Value of LEDs Over Incandescent Lighting
There are many areas of our world where improved technology has made a major impact, and the realm of lighting – including emergency lights for various first responders – is no exception. LED lighting is a top example here, replacing several other types of lights that were previously used, and one of the types that has been largely replaced by LEDs is the incandescent bulb.
At LED Equipped, we’re here to offer a wide range of emergency LED light bars, mini LED light bars and various other emergency vehicle lights to meet all your first response needs. What exactly is an LED, and what are some of the various reasons why LEDs have largely or even entirely replaced incandescent lights in various sectors and industries, including ours? Here are some basics to be aware of.
What LEDs Are
For those who are just learning about LEDs, it’s important to know what they are and how they function. LED stands for “light emitting diode,” a semiconductor device that’s used to convert electricity into light energy. They were first developed back in the 1960s, but only really began making major impacts in various industries over the last few decades.
This technology uses solid-state applications as opposed to the gas or filament methods of traditional lighting options, creating a difference in the way light is produced. While incandescent lights produce their light by sending electricity through a wire, which gets hot and glows in response, LEDs involve much more complex, layered chips that allow light to pass through in much more detailed and nuanced ways. While the precise science here is a bit too complex to go over in this blog, it leads to numerous advantages – which we’ll go over in our next few sections.
Improved Efficiency
Naturally, one of the first and most important areas where LEDs have made a major impact is in their efficiency over incandescent options. Incandescent lights waste huge amounts of energy, up to 90%, by producing heat instead of light.
In comparison, LED lights are much more efficient – they use an estimated 75% less energy than equivalent lamps, which not only cuts down on wasted energy, but also saves on utility costs. And in emergency lighting situations where every second counts, this extra efficiency is crucial.
Longer Lifespan
Another major advantage of LED lights over incandescent options is their much longer lifespan. While incandescent bulbs generally last for around 1000 hours at most, LEDs have an estimated lifespan of up to 50,000 hours – or over 11 years of continuous use. This not only reduces the need for constant replacements and maintenance, but also saves a significant amount of money in the long run.
This is especially valuable for first responders who rely on their emergency lights to work reliably at all times – the longer lifespan of LEDs means less downtime and more reliable equipment.
Smaller and Thinner
Furthermore, LEDs are much smaller and thinner than traditional lighting options, allowing for more versatile usage in a variety of situations. This is particularly important for emergency lights, where space and weight considerations can make a huge difference.
In addition to being used on emergency vehicles, LEDs have also made major impacts in other areas such as traffic signals, streetlights, and even home lighting fixtures. With their smaller size and increased efficiency, LEDs have allowed for more creative and practical lighting solutions in countless applications.
As technology continues to advance, it’s clear that LEDs will only continue to grow in importance and popularity. Whether you’re a first responder or just someone interested in the latest lighting innovations, keeping up with the advancements of LED technology is crucial.
Cooler Temperatures
As we noted above, incandescent lights work by lighting up a wire, which gets hot as electricity passes through it. This not only wastes energy, but also produces excess heat that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous in some situations.
On the other hand, LEDs produce much less heat and operate at cooler temperatures. This is another major advantage for first responders who may have to use their emergency lights for extended periods of time – with less heat being generated, there’s a reduced risk of overheating and other related hazards.
Withstanding Heavy Vibrations
One particular benefit for first responders of LEDs in comparison to incandescent lights is their ability to withstand heavy vibrations. With incandescent lights, the filaments can easily break when exposed to rough driving conditions or other types of vibration.
LEDs, however, are much more durable and resilient in these situations due to their solid-state construction. This makes them ideal for use on emergency vehicles that may need to navigate through rough terrain or other challenging environments.
Choosing the Ideal LEDs
If you’re in need of emergency lights for your first response vehicle, it’s important to choose the right LED options for your specific needs. Some factors to consider as a first responder include:
- Light type: We offer a wide range of LEDs, including light bars, strobe lights, and surface mounts. Consider the types of situations you may encounter as a first responder and choose the right type accordingly.
- Mounting options: Depending on your vehicle and personal preferences, there are various mounting options to choose from – for example, permanent or magnetic mounts.
- Additional features: Some LED lights come with additional features such as built-in sirens or adjustable light patterns. Consider these features and how they may benefit you in your line of work.
By considering all of these factors, you can choose the ideal LEDs for your first response vehicle that will provide reliable and effective lighting in any situation. With their numerous advantages over incandescent lights, it’s clear why LEDs have become the go-to option for first responders and other professionals in need of high-quality, efficient lighting solutions. So whether you’re a first responder or just someone interested in staying up-to-date with the latest technology, it’s worth keeping an eye on the advancements of LED lighting and how they can benefit us all.
At LED Equipped, we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line LED lighting solutions for first responders and other professionals. With our extensive selection of high-quality, durable LEDs and unbeatable customer service, we are committed to helping you find the perfect lighting options for your specific needs. So why wait? Browse our website today and see how LEDs can make a difference in your everyday life.