How to choose the perfect LED bulb?

1 What parts are a LED bulb?

Whether of the class (that there are many and to cover a broad spectrum of needs) any bulb of this class shares a series of elements in common, some of which have a direct influence on the choice of the best:

• Bush: Special attention to this concrete part is required, since it is the mechanism that fixes the bulb in the corresponding portal mamp. It deals that the network tension reaches the inside of the bulb so that it can fulfill its function, that is, that it is turned on. As can be seen below, there are many caps, although E27 is the best known today.
• Dissipator: Here is known as driver, an element whose influence is direct in the dissipation of the heat emitted by the bulb. They are usually aluminum, or even ceramic material, so that the dissipation can be high. The number of useful hours of each bulb depends directly on the greater or lesser degree.
• Diffuser: In the choice of the best LED bulb for each space, the opening angle also depends, and therefore the illuminated surface with a single luminaire. The best known is the diffuser that has the shape of 'globe'.

2 What are the most common LED bulbs?

In the market there are a lot of bulbs of this typology. Each of them has the mission of serving a specific use, hence a certain knowledge of the existing material, in this case of the type of cap, is essential for success in the choice. Although the list is long, there are some more common typologies and with a large market share:

• LED bulbs E27: popularly known as "Gorda Thread LED bulbs" are the most common and implanted. At the domestic level they are the order of the day, mainly because they are available in a large range of powers, shapes, designs and, of course, of opening angles.
• GU10 LED bulbs: Despite not having a nickname, they are also among the most widespread. And they are for a practical issue, since they have become the perfect substitutes for halogen bulbs and ox eyes. Generally, they work at 220VAC, so that the replacement of an old bulb with one of this class is more than simple.
• LED bulbs E14: next to the previous two complete the list of the most common LED bulbs. In fact, it is most likely that they are indicated for a user who simply seeks energy efficiency and savings of bulbs of this type. Unlike E27, E14 have the finest bushing, specifically 14mm. Domestic use is also the most widespread.

But they are not the only LED bulbs that can be used. There are options for the replacement of those known as low consumption bulbs (G23/G24 light bulbs) or even models capable of working with different types of current (MR16/GU5.3 bulb). In case of doubt when buying or replacing a luminaire, it may be interesting to consult in depth what type of cap will be the most appropriate.

3 Choice of the power of a LED bulb

When I know decides the type of lighting of a house Or the most appropriate bulb, does not only influence the type of cap. You should not lose sight of the stay where you want to place the LED bulb, and the activity that will take place inside. Once this aspect is determined and the type of bulb to select, other relevant aspects such as the power or the number of lumens required will be taken into account. The emergence of LED lighting has allowed, among many other things, to stop thinking in watts of power. At present, the number of watts does not determine the amount of light issued by a bulb, that in the case of LEDs it is measured in lumens. However, watts remain a relevant fact when choosing the new bulb, since it is necessary to know the equivalence between both technologies, a specification that is always contemplated in the characteristics of a LED model. Once 'discarded' the concept of watts and the entry into play of lumens, it is imperative to clarify that the latter indicate the amount of light emitted by a LED bulb. But, eye, yes to the ideal bulb you ask for more or less luminous flux, you will have to select it depending on its luxes, or opening angle. Why is this aspect important? Because it directly affects the uniformity of light and also the number of luminaires that we must use in each case.

4 Does the color temperature matter?

Talking about color in the world of bulbs seems contradictory, although the truth is that Kelvin degrees, the unit of measure that determines the temperature of a bulb, it also has a fundamental decision power in the choice of a luminaire. This unit varies from 1000 K (more reddish tone) up to 10000 k (more bluish tone). Despite variations in graduation, it is normal to talk about cold white, natural and warm white. Once again, the stay where the bulb is placed will have a great influence on the choice. For example, cold target is usually chosen for kitchens, while in the rooms you opt for a warmer light in search of more welcoming environments.

5 Estimated life and ignition cycles

Because it is not the same to illuminate a garage as a kitchen, The useful hours of a LED bulb They are also an important point of attention during the choice process. Depending on the chosen model, you can talk about 30,000 hours of estimated life. Instead, the ignition cycles approximately detail the number of times that can be turned off and light a bulb before starting to fail.