This makes them ideal for hard-to-access locations. LEDs are durable and can withstand vibration and shocks. They are not affected by regular on-off switching, which is good for areas such as bathrooms. In addition, they are at full brightness as soon as they are switched on and many are fully dimmable.

How do LEDs work?

LEDs are a type of solid-state lighting (SSL). They are a type of semiconductor that causes electrons to release energy in the form of photons or light. The colour emitted depends on the materials used to make the LED. They can be red, yellow, blue, green or ‘white’.

Important terminology when selecting LEDs

Lumens:

A measure of light output. The higher the number, the more light is emitted. For an LED lamp to provide equivalent light to the common 50 Watt halogen downlight, it must produce a minimum light output of 480 lumens. Energy efficiency: The energy efficiency of a light is measured in lumens per Watt (lm/W). A good quality LED should emit at least 50 lm/W.

Colour temperature:

LEDs produce white light in a number of shades, just like fluorescent lamps. These range from warm white (similar to an incandescent lamp) to cool white or bluish white (daylight). Be sure to choose the colour you are most comfortable with.

Colour rendering index:

The ability to render colour. Some LEDs lamps are better at helping the human eye see colours than others. Look for lamps that have a colour rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 for indoor use, or at least 65 for outdoor use.

SSL Quality Scheme

Lighting Council Australia, the peak body for Australia’s lighting industry, has introduced a quality certification scheme for LEDs. The SSL Quality Scheme is designed to address the problem of exaggerated marketing claims made about some LEDs. The label is intended to provide confidence to buyers that an LED product carrying this SSL Quality Scheme label matches the supplier’s performance claims. For more information on LED’s and SSL Quality Scheme, visit The Lighting Council Australia website.

Why are these lamps not energy efficient?

‘Low voltage’ does not mean low energy. In fact, they consume 50 lamp Watts plus the transformer losses, which are often overlooked because transformers are hidden from view in the ceiling or wall. We also use multiple lamps to illuminate a space.

What are the alternatives?

Light emitting diodes, known as LEDs, are a type of solid-state lighting (SSL). They are energy efficient, have a long life, are immediately at full brightness when switched on, and are not affected by regular on-off switching. A wide variety of styles exist. As many LED products contain exaggerated performance claims, we recommend you look for Lighting Council Australia’s SSL Quality Scheme label.

LEDs or light emitting diodes are highly energy efficient

They have a long life— lasting up to 50 times longer than incandescent lamps and 2 to 5 times longer than fluorescent lamps. This makes them ideal for hard-to-access locations. LEDs aredurable and can withstand vibration and shocks. They are not affected by regular on-off switching, which is good for areas such as bathrooms. In addition, they are at full brightness as soon as they are switched on and many are fully dimmable.

How do LEDs work?

LEDs are a type of solid-state lighting (SSL). They are a type of semiconductor that causes electrons to release energy in the form of photons or light. The colour emitted depends on the materials used to make the LED. They can be red, yellow, blue, green or ‘white’.

SSL Quality Scheme

Lighting Council Australia, the peak body for Australia’s lighting industry, has introduced a quality certification scheme for LEDs. The SSL Quality Scheme is designed to address the problem of exaggerated marketing claims made about some LEDs. The label is intended to provide confidence to buyers that an LED product carrying this SSL Quality Scheme label matches the supplier’s performance claims.