Comparing Light Technology Options
Panel LED
- Life Span: 100,000 hours
- At 60,000 hours the LED will still output 92% of the lumens when they were installed
- Full spectrum colour more like daylight improves visual acuity or sharpness even at lower light levels, has positive effects on the body’s internal clock, (Circadian Rhythm) and generally makes for a better lighting environment.
- Instant on/off
- Handle low temperatures very well
- Very directional light, thus minimal light loss due to “light pollution”
- Solid State Light and thus they are virtually indestructible
- Efficacy: 100+ Lumens/Watt
T8 Fluorescent
- Life Span: 25,000 hours
- Frequent switching can cause early failure
- Loose about 5-6% of light output as they age
- Tubes contain mercury
- Operate best at room temperature, efficiency decrease in extreme temperatures
- Unable to dim
- Efficacy: 85 Lumens/Watt
Metal Halide
- Life Span: 30,000 hours
- 3 years after install they will operate at 70% less output than when they were installed
- 5 minutes start-up and up to 12 minute cooling period to restart
- Bulbs contain xenon gases
- Efficacy: 30 Lumens/Watt