LED panel lights are modern lighting fixtures designed to replace conventional lights in ceilings and walls. These panels have incredible […]
For any product, consumers research and target items that are durable on one hand, and can operate and serve their purpose for an extended time, on the other. The same logic applies to lighting systems. Properly selected and installed lighting systems are essential for the operation and the ambiance of the space, to provide sufficient, uniform illumination and make the space more appealing.
Although the variety and options in lighting types and features can make the task of finding the perfect light fixture quite difficult, general guidelines can narrow down the choice. If the driving force behind the choice is high efficient lights for the home or office space, LED panel lights are a great option to explore.
What Are LED Panel Lights?
LED panel lights are the most common lighting choice for indoor spaces. They can adequately replace the common fluorescent ceiling lights that have been staples of households and offices, offering a considerably brighter and safer option.
LED panel lights are technologically efficient, offer a number of innovative features and benefits that aid in improving our standard of living. The main features and advantages of these types of lighting fixtures are highlighted below.
What are their main features?
Panel lights using a Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology light are considered safe and environmentally friendly. The panel lights are generally constructed from a lightweight aluminium frame which is essential to avoid leakages. The panels are fabricated in three layers: a light guide plate, a diffuser, and LED chips.
The light guide plate is designed to direct and guide the light within the space. The diffuser is located in front of the guide plate and is key for even and uniform light distribution. It eradicates any bright spots around the light.
The LED chip is the central component of the panel lights which transforms the electrical energy into light. LED chips are either high-power and low-power and are divided into three types by colours- blue, red, and green (note that all these colours produce white light output). Additionally, LED light panels are equipped with heat sinks.
Benefits Of LED Panel Lights
Brightness
The most sought after feature of Panel lights is their brightness. The well fabricated sealed design and reflective panel produce immensely bright outputs. The fabrication of panel lights using aluminium and an effective photoconductor plate, are also key in their outputs. These features make panel lights some of the simplest yet brightest options to illuminate any space.
Durability
In theory, the lifespan of LED lights can reach up to 100,000 hours based on an 8 hour daily operation, making LED panel lights highly durable. This effectively translates into continuous smooth operation for 27 years, beating the lifetimes of any other type of electronic item by miles.
Adjustability
LED lights within panel lights can be easily controlled and adjusted to suit the requirements and desires of the owner or operator. Moreover, there is no need to worry about radiation emitted, as LED lights produce very soft, eye-friendly lights with no radiation.
Shock resistance
While other traditional types of lights are made from tungsten glass, LED panel lights are made from a hard resin. This makes LED lights resistant to external physical shocks and makes them adaptable to different temperatures easily.
With all these benefits and features, how can one choose the right panel type for the space and function?
How To Choose The Right LED Panel Lights
Purpose of the Space
LED panel lights have a wide range of applications, for residential and commercial use.
Determining the specific application is important to help choose the proper type to serve the functional requirements. Panels designed for offices and conference rooms for example, might not provide the intended effects for auditoriums or hospitals.
Personal Choice
Personal choice, as well as aesthetic effects, can interfere greatly in the selection of LED panel lights, given the range of options. Panel light types include square panels, rectangular panels, edge-lit panels, white light LED panels, RGB colour switching panels, back-lit panels, round panels, etc.
Installation methods
Not all LED panel lights can be installed in the same way. Generally, the three most common methods of installation are: suspended, surface mounted and recessed LED panels.
Suspended LED panels hang by wires, rods or cables under a mounting body.
Surface-mounted LED Panels are generally the easiest to install as they are readily fixed to the ceiling with screws and clips.
Recessed LED panels are mounted flush with the ceiling. They require some preparation and adjustments to the ceiling and are typically designed to fit into conventional ceiling panel systems.
Watts and lumens
Watt is the measurement of energy consumption by the light source. Lumens is a measure of the total amount of light reflected from a light source. There are different recommended illuminance rates depending on the type of space.
The measure of lumens per watt is a key determination of the amount of lumens the light produces from each energy unit consumed, and therefore tells how energy efficient an LED panel light is. As LED lights produce more light with less energy, they release more lumens per watt.
After going through the main guidelines listed above, it is worth checking the below tips as a further guide in the purchase process.
Tips To Consider When Buying LED Panel Lights
Efficiency
LED lights enhance efficiency and deliver higher output with less energy consumption, which means more light for less lighting panels.
This is especially effective when targeting lighting panel systems for large spaces, such as universities, long corridors and large commercial projects. The scale of savings on the space translates into major savings.
Colour temperature
LED Colour temperature can play a major effect in any space, it can change the ambiance and general feeling and is highly dependent on the customer requirements and space function. Different functions and operations require different color temperatures, as it is has a direct effect on the human brain.
Color temperature can change the dynamics of the space, making it very chill and relaxed on one end of the spectrum, and more active and alert on the other end.
Emergency versions
When planning light systems for a space, it is essential – and usually a requirement in building codes – to allocate emergency lights to prepare for sudden power cuts. These emergency panels should be placed in strategic places like escape routes. They generally consume less power and can last up to three hours.
Types of panel lights
Different LED panel types serve different applications. The choice of panel types should respect the function, keeping in mind the installation and cost.
How efficient are LED panel lights?
LED panel lights are some of the most efficient lighting options in the market. They have grown in popularity and are used widely because of their energy-efficiency, and can save more than 80% of energy while producing brighter and softer light than their traditional counterparts.
How can LED Panel lights save money?
Advancing technology typically adds money saving features to products, and lighting options are no exception. LED lights are more energy-efficient than fluorescent bulbs. They dissipate very little heat and are mercury-free. They also have longer lifespans.
Given all these features, it’s safe to assume they’re more expensive, as advancing technology typically comes to the market at a high cost. However, in the case of LED lights, this is not true. During initial development and market release, LED panel lights were actually higher cost, but with time, prices have significantly reduced as more options became available.
It is worth to note that LED lights save money not only on purchase price, but due to their low energy consumption, they help reduce the energy cost over their operational lifetime. On average, replacing 5 to 7 bulbs in a household with high quality LED lights could save $75- $100 every year.
Imagine the savings to be gained from replacing all household or office bulbs with LED panel lights, operating over a number of years. The financial benefits are endless.
What can affect the performance of LED panel lights?
LED panel lights are made of different components. The quality of each of these can directly affect the performance of the LED panel light. The components are:
- Aluminium Frame
- Diffuser
- Light guide plate
- Reflective paper
- Back plate
- LED chip set
- The PCB
- The led driver
Purchasing high quality lights ensures high quality components that guarantee safe, smooth and efficient performance.
How to dim LED panel lights
Before introducing dimming features to the LED panel lights, it is necessary to ensure that the LED panel supports the features. LED panel lights can be made dimmable by adding a dimmer to the LED driver.
The general operation of dimmers limits the electrical current from the main source by specific percentages or pre-set degrees. It is advisable to seek professional support in selecting dimmers and throughout the installation as they require precise technical handling.
LED Panel Size Guide
LED panels are available in various sizes, varying according to the intended use. Below are a few common LED light panel sizes:
- Round panel light: 120mm, 200mm, 300mm panel diameter sizes. These are often used in small offices, houses, toilets, etc.
- Square panel lights: 600mm x 600mm, and 300mm x 300mm sizes. These are often used for hospitals, schools and in typical spaces with recessed ceilings.
- Rectangle panels: 600mm x 300mm, 1200mm x 600mm, and 1200mm x 300mm. These are often used in warehouses, large offices and other open spaces.
Where can LED panel lights be used?
Based on their benefits, features and advantages, applications of LED panel lights are huge. They can be used anywhere, in homes, offices, schools, warehouses, large auditoriums, hospitals, town halls and any space that could benefit from an effective lighting system.
Best LED panel options
Ultra-Slim panel lights
If thin types are a space or aesthetic requirement, Ultra Slim LED panel lights are readily available. They are super thin and can fit into any ceiling. They are glare-free and can be used in homes, hotels, offices, classrooms, hospitals, etc.
Additionally they’re affordable, and the energy costs you’d save on operation will give a high return on investment.
Spring Mounted panel lights
An amazing LED light specifically designed to suit all professional office lighting requirements. It’s glare-free and provides both bright and soft lighting levels to create a dynamic, lively work environment.
How to upgrade halogen to LED panel lights
The faster the decision to replace halogen lights with LEDs, the sooner and greater energy costs can be saved.
If the bulbs operate on mains, they typically have pegs and can be replaced directly. Alternatively, if they are low-voltage bulbs, it’s can be more complex. They will most likely be connected to a transformer located in the light or within the ceiling fitting.
Depending on whether the bulbs have an inner circuitry system that draws power from the transformer, it can be determined whether to get an LED driver. Using the transformer might be too overwhelming for the small electricity need of LED lights.
It is highly advisable to seek the advice and talent of a professional electrician. Are you looking to upgrade your halogen and fluorescent lights to energy-efficient LED Panel light? E-Green Electrical offers subsidised LED upgrades for business and residential purpose. Get in touch today
