FAQs

LEDs are very similar to a solar panel in reverse. Instead of receiving light and producing electricity the silicon excites when electricity hits the diode and produces light. LED is by far one of the most commercially viable energy efficient light sources that produce significantly more light per watt than most other forms of traditional lighting. The physical size of a LED is very small (approx. 3-10mm diameter for DIP and 3-10mm square for SMD) and due to this they are VERY versatile.

Typical lamps require a 240 volts to operate but LED can use as little as 2 or 3 volts, although there is 12V halogen lighting the amount of extra power required to convert the voltage down is significantly reduced as LED power consumption is quite low in comparison.  

For more information visit the Wikipedia page on LEDs.

LEDs are a solid state electronic device which means there are huge reductions in breakages in shipping and reduction in hazardous materials required for the light to operate. No glass, no infra red, no ultra violet damage, no mercury, no pressurised gases, no explosions, and almost no fire risk due to significant heat production. LED is the safer way of lighting. Heat is a direct by-product of traditional bulbs, whilst similar to solar panels, a reduction in heat improves efficiency with LED technology.

Different properties of LED chips on circuit boards can create most colours of light in the colour spectrum. For many years changes in lighting from incandescent to halogen to fluorescent to metal halide were all just different ways of doing the same thing with different effects.

LED technology has changed the way we think about lighting and reinvented the light globe. The same advancements that allowed faster computer chips and similar technology efficiencies has grown to the LED, allowing brighter, smaller, less expensive and more advanced lighting.

For more information visit the Wikipedia page on LED Lighting

Shock resistant: LED lights are a solid state designed component due to this they are reasonably resistant to breakages caused by transit, being dropped or similar events.

Explosion resistant: Unlike conventional lighting LED lights do not operate at extremely high temperatures in a vacuum which can cause explosions when failing. 

Multi-dimensional Controllability: A nice big word to remember, MDC is a term to describe the possibilities with LED lighting. Because LED lights come in a vast range of colours, sizes, shapes, bases, designs, efficiencies, fixings etc. the possibilities of easily developing a custom size fitting are almost limitless.

Savings: LED lights run with up to 95% less energy consumption compared to most Halogen and incandescent globes and up to staggering 60%+ less energy consumption compared to fluorescent globes and tubes which means you not only save money but you're helping save our environment.

Safety: LED lights are safer to use in the home, pose a lower threat to house fires due to heat, provide protection against rising energy costs and are electrically safe and are cool to touch for childrens lamps.

Light Quality: LED lights more focused lighting provides ample light for all conditions, whether you are replacing tubes, halogens, incandescents or CFLs you will instantly find the light a more stable, crisp, clear light with distinctive colouring to suit.

Instant ON: LED lights have the ability to be turned on and off and to full capacity quicker than any other form of lighting. There is no flickering like CFLs and no lengthy warm up times.

Dimming: LED lights can be dimmed provided that the electronic components allow this. Generally you will need to use a LED driver and suitable dimmer pot to allow this.

Life: LED lights in general have a life expectancy of 25,000 - 100,000 hours. This means that even operating for 8 hours a day you should see your lights exceed 15 years with our high quality LED lights.

Temperature: LED lighting produces far less heat than conventional lighting, in some cases where an array of lights are used you can even save on your cooling bills!

Junction temperature is the temperature at the point where an individual diode connects to its base. Maintaining a low junction temperature increases output and slows LED lumen depreciation. Junction temperature is a key metric for evaluating an LED product's quality and ability to deliver a long life expectancy.

The three things affecting junction temperature are: drive current, thermal path, and ambient temperature. In general, the higher the drive current, the greater the heat generated at the die. Heat must be moved away from the die in order to maintain expected light output, life, and color. The amount of heat that can be removed depends upon the ambient temperature and the design of the thermal path from the die to the surroundings. [Source: DOE]

GU10 is a derivative of the MR16 in which typically has a similar facia but uses a bayonet type base.

E27 and E14 generally found in Australia are types of Edison screw bases. There are other sizes ranging from E5 to E40 and are common across the world. The number allocated relates to diameter of the base.

B22 and B15 are very similar to the Edison screw bases, but are instead of a bayonet nature. These bayonet cap bases usually have 2 prongs on either side of the base and are fixed by a push and twist action. 

PAR is also a unit of bulb measurement. In this system of lamp identification the first number listed denotes the maximum diameter of the lamp expressed as a number of 1/8's of an inch. 

For example, some common sizes are: