The world of lighting is diverse. With hundreds of different options, it can be a bit overwhelming. However, if you are looking for an energy-efficient, almost maintenance-free option – there is an LED light for you.   Below, the lighting experts with Action Services Group help explain several different LED options you might not know about.  

What is an LED Light? 

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, have a plethora of different uses. But at their core, they are semiconductors. This means they emit light as electrical currents pass through a semiconductor material. (As particles contained within the electric current pass through the semiconductor, they illuminate.)   Because of the way in which LEDs create light, they are also known as solid-state devices. Unlike your fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), halogen, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), or incandescent lights – LEDs do not utilize gas, glass, or other easily damaged components. This makes them more durable. It also means that LEDs are more precise and longer-lasting. LEDs are also notoriously energy efficient and can cut down power consumption significantly. 

LED Mini Indicator Lamps 

Sometimes, you need something “smaller”. For example, small under cabinets lights can provide localized illumination as needed. While many of these fixtures once used halogen lamps, LED mini-indicator lamps can provide a much more robust light source. (Not only do they require less maintenance, unlike halogen lamps, but the oils on your hands will also not affect a LED mini-indicator lamp so you do not have to wear gloves while handling them.)  Depending on your application, it is important to examine not only the type of light needed but also the area around the lamp. Some LED mini-indicator lamps may be longer or wider than the lamps they are replacing. Make sure the new lamp will fit in the designated space.   LED mini-indicator lamps come with a variety of different bases. Let us take a look at these bases to ensure you know what you are looking for.  

Bi-Pin 

Bi-pin bases have two, straight pins that poke from the bottom of the lamp. Pin spacing can be different. So, make sure you measure the distances between the holes they will be inserted into. Starting with a “G”, your LED mini-indicator lamp will include a distance measurement. For example, G4 means the bi-pins are set 4 millimeters (mm) apart. (Other options include G8 and G9.)  

Single Contact 

A single contact, or bayonet, a base lamp is typically used to replace incandescent or halogen lamps. With these bases, single metal contact will be located at the bottom of the base. Single contact bases can be used on the interior and exterior of your facility. 

Double Contact 

Double contact bases have two metal contacts located on the bottom. While these bases may not be as common as the single contact version, they are able to be used on the interior and exterior of your facility.  

Festoon 

Lamps with this type of base can only be used in a specialty socket specifically designed to accept “festoon” bases. Festoon-based lamps are commonly used in vehicles and watercraft. In fact, rearview mirrors and dome lights in vehicles often use halogens or incandescent festoon-based lamps. Because they are more durable and last longer, swapping to a LED mini-indicator lamp with a festoon base can minimize replacement costs. Because they are energy efficient, they do not drain your car or boat battery as quickly as other lamps. LED festoon lamps are available in 12- and 24-volts. They are also available in waterproof versions for marine use.  

Wedge 

Like the bi-pin version, a wedge-style base has two pins that extend from the lamp. However, these pins are encased in a “wedge” like housing that protects them. Wedge bases require a specialty fixture that allows for the “wedge” portion to slip into it.

Candelabra (E12) 

A candelabra base looks just like your standard incandescent base. With a screw-like wrap leading to it, a candelabra will include a single contact at the bottom. Candelabra bases, known as E12, measure 12mm in diameter and fit almost all of your standard fixtures, including table lamps, ceiling fans, and chandeliers.  

Intermediate (E17) 

An intermediate base is identical to the candelabra option with one exception: it is slightly larger. Measuring 17mm in diameter, intermediate bases are often called E17.  

Looped 

Looped bases are similar to bi-pin versions. However, instead of having two straight pins at the bottom, they include two looped pins. Looped bases require a specialty fixture.  

Hazardous Location LED Lighting 

Safety regulations often require the use of lighting that meets strict guidelines. Hazardous location LED lighting does just that. Also known as an LED corn lamp, hazardous location lighting can help increase the safety of occupants in the event of an emergency.   Hazardous location LED lighting operates in environments that range from -40 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. LED corn lamps are rated for Class 1, Division 2 hazardous locations as defined by not only the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but also the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC).   Because of their rating, hazardous location LED lighting can be used where: 

• Flammable vapors or liquids are airborne; 
• Natural gas or liquified petroleum is stored and/or handled; and 

• Ignitable cleaning fluid or vapors may be present.  

Because they require the removal of ballasts during installation, they can help to reduce maintenance expenses. They are also known to last longer than their traditional counterparts. Understanding the flammable conditions of the environment around it, an LED corn lamp uses active cooling technology to help to reduce any potential heat it may create. The case is also specially made to ensure it will contain a possible internal explosion, preventing sparks or excess heat from igniting the hazardous materials around it. Aircraft hangers, gas stations and refineries can all benefit from the use of hazardous location LED lighting.  

LED Tube Light 

LED tube lighting is shatter resistant. This is great news for restaurant owners since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires any lamps being used near food or food equipment to be shatter-resistant.   Coated in a shatter-resistant material, a LED tube light meets with NSF International certifications. Should the light be damaged, this shatter-resistant coating traps glass particles inside, preventing them from falling into food or the equipment used to prepare it.   Shatter-resistant LED tube lights have other applications as well. Schools, daycares, manufacturing facilities, and senior centers may also benefit from the use of a shatter-resistant lamp.   There are three types of LED tube lights.  

• Plug and Play Lamps: These work with your existing ballast.  
• Direct Wire Lamps: The existing ballast must be removed to operate these tube lights. Often this means the fixture must be rewired during installation. In doing so, this allows the tube lamp to be directly wired to the line voltage. (This does, however, eliminate the cost of ballast replacement and prevent compatibility issues. It also helps to reduce potential failures due to ballast issues.) 
• Hybrid Lamps: These lamps will work with an existing ballast. Once the ballast fails, however, the fixture can be rewired, allowing these to operate as the direct wire versions do.  

LED Freezer Fixtures 

Fluorescent lights are often used in coolers and freezers. However, they often fail to provide sufficient lighting. LED freezer and cooler fixtures, however, provide ample illumination. Designed to withstand temperatures that range between -4 to 140-degrees Fahrenheit, LED freezer fixtures are wired directly into the line voltage and can be interconnected. Shock, corrosion, and vibration resistant, LED lights will keep your cooler or freezer illuminated for much longer than their fluorescent counterparts. Because they produce almost zero heat themselves, LED freezer lamps may even reduce cooling costs. 

LED Rope Light 

Glass neon signs can be extremely temperamental and potentially dangerous. LED rope light can help. Flexible and durable, LED rope lights last up to three times longer and can be plugged directly into a nearby outlet. Flexible neon rope lights, hybrid rope lights, and flat rope lights give users a variety of options. From replacing neon signs to providing handrail illumination, these lights can be installed both indoors and outdoors to give you the perfect level of light. (It should be noted that you cannot cut the ropes for exterior use. The protective exterior layer must remain intact to prevent issues.) 

LED Options with Action Services Group 

With so many different applications, choosing the right LED option can be a bit overwhelming. The experts with Action Services Group are here to help. If you would like to learn more about LED lighting, please contact Action Services Group today, by calling 610-558-9773 or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.