Main Factors That Determine the lifespan of LED Lightings

Time：2015-07-25　Views：3878　Compile：SUNPER

Common sense dictates that a light source leaves as little a carbon footprint and provides a greater economic return when it lasts for a longer time. Over time, though, and depending on how the light source is designed, the luminous flux in each source gradually decreases, and each component similarly breaks down in a similar way. When a lighting source is well-designed, then you can expect that it will last for a long time and require little to no maintenance.

LED lightings are one of the best sources of lighting that are very versatile in many applications. You can extend the lifespan of these excellent lighting sources even further by considering important factors when choosing or designing your LED systems.

1. Efficiency

LEDs and its modules are driven and produced at a single current range. You may possibly supply the LED all according to the diagrams and features (see the datasheet) on different currents, such as 500mA or 350mA, for example. There are a lot of systems that power the LED up at the upper end of higher current ranges, but it poses a problem. Remember that a lower current releases less energy, and that also lowers the production of heat. Therefore, the overall system is much more efficient than ones in the higher ranges. The lower LED module is also expected to operate and live longer than its higher LED module counterpart.

2. Acid Conditions

LEDs that operate under extreme conditions such as in factories that produce volatile chemicals or other acidic products used to treat swimming pools, or a LED system that operates in a climate close to the sea that naturally has a high salt content should be carefully considered and placed in a closed housing material that also has a suitably high IP rating to ensure longevity and optimal performance.

3. Heat

Heat can directly interfere with LED lightings in terms of its luminous flux and life cycle. A good heat sink prevents the system from becoming too hot and exceeding the allowable ambient temperature around the LED or the source itself. A consistently cooler ambient temperature means that the LED would live longer and work more efficiently, while providing light quality at an optimal level.

4. Mechanical Effects

How well a product is put together, or mechanical tension in professional terms, plays an integral role in the manufacturing and overall quality of LED lightings. A shoddy assembly and improper handling of the LED light and its effects can cause a shorter lifespan or worse, a non-working LED. Electrostatic Discharge, or ESD, is one of the worst offenders in this category. Even a short burst of a high current pulse may inadvertently damage the LED system's driver and its other sensitive parts.

5. Humidity

Though the LED by itself is naturally tough and durable even when subject to a damp environment, the other parts of LED lightings such as the connections, the electronic devices and miniscule metal parts get worn out fast. Corrosion is not uncommon, so take additional measures in protecting your LED system against factors such as humidity.