What are integrated LED lights? With so many classifications of LED lights in the market today, it can be confusing to know which ones best suit your space.
Yet, it’s important to know whether or not a lighting system applies well to your home. So what exactly are integrated LED lights, and are they any good?
Also, how do they differ from regular LED lights, and what’s their ideal application? Read on to find out the answer to these questions and more.
What Is the Meaning of Integrated LED Light?
As the name suggests, an integrated LED is a lighting system that integrates several diodes that combine their output to perform like one large diode.
Typically, the diodes get installed on a PCB board integrated directly into the lighting system.
Therefore, unlike traditional lighting systems, you don’t screw in the LED bulbs. In other words, there’s no removing and replacing bulbs independently.
Current passes through the LED microchips, and the respective diodes combine their collective output to produce light.
Are Integrated LEDs Good?
Yes, integrated LEDs are a good lighting option. Depending on your situation, their integral design can be a lifesaver.
First, these lights are versatile, allowing a wide lighting scale. You’re spoilt for choice as to where you can apply them.
For example, you can mount them for ceiling or wall-mounted LED lights.
And it can be a simple LED strip or something more elaborate, like a ceiling fixture that looks like a piece of art.
(Caption: LED strip)
Additionally, they have several advantages in terms of efficiency, energy consumption, and convenience, as we’ll see below.
What Is the Difference Between LED and Integrated LED Lights?
See, traditional LED bulbs have replaceable screw-in LED fixtures. Therefore, the bulb and the lighting fixture are two separate entities.
But with integrated LED lights, the lighting fixture comes complete with the light unit installed on a PCB board.
(Caption: PCB with led-emitting diodes)
Thus, you don’t replace the bulbs as you do with a standard LED light. Also, the lights come with set colors and lumen output.
Further, the integrated LED light comprises several LEDS combined, so it has a much higher light output.
How Long Do Integrated LED Lights Last?
Generally, integrated LED lights have a long life span of 30,000 to 50,000 hours, even more in some cases.
And remember that’s in situations where you’re using them constantly. That said, keep in mind that the lifespan can vary due to differences in quality.
Still, you can expect not to keep replacing the lights due to burnout.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Integrated LED Lights
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of integrated LED lights.
Advantages
Last longer:
Because of how they’re built, integrated LED lights last longer. Remember, these lights comprise several LEDs that work as one.
Thus, regardless of how often you have them on, integrated LED lights can last over 50,000 hours. They come with impressive warranties.
For this reason, they’re ideal and convenient to use in those hard-to-reach areas, and you can rest knowing you don’t need to keep replacing the lights.
Versatile:
While, as mentioned earlier, the integrated LED lights come with set colors and lumen output, they still offer flexibility.
See, they don’t utilize bulbs that you screw in, which must meet standard dimensions.
Therefore, you can get them in various sizes, shapes, and color temperatures to always find one that meets your lighting needs.
More control options:
Remember the flexibility we just talked about? Well, it extends to the control options.
Because integrated LEDs work very well with many control units and devices (dimmers and drivers), they provide more control options.
For example, you can use remote control and link to motion sensors and other forms of smart technology.
Room for creativity:
With integrated LED lights, there’s more freedom for innovative designs.
That’s because the lights are flat, more pliable, and smaller, allowing you to fit them into any design you want.
Reduced maintenance costs:
Due to the lights’ longevity, you’ll spend less replacing them. Moreover, their design enables them to stay on longer over an extended period.
It’s no wonder a common application of integrated LED lights is in traffic lights and message display boards.
Better heat dissipation:
Interestingly, the design of integrated lights enhances heat dissipation. See, the fact that the diodes get installed on a PCB makes the transfer of heat easier.
Also, it’s possible to fix the board on more heat sinks, increasing temperature control.
This is another reason these lights last longer and, by extension, have lower maintenance costs.
Environmentally friendly:
Unlike CFL or standard fluorescent bulbs, LEDs don’t use poisonous gasses like mercury and argon to produce light.
Thus, they’re safer and have fewer disposal protocols. Also, because they last much longer, they help protect the environment from waste buildup.
Disadvantages
More complex installation:
Unfortunately, installing integrated LED lights is much more difficult and time-consuming compared to standard lighting systems, where all you need to do is screw in the bulbs.
For this reason, it costs more to install the lights correctly.
And with self-trained skills, you’re unlikely to succeed at doing a DIY installation of these lights. Instead, you need a professional.
Higher up-front costs:
Granted, the lights last long. But when they eventually burn out or blow, you must replace the whole system, unlike with standard bulbs.
And remember, it’s a complicated installation that requires the service of a professional.
No replacement options:
Usually, because of the specialized design of integrated LED lights, you can’t replace them.
Instead, as mentioned earlier, you have to replace the whole fixture.
Granted, with some integrated LED lights, the light unit is separate from the rest of the fixture.
However, replacing the light unit entails detaching and soldering new LEDs on the PCB.
And this is a complex procedure that’s more expensive than buying the entire system.
Application of Integrated LED Lights
The following are some typical applications of integrated LED lights:
Commercial Setups
First, the design of integrated LED lights is such that there’s no separate installation component.
Instead, both the fixture and the light unit are one system. Therefore, you can mount the lights directly on top of or in between the tiles.
This is very convenient for a commercial lighting solution.
Secondly, integrated LED lights provide a lot of light. And at the same time, the lights lo line volt electrical system make them an excellent energy saver.
Therefore with just a few of these lights, you can have a large area that is very well lit cost-effectively.
High Bay Lighting
High bay lights are lights designed for use on high ceilings. Usually, they feature reflectors that direct the light down.
Now integrated LED lights are perfect for this kind of lighting with their high output and wide beam angle.
Decorative Lighting
Now integrated LED light serves a decorative purpose, especially if you love a modern and minimalistic look. Also, if your room is small, these lights take up very little space.
For this reason, they’re especially great for homes with low ceilings.
You can get an array of options ranging from sleek to bold designs that stand out.
FAQs
Are Integrated LEDs Better Than LED Bulbs?
It depends on your lighting needs. Otherwise, integrated LED light has a higher light output.
Also, they’re a great choice for spaces requiring constant lighting. In addition, they have good heat dissipation abilities, which increases their lifespan.
Do Integrated LED Lights Need a Driver?
Yes, they do. Because, like all other types of LED bulbs, they use DC (direct current). And to convert AC (alternating current) to DC, they use LED drivers.
Conclusion
So, what are integrated LED lights? They’re the newest LED lighting technology that allows you to enjoy constant lighting with excellent energy-saving abilities.
Also, they offer more control options and dissipate heat much better.
And while they may appear similar to standard LED lights, they differ greatly and have some advantages over other LED lights.