LED MYTH VS. REALITY

Debunking the 10 most common LED myths

Ever since the invention of the LED, half-truths and myths have surrounded the light emitted by these small, colorful diodes. They remain a subject of controversy, even though the quality of both the light and the technology has improved rapidly. Today, there is hardly any alternative to these all-rounders. As the diodes are extremely versatile, they are used in all manner of sectors. Be it automotive, industrial or domestic lighting, indoors and outdoors, illuminated signage, medical technology, displays and much more. We have compiled the 10 biggest misconceptions, myths and half-truths for you and are replacing them with facts and figures!

• TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN LEDs 

Myth 1: LED light sources are toxic. 

Fact: No, quite the opposite! Unlike energy-saving light sources, for example, LEDs contain no mercury, so they do not need to be disposed of as hazardous waste and are not dangerous if they break – unless, of course, you cut yourself on the shards. Light-emitting diodes are semiconductors and the light sources contain electronic components. They can therefore largely be recycled or treated as electronic waste.

• LEDs ARE NOT DIMMABLE 

Myth 2: LED light sources cannot be dimmed, or they will break if you try 

Truth: Far from it! High-quality LEDs are infinitely dimmable, and this does not even affect their lifespan! With good control electronics, the already low power consumption can be reduced even further through dimming!

• COLD LIGHT 

Myth 3: LED light sources always give off cold light. 

Fact: That hasn’t been true for a long time! LED light sources are available in a wide variety of types and color temperatures. Depending on your preferences and the location, you can choose from warm white through neutral to daylight white, and the gradations are so subtle that there’s something to suit every need! With the LED light sources from the SEGULA Ambient Line, you can even change the color of light whilst dimming!

• FLICKERING LIGHT SOURCES

Myth 4: LED light sources always flicker. 

Fact: This depends heavily on the quality of the LED, as well as the quality and characteristics of the ballast electronics within the light source. As LEDs must be operated on direct current, the built-in electronics convert the alternating current from the mains supply into direct current. Good-quality LED light sources are virtually flicker-free, whereas inferior, cheap alternatives can exhibit a flicker that is sometimes very noticeable.

• UNNATURAL LIGHTING 

Myth 5: LED light is unnatural 

Fact: The exact opposite is true! A light source’s natural color rendering is determined by its CRI. Modern, high-quality LED light sources achieve a very high CRI, in some cases up to 98 (the ideal value is 100). By comparison, a conventional fluorescent tube only manages 60–69. So which is more unnatural?

• LEDs ARE HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT 

Myth 6: LEDs are bad for the environment. 

Truth: Not at all! In fact, LED light sources are slightly more energy-intensive to manufacture and require more resources than the production of conventional halogen bulbs. BUT: LEDs have such low energy requirements and contain no toxic substances that, overall, they are significantly more environmentally friendly. Their disposal, long lifespan and low energy consumption play a major role in ensuring they have the best environmental footprint and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

• LEDs are expensive 

Myth 7: LED light sources are expensive 

Fact: If you look solely at the purchase price, yes, LEDs are slightly more expensive than comparable conventional products. HOWEVER: Thanks to their long lifespan and, above all, their excellent energy efficiency, the purchase pays for itself in no time. This is particularly true when switching to LED lighting on a large scale, e.g. in work environments where the lights are on for several hours every day.

• INCANDESCENT BULBS ARE BRIGHTER 

Myth 8: LED light sources are not as bright as traditional incandescent bulbs 

Fact: Simply not true! A 10-watt incandescent bulb emits 100 lumens, whereas a 10-watt LED light source produces 800 lumens. That’s eight times as much! Any questions?

• UNPROVEN TECHNOLOGY 

Myth 9: LED technology is not yet fully developed 

Truth: Every innovation requires development time. LED technology has made huge strides in recent years – both in terms of light quality and in terms of environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. It has made greater progress than almost any other comparable technology. The fact is that the LED is the most efficient, cleanest and cheapest artificial light source currently available on the market. And it is constantly being developed and improved.

• LEDs ARE UGLY 

Myth 10: LED light sources are clunky and unattractive 

Fact: As we all know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but many people simply miss the good old incandescent bulb with its delicate tungsten filament. However, with the breakthrough of filament LED light sources, we are already getting very close to the retro incandescent bulb. Furthermore, this new technology enables an ever-increasing variety of designs and aesthetic forms, even without the glass bulb. This is because modern cooling directly at the filament means that the gas used for cooling inside the glass bulb is no longer strictly necessary.

Now that we’ve cleared up a few myths about LEDs, everyone can and should decide for themselves. However, thanks to the EU regulation, we no longer have much choice. Fluorescent, halogen and energy-saving light sources are no longer permitted for sale. This, too, has a major impact on the further development of LED technology and drives it forward. And, of course, we are at the forefront of this. Not only in terms of design and efficiency, but also with regard to the environment and sustainable practices! We want to leave the world a little greener for our children and grandchildren.