LED lights are solid state semiconductor devices. LED illumination is achieved when a semiconductor crystal is excited so that it directly produces visible light in a desired wavelength range (colour).

The light from an LED is practically a pure, single colour. A green LED produces green light only, a red LED only red light, and so on. It is the material of the LED chip that determinates the colour.

LEDs are driven by direct current, and the amount of current determines the brightness.
The brightness of the LED is proportional to the current flowing through the LED, more current, more light.

In order to create a full range of colours including white light, we need to use a selection of different LED's that can be combined in various proportions to create a wide colour palette.

Features & benefits of LEDs

• LED's are extremely efficient low energy light sources
• In 2005 white LED's had reached outputs of over 30 lumens/watt and coloured versions 50 lumens/watt. The light gains continue to grow, doubling about every two years.
• long operational life of up to 50,000 hours
• Compact light source, no other lamp possesses such small dimensions for a comparative light output.
• LED's do not emit ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) radiation. They do not radiate heat in the direction of the illuminated object, they can therefore be used to illuminate materials that fade easily, food, works of art etc.
• LED's are durable against impact and vibration
• LEDs can be dimmed
• Coloured light can be produced effectively - over 16 million colours

Common Applications

• Display lighting - compact displays are possible with low operating temperatures
• Display case, museum and shop lighting - illumination of sensitive objects at close range with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) free light
• Underwater lighting - low voltage supply for safety and low maintenance
• Outside lighting - coloured effects to enhance outdoor spaces
• Sign lighting - strips of LED's can be used to light signage in many different colours.
• Low level lighting - LED luminaires are cool to touch and are therefore suitable for us in domestic situations where children may come into contact with them.
• Architectural detail lighting - LED's can be used in applications which traditionally used neon or cold cathode

What is 'RGB' ?

• RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. It is commonly used term to denote a module or luminaire that has the ability to change colour, up to a maximum of 16 million variations depending on the controller
• Features include colour phasing, switching and static colours

View our full range of Kitchen, Bathroom and Reception LED lights.