Heat is the enemy of LED bulbs. Although, LED lamps may have a similar shape to incandescent or fluorescent lamps.
For this reason, they cannot be used in microwaves or ovens, and some of the larger lamps may use a passive heat sink or internal fan to prevent overheating of the electronics.
Enclosed fixtures that do not provide adequate ventilation can drastically affect the temperature of the lamp, causing it to overheat and shorten its lamp life. So, why are LED lights not suitable for enclosed fixtures
The difference between incandescent and LED bulbs
The principle of operation of incandescent lamps
An incandescent bulb is a light source that emits a luminous flux due to the heating of a spiral (filament) made of refractory metal (in the vast majority of cases it is tungsten), through which an electric current is passed. The filament is in a glass bulb filled with an inert gas (or simply in a vacuum in low-power lamps).
Electric current is applied to the filament through electrodes held in the lamp housing by a stem. The luminous flux emitted by the filament is close in color temperature to daylight, and natural glow.
The principle of operation of LED lamps
The design of lamps is much more complex than incandescent bulbs. The LEDs are on the circuit board. The lamp driver provides energy to the LEDs. The radiator is a cooling system that removes excess heat. The diffuser is designed to distribute the light fluxes emitted by the LEDs.
The amount of heat that will cause problems with LED light can be much less than with an incandescent bulb.
To understand how efficient, economical, reliable, and safe lamps of these types are, it will be necessary to compare some of their parameters and characteristics.
Glow output
Glow output is the ratio of the luminous flux emitted by a lamp to the energy consumed.
Incandescent lamps have a light output of about 10 lm/W. This means that such a lamp with a fuel consumption of 1 W will produce a luminous flux of 10 lumens. For LED lamps, this parameter is much higher. On average, this is 70-100 lm / W.
For example, to create a luminous flux of 750 lumens, you need a 75 W incandescent lamp.
Heat dissipation
In addition to its direct purpose, any lamps heat up and emit heat during operation. Incandescent lamps heat up to 180-220 degrees, while LED bulbs, only up to 50 degrees.
Efficiency
The efficiency of lamps shows what percentage of the consumed electricity is converted into luminous flux. If incandescent lamps have an efficiency of about 10%, then for LED bulbs this figure reaches 90%!
Lifetime
The service life is the average time of full operation of the lamps before they fail. LED lamps are a colossal number of times (30-50) more durable than the usual incandescent lamps.
Price
According to this indicator, incandescent lamps “win” over lamps.
Colorful temperature
For incandescent lamps, the temperature is in the range of 2700-3000 degrees Kelvin. The available LED bulb has a wider range of color temperatures – from about 2500 to 6200 degrees Kelvin.
Negative effect on vision
This is perhaps the only point on which incandescent lamps are confidently ahead of lamps and are the safest for eyesight when a person is in a room with artificial illumination for a long time.
First, incandescent bulbs emit a warm white glow that is closest to daylight. Secondly, they have practically no pulsation, since the filament does not have time to “cool down” at an alternating current frequency of 50 Hertz in electrical networks.
LED lamps adversely affect vision and performance due to excessive pulsation, the spectrum of emitted glow, and, accordingly, distortion of the shades of surrounding objects.
All this negatively affects vision and leads to rapid fatigue with artificial LED lights in the room with LED lamps.
Pros and cons of LED lamps
Advantages of LED lamps
- Very low energy consumption – on average eight times less than incandescent lamps of the same brightness
- Very long service life – they work 25-30 times longer than incandescent lamps
- Almost do not heat up
- Radiation color – optional
- Stable brightness of the backlight during fluctuations in the supply voltage
The main advantage of LED lamps is efficiency. It is assumed that the low energy consumption and long service life of LED lamps will significantly reduce costs.
The disadvantages of LED lamps
- Uneven light distribution – the energy supply built into the case obscures the stream of glow
- The matte flask looks ugly in glass and crystal lamps
- The brightness of the glow, as a rule, cannot be changed using a dimmer
- Unsuitable for use at very low (in the cold) and high (in steam rooms, saunas) temperatures
What are totally enclosed fixtures?
An enclosed fixture is any fixture or application where the bulb is enclosed in such a way as to prevent proper airflow or ventilation. Enclosed fixtures refer to any fixture with a tight seal around the bulb.
Examples include globe lights, mason jar lights, and lensed recessed fixtures. Enclosed mounts protect the light bulb from dust, moisture, and other debris. Unfortunately, this closed design is not always compatible with LED bulbs and can lead to overheating.
The most common is the lamp in the form of a ball or dome on the ceiling. Most homes have these versatile fixtures, and they fit snugly into the ceiling. They are great for illuminating a large space.
In addition, CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and LED lamps are very sensitive to heat. A CFL bulb should not be used in enclosed luminaires.
Why are LED lights not suitable for enclosed fixtures?
Here you should look at the specifications for each lamp. They can be written on the box or the instructions inside. If the value for “Enclosed Fixture Rated” is “yes”, it means that the bulb can be used in enclosed fixtures. If the value is “no”, the lamp should not be used in totally enclosed luminaires.
Using an LED lamp in an enclosed fixture when not designed for it can cause the bulb to overheat, which can damage the bulb and fixture. Even a small amount of heat can shrink the energy of the lamp.
Can an enclosed luminaire lamp be used in open luminaires?
LED technology is advanced and uses electronic chips installed at the base of the lamp. And just like any other circuits, these microcircuits are very sensitive to excessive heat.
Traditional lamps use energy limiters, without which they will simply explode due to the heat generated. They are not found in conventional LED lamps.
When conventional LED lamps are placed in an unventilated or enclosed fixture, the heat generated by the light source cannot escape but instead returns to the lamp. This heats the bulb, which works best in a cool environment.
If the wrong lamp is used, the performance of the lamp may be affected by the following factors:
- Flickering: The bulb may start to flicker after a few days
- Shutdown: The lamp may turn off after a few hours
- Color: The color gradient may change significantly
- Dimming: Lights may become dimmer over time
The main reason most of us switch to LEDs is to save on running costs. Thus, the value of your investment in LED lamps is lost.
Are LEDs in enclosed fixtures a fire hazard?
It all depends on the manufacturer. Conventional LED lamps will have a warning: “Do not use in fully enclosed or recessed fixtures”.
Conversely, a “Closed Rating” LED bulb would mean “suitable for fully enclosed fixtures.”
Most LED bulbs not intended for use in enclosed fixtures will only experience the degradation problems listed above.
However, you don’t want to risk a fire hazard, which can be caused not only by the LED itself but also by other factors around it.
LED lamps from other manufacturers can pose a safety risk in any case, especially if they are used in enclosed fixtures.
Remember that there are times when the LED starts to smoke, and you need to unscrew it immediately. Also, the bases of the lamps can be very hot to the touch and could cause burns.
Shops also warn against “hot-swapping” lamps but turn off the fixture before replacing an existing lamp.
Arm yourself with the right information and tread carefully.
Characteristics of LED lamps
Light flow
The brightness of a lamp is characterized by luminous flux, which is measured in lumens. How brightly you want to light up is up to you.
Color spectrum
An equally important role in choosing a lamp is played by the color of the emitted flux. It is the temperature, which is measured in degrees of Kelvin (K). The lower this setting, the warmer the light will be.
Yellow shades are considered the most comfortable for the home: they help to relax and unwind. Warm white light is recommended when working in office environments. It is believed to improve performance. And lamps with cold white light are intended only for non-residential utility rooms.
Voltage range and color rendering index
When buying, try to choose the voltage range with the largest variation in values. How naturally the colors of objects will be transmitted in the light of a particular lamp determines the color rendering index. It is denoted by the CRI (color rendering index) or Ra parameter.
The higher the color rendering index, the more natural the illuminated objects will look. In residential areas, it is recommended to use lamps with an index of at least 80 CRI or Ra.
Scattering angle
LEDs are designed in such a way that they can only shine in front of them: a very small part of the light deviates to the side. Therefore, pay attention not only to their number but also to how they are located. The scattering angle will directly depend on this. For different lamp models, it can be from 30 to 360 degrees.
A ripple of light
The light of low-quality lamps often pulsates. This is imperceptible to the human eye but can hurt the nervous system and lead to visual impairment. Purchase lamps with a pulsation range of no more than 5-15%.
Service life and manufacturer
LED bulbs have an average lifespan of 10,000 to 50,000 hours. It is very difficult to establish the actual one because technologies are improving day by day, and the service life is calculated only in theory.
The warranty for such lamps is given from 1 to 5 years and depends on the manufacturer.
How to choose the best type of lamp
To choose a lamp that will create comfortable illumination, last a long time, do no harm to health, and significantly save energy, use the following tips:
- The color spectrum of a lamp for an apartment should not exceed 3,000 K. If you need a lamp for an office, choose a temperature of 4,000 K. Lamps of 6,000 K and above should only be used in utility rooms.
- Choose lamps with a voltage spread of 110-230 V.
- The color rendering index must be at least 80 CRI.
- Lamp ripple should not exceed 15%. You can easily check it in the store: screw the LED bulb into the base and bring your smartphone camera to it. If the ripple is high, the image on the screen will flicker.
- Be sure to check the operation of the lamp. Almost all electronics stores have a similar opportunity.
FAQs
Can you use LED light bulbs in enclosed fixtures?
Using a LED bulb in an enclosed fixture when not designed for it can cause the bulb to overheat, which can damage the bulb and fixture.
When should you not use LED lights?
Do not use high-color temperature LEDs, especially in the bedroom and children’s room. When choosing LED bulbs, focus not on power consumption, but on the power of the luminous flux, which can be calculated by multiplying the power of a conventional incandescent lamp by 10-12.
Can LED lights be used in any fixture?
The variability of the types and characteristics of LED bulbs allows them to be used in any lamp: from household to industrial and special purposes, from utilitarian to decorative, from office to street and landscape gardening.
What is considered a totally enclosed light fixture?
Enclosed fixtures are luminaires with the main body and a light-transmitting shell, the design of which reduces the penetration of dust and other particles into the luminaire.
Conclusion
Which lamps, incandescent or LED, to use for lighting is an individual and conscious choice of everyone. For some, the main selection criterion may be the cost-effectiveness and reliability of LED lamps. In contrast, others will choose incandescent lamps, thereby minimizing the negative impact on the eyes. Wonder how to determine wattage of light fixture, read
