Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8246 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
LED Lights vs Fluorescent
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
*LED's use less energy than a CFL (Compact Fluorescent) for the same light output
*Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and pose a danger to the environment. Some may be required to pay for disposal of fluorescent bulbs.
*If the bulb breaks, it contaminates it's surroundings including food. Proper clean up can be expensive.
-Notice the continuing flow of color, and less missing colors
Create Custom LED for Cars
- Efficient Daytime Running Lights, or use this information to make a decorative room light.
Consider what they're asking for something similar:
Quote:
These EVERLEDs are rated at a 10-year lifespan, compared to the 5-7 year lifespan of their fluorescent counterparts. Plus, the lights require 20% less power, which would be an energy savings of incredible magnitude from a global perspective.
The catch: each 4-foot tube runs $150...or 70 TIMES the price of a fluorescent of the same size. Sorry, environment...uhh...things are tight...with the constantly buying new gadgets and all.
I love the LED light ideas for plant growing lamps. However they are soooo costly.
I wish I could find a source for LED lights and make a setup myself. It shouldn't be too hard, but no idea where to look for plain LED lights.
Fri Jun 13, 2008 5:22 am
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8246 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Any electronic hobbyist store should have them.
Probably not comparable to a 60 watt incandescent on it's own:
Quote:
10mm Ultra-High Brightness White LED
$2.79
This 10mm T-1 white LED is ideal to use as a replacement or in a hobby project. It is rated at 20mA and requires 3.5-4VDC. Try it in outdoor displays, as an optical indicator, backlighting or marker lights.
* High-visibility, ideal for hobbies and electronics projects
* Intensity: 28,500mcd (typical)
* Viewing angle: 10°
* FW current: 20mA
* FW supply: 3.5V (typical), 4.0V (maximum)
* Typical chromaticity coordinates x=0.29, y=0.28 according to CIE1931
Fri Jun 13, 2008 6:20 am
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madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8246 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Hair Gel + LED = Light
Quote:
Hair gel is an excellent optical path. Bubbles create surprising tracery. Such source of illumination can be used somehow.
Just to give some ideas for creativity. Test tubes, cigar holders, and items you may otherwise throw out could be useful in making a decorative lamp. Careful it doesn't pose a fire hazard.
Sat Jun 14, 2008 11:13 am
madthumbs
Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 8246 Location: Fingerlakes - NY usa
Truth - CFLs with a UL Mark have been thoroughly tested to safety standards by Underwriters Laboratories, a third-party product safety testing organizations. Consumers should look for the UL Mark. It means UL engineers have tested representative samples of the product for safety hazards
Myth - CFLs are a new, emerging technology.
Truth - CFLs were introduced to market in the 1970s.
Myth - The contents of CFLs are bad for people and the environment.
Truth - According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CFL's contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - approximately 5 milligrams - a hundred times less mercury than found in a single old-style glass thermometer. No mercury is released when the lamps are intact or in use and if disposed of properly, mercury in CFLs shouldn't be a safety hazard.
Myth - CFLs are dangerous when they burn out.
Truth - CFLs burn out differently than incandescent bulbs - the light usually dims over time and may produce a more dramatic pop, emit a burning odor, and maybe even release some smoke. CFLs with the UL Mark have been tested to meet specific requirements for electrical safety, fire and shock hazards. Any popping sounds or smoke that a consumer might see when a CFL burns out means that the bulb's end-of-life mechanism worked as it should have.
Myth - CFLs can't be dimmed or used in 3-way fixtures.
Truth - Early CFLs did not have dimming capabilities. The technology has evolved, however, to suit a number a lighting needs. If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or three-way socket fixture, look for CFLs that specify use with dimmers or three-way fixtures.
Myth - CFLs are big and ugly.
Truth - CFLs now come in all shapes and sizes so consumers can easily find one that suits their light fixture, and their lifestyle.
Myth - CFLs cast unflattering light.
Truth - Consumers have options with CFLs. Look for a color temperature of 2,700-3,000 Kelvin (K) to cast a warm glow, and a color temperature of 4,500-6,000K for a cooler light.
Myth - CFLs are expensive.
Truth - While CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs at purchase, their energy efficiency and longevity make up for the cost differential. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer.
Myth -CFLs can't be used in traditional incandescent light fixtures.
Truth - The quirky design of a CFL is what makes them suitable for use in incandescent light fixtures. To generate light while using the least amount of electricity, most CFLs are constructed in long, thin tubes that are coiled into a spiral. This shape allows CFLs to fit a lighting fixture designed for incandescent bulbs.
CFLs perform best in open fixtures that allow airflow, such as table and floor lamps, wall sconces, pendants, and outdoor fixtures. The best fixtures to use with CFLs are usually found in family and living rooms, the kitchen, dining room, bedrooms and outdoors.
