Summarize
- LED lights are more efficient and more durable than incandescent bulbs
- LED lights need a front resistor to stabilise the electrical current
- LED lights are generally better than CFLs
- Dimming of LED lights requires a compatible dimmer
- LED strips are resistant to moisture, but choose the right IP rating
The internet is full of all sorts of things, and we all have different concerns. We collected the most common questions about led lights, such as led technology, led problems and led installation. We would notice that the same things are repeated all the time, but in different wording. So don’t be surprised if you read the same question and answer, because each of us takes a different angle on the subject and asks a different question.
Led technology
There are some questions about LED technology and here are some more technical questions and answers. Please note that for each question we have also written an in-depth article.
Who invented the LED?
There are many inventors, but if you had to choose one, Nick Holonyak invented the LED. Here’s a brief history of LEDs.
Why does an LED light need a front-facing resistor?
The LED light needs a front resistor to work properly. The LED light is very sensitive to changes in the current and the front resistance helps to stabilise the current and ensure that the LED burns steadily. Without a front resistor, the LED light may start to flash or even burn too brightly, which can damage the light. For a more in-depth answer to this question, see the article What is led?
Why is an LED light better than an incandescent bulb?
LED lights are more efficient and more durable than incandescent bulbs. They are also environmentally friendly, with significantly lower energy consumption and a longer lifespan. LED lights also offer a wide range of light colour temperatures, colours and brightness, making them a versatile choice for a variety of needs. We have compared the different techniques in this article.
Are LED lights better than CFLs?
LED lights are generally better than CFLs in many different ways. They are more efficient, more sustainable, more environmentally friendly and safer to use. LED lights also provide better illumination and colour saturation than CFLs. In addition, LED lights have a better light output.
What is the best way to control LED lighting?
The best way to control LED lighting is to use a dimmable light source or a lamp that can be directed and its intensity can be adjusted. This allows you to adjust the light according to your needs and helps to create pleasant lighting or efficient spotlighting.
What does LED light mean?
LED stands for light emitting diode. LEDs are efficient and energy-efficient light sources that are widely used in lighting and electronics. LED lights are durable, consume less energy and have a long lifetime compared to other light sources. Here is a more in-depth answer to the question what is led?
How does an LED light work?
The LED light is powered by a light emitting diode. When a voltage passes through a diode, it emits light. LEDs are efficient and energy-efficient light sources that are widely used in lighting and electronics. LED lights have a long lifetime and consume less energy than other light sources. Here’s a more in-depth answer to the question how does led work?
What does 4000K mean?
4000K means the colour temperature of the light from an LED luminaire. The colour temperature tells you the colour of the light, and 4000K means neutral white light. KNeutral or pure white light is ideal for a kitchen or study, for example, and provides pure white and bright lighting. You can read about how different light colour temperatures affect our circadian rhythms here.
Is the LED lamp dimmable?
Some LED lights have a dimming feature that allows you to adjust the light output. It is important to check the luminaire’s product information and ensure that the luminaire is dimmable if this feature is required. For more information on the different dimming techniques click here
Can all LED lights be dimmed?
Not all LED lights can necessarily be dimmed, as it depends on the specifications of the luminaire and the dimming technology. It is important to check the luminaire’s instructions and ensure that the luminaire is dimmable before use. There are different dimming techniques, which is why a dimmable luminaire will not work with all possible dimmers, but with the one specified for the luminaire in question. For more information on the different dimming techniques click here
Does LED need driver?
In all cases, LED lights need driver to work properly. This depends on the type of luminaire and system, but for example LED strips need an external transformer, while E27 lamps have a transformer built into the lamp holder.
Led problems
Things don’t always go right and the LED fails. Here are the most common questions and answers related to failure.
Why is the LED light dimmed?
The LED light can be dim for a number of reasons. One of the most common causes is a lack of electricity supply. LED lights need a certain amount of electricity to work best, and if the supply of electricity is insufficient, the LED light may burn dimly. Another common cause is an outdated or faulty front resistor that no longer provides the necessary stabilisation of the electrical current. The fault may also lie in a light switch or a wire. It is important to find out the cause and fix it so that the LED light stays on full blast. This article on troubleshooting the led strip should help you with this question too.
Why is the LED light flashing in the video?
LED lights flashing on video can be caused by a number of things, such as incorrect power supply, inadequate voltage stabilisation or a poor quality light switch. Flashing may also be caused by the cyclical power consumption of the LEDs not being compatible with the camera or video recording system. It is important to find out the cause and fix it so that the LED light works correctly in the video. Sometimes help can be found in the camera settings. Here is a more detailed answer to the question why do LED lights flicker in the camera?
Why is the LED light not working?
LED lights can sometimes stop working for a variety of reasons, such as poor installation, poor quality or an outdated electrical system. It is also important to check that the light is compatible with the power supply used. It is advisable to contact a specialist if the LED light is not working properly. This article on troubleshooting the led strip should help you with this question too.
Why does an LED light flicker?
LED light oscillation can be caused by faulty electrical installation, an incompatible AC power supply or a dimmer. This can cause flickering. It is recommended to check the electrical installation and the condition of the power supply and connections. Help can also be found for the question: how to fix a flickering led strip?
Why is the remote control for LED lights not working?
LED remote control malfunction is usually caused by a dead battery, a broken control or sometimes, rarely, a loss of the battery (due to a strong interference).
Why do LED lights not work?
LED light malfunctions can be caused by poor installation, poor quality or an outdated electrical system. It is also important to check that the light is compatible with the power supply used. It is advisable to contact an electrician if you suspect that the problem is electrical. This article on troubleshooting the led strip should help you with this question too.
Why does the light flicker?
Light flicker can be caused by poor electrical installation, poor quality or an outdated electrical system. It is also possible that the power supply is weak or that the light output is too high for the electrical system. If the light flickers when dimmed, it is often an incompatible dimmer. It is advisable to check the electrical installation and power supply before using the light and, if necessary, contact a specialist. Help can also be found for the question: how to fix a flickering led strip?
How to fix led lights?
How to fix the LED lights depends on the cause of the fault. For example, if the LED light does not light up, it could be because the batteries in the remote control have run out or something else is wrong. If the LED light does not work properly, it may be due to incorrect installation or a fault in the light source. Repairing LED lights often requires technical knowledge and spare parts, so it is advisable to contact an expert dealer or electrician. You may also solve your led problems by reading our article: how to fix flickering led strip?
How do I know if the remote control is broken?
If the LED does not respond to the remote control, the remote control may be broken. You can also check if the batteries have been replaced or if the remote control is compatible with the LED light. If the problem is not solved by replacing the batteries or checking compatibility, the remote control may be broken and needs repair or replacement.
LED installation
Questions about the installation of LED luminaires and bulbs. Where and how to install my LED lamps or bulbs. Here we aim to answer the questions clearly.
Is the LED strip water resistant?
Yes, most LED strips are designed to withstand moisture and can be used in the kitchen, shower or outdoors. However, it is important to choose an LED strip that is specifically designed for humid environments and is IP65 rated.
Can IP44 go outside?
Depends on the installation site. If the installation is in a canopy or on a glazed terrace, IP21 is sufficient. The IP44-rated LED is not suitable for more extreme outdoor use, as IP44 does not provide sufficient protection against continuous water and dampness. It’s still perfect for the exterior walls of the house. For outdoor LED lights, an IP65 or IP67 rating is available, which provides the necessary protection against the weather conditions if they enter the ground, for example. There are also moisture-proof, IP65 aluminium profiles for LED strips. By choosing the right products in the right places, you avoid most led problems.
Is an LED lamp suitable for the sauna?
Yes, LED lamps can also be used in saunas. However, it is important to choose an LED lamp that is specifically designed for the high temperatures that are usually found in saunas. Such LED lamps are usually IP44 or IP65 rated and have special protective mechanisms to prevent them from overheating, such as a high aluminium content. Led can’t withstand heat, why?
How to attach the LED strip light?
The LED strip light should always be attached to a heat conductive material. The best for this purpose is the aluminium profile designed for the LED strip. It’s important to make sure that the ribbon is securely attached and cannot come loose, so always wipe the base clean of grease and dirt first. For best adhesion, turn on the lights and, when it warms up a bit, press the tape down.
How to put LED lights?
Installing LED lights is usually quite easy. First of all, you need to choose a suitable light and LED bulbs.
Then you need to remove the old light and plug in the LED bulbs. Finally, you need to turn on the power to the LED bulbs and make sure they are working properly. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing LED lights to avoid LED problems. Please note that some installations require an electrician.
What happens if you connect a light bulb incorrectly?
If the LED lamp is connected incorrectly, it may become damaged or stop working properly. This depends entirely on the model and brand of the led light.
Led problems can be avoided by checking the instructions for the lamp and making sure that the lamp is connected correctly before making the connection. Please note that some of the wiring can only be done by an electrician.
Can the interior lights be turned off?
Using indoor lights outdoors is generally not recommended, as they are not designed to withstand outdoor conditions such as rain and humidity. This can reduce their lifespan and increase the risk of failure. It is better to use outdoor lights outdoors. We have posted installation instructions here.
Can outdoor Christmas lights be used indoors?
It is possible to use outdoor Christmas lights indoors. Too much protection is not a problem indoors, although outdoor lights usually have impossibly long wires, so there is a lot to bundle.
Can I change the position of the LED lights?
LED lights can be replaced and moved to new locations as required. It is important to check the specifications of the lightand LED bulb and ensure that replacement will not compromise the operation or safety of the light.
The easiest way is to change the location of surface-mounted luminaires.
Can you put an LED lamp in the sauna?
LED lamps can be used in saunas, but it is important to choose the right LED lamp for the sauna conditions. For example, it is advisable to choose a lamp that is resistant to high temperatures and humidity. It is also worth finding out the distances to the ceiling and the heater (luminaire-specific). Led can’t withstand heat, why?
Can I install stripLED stripmyself?
It is possible to install the LED strip yourself if you have the necessary skills. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety regulations. When installing stripLED strip, always remember to take into account the cooling of stripLED stripand its stability on the surface. These things are done all at once by using a led aluminium profile. You should also pay attention to the placement of the transformer and how the light is used. That is, how you turn on the light and whether you want to adjust the brightness or colours of the light.
Can LED lights be cut?
This question probably refers to stripLED strip. Low voltage 12/24V led strips can be cut as required. Most low-current tapes have cut marks where the tape can be shortened. It is important to check the instructions for the luminaire and make sure that cutting will not compromise the operation or safety of the luminaire. This is especially important if you have a 230V led strip that MUST NOT BE CUT.
Lastly
As we have seen, people ask a lot of questions on the internet and we will continue to be happy to answer them. For more good questions and answers, see:
Part 1, Energy consumption and environmental impacts
Part 2, Led technology, led problems and led installation (THIS ARTICLE!)
Part 3, LED replacement, LED and safety and LED vehicle lights
Led technology specialist
LedStore has been an expert in LED lighting and lighting design since 2010.
We have our own product design, so our products are technologically state-of-the-art.
Products have quarantee for up to 7 years.
We also carry out lighting maintenance.
We focus on temperature-controlled and high colour rendering lights, so they work brilliantly and last a long time.
We do around
500 lighting designs for our clients’ sites.
Read more here or order a lighting design
We offer a service of custom-made led strips, i.e. custom-made led strips in aluminium profile. Also installed. Did you know?
LedStore offers lighting design from 169 euros for the whole house!
Remember that we are always ready to offer our help to you along the way, by email (myynti@ledstore.fi) and by phone (045 251 4510). As always, feel free to share photos of your own projects on social media at ledstore.fi at Instagram and ledstore.fi at Meta. We love to see the cool things done by our LEDs, and it also helps to provide inspiration for those who are not sure about the power and awesomeness of LEDs. Did you know that we already have over 3500 pictures of our LED installations in our Gallery!
Photo gallery of Led lights:
Product gallery: Pictures of products in different installation locations
Indirect light: Indirect light in different spaces
Room-specific: Light in different rooms
References: Complete houses that have been photographed
