LED Lighting Buying Guide
LED Lighting Buying Guide
Expert Buying Tips on How To Choose the Right 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 significantly less power
• Require fewer replacements
• Have lower failure rates
• Extend battery life in portable lamps
• Can last for years with regular use
A great example of these cost-saving benefits is the Sealey LED3601 Rechargeable Inspection Lamp, which offers 360° illumination and long runtimes, making it ideal for workshops and mobile technicians.
LED Safety and Environmental Benefits
Are LED Light Bulbs Better for the Environment?
LED light bulbs can have a lower environmental impact than traditional incandescent bulbs because they:
• Are made from recyclable, non-toxic materials
• Are non-polluting and energy efficient
• Can last up to 60,000 hours, compared to around 1,500 hours for incandescent bulbs
• Help reduce COâ‚‚ emissions and overall 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
These qualities make LED lighting particularly well suited to demanding workplaces where equipment is exposed to knocks, harsh conditions and daily use. The Sealey LED3606G Rechargeable 360° Inspection Light is a great example, combining robust construction with bright, dependable illumination.
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 60,000 hours
• Fade gradually over time, rather than fail suddenly
• Shock and impact resistant
MD technology is featured in many Sealey products, including the LED180 Rechargeable Slim Folding Inspection Light, combining powerful light output with a space-saving design that makes it easy to use in hard-to-reach areas.
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 optics and beam consistency
• Excellent thermal efficiency and longer life
Why Choose COB LED Lighting?
• Better suitability for focused lighting applications
• A compact design that enables 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 the benefits of COB LED technology is the Sealey LED1001 8W COB + 1W LED Rechargeable Inspection Lamp. Its COB LED delivers a bright, consistent 1000-lumen output with excellent heat dissipation, while the versatile hands-free design makes it ideal for detailed workshop, maintenance and automotive tasks.
CREE LED
What is a CREE LED?
Cree Inc. developed this high-performance LED, powered by TrueWhite® technology for:
• Accurate colour 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:
• 50 x longer 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?
Cree LEDs are designed to deliver reliable performance in challenging environments and are particularly well suited to outdoor applications. They:• Perform reliably in cold climates
• Are shock and vibration resistant
• Contain no gases or fragile components, making them ideal for outdoor use
LED Lighting Guides
Wattage to Lumens Conversion Table
The chart below illustrates how LED bulbs provide higher lumens per watt, outperforming traditional light sources.