LED Lighting

Please note: This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified electrician or lighting specialist before upgrading your business lighting.

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are a semiconductor technology that converts electrical energy directly into light, using significantly less electricity than traditional lighting. Unlike fluorescent tubes and halogens, which waste a large proportion of energy as heat, LEDs have become the preferred choice for commercial buildings due to their low power consumption, long lifespan, and durability.

Contents

1. What are LEDs?
2. Potential Impacts
3. Important Considerations When Switching to LED
   1. Retrofit LED vs LED Light Fixture
   2. Luminosity and Illuminance
   3. Wattage
   4. Flicker
   5. Lighting Controls

What are LEDs?

Traditional lighting such as fluorescent tubes and halogens are inherently wasteful, releasing a large amount of consumed electricity as heat rather than light. LEDs eliminate most of this waste by converting electrical energy directly into light. Their compact size, low power consumption, and durability have made them the dominant choice for commercial lighting upgrades, and switching to LEDs is one of the simplest steps businesses can take as part of a broader carbon reduction plan.

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Potential Impacts

• Energy Savings: LEDs use significantly less electricity than traditional lighting and can be further optimised with controls such as PIR sensors and dimmable switches.
• Lower Emissions: Reduced electricity consumption directly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Scope 3 emissions reduction targets for organisations in the supply chain.
• Long Lifespan: LEDs last up to 50,000 hours, significantly reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
• Light Quality: LEDs provide a high colour rendering index and instant full brightness with no warm-up time.
• No Hazardous Materials: Unlike fluorescent tubes, LEDs contain no mercury or other hazardous materials, making them easier to recycle responsibly.
• Limitations: LEDs may not be suitable for high-temperature environments, and colour stability can vary slightly over time with lower-quality products.

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Important Considerations When Switching to LED

Retrofit LED vs LED Light Fixture

When upgrading to LEDs, businesses can either retrofit LED lamps into existing fittings or replace the entire luminaire. Retrofit LEDs offer a wide product range and easy installation but may experience reduced efficacy due to compatibility issues with older fittings. Full LED light fixtures optimise performance with purpose-built components but come at a higher upfront cost and require more complex installation.

Luminosity and Illuminance

Different areas of a business require varying forms and quantities of light depending on their function. Luminosity, measured in lumens, ensures adequate light output. Illuminance guides upgrade decisions based on the tasks performed and the light levels required. LEDs often provide sufficient illuminance with fewer fittings than traditional lighting, reducing overall electricity demand. The CIBSE Lighting Guides provide detailed illuminance recommendations by space type.

Wattage

Wattage measures how much energy per second a light requires to operate. LEDs frequently have a lower wattage than traditional lights while still producing the same level of light output. Always consider wattage alongside luminosity when comparing LED options to ensure like-for-like replacements.

Flicker

Poor-quality LEDs may emit flicker, which can cause headaches and eye strain. Flicker at specific frequencies near moving machinery can also create a stroboscopic effect, potentially causing workplace accidents. This is a critical consideration in manufacturing or industrial environments and should be assessed before specifying LED products. Refer to HSE guidance on workplace lighting for further detail.

Lighting Controls

Lighting controls are crucial for maximising the energy savings from LED installations. Options include motion sensors (PIR), time controls, and daylight sensors, which tailor lighting to occupancy and natural light levels. Properly configured controls prevent unnecessary energy consumption and can significantly enhance the return on investment from an LED upgrade.

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