MagillFassett26

The Workings And Features Of LED Light Bulbs

Since the compact florescent light bulb has started to rapidly replace the aging incandescent light bulb in recent years, a different kind of bulb is emerging that will replace them both. The light emitting diode (LED) bulb has features that make it a superior technology.

Whereas the incandescent bulb makes light in a vacuum and the compact florescent bulb does so in a tube, the LED is referred to as solid-state lighting. It's solid state since it uses solid matter, a semiconductor, to generate light.

The semiconductor is made with both a positively and negatively charged component. The positive layer has little openings for the free electrons coming from the negative component to go through. When an electrical charge is applied to the semiconductor, a stream of excited electrons passing through the holes emits a light.

The two great benefits of LED light bulbs are their long life and energy efficiency. They only use about one tenth as much electrical energy as usual bulbs and thus offer enormous savings in power expenses as well as a decreased carbon footprint. This actually makes them both cost effective and eco friendly.

Their solid state construction and really low heat emissions give them a longer lifespan. LED light bulbs significantly outlast even compact florescent bulbs and could easily last for a decade or much longer in normal use. This not just saves on the cost of the bulb, but it also saves time and replacement costs. A lot better suited to survive rough handling and outdoor conditions, a LED light bulb could be relied on to work when required most.

Since they reach their full brightness almost immediately and are in fact mercury free, LEDs solve a couple of main issues that compact fluorescent bulbs have (mercury content as well as lag time in reaching total brightness).

LED light bulbs are built to emit a very directional light so the light may be aimed precisely where it's required. Additionally, their light is closer to the colour of daylight, which research indicate helps people stay alert.

Until recent changes in the technology, the construction of the LED induced a lot of the light to be trapped inside. This and the bluish light they typically emitted brought about a dimmer light that made LEDs unpleasant for home use.

LEDs are now much brighter though and could emit exactly the same soft, white light regular bulbs do.

One disadvantage with LEDs that has not been corrected yet is cost. While their power savings and really long life mean LEDs are cost-effective and save money in the long run, they're not likely to attain mass consumer acceptance until their costs come more in step with other sorts of bulbs. Though their costs are coming down, LED light bulbs are still relatively pricey.

As soon as their prices come down more, LEDs are likely to become the standard and dominate lighting unless a greater technology appears.