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
We compiled the most common Why LED light -questions, including questions about LED technology, LED problems, and LED installation. However, there are also questions and answers starting with other question words. We noticed that the same topics come up in different wordings. So don’t be surprised if you read the same question and answer more than once, as each of us approaches the topic from a different angle and asks in a different way. We provide the best answers to the questions that appear on the Internet.
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 several inventors, but if one had to be chosen, Nick Holonyak invented the LED. Here is a brief summary of the history of LEDs that I compiled for an earlier blog post.
Why LED light needs 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. A more in-depth answer to the question can be found in my article “What is an LED?”
Why LED light is 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 is meant by an LED light?
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, with a link to my earlier article “What is an 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 refers to the color temperature of the light produced by an LED luminaire. The colour temperature tells you the colour of the light, and 4000K means neutral white light. Neutral or pure white light is well suited, for example, to kitchens or home offices, as it provides clean white and bright illumination. You can read about how different light color temperatures affect our circadian rhythm in the blog post.
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 product information of the luminaire and ensure that it is dimmable if this feature is needed. You can read more about different dimming techniques 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 instructions of the luminaire and make sure it is dimmable before use. There are different dimming technologies, which is why a dimmable luminaire does not work with all possible dimmers, but only with the one specified for that particular luminaire. You can read more about different dimming technologies here.
Does LED need a driver?
In all cases, LED lights need a driver to work properly. This depends on the type of luminaire and system, but for example, LED strips require an external driver, whereas E27 bulbs have the driver built into the lamp base.
LED problems – why doesn’t the LED light work?
Things don’t always go right and the LED fails. Here are the most common questions and answers related to failure.
Why LED light glows dimly?
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 LED strip troubleshooting article definitely provides help with this question.
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 LED strip troubleshooting article definitely provides help with this question.
Why LED lights 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 is also available 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 LED lights do 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 LED strip troubleshooting article definitely provides help with this question.
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 in this article: 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 might also solve LED problems by reading our article: How to fix a 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 may need repair or replacement.
LED installation
Installation of LED luminaires and bulbs is a common topic of inquiry. Where and how to install my LED lamps or bulbs. Here we aim to answer the questions clearly.
Is LED strip waterproof?
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. If you want to read more about this, I’ve written on the topic: LED can’t withstand heat, why?
How to attach the LED strip light?
The LED strip should always be attached onto 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 mains power installations require an electrician unless the luminaire comes with a plug.
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 LED strip by myself?
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 LED strip. Low voltage 12/24V led strips can be cut as required. Most low-voltage LED strips have cutting marks at the points where the strip can be shortened. It is important to check the instructions of the LED strip and ensure that cutting does not compromise its functionality or safety. 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. This is the second part of the series. You can find parts one and three in the links below:
Part 1, Energy consumption and environmental impacts
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. And 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 create hundreds of lighting designs each year for our customers’ spaces. Read more here or order a lighting design
We offer custom LED strips as a service, meaning LED strips in aluminium profiles made to each customer’s specific measurements. Installation is also available. 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 pictures of your own projects on social media using #ledstorefi on IG and ledstorefinland on FB. 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 3 500 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
