expert at aspectled Written by Marty Lemke | A Leader in LED Technology

Essential Knowledge About LED Lighting for Electricians

Understanding LED Technology:

LED lights utilize a different technology than traditional incandescent lights. Incandescent bulbs generate light by heating a filament until it glows, which results in a significant amount of energy being lost as heat. In contrast, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) produce light through a process called electroluminescence. When electrical energy passes through a semiconductor material within the LED, it directly emits photons, or light. This process is highly efficient because it directly converts electrical energy into light without the generation of heat. This minimizes energy loss making LEDs more energy efficient and long lasting than their incandescent counterparts.

Additionally, LEDs are versatile and can be adapted for a wide range of lighting applications, from strip lights to recessed fixtures, offering flexibility in design and installation. Their energy efficiency and longevity make them a cost-effective choice for both residential and commercial lighting solutions.

Types of LED Lighting:

Key components of lighting systems:

Efficiency and Sustainability of LED Lights:

Energy-Saving Benefits of LEDs vs. Traditional Lighting

Lumens are the measurement of the total light output from a light source. Watts refers to power consumption. A 60-watt incandescent bulb produces around 850 lumens, which equals approximately 14 lumens per watt. LEDs, on the other hand, generate about 100 lumens per watt, making them far more efficient than incandescent bulbs.

Environmental Benefits: Why Clients Prefer LED Solutions

Incandescent lights generate light by heating a filament, which causes most of their energy to be wasted as heat. This heat loss is why they require a glass enclosure. Since LEDs convert energy directly into light, they operate at much cooler temperatures for added safety. The efficiency of LEDs also allows them to be smaller and more compact, enabling them to be used in applications where incandescent bulbs wouldn’t be practical.

Compliance with Energy Regulations and Certifications

Certain states, such as California, have specific regulations governing lighting efficiency. These regulations are part of programs like Title 24, JA8, and Title 20, which set the standards for energy-efficient lighting.

Common Installation Challenges and Solutions:

What type of power supply do I need for my light installation?

A power supply is essential when your fixture's voltage differs from your power source voltage, such as converting 110VAC from a wall outlet to 24VDC for LED strip lights. However, if you already have a compatible low voltage power source, like in marine or RV settings, you may not need an additional power supply. Determining the correct power supply for a project is going to depend on multiple factors. It's critical to ensure compatibility between your power supply, fixtures, and dimmers to avoid damaging the lights and to avoid performance issues like flickering. Various dimming options (ELV, MLV) and controller options are available, each designed for specific applications. We recommend loading a power supply no more than 80% of its wattage capacity for best performance and longevity. This is important to keep in mind when determining the number of fixtures a power supply can support. Power supplies can also be installed remotely, provided voltage drop is accounted for.

What is maximum run length for my strip lights?

The maximum run length of LED strip lights refers to the total amount of strip that can be daisy-chained from a single connection before voltage drop impacts performance. This limit, determined by Ohm's Law, is influenced by the resistance within the strip's wiring and the power requirements of the LEDs. The max run length varies depending on the brightness and power requirements of the strip. Exceeding the maximum run length can cause increased resistance, overheating, and reduced LED lifespan.

Why are my LED lights flickering?

LED flickering issues are often caused by incompatible power supplies and dimmer switches, or incorrect power supply size. Voltage fluctuations and power supply mismatches can lead to erratic lighting, while using outdated or unsuitable dimmers, especially those designed for incandescent bulbs, can cause further complications. To ensure flicker-free LED performance, it’s essential to ensure the type of dimming the power supply uses matches the dimmer switch, and that the power supply is sized correctly for the project. For our dimmable power supplies, we recommend a load of 60%-80% of the power supply’s wattage capacity. Additionally, it’s important to select dimmers that are compatible with LED technology, particularly trailing-edge dimmers, for smooth operation. Properly matching these components is key to maintaining consistent, long-lasting LED lighting.

What do IP ratings mean?

LED lights are known for their energy efficiency, durability, and versatility, but protecting them from environmental elements like dust and water, based on application, is necessary. This is where IP ratings (Ingress Protection) come into play, classifying the degree of protection against solids and liquids. The IP rating consists of two digits: the first indicates protection against solids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (fully dustproof), and the second indicates protection against liquids, with higher numbers offering greater resistance. For example, IP20 offers minimal dust resistance and no water protection, IP65 is splash resistant, and IP68 can withstand continuous immersion in water.

Safety Standards and Code Compliance:

LED systems, like any other lighting solutions, must adhere to established electrical codes and safety standards. Installation of LED systems follows the same guidelines outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically NFPA 70, which is updated every three years. LEDs offer several safety advantages, including lower voltage operation, reduced power consumption, and less heat generation. These factors contribute to a longer lifespan and enhanced safety during installation and use.

Common Uses of LED Lighting

  • General Lighting: Lighting for general use in a space. Typically seen in the ceiling or overhead indoors, and area lighting for outdoor spaces.
  • Task Lighting: More focused, usable light for performing a variety of tasks.
  • Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is designed to highlight and emphasize a variety of architectural elements, artwork and décor, advertising, and other specific features in a space.

Common Applications for LED Lights

  • Pergola Lighting: Enhancing your pergola with LED strip lights, recessed lights, and in-ground lights boosts safety, extends outdoor activities, and adds to the beauty of your space. With LED lighting, you can enjoy your pergola well into the night, making it the perfect spot for hosting events, playing yard games, grilling, or spending quality time with loved ones, regardless of the hour.
  • Stair Lighting: Installing LED strip lights on your staircase not only elevates its visual appeal but also significantly improves safety, making each step more visible.
  • Toe Kick Lighting: Toe kick lighting is a growing trend in renovations, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. LED strip lights help define cabinets and illuminate pathways, serving as an excellent complement to general lighting. LED toe kick lighting is energy-efficient, long-lasting, and capable of creating a variety of lighting effects to enhance the overall ambiance.
  • Exterior Soffit Lighting: Soffit lighting is a modern trend in exterior home design, providing a sleek, recessed look typically seen indoors but adapted for outdoor use. Our recessed LED lights are the ideal choice for this type of installation.
  • Cove Lighting: For cove and edge lighting, we recommend our flexible LED strip lights. A linear light spread throughout the entire cove ensures a continuous, uniform appearance.
  • Under-Cabinet Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting adds both beauty and functionality to your kitchen or workspace. Whether installed in a kitchen, office, bathroom, or entertainment center, you'll quickly enjoy the benefits of this easy-to-install lighting solution.
  • Shelving Lighting: LED strip lights can transform ordinary shelves into visually striking and functional displays. Perfect for highlighting art, illuminating books, or adding accent lighting, LED shelf lighting offers versatile solutions tailored to your needs.
  • Shower Niche Lighting: LED strip lights in a shower niche not only enhance the bathroom's design by highlighting the niche but also provide practical illumination, making it easier to see and access your shower essentials.
  • Landscape Lighting: Installing low-voltage landscape lighting enhances the aesthetic appeal, safety, and security of outdoor living spaces such as yards, gardens, decks, docks, and patios. LED fixtures like spotlights, floodlights, pathway lights, hardscape lights, in-ground lights, and recessed in-wall lights are ideal for outdoor landscape installations.
  • Pool Lighting: LED lighting is essential for creating a safe and enjoyable pool environment. It offers superior ambiance and energy efficiency compared to traditional lighting, making it the perfect choice for illuminating pools during nighttime swims or enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

Final Thoughts

As LED technology continues to advance, it has become the go-to solution for both residential and commercial lighting needs. Electricians who understand the intricacies of LED systems—from their fundamental operation to the wide range of applications—are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient, sustainable, and versatile lighting solutions. Whether installing LED lights in a pergola, under cabinets, or in complex outdoor landscapes, the benefits of LEDs are clear: they offer superior efficiency, enhanced safety, and unmatched flexibility in design.

By staying informed about the latest developments in LED technology, electricians can ensure that their installations not only comply with safety standards and codes but also deliver the high performance that clients expect. As more consumers recognize the environmental and cost-saving advantages of LED lighting, the role of knowledgeable electricians becomes even more crucial in guiding them toward the best solutions for their specific needs. Embracing LED technology is not just about keeping up with trends; it's about leading the way in creating brighter, safer, and more energy-efficient spaces.