate venture means keeping a steady focus on every penny spent on operational costs. Whether you’re running a commercial, industrial or office space, installing LEDs in your commercial building can instantly yield an impressive range of benefits and advantages when compared to other lighting options. Quality LEDs offer business owners a light bulb with a longer lifespan. Their high performing features mean lower maintenance costs throughout the duration of their lifetime. Additionally, an LED lighting solution from LEDified runs at a lower running temperature when compared with other options. This lower running temperature can actually reduce overall HVAC costs.

Most importantly, working with LEDified for your lighting needs means that you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your business is operating up to OH&S lighting standards. Our average commercial customers save over $9000 per year in energy costs with LEDified and achieve a payback period of 19 months. Best of all, our innovative lighting solutions help your employees to enjoy a positive, productive work environment.

Installing LEDs At Home: Breakdown Of Residential Benefits

At LEDified, we know how important it is to stay on top of your household budget; using one of our customised residential lighting solutions can help. Our lighting products offer better quality light, giving you and your loved ones a comfortable experience at home. Additionally, much like our commercial products, our residential items offer a long lamp life, helping you keep overall costs down.

Of course, quality and cost aren’t the only factors to consider when choosing LED lighting solutions. Safety is also a major concern, for both our commercial and residential clients. LEDified’s EVA downlight is one of the first products in Australia to be certified as safe to install under thermal insulation and in close proximity to combustible material in accordance with the Draft AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2015 standard, giving you the peace of mind to know you are making the best lighting choice possible for any space you have.

Are you ready to hear more about LEDified’s comprehensive lighting services and solutions? We are Australia’s #1 full service LED lighting specialists. Our certified electricians can perform a thorough needs analysis, make appropriate recommendations and install the lights. Contact us today for more details!

The post Why Installing LEDs Is The Best Energy Savings Investment For Homes And Businesses appeared first on Ledified.

Times have changed. Today’s LED lights are more sophisticated and, as a result, offer a wide range of colour options. This additional range means that LEDs can be used in many more applications than you’d expect – indoors, outdoors, for full room lighting, downlights and more. There are even dimmable LEDs now!

The question isn’t “Should I switch to LEDs?” anymore. Now the question is “Which LED lights are right for each room of my house?”

3 Factors That Influence LED Light Choices

Choosing an LED light isn’t easy. There aren’t any strong industry standards yet, which makes it hard to compare brands to one another. What one manufacturer calls “warm white” may be quite a bit brighter than what another considers to be “warm white.” A lot of these differences have to do with manufacturing processes and the materials used in the construction of the LED. Sorting through the labels and choosing the right light can be easier if you know what to look for.

1. Colour Quality. The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures colour quality. The CRI is used to determine how faithfully colours are represented under various bulbs. CRI ratings range from 0-100. A score of 100 means the bulb emits a broad, even spectrum of colour, most closely to sunlight. Fluorescent bulbs rank around 70. Halogens rank very high, in the upper 90’s to 100. LEDs range from 70-90. Again, these differentiations are because of differences in manufacturing processes. If you know that fluorescent light quality is about 70 and sunlight is around 100, you can use these numbers and your familiarity with those types of light to figure out how objects will appear under your chosen LED, as long as you know the LED’s CRI number.

2. Colour Temperature. Colour Temperature is the label assigned to the colour given off by the bulb. These are the “warm,” “cool,” “bright,” and “natural” or “daylight” labels you see on the packages. Those labelled “cool” tend to be towards the blue end of the colour spectrum, making them brighter and whiter to the naked eye. Those labelled “warm” provide a more yellowish colour to our eyes. Colour Temperature is measured in Kelvins (K). Kelvins range from 2000-8000K. Direct sunlight is about 5000K. Halogens are about 3000K. Lights labelled as “warm white” are up to 3000K. “Cool white” lights are from 3100-45000K. “Bright white” or “daylight” is 4600K and higher. Typically “warm” bulbs are used in bedrooms, and living areas; they give off a calming light. “Cool” lights are used in garages and offices.

3. Intended Use or Application. How and where you intend to use the lights is the single biggest factor to consider when choosing an LED light. You would likely not want a bright white colour in your bedroom, for example. But it might be a good choice for a garage or as a security light. Equally as important as colour is the location where the light will be used. Most LEDs give off light in one direction, which makes them great for downlights and overhead lights. If you’re looking for a bulb that provides a wider band of light, such as one you’d use in a table or floor lamp, look for those labelled “omni-directional.” Likewise, if you want to dim your lights, you’ll need to find LEDs that are specially designed to be dimmable.

Choose The Right LED With Help From LEDified

Choosing the right LED doesn’t have to be frustrating. Contact LEDified for help finding the right LED lights for your needs. Our certified electricians can provide an on-site assessment of your lighting needs, recommend appropriate bulbs and fittings and install the LEDs for you. We pride ourselves on making the transition to LED lighting smooth and trouble-free. Learn more about LED lights at http://ledified.com.au/.

The post Choosing the Right LED Lights appeared first on Ledified.

But the fact of the matter is, LEDs are different. They are different from every other type of light bulb you’ve ever used. If you’ve ever switched a bulb to an LED you may have an idea of just how different they are. In most cases, these changes are great – they’re bright, they’re cool to the touch, they use less energy. But in some situations, you may be dismayed to find that your LED bulb didn’t last as long as you expected it to. Or maybe it flickered, buzzed, or didn’t turn on at all.

It’s in situations like this that professional LED lighting installation is necessary. Professional installation will ensure not only optimum function of the bulb, but safety as well.

Benefits Of Professional Installed LED Lighting By LEDified

LED lighting that has been installed by LEDified professionals starts with a thorough needs analysis and energy audit. Our technicians will review your existing lighting system, determine whether or not you can just replace your existing globes with LEDs, or will need new fixtures to support the LED lights. We take the time to understand the local electricity features such as the electrical rate, how many hours you expect to use the lights each day, and which utility delivers your power. This information helps us understand the power delivery and use characteristics and plan your retrofit or installation accordingly.

Armed with that data, we develop a comprehensive installation plan and take care of all the details for you, even down to recycling your old globes and handling any VEET or ESS paperwork that you might qualify for. All you have to do is kick back and relax, knowing that your new LED lights will be compliant with the most current electrical codes by professional electricians who know what they’re doing.

And if you’re worried about the additional cost of having a certified electrician install your new LED lighting, don’t be. At LEDified, professional installation is included on every job! We even provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety once the job is complete so you can rest easy knowing the lights are installed safely and will work as expected.

Learn More About LEDified’s Full-Service LED Lighting Installation

If you are ready to make the move to LEDs but don’t want to install them yourself and want the job done right the first time, contact LEDified on 13 LEDS. We’d be happy to discuss your project and develop recommendations that suit your needs. Visit us online at www.ledified.com.au.

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