Question about brightness of LED lights for project in developing world

[Ben_Mandeville]

Hi everyone,

So, I am involved in a solar project for the developing world involving solar lights. What I would like some confirmation on is how to figure out how bright a LED light is going to be?

I need the light to be bright enough for a child to study by, but unsure how to ensure this before I order product. Would a 1watt white LED light be sufficient, or is there more involved than just wattage in terms of brightness?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Ben

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hi Ben. http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

It would be unwise to order without first trying a sample. Some LEDs will confine their light in a narrower cone. Some white LEDs give a bluish-white light, this is not so easy to read by. Multiple light sources are often preferable, these give softer shadows. Some LEDs are less efficient, so produce less light for the same power.

Sample first!

 

[Ben_Mandeville]

Hi NascentOxygen,

Thanks very much for your assistance! Highly appreciate it :)

 

[sophiecentaur]

Manufacturers usually publish data about the lumens and angles for their LEDS. It's worth while browsing. From a health and safety point of view, it's vital to provide enough light to avoid damaging the eyes when reading for long periods.
This link could give you some ideas about what's required for kids' studies.

 

[Ben_Mandeville]

Thank you very much, Sophiecentaur. Appreciate it :)