How Do LEDs Age? Shopping for LED Bulbs & Est. Lifetimes

Thread starter iScience
Start date Jul 21, 2014
Tags

Leds

In summary, LED bulbs have an estimated lifespan of 25,000-50,000 hours and can last significantly longer than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. They do dim over time, but this process is gradual and may not be noticeable. Factors such as materials, temperature, and usage can affect their lifespan. LED bulbs can be replaced, but it may not be necessary to do so as frequently as traditional bulbs. To determine if an LED bulb needs to be replaced, look for a significant decrease in brightness or visible damage.

Jul 21, 2014

iScience

i'm shopping online for an LED bulb and one site gives the estimated lifetime of the LED.

So, i was wondering what exactly is happening to make the device "old" and no longer work?

Engineering news on Phys.org

Jul 21, 2014

Baluncore

Science Advisor

2023 Award

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LED_failure_modes

1. How long do LED bulbs typically last?

LED bulbs have an estimated lifespan of 25,000-50,000 hours, depending on the quality and usage of the bulb. This is significantly longer than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, which typically last around 1,000 hours.

2. Do LED bulbs dim over time?

Yes, LED bulbs do dim over time. However, this process is very gradual and may not be noticeable to the human eye. Most LED bulbs are designed to maintain at least 70% of their initial brightness after 25,000 hours of use.

3. What factors affect the lifespan of LED bulbs?

The lifespan of LED bulbs can be affected by several factors, including the quality of the materials used, the operating temperature, and the amount of usage. For example, using a dimmer switch with LED bulbs can extend their lifespan as they are not constantly operating at maximum brightness.

4. Can LED bulbs be replaced?

Yes, LED bulbs can be replaced just like traditional bulbs. However, due to their long lifespan, it may not be necessary to replace them as frequently. It is important to check the manufacturer's recommended lifespan before replacing an LED bulb.

5. How can I tell if an LED bulb needs to be replaced?

Unlike traditional bulbs, LED bulbs do not typically "burn out" or stop working suddenly. Instead, they gradually dim over time. If you notice a significant decrease in brightness, it may be time to replace the bulb. Additionally, if the bulb flickers or has visible damage, it should be replaced.