Types Of LEDs for Home & Outdoor

LEDs are the new norm of light in our time today in homes, gardens, offices, or on roads. In contrast to the traditional incandescent or CFL bulb, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) present a synergy of energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility of use. From warm homes to outdoors, LEDs are changing the way we light up our world.

In this blog, we'll discuss both technical kinds of LEDs (which describe how technology itself works) and functional kinds of LED lights (which you can directly incorporate into your home or yard). When it's all said and done, you'll know what LED is best for you, if you need warm home lighting, outdoor high-performance lighting, or versatility for decorating.

Why are LED Lights so Popular for Indoor and Outdoor Lighting?

• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume a maximum of 80% less power compared to incandescent bulbs, cost less, and are environmentally friendly.
• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume a maximum of 80% less power compared to incandescent bulbs, cost less, and are environmentally friendly.
• Long Lifespan: High-quality LEDs have a lifespan of up to 25,000 to 50,000 hours, and no more heartburn of frequent replacements.
• Eco-Friendly: LEDs are free from mercury and emit less CO₂, thereby eco-friendly.
• Design Flexibility: LEDs are available in different designs, shapes, colors, and applications, indoor and outdoor. From smart bulbs to LED strip lights.

Technical LED Types

If you know about the technical LED types, then you'll know for what purpose they are designed.

Classic Inorganic LEDs

• What they are: One of the earliest types of LED, which are found commonly in basic electronic devices.
• Use case: Utilized in calculators, remote controls, and appliance indicator lights.

COB (Chip On Board) LEDs

• What they are: A bunch of tightly packed LED chips on a single substrate, providing high intensity brightness.
• Use case: Ideal for use in floodlights, streetlights, and security lighting outside when area lighting is required.

Miniature LEDs

• What they are: Small LEDs generally below 2mm in height.
• Use case: Typically employed in string lights that adorn toys and electronic circuits.

SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LEDs

• What they are: Widely used LEDs marketed in strips and bulbs and placed on the surface of circuit boards.
• Use case: Used for general lighting, accent walls, and use-at-home bulbs.

RGB LEDs (Bicolor & Tricolor LEDs)

• What they are: LEDs intended to create more than one color through a combination of red, green, and blue.
• Use case: Utilized in mass use in smart lighting systems, party lights, and outdoor parties.

Flashing LEDs

• What they are: LEDs that have circuitry built into them to enable them to flash independently.
• Use case: Solder onto display indicators, display systems, and warning signs.

Graphene LEDs

• What they are: High-end LEDs with grapheme layers for greater efficiency and lifespan.
• Use case: Suited for high-performance light systems such as industrial installations.

Organic LEDs (OLEDs)

• What they are: Thin, curved diffused light panels.
• What they are: Thin, curved diffused light panels.

LED Filament Bulbs

• What they are: Retro-style bulbs that replicate filament looks but incorporate LED technology.
• Use case: Best suited for homes, cafes, and patios where an old-time look is needed.

Practical Types of LED Lights for Home

When choosing LEDs for your home, there's form as well as functionality.

• LED Bulbs: Around-the-clock replacement of incandescent bulbs, installed in living rooms, bedrooms, and corridors.
• Recessed Downlights: Narrow ceiling lights offering a sleek, even light. Ideal for living rooms and office areas.
• Strip Lights: Flexible strips under cabinets, behind televisions, or on ceilings to add ambience.
• Panel Lights: Offer broad, even illumination, ideal for kitchens, study rooms, and offices.
• Smart LEDs: Voice-controlled or app-controlled bulbs with brightness and color control.

Functional Types of Outdoor LED Lights

Outdoor light demands functionality and dependability.

• Flood Lights: Driveway, garden, or security lights that are bright.
• Street Lights: Energy-efficient fixtures for walks, public streets, and colleges.
• Garden/Pathway Lights: Increase landscape attractiveness as well as provide light.
• Wall Sconces/Outdoor Lamps: Provide looks while providing safety on the front and patio.
• LED Spotlights: Ideal for accenting sculpture, plants, or architectural elements.

How to Select a Bulb by Colour Temperature

Selecting the ideal LED bulb is more than an issue of light brightness; it's an issue of colour temperature too.

Soft White LED Bulbs

• Warm, yellow light (2700K–3000K).
• Ideal for cozy spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms.

Bright White LED Bulbs

• Neutral, clean light (3500K–4100K).
• Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and study rooms.

Daylight LED Bulbs

• Bluish, daylight tone (5000K–6500K).
• Ideal for outdoor lighting, garages, or workspaces where focus is required.

Indoor vs Outdoor LED: What's the Difference?

• Brightness Level: Indoor LEDs are used for ambience, whereas outdoor LEDs are brighter in use for visibility.
• IP Rating: Outdoor LEDs need higher IP ratings (e.g., IP65) such that they can stay resistant to dust, rain, and heat.
• Longevity: Outdoor LEDs are built with weather-proof materials, as opposed to indoor lighting.
• Design Aesthetics: Indoor LEDs are all about design and mood, whereas outside lights are all about function and safety.

Conclusion

• LEDs have revolutionized the lighting industry with their technological diversity (from COB to OLEDs) and practical uses (from residential bulbs to street floodlights). Whether you require an intimate atmosphere at home, to light up your garden, or to protect your driveway, there is an LED for that use.
• Always look for purpose, atmosphere, and longevity while making the choice. There are numerous choices of LED products that get you the latest technology with usability at Western Electricals so that you can illuminate your life with efficiency and elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions