LED Lighting Buying Guide
LED Lighting Buying Guide
Expert Buying Tips on How To Choose the Best Model
LED lighting has revolutionized the lighting industry. Although introduced over 50 years ago, today's advanced LED technology has transformed how we illuminate spaces. Compared to traditional lighting sources such as Tungsten, Halogen, and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps), LEDs are more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and environmentally friendly.
LED Lighting Overview
What is an LED?
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are efficient, solid-state electronic light sources. Unlike traditional Tungsten, Halogen, and CFL bulbs, LEDs:
• Last significantly longer
• Use less power
• Produce minimal heat
• Contain no fragile parts like filaments or glass tubes
• Are free from hazardous material like mercury, lead, or toxic gases
How Much Power Do LEDs Use?
LED light bulbs are up to 90% more energy efficient than incandescent or halogen bulbs of similar brightness. For example, a 10W LED can produce the same light output as a 60W halogen bulb.
How Long Do LEDs Last?
Thanks to exceptional thermal management and heat sink technology, high-quality LEDs can last up to 60,000 hours. This long lifespan reduces replacement costs and maintenance.
How Bright are LEDs?
Brightness is measured in lumens (lm)—the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the bulb. Despite their low wattage, LEDs can match the brightness of traditional lighting sources.
How Can LEDs Help Me Save Money?
• Use signicantly less power
• Require fewer replacements
• Have lower failure rates
• Extend battery life in portable lamps
• Can las for years with regular use
A great example of money-saving and long-lasting performance can be found in the Sealey LED3601 Rechargeable Inspection Lamp, which offers 360° illumination and long runtimes—ideal for workshops and mobile technicians.
LED Safety and Enviromental Benefits
Are LEDs Safe?
LEDs are safer than traditional bulbs:
• No glass or fragile components
• Emit very little heat (reducing fire risk)
• No toxic substances like mercury or lead
Why Are LED Lights Eco- Friendly?
LEDs bulbs are:
• Made from recyclable, non-toxic materials
• Non-polluting and energy efficient
• Capable of lastingup to 60,000 hours, compared to 1,500 for incandescent bulbs
• Help reduce CO₂ emissions and environmental impact
Practical Avantages and Durability
LEDs are:
• Shock and impact-resistant
• Operational in extreme temperatures
• Safe for indoor and outdoor applications
• Highly reliable and durable in various environments
For professionals working in harsh or low-visibility environments, products like the Sealey LED700P Super Bright Inspection Lamp provide ultra-durable casing and strong magnetic bases, making them practical and rugged lighting tools.
Types of LED Bulbs
SMD LED (Surface Mounted Device)
What is an SMD LED?
SMD LEDs are compact, powerful, and energy-efficient. They use chips mounted directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB), offering excellent heat dissipation and light output.
Benefits of SMD LEDs
• Minimal heat generation
• Low power consumption
• Space-saving design
• Ideal for compact electronics, inspection lamps, and display panel
• Can emit Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) colours for displays
• High brightness efficiency: 10W SMD ≈ 60W incandescent
Typical SMD Chip
Features of SMD LEDs
• Voltage per chip: 2-3.6V
• Can last over 60,00 hours
• Fade gradually over time, rather than fail suddenly
• Shock and impact-resistant
• Common in outdoor and industrial lighting
SMD technology is used in many Sealey products, including the LED180 Rechargeable Pocket Lamp, offering lightweight portability with powerful wide-angle lighting—perfect for confined or detailed tasks.
COB LED (Chip on Board)
What is a COB LED?
COB technology combines multiple LED chips in one module, creating a consistent, high-intensity light beam. COB LEDs offer:
• Improved Lumen-per-Watt performance
• Superior ptics and beam consistency
• Excellent thermal efficiency and longer life
Why Consider COB LEDs?
• Integrated lens minimizes glare and zebra-striping
• Better suited for focused lighting applications
• Compact designfor single-source lighting
How COB LEDs Work
• Smaller chip sizes produce higher light efficiency (up to 249 lm/W)
• COB LEDs create wider and more uniform lighting areas
Typical COB Panel
A great example of COB LED efficiency and design can be seen in the Sealey LED1001 8W COB + 1W LED Rechargeable Inspection Lamp, which offers a consistent 1000-lumen output with excellent heat dissipation and hands-free functionality—perfect for workshop and automotive tasks.
CREE LED
What is a CREE LED?
Cree Inc. developed this high-performance LED, powered by TrueWhite® technology for:
• Accurate olour rendering
• Stable temperature management
• High efficiency: up to 130 lumens per watt
• Long lifespan: up to 50,000 hours
Lighting for a Generation
One Cree LED running 6 hours a day can last over 20 years, making it:
• 50x longe-lasting than incandescent bulbs
• 5x longer than fluorescent tubes
Typical CREE Fixture
Colours to Suit Your Surroundings
Cree LEDs are available in:
• Daylight: Natural white with slight blue tint
• Cool White: Fluorescent-like, ideal for commercial use
• Warm White: Soft lighting, like halogen/incandescent
Are Cree LEDs Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Yes. Cree LEDs:
• Perform well in cold climates
• Are shock and vibration resistant
• Contain no gases or fragile elements, ideal for outdoor environments
LED Lighting Guides
Wattage to Lumens Conversion Table
The chart below illustrates how LED bulbs provide higher lumens per watt, outperforming traditional light sources.