Frequently Asked Questions

In the simplest terms, a light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is passed through it.  

Light is produced when the particles that carry the current (known as electrons and holes) combine within the semiconductor material. 

Since light is generated within the solid semiconductor material, LEDs are described as solid-state devices. The term solid-state lighting distinguishes this lighting technology from other sources that use heated filaments (incandescent and tungsten halogen lamps) or gas discharge (fluorescent lamps). 

An LED is also powered by a driver rather than a ballast which is used with older lighting technology. 

All LEDs require a driver. A driver is an electrical device that regulates the power to an LED or string of LEDs. Able to respond to the changing needs of the LED, or Circuit of LEDs by supplying a constant amount of power as its electrical properties change with temperature.  

• Extremely high energy use 
• Require separate lamps and ballasts (driver) 
• High warm-up time (10-15 minutes before they reach full power) 
• Throw off large amounts of heat 
• Throw light everywhere, not focused at all 
• Low color temperature 

LEDs are superior lighting technology for a number of reasons. 

1. Color Quality: LED lighting has higher color quality meaning the color of the light and the areas lit by LED is more crisp, bright, and maintains a consistent color for a longer period of time.  
2. Optical efficiency: LEDs are easier to control allowing for greater magnification (management of light levels), directional control using optics you have more optical control of an LED allowing you to target the direction or spread or light for specific use cases. With the addition of lighting controls you have virtually unlimited ability to  
3. Energy Efficient: LEDs are more energy efficient, they produce a brighter light, use less energy than other lighting technologies and last much longer. LEDs cost up to 80% less to operate than incandescent lights.   
4. LEDs are safer: LEDs emit less heat and are therefore better in certain high temperature environments they also do not contain toxic mercury like that found in all CFL bulbs.  

• Optical efficiency; magnification and ability to direct light toward target area using the optic lens. 
• Efficacy: Chip and driver combo’s, doing more with less 
• Controls:  
  • Advanced control capability  
  • Dual Relay Sensors 
  • Back end Control system 

• Virtually unlimited control: 0-10V dimming capability. 
• Thermal Management 
  • Less heat overall. Heat sink to dispel it quickly.
• Color Quality 
  • The color is crisp, bright, and consistent longer  

• Energy Efficiency 
  • LEDs cost up to 80% less to operate than incandescent lights.   

• Safety 
  • No toxic mercury like that found in all CFL bulbs  

• Life Expectancy 
  • No vibration 
  • No filaments that have trouble withstanding electrical fluctuations from powering up and down, thermal management 
  • Controllability allows for cutting trim and with lumen depreciation increase to extend life  

LEDs use about 80% less electricity while providing the same brightness of incandescent and around 25-35% less energy than fluorescents. Their lifespan is not shortened by turning them on and off frequently – which means they work well with control systems / sensor – this enables additional capability to save even more energy. 

It is important to maintain low temperatures to ensure the performance and longevity of LEDs.  LED’s are typically encapsulated in resin which is a poor thermal connector.  Most heat is created on the back side of the chip.  The heat sink is usually aluminum but can also be copper.  It allows a path for the heat away from the LED. The heat sink is located on the back of the LED where most of the heat is generated. 

Foot-candles (FC) a measure of light the human eye can see as opposed to lumens which are a measure of light output from a light source or fixture. Foot candles are an imperial system unit of measurement used to calculate lighting levels in workspaces. A foot-candle is equal to one lumen per square foot. There are independent foot-candle recommendation boards such as IES.org that indicate the amount of light needed to meet basic lighting-level requirements in industry specific spaces.  International markets (Canada & Mexico) use Lux (lumens per square meter) to measure illumination levels.

Learn more on foot-candles here »

Photometry is the science of measuring visible light as perceived by the human eye. Measuring unit of illuminance is the lux or FC (foot-candle) the amount of illumination a given surface unit receives. We use a 3D modeling software as a calculation tool and visual demonstration tool to provide precise and accurate photometric predictions when building out a new lighting system as part of our proposals. We use a light meter to measure existing foot-candles in a space during an audit and compare these measurements with those in our proposed lighting design in each custom designed project.

Learn more about photometrics »

When planning a new building or doing a major remodel, you may be asked to meet local or state energy codes for lighting. This means you are only allowed a certain amount of light power density (LPD) and is calculated by lighting watts per square foot. These lighting requirements are defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA).  

The intent of LPD is to encourage the use of more efficient technologies in the built environment.

If you run or own any facility and you care about energy spend, safety, maintenance costs, environmental conditions, or sustainability then you should be evaluating your lighting system. An LED lighting upgrade is a low hanging fruit in the world of energy efficiency gains.

Any facility can benefit from an energy efficient lighting upgrade, however, commercial, and industrial facilities with large square footage have the most to gain from an LED retrofit upgrade.  

At the outset LEDs draw a lower wattage than other lighting systems and thus use less kWs per hour than most other lighting technology. Precisely how much you can save with your LED lighting upgrade depends on a number factors including; your current/existing lighting system, your cost of power, the LED solutions you select and if you include advanced controls or networked control systems. With LED upgrades we can often reduce the total number of fixtures in your facility while providing a brighter light level than was possible with your old lighting. This light fixture count reduction also results in reduced energy costs! 

Incumbent lighting like fluorescents, HIDs and incandescent, for example, require regular maintenance and frequent lamp replacement. Because LED technology places far less demand on the fixture components in general, they last much longer than old lighting technologies and often eliminate the need for regular maintenance. This results in a longer life-time and lower total cost of ownership.