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LEDs have been around for a long time. Why have they become more popular in recent years?

When LEDs were first introduced, the technology behind them was unrefined so it took significant investment from manufacturers to really push the boundaries of what could be achieved.

Osram has been conducting research and development into LEDs since 1972, and is one of the few suppliers worldwide that manufactures LEDs itself.

The first major development in LED technology was the introduction of bright LEDs in the 1980s, which were up to 10 times brighter than previous models.

This was followed by the invention of white LEDs in the early 1990s.

Since then, the LED product offering has continued to expand, and so too have the possibilities for their use in general lighting applications.

LEDs are emerging as real competitors to fluorescent and halogen lighting, and we estimate that the LED market is now growing at a phenomenal rate, in excess of 34% each year until 2010.

What types of LEDs are currently available and how are they used?

Primarily, LEDs are available in three types high-flux, low-output and dynamic. High-flux LEDs have greater outputs and are used for illumination; low-output LEDs are smaller and are often used for way-finding; while dynamic LED systems provide colour-changing capabilities.

These can be singular or modular to increase the range of lighting effects.

LEDs are small light sources, which make them ideal for a range of applications, even where space is limited. They are durable, insensitive to vibration, emit minimal heat and contain little or no ultraviolet, thus further increasing their scope.

Typical applications for LED lighting modules and systems include illuminated signs, interior design and general lighting, traffic signalling, directional lighting in buildings, escape-route marking, bespoke luminaires, built-in luminaires and architectural lighting.

LEDs are also used for effect, back, accent and safety lighting, and RGB displays. They are particularly efficient when coloured lighting is required as, unlike general lighting products, LEDs emit coloured light directly without part of the spectrum being filtered out.

Do LEDs perform well against other lighting alternatives in terms of energy-efficiency?

Artificial lighting accounts for 19% of the world’s energy consumption, so energy-efficiency is rightly at the top

of most lighting manufacturers’ priorities.

LEDs offer low energy consumption so can deliver tangible benefits. Traditional incandescent lamps are around 9% efficient, while LEDs can achieve 40% efficiency or more.

To demonstrate this, if you replace a 60 W Classic A light fitting with an LED alternative, such as the Osram Dragontape, the LED fitting will reduce energy consumption by 73% and extend the life of the light by 2 500%. That’s a phenomenal saving in cost and maintenance. even when compared with a halogen light.

By replacing a 35 W low-voltage halogen light with a Dragontape, energy consumption will be reduced by 42% and the life of the fitting will be prolonged by 625%.

It is also important to note that LEDs can be powered by sustainable energies such as solar power (photovoltaic arrays), small wind turbines and fuel cells.

As the development of LEDs continues, our research suggests that efficiencies are set to increase further in the future. It is only a matter of time before they become a focus for any specifier or contractor who is concerned about aesthetics and about the environment.

‘Plug and play’ variations coming to market, including modular options, are all energy-efficient.

In the past, some contractors have found it problematic to install LEDs. Are they easier to fit now?

Very much so. Early LEDs were quite tricky to install as they often required wiring or soldering. The market has now moved towards ‘plug and play’ modules, which are much easier to install and control digitally.

To achieve the most from an LED installation, we advise contractors that the components they use must be chosen carefully.

LEDs require a power supply to optimise the operation of the light and, when used with various dimming protocols, the light sources can be sequenced through a spectrum, creating dynamic effects.

A cheap or low-quality power supply can cause a flickering effect. By specifying high-quality components and LED modules, it is easy to create optimum lighting effects.

What is the life span of an average LED?

LED lifetimes vary between 30 000 hours up to 100 000 hours (red LEDs). This means that LEDs can last up to 30 years, offering benefits in terms of maintenance.

It is for this reason that high-output LEDs are increasingly being used in areas where other light sources were once fitted, such as in signage or pelmet lighting, where access is difficult and maintenance or replacement of the lamps could be an issue.

What legislation covers the installation of LEDs?

There are various new IEC standards for LED power supplies and control gear, but there are no specific regulations governing the use of LEDs. However, they could be considered under Part L of the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø Regulations.

This legislation demands that a certain number of low-energy light fittings must be installed within new-build offices and commercial properties as well as new-build homes.

The requirement is to provide lighting systems that are energy-efficient, have the opportunity for good energy management and have been properly commissioned.

Fittings in new-build properties must have integrated ballasts within the fitting to ensure only low-energy bulbs can be replaced, to eliminate the installation of standard low-efficiency incandescent lamps.

As a guide, the legislation specifies that for a building with one to three rooms, a minimum of one low-energy fitting is required. This rises to two low-energy fittings for a building with four to six rooms; three for a property with seven to nine rooms and four for 10-12 rooms.

LED lighting offers low energy consumption and high energy-efficiency, so use within a new-build property can help specifiers and lighting designers meet carbon-emission targets and comply with the regulations.

What LED training is available for contractors and lighting designers?

Training on the use of LEDs is not widely available, which is why Osram is holding half-day training courses at 10 football stadiums across the UK and the Republic of Ireland this month and next month.

The training course, Preparing you for the future of lighting, takes delegates through the theory and practice of how to design and install LED lighting solutions and explains how to obtain maximum benefit from LEDs. This includes how to achieve optical enhancement and dramatic, atmospheric mood lighting.

Issues including Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, heat sinking and thermal management will also be explored at the seminars, as an understanding of these is vital to competently design and install LED systems, and for them to work at optimum performance level.

For more information, circle the appropriate number on the Enquiry card or see www.emconline.co.ukOsram 172