Before deciding to install LED lighting systems, many organisations will have a number of questions. We’ve covered a lot of these questions, whether it was general information or specifics such as cost and profit.
We’ve barely touched upon one of the most important topics in LED lighting. In this post, we answer the all-important question “How long will the LED lights last?”
LEDs and other lights: A difference that is evident
Comparing the lifespan of LED floodlights with other lighting technologies available today is a great way to determine how durable they are. Metal-halide- and halogen systems are the most common LED alternatives for floodlights.
The table below shows that the lifespan of floodlights varies significantly between the three types of lighting technologies.
Clearly, LEDs have a longer lifespan than metal-halide and halogen alternatives. For context, an LED floodlight’s lifespan can be up to 8 times greater than a metal-halide equivalent, and up to 25 times greater than a halogen unit.
It’s not as useful to know how long the lights will last if you compare them based on hours. Most businesses consider how long it will take to replace an asset or upgrade one when making a capital purchase.
It is, however, much harder to give a definitive answer as to how long an LED floodlight will last. The use of floodlights can vary significantly across industries and even within the same industry. We can estimate the lifespan of a system using some averages.
The table below was created with two assumptions in mind.
* A usage rate of 2,000 hours per year.
* The “worst-case” life expectancy for each floodlight (i.e. The LED has a lifespan of 30,000 hours, the metal-halide 6,000, etc.
The hourly figures can be converted to the following based on these assumptions:
This has obvious implications in terms of cost. In order to replace a single LED floodlight, an organization using other lamps would have to buy multiple bulbs: five for metal-halides and up to 15 for halogens.
The cost of the materials is not the only thing to consider. Organisations using old technologies such as metal-halide or halogen must also plan for maintenance costs. This can often require specialist equipment and support, such as cherry-pickers.
How can I prolong the life of my LED floodlights?
LEDs are a better investment than other alternatives. However, it is understandable that most organizations want to make sure their LEDs remain operational as long as they can. In order to achieve this, four factors deserve special attention.
1. The right build for the environment
There are differences between LED floodlights, particularly when it comes down to the crucial issue of build. Cheaper materials may not only affect a luminaire’s performance but also make it more vulnerable to environmental factors like high temperatures or the salinity of maritime environments.
It is therefore important to choose the right product (and manufacturer) for your requirements. Additions like heat sinks or stainless steel bodies will help counteract some of these threats and keep your LEDs at peak performance for longer, even under the most demanding conditions. The longevity of your LEDs can be greatly improved by choosing the correct floodlights.
2. Dimming and other controls: How to make the most of them
The diodes used by LEDs are dimmable inherently. This is a major advantage over other technologies for floodlighting. Metal halide and halogen lights are always set to their maximum output, but LEDs allow you to quickly and easily switch the brightness down as needed.
This flexibility allows LED luminaires to be less stressed when their full output isn’t required. LEDs are also more energy efficient than legacy lighting technology because they switch on instantly. This means that their lifespan is extended even further.
3. Choose a lighting supplier that offers a comprehensive guarantee
As with all technology, there are times when things go wrong. It is important to protect your investment with a long-lasting and comprehensive manufacturer’s guarantee.
A warranty not only gives you the assurance that you are covered for any unexpected failures, but also shows you the confidence of the manufacturer in their product. VKS, for example, offers an industry-leading warranty of 5-7 years. This is testament to the company’s commitment to provide the best quality products on the market.
4. Following the maintenance instructions of the manufacturer
LED floodlights require less maintenance than older lighting systems. A well-built LED light fixture will not require much maintenance over its lifetime, except for occasional cleaning.
It is important to understand and read the instructions and guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer before receiving a new LED system. This will ensure you get the best possible information about how to maintain your LED luminaires and that they last for as long as is possible.
At a glance
What you need to know about LED longevity is:
The LED floodlights with high quality can last up to 50,000 hours.
LED floodlights last up to 8 times longer than metal-halide lamps and 25 times as long as halogen lamps.
This represents a substantial saving in maintenance and replacement costs.
To extend the life of your LEDs, choose the best specification for your needs. Use dimming controls and other lighting controls. Find a manufacturer with a solid warranty. Follow the maintenance instructions.
Post time: Jul-07-2023
