LED lamps (LED) can be purchased today in any department of electrical goods and lighting equipment. However, among these products meets a decent percentage of defects, which often manifests itself only after the purchase. It is therefore important to determine the current rules the choice of LED lamps, as well as the factors that are taken into account before purchasing them.
Criterias of choice
The main criteria to consider when buying electronic LED lamps are:
- Its declared capacity and voltage.
- Colour temperature.
- Type of installation base and the presence of the radiator.
For the most discriminating user will need to know the resource of articles, the angle of dispersion of light bulb and CRI. Each of the indicators (both basic and secondary) needs careful consideration.
1. Power and voltage
This option, attention is drawn in the first place, because of the power of the lamp depends efficiency of its operation.
Important! When comparing LED illuminator with a conventional incandescent light bulb should be borne in mind that it shines at about 7.5 times more effective than the latter.
This means that if you need to replace a conventional bulb of 100 watts - enough to choose its LED analogue output 15 watts. Approximate ratios for various products capacities are shown in the table below.
As it is necessary to pay attention to the voltage at which the acquired light works. LED products of this class are available in two versions: 12 and 220 Volt. In the first case, the circuit uses a special transducer - a driver that lowers the voltage to the desired value. Such products are safer and are intended for installation in areas of high humidity (in a bathroom, for example).
2. Colour temperature
This parameter determines whether the user's eyes tired from correctly matched luminance and a temperature of the lamps installed in a chandelier.
Additional Information: This option is for the majority of the lamps is measured in special units (Kelvin).
Read with gradation temperatures refer to the figure below.
For comfortable perception of the light pattern from sources with LEDs is best to select the range from 2600 to 3100 K. On the packaging may be omitted these figures; often they are replaced by such evaluative characteristics as "warm white" or "soft white".
3. cap type and the presence of the radiator
If necessary, purchase a product with a cap, similar to what was a normal incandescent bulbs - will have to choose its variant, referred to as E 27. In addition, there are other types of caps, indicated in the figure below.
Availability discharging heat radiator is important from the viewpoint of reliability of emitter operation, the individual elements which emit little heat.
Note: From cheap models with plastic heat sink is better to refuse (no use of it).
In some models of aluminum radiator hidden in the casing, so make sure it is available only by a feeling of heaviness in the hand when compared with cheaper alternatives. Another option - to try to see it through the flask, which is possible only in the case where it does not matte. If the lamp has already bought - it is desirable to take it apart, and fully explore the structure (figure below).
4. Secret test :)
On the packaging of many products indicates that they have worked for at least 50 000 hours (15 years). This inscription - a cunning marketing ploy and should not be taken lightly. Learn better what the warranty period in a given LED products. In its absence, taking the lamp is not only undesirable, but also stupid. It is the real figure is considered to be a period of 2-3 years (during which time you can replace it if blown bulb).
Flask angle scattering and color rendering index of the selected calculation 30-90 degrees and 80 units respectively. Unidirectional pattern suitable for local lighting. If you want to stray light, which covers a large area - it is better to take a light bulb with an index of 90 degrees.