LED lights are a popular lighting option in all areas of lighting. The main reason LED lights are scoring over their incandescent counterparts is their extended lifespan. A typical LED light has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours or 10 years of use. This is quite a long time when compared with the lifespan of a typical incandescent light bulb (1,000 hours). And, you can further extend an LED bulb’s life by following the handy tips we have for you.
Factors Affecting LED Lifespan
First, let us understand the factors that determine how long your LED lights will last:
Power Supply
Just like all electrical appliances, LED lights need a stable power supply to function properly. Voltage needs to be controlled and regulated in order to optimize an LED light power output and life expectancy. If the voltage in your area goes through frequent fluctuations, you can be sure your LED lighting system will not last a long time.
Ambient Temperature
The temperature of your LED light’s surroundings also affects its lifespan. Outdoor lights such as garden lights are exposed to high temperature and humid conditions. This adversely affects its lifespan. Similarly, enclosed light fixtures have a higher ambient temperature. There should be enough room for the heat produced by LED lights to be dissipated easily, else its internal circuitry can get heated and damaged prematurely.
Capacitors and LED Drivers
Capacitors store energy that is later used by the LED light for producing illumination. Plastic capacitors can last up to a year if used regularly. Higher ambient temperature can shorten their lifespan. Nowadays, ceramic capacitors are being used since they are more tolerant to high temperature and voltage fluctuations.
Bulb Case Temperature and Heat Sink
An LED light’s bulb case temperature is also a crucial factor affecting its lifespan. Temperature higher than 85 degrees is bound to shorten light’s lifespan. If the bulb case temperature reaches higher than 105 degrees, the light stops functioning. So proper heat management is necessary if you want to extend your LED light’s lifetime.