Frequently Asked Questions

LED light is much more efficient at converting electrical energy into brightness. LED light is up to 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent. Ninety-five percent of the energy in LED light is converted into light, and only 5% is wasted. High-efficiency CFLs are more expensive and produce only half the amount of power compared to LED light.

LEDs have no gases, filaments and no moving parts to fatigue. They provide light through a one-step process that takes place within the diode. There is no glass to break or screwed contacts to loosen.

LEDs are made of electronic components that need to be packaged together to offer long lasting efficient light sources to the end user. An LED bulb contains elements such as sapphire gallium, ceramic, rare earth phosphors, silicone, solder and gold wire that add to the overall cost. White LEDs require further tests for calibration and standardization.

Although the initial cost of conventional light sources is less than LEDs, the operational and maintenance costs of LED are significantly lower. LEDs, having a longer life, reduced maintenance and lamp replacement cost. Because LEDs need to be replaced less frequently, the owner spends less on new lamps and the labour needed to change them. LEDs also consume less energy; thus the overall cost of a LED system can be significantly lower than that of conventional lighting systems.

• The lamp base/holder screw fixing position.
• The physical dimension of the LED lamp and how it fits into the existing housing.

• The electrical characteristics of LEDs compared to the existing system (voltage, control methods).

• The location and size of the light emitting surface in relation to the luminaire reflector and in comparison to the original light source.

• The light distribution, lumen output and other photometric properties like colour temperature in comparison to the original light source.

• The heat generated by the LED during operation and the maximum operating temperature.

LEDs can produce concentrated beams at specific frequencies of light. LEDs can be designed to emit specific parts of the light spectrum that activate certain photoreceptors in the plant mimicking the sun without the UV rays. For example, blue light promotes phototropism and cryptochromes which help germination and elongation of the plant, while red light stimulates phytochromes which help the plant to flower at the optimum time. Regulation of the spectrum of light based on the plants life cycle promotes faster growth, and a stronger plant than what would be produced under sunlight conditions.

Note that the light output of LEDs lessens at higher temperatures. You should make sure that the luminaire is suitable for environmental conditions.

Most insects are primarily attracted to Ultra-violet rays, which help them forage, navigate and select mates. LEDs do not have UV content and hence do not attract many insects compared to conventional light sources.

LEDs do not emit ultra-violet light and do not carry heat in the beam, unlike their conventional counterparts. This helps keep food fresher in refrigerators and cold stores.

It is important to compare the spectral power distribution of the light source (SPD), the colour Rendering Index (CRI), Correlated colour Temperature (CCT) and the colour Quality Scale (CQS) of the light source relative to the nature of exhibits/displays to be lit. The illumination level needed within the exhibition and the hours of operation also need to be considered. This is a specialist area, and proper set up of lighting requires the advice of an experienced contractor.

In retail and display environments where the range of products change by the season, the colours can be changed to match the type of product on display. For example, electronic goods may require a cool white light while a warmer tone may be required for fabrics. When a fashion season has blue as a theme, the store can utilize a colour of light with more blue in its spectrum to enhance and bring out the vibrancy of the display.

LEDs offer the capability of changing from warm white to cool white through digital controls. This can be used indoors or partly outdoor environments where the illumination level and colour temperature needs to be adjusted to match the conditions (e.g. sunny, clear sky or overcast) depending on the feel required in the space.

Flickering lights can induce headaches and migraines. LEDs do not flicker. In addition, LEDs have the capability to offer “biologically optimized” solutions that simulate the colour temperature of the sky. These have been proven to improve concentration and maintain alertness of students in classrooms. One way of creating the appropriate colour temperature is by using a combination of independently controlled blue and white LEDs.

LED bulbs do indeed generate heat as does anything that consumes electricity but they produce heat at a fraction of the amount that incandescent or halogen do. LEDs consume a lot less energy and are much more efficient in how they use that energy versus traditional bulb types. The ultimate temperature at which the external housing of the LED will operate at is influenced by the temperature of the room and the fixture it is placed in.

A vapour-tight is an LED light fixture designed to keep out dust and water from entering. Vapour tights provide very powerful lighting in harsh environments. Not to be confused with vapour proof lighting. Vapour proof lighting fixtures are designed to protect against hazards such as harmful fumes, non-combustible dust, moisture, and gases.

VL Lighting Solutions only offers the highest quality products and our service can best be described as involved, detailed and dedicated and we know that this sets us apart. We specialize in large scale industrial and commercial lighting solutions with many years of knowledge and expertise in a wide range of industries such as lighting for, plazas, museums, galleries, warehouses, greenhouses and office spaces.  

VL Lighting’s products are tested before shipping, and the warranty return rate is less than 1%. If you do have a problem with a fixture, please contact us at 1-800-495-2677.

Based on your lighting needs and the existing lighting, if any, we will work with you to compile a solution that best fits your needs, timeline, and budget.

Unlike fluorescent tubes which have small amounts of mercury, and PCBs, LEDS are non-toxic.