Author Topic: LED Lighting (Read 2961 times)

shin · « **on:** January 27, 2014, 09:09:51 PM »

Any folks here buy LED lighting and try it out?

I just bought two different brand bulbs to try it out for the first time. I ordered them through the mail. I was thinking of moving to it entirely for energy savings, but now I have changed my mind and have to take a step back from that idea.

They both have what is far more noticeable flicker to me than normal incandescent lighting.

Here's an article that goes into details of the problem.

AN extract:

The effect of flicker

According to studies about 1 in 4,000 people are highly susceptible to flashing lights cycling in the 3 to 70 Hz range. Such obvious flickering can trigger ailments as serious as epileptic seizures. Less well known is the fact that long-term exposure to higher frequency (unintentional) flickering (in the 70 to 160 Hz range) can also cause malaise, headaches, and visual impairment.

Unfortunately, unless a person is in natural daylight, they are likely to be exposed to this higher frequency flickering, because all mains-powered light sources, whether incandescent, halogen, fluorescent or LED, are subject to flickering. The source is the AC component of the power supply and the frequency of the flickering is typically either equal to the mains frequency (usually 50 or 60 Hz) or double the mains frequency.

Tests show that humans find it difficult to directly sense light flickering at these higher frequencies, but that seems to hardly matter. Scientists have conducted research that indicates the human retina is able to resolve light flickering at 100 to 150 Hz, even if the subject is not aware of it, leading to the conclusion that the brain may well be reacting.

Another source of this flicker by the way is a computer monitor, tv, etc. this depends on the refresh rate in particular. Flicker has an effect on the mood and mind.

In any case, I am not giving up on LED, but it looks like I'll have to see what can be done to reduce flicker and how effective it is.

crossbro · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2014, 12:07:52 AM »

I have not, but I think I remember reading the LED light can penetrate fog. Being form the Sacramento valley, I can tell you that would be a bonus and would save lives.

I think it would be strange lighting a home with it though.

TKGS · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2014, 06:42:43 AM »

I have LED night lights in the house.

I bought one LED light bulb to test it out a while back. I won't buy more unless or until the technology gets better. Even though it was rated to be as bright as other bulbs, it is noticeably dimmer. I have not noticed any flickering though.

I have, probably, 10 years worth of incandescent light bulbs in my closet.

Ursus · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2014, 06:59:21 AM »

Finally found affordable LED bulb that work. The CREE line that sells for about $7-10 in 60W size. Uses 9.5W and dims. Also made in USA and should last the life of the fixture.

ggreg · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2014, 07:10:10 AM »

I have a bunch of GU10 bulbs that cost about $17 dollars a pop.

I generally use them in hard to reach places, like for example our hall which is double height. I would normally have to erect a scaffolding tower to safely change a regular bulb because the ceiling is 18 feet above the floor.

For lights you leave on all evening they are a good idea. I usually buy them as replacements if it makes economic sense in terms of cost savings in bulbs and power over say 4-5 years.

shin · « **Reply #5 on:** January 28, 2014, 07:14:44 AM »

Some folks notice flicker more than others I think. And then there're manufacturing differences in the brands.

The two I've got I've put in rarely used/night light type situations. I didn't notice the flicker with my emergency lantern/nightlights, but these bulbs aimed at incandescent replacements it's troublesome.

If you look at an incandescent bulb and then an LED bulb you can see the difference.

Have you noticed much flicker with the CREE Ursus?

They certainly are about ten times the price at first glance that I paid through Newegg for my 40W equivalents so they should be quality!

I tried a Foreverlamp brand and a Shenzhen Light Source Lighting Co. brand bulb. Both have the flicker, the warmer Forever lamp slightly less then the cool light Shenzhen. I could see using something with that kind of flicker as an outdoor light I suppose, but not for indoor normal use.

shin · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2014, 07:15:49 AM »

Ah I see you can get the CREE at better prices than Home Depot by far if you look a little furtner. That's good. Whew.

Dolores · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2014, 08:57:28 AM »

I do not have any LED bulbs, but some friends do. They received a few from their power company as a promotion. As far as they are concerned, they are no different that incandescent or CFL bulbs, as far as day-to-day usage is concerned. Of course, they don't really notice any energy savings because they only have two or three of the LED bulbs.

I do have two small nightlights that are each powered with a single LED. Like my friends, I received these from a promotion my power company was running. I don't notice any flickering, and they give off plenty of light for my needs. What is nice about them is, unlike my old nightlights, I don't have to worry about buying little nightlight replacement bulbs every couple of months.