Sometimes it can be relatively difficult to determine exactly what kind of lighting you are dealing with. However, identifying an economical LED bulb is less complicated than you might think at first glance. Several simple tricks can help you quickly identify LED light sources.
Generally, LED lamps can be recognised by the mention of the word 'LED' on the packaging or the light source itself. The relatively low Wattage, high light production in Lumen and the absence of heat when burning also help in recognising an LED bulb.
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1. Look on the packaging (or in the description)
The easiest method to know whether you are dealing with an LED lamp works best if you still have access to the packaging. The box of the lamp will always state which type of lighting you are dealing with.
If you buy a new lamp online, it will have to say 'LED' somewhere in the title of the product. If this is not the case, it will always be mentioned somewhere in the product description or the lamp's features.
However, there are a number of other quick ways to identify an LED light source, even if you are dealing with an existing light source without packaging. Checking the wattage is the most logical method here.
2. A relatively low number of watts (W)
Compared to other types of lamps, LED light sources will have lower power. In other words, the wattage (W) is generally quite low compared to incandescent, energy-saving or halogen spotlights.
For example, a standard old-fashioned 25-watt incandescent bulb is comparable to an equally sized LED bulb of only 2 or 3 watts. That's only 10% of consumption, quite a saving!
Both light sources will produce the same amount of light of roughly the same quality and intensity. This light intensity is generally measured in Lumen (lm).
The number of Lumens will indicate how much light an individual bulb can produce. Together with the Wattage of the lamp, it is a good indicator to recognise LED lighting by. Again, this will often be listed on the bulb itself.
3. Check light production in lumens (lm)
How much light a lamp produces is often expressed by manufacturers in the number of lumens (lm). Comparing lumen values with the number of watts of a lamp, we can determine how efficient a light source is. The more lumens, the more light.
Incandescent lamps, energy-saving lamps, halogen spotlights and LED lamps all use lumens to express light production. However, the wattage of these different types of light sources varies greatly.
The number of lumens per watt for LED lamps is generally quite a bit higher than for incandescent or energy-saving lamps, for example. In other words, a standard LED bulb can produce more light with fewer watts. This makes the bulb more efficient.
Depending on the manufacturer, an LED bulb produces 75 to over 100 lumens per Watt. At the same time, classic incandescent bulbs achieve only about 15 lumens per Watt on average.
Now you immediately understand why LED bulbs are generally more expensive than energy-saving bulbs, even though they have a lower Wattage (number of watts). LEDs simply produce light in a very efficient way!
4. Check the label on the light source
The metal or plastic part of a lamp sometimes shows a number of letters and numbers. These contain information about the type of product, but, depending on the light source, may also indicate the number of watts, the Voltage and power frequency (220-240V at 50/60Hz in Europe) the number of lumens (lm), or the light colour in Kelvin (K).
On a bulb, the type of fitting is also often listed, such as an E27 or E24 screw fitting. With a two-pin fitting, a GU5.3 fitting, for example, may be listed. All these fittings can be either LED fittings or light bulb fittings (E27, E24), or just halogen fittings (GU5.3).
The information written on the light source does not necessarily directly mention the term LED. However, it is possible to understand with the number of watts and lumens whether it is an LED light source or a less economical energy-saving or incandescent lamp.
5. Heat production of the lamp
An incandescent or halogen bulb will get very hot after a few minutes of burning, while an LED bulb just stays completely cool. If the light source does get a little warm after a few minutes, chances are it is an energy-saving bulb. This will only partially heat up after some time.
Of course, it is not advisable to touch a very hot (incandescent) lamp. This can burn your fingers, or at least hurt them. So always watch your fingers very carefully when using this recognition method!
You can often also smell or feel from a distance how warm a lamp is. Once it has been on for about half an hour, you can tell with certainty whether it is an LED light source (stays cold), energy-saving lamp (warms up a little), or a halogen or incandescent lamp (gets very hot).
Buy economical LED lighting
For many people, LED lamps are still known as a new technology. However, nothing could be further from the truth. There are many variations of LED light sources that can fulfil every possible lighting need at a fraction of the energy consumption of 'old-fashioned' energy-saving bulbs.
Even the least energy-efficient LED bulbs can save at least 50%, up to possibly even 90% in energy costs compared to an (already reasonably efficient) energy-saving bulb. Moreover, LED bulbs last at least 3-5 times longer than energy-saving bulbs, up to 50,000 hours (around 25 years).
So investing in high-quality lighting with LED technology will certainly not disappoint. At AdvantageLED, we have already had the pleasure of making many people happy with our selected top products. In our web shop, you can find a high-quality LED lamp for every lighting need. Take a look for yourself by navigating below: