LED technology is already well known and users are satisfied with the benefits it brings to every household. Economical and environmentally friendly, the LED bulb fits almost all light fixtures subject to a few conditions. Can you really use an LED bulb in all light fixtures ? Let's take stock.
The ideal light fixtures to receive an LED bulb
Any light fixture can accommodate an LED bulb as long as it is well ventilated and dissipates heat properly . It must also be open on all sides . That said, there are always other possibilities for fixtures that do not meet these conditions.
If you look closely, you will notice the large aluminum heat sink that characterizes your LED bulb. This device allows the heat produced to dissipate efficiently and quickly.
This type of bulb can then be used with all light fixtures and even closed devices, although this is not really recommended.
LED bulb and halogen/incandescent socket
If the voltage is set correctly, you can easily replace your halogen or incandescent bulbs in your fixtures with LED bulbs. The most popular bulb bases are the GU10 pin type and the E27 Edison socket type. Both of these bulbs are also available in LED.
Generally speaking, the halogen or incandescent bulb is designed to be visible outside the light fixture. In this case, your LED bulb must attract attention. Then choose LED filament bulbs which are very popular in decorative lighting.
Correct the power while changing the bulbs
When you buy your LED bulbs, be aware that their power may be different from your usual bulbs. For the same electrical power, the LED bulb provides a higher light output.
You should therefore pay more attention to the light output or lumens than to the power in terms of energy consumption. Online watts to lumens calculators make this easier.
For example, a 7-watt LED provides 525 lumens, while a halogen bulb would require about 30 watts of electrical power. In other words, the latter consumes 4 times more energy.
Similarly, an 18-watt halogen bulb provides 300 lumens while an LED bulb of the same wattage provides more than 1300 lumens.
Closed luminaires, the enemies of LED bulbs
There are, however, enclosed fixtures that quickly kill LED bulbs.
- Light fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms that are usually suspended or semi-recessed from the ceiling.
- Outdoor porch lights that are covered with protective glass.
- The stylish retro airtight mason jar lamps you often see in restaurants.
- Ceiling lights that are recessed and covered with trim and glass front.
- Some table lamps and hallway spotlights that do not have sufficient spaces to dissipate heat.
The risks of combining LED and incandescent in the same luminaire
Mixing an LED bulb with an incandescent bulb in the same fixture will put your LED bulb at risk. The other bulbs can increase the ambient temperature in the fixture.
Even if your LED bulb has a good heat sink, it still risks failing due to excess heat, so this is not a very desirable marriage.
The heat from incandescent bulbs will gradually destroy the sensitive semiconductors, electronic chips and drivers that are in the LED bulb. Bulbs are more efficient and last longer in cooler conditions .
Dimmer and LED bulb
The dimmer is compatible and can work with traditional bulbs. However, it does not really adapt to LED bulbs. This older system is not designed to support the latest LED bulbs.
For these reasons, it is highly recommended to buy the same LED bulbs for the same luminaire. The bulbs will be operated at the same level, power and conditions. Using LED bulbs in similar ways will optimize their efficiency and lifespan.
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