As the lamp of the future, the LED has meanwhile outstripped many light sources – and for good reasons: It is energy-efficient, has a high degree of efficiency, saves electricity costs, and has a particularly long service life. But how long does an LED lamp actually last? On what factors does the concrete service life actually depend? We answer these and other questions in the following article.

Excursus: General information about the structure of an LED

The actual light source in the LED lamp is the LED itself. The abbreviation stands for “light-emitting diode” – in German “light-emitting diode” or “light-emitting diode”. This powerful semiconductor light source can be equipped with a service life of around 50,000 operating hours thanks to modern manufacturing processes and manufacturing materials.

In addition to the diode, LEDs also have an electronic circuit – consisting of a transformer, capacitors, rectifiers, and the like – which is often referred to as a “driver”. This driver has the task of converting the alternating current from the socket into a direct current with a constant operating current.

If an LED stops working, this is often due to a defect in the driver. For this reason, with good LEDs, this component is made of durable components that effectively prevent premature failure of the lamp.

LED Lifespan – The durability compared to other bulbs

While conventional light sources such as light bulbs, halogen, or energy-saving lamps burn out or fail from one moment to the next and have to be replaced, this usually does not happen with LEDs. Only the brightness of the emitted light decreases over time.

However, regardless of their extremely low risk of failure, LED lamps also offer decisive advantages in terms of burning life and service life. In the table below you will find a comparison of the four most common forms of light sources today.

What is the actual service life of LEDs?

As already mentioned, a light-emitting diode with a specified service life of 50,000 operating hours is theoretically extremely durable. However, the actual durability of the lamps depends on other factors. In addition to the possible operating hours, these are the ambient temperature and the switching cycles of the LEDs.

The number of operating hours

Instead of operating hours, lighting hours are often used when talking about the potentially possible burning time. Both specifications inform the consumer equally about how long a lamp remains functional when it is switched on. Most LEDs are rated for around 10,000 to 50,000 hours of use. The specific hours must be clearly visible on the product packaging.

The ambient temperature

Compared to other light sources, LEDs have a particularly high level of efficiency. This means that the energy supplied is almost completely converted into light and not into waste heat. However, there is of course also a certain power loss here.

If an LED is installed in an environment in which constantly high temperatures prevail, this accelerates the “aging process” or wear and tear. Because both the diode and the electronics built into the driver suffer from excessive heat. In principle, LEDs are designed to operate at room temperature, i.e. around 20 °C to 25 °C.

The switching cycles

The number of switching cycles of a lamp indicates how often it is switched on and off. With the lighting in the living room, kitchen or bathroom, there are usually only a few switching cycles every day. In outdoor areas, driveways or stairwells, on the other hand, there can be significantly more cycles – especially if a motion detector is installed.

As in the case of the operating or lighting hours, the information on the number of switching cycles can be found on the product packaging. LEDs typically have a lifespan of between 20,000 and 100,000 cycles. In order to ultimately be able to determine the actual service life of an LED, all three factors mentioned must be taken into account.

The most common causes of defective LED lamps

With high-quality LED lamps, you are buying products that, thanks to their outstanding service life, will provide atmospheric lighting in your home for a long time. If the specified number of lighting hours is exceeded, the diode usually gradually darkens a little.

However, it rarely happens that the lights give up their functionality before their time. Such premature failures are usually due to two factors:

• too high an ambient temperature
• too many/unnecessary switching cycles

So if you pay attention to a few points during installation, you save material and money.

Avoid high ambient temperatures

LEDs are generally designed and manufactured in such a way that they have sufficient cooling surfaces all around. In addition, considering their extremely low heat generation, it becomes clear that installation in most locations is possible without any problems and without affecting the service life of the luminaire.

However, if the LED is installed in small corners or narrow lamp glasses, the waste heat has little opportunity to escape. In such cases, heat can build up, which can shorten the life of the lamp.

Optimize switching cycles

Another reason for the reduced service life of LEDs is an unnecessarily high number of switching cycles. This often happens in combination with a poorly adjusted motion detector. If this reacts too sensitively and with a short lighting duration, the lamp is switched on and off unreasonably often. The actual operating hours are only a few, but there are many cycles within a short time.

An initially generous specification of 20,000 possible switching cycles, for example, would be exceeded after just under three years if the setting were incorrect and 20 one-minute switching cycles per night.

In such cases, it definitely makes sense to regulate the sensitivity of the motion detector downwards and set a longer lighting duration of several minutes. If the LED is switched on and off only 7 times instead of 20 times per night, this results in a service life that is three times longer – in our example nine years instead of just three.

How to properly dispose of defective LEDs

However, since the service life of permanent light-emitting diodes also comes to an end at some point, they must then be disposed of accordingly. Due to the electronic components in the driver, an LED is electronic waste and cannot simply be thrown in the household waste. You can often find free disposal options for structurally smaller electronic waste in specialist shops, drugstores, or hardware stores. Further information on the proper disposal of LEDs can be found here.

The summary of the service life: long, longer, LED

The service life of modern LEDs easily exceeds that of conventional light sources such as halogen or energy-saving lamps many times over. With a possible 50,000 operating hours, 100,000 switching cycles, and their particularly low heat generation, they offer everything that is needed to ensure resilient, long-lasting lighting concepts. On top of that, modern bulbs are easy on the wallet and the environment, as they only use very little electricity and are extremely energy-efficient. Anyone who buys high-quality LEDs equips their home sustainably and will enjoy atmospheric lighting for many years to come.

Brightly lit kitchens, activating light in offices, or cozy warm lighting in the living room – LED lighting works wonders in all these areas. The color temperature of the LED is responsible for the different light colors. It determines what color the light appears and how it affects your mood. You can find out how to select the right light color in our guide.

What does the LED color temperature say?

The color temperature of an LED does not describe its actual temperature in degrees Celsius, but rather the light color in Kelvin (K). This light temperature is defined in a scale or a color spectrum. Depending on the place of use and the area to be illuminated, you should think about which light color is most suitable since different colors have different effects on your mood.

How is the color temperature of LED lamps measured?

The color temperature or light color of light-emitting diodes is always specified in Kelvin. The value provides information about whether the LED lamp emits a cool or warm light. The lower the Kelvin value, the warmer the light. At higher values, on the other hand, the lighting becomes cooler.

Information on the light temperature of a lamp can be found on the packaging of the respective product. But also in our online shop, the illuminants are provided with corresponding information. When planning your lighting, you should take the color temperature of the LED into account in order to install a balanced lighting concept that is tailored to your needs.

Color temperature, temperature, and light color: What are the differences?

The temperature in degrees Celsius describes the actual heat that emanates from an illuminant or light source. The color temperature, on the other hand, indicates the color in which the light shines. The warmer the sun gets, the colder the emitted light gets. The classification into cold or warm colors is based on subjective perception and is therefore not described by temperature. For example, an artificial light source is perceived differently than daylight. A mixture of different types of light sources can even disturb well-being.

Digression: what is the color rendering index?

The color rendering index ( CRI value ) indicates how good the color or light effect of your LED lamps is. A color reproduction that is as natural as possible is desirable in almost all areas of life. Modern light sources such as LEDs make it possible to reproduce exactly this natural quality and to ensure greater well-being. The higher the “Colour Rendering Index” (CRI), the more natural the light appears. Scores between 70 and 98 are considered very good. If the CRI reaches a value of up to 100, the exposure to light is even similar to that of sunlight.

The right color temperature for my LED lighting

Different color temperatures affect the mood differently and are therefore suitable for different types of rooms. In the study, for example, warm, soporific light makes less sense. Activating and productive lighting is important here. In the living room and bedroom, on the other hand, too bright a light is disruptive and prevents a cozy atmosphere. LED lighting is therefore available in different colors in order to offer individual lighting concepts for each area. But which light temperature is suitable for which area? Let us help you make the right choice and find the perfect LED bulbs for your needs.

Characteristic color temperatures

While conventional light bulbs and halogen lamps only cover a small part of the color spectrum, LED lights cover a much broader spectrum. Common color temperatures of the light-emitting diodes are:

• warm white: 2,700 to 3,300 K
• neutral white: 3,300 to 5,300 K
• daylight white: from 5,300 K 

As a comparison, you can imagine that a candle emits around 1,500K, an incandescent lamp around 2,700K, daylight around 5,000K, and sunlight in the sky around a color temperature of 6,500K.

While you should choose the basic lighting in living rooms in brighter daylight white, warm white is the perfect combination for accent lighting in the evening. Because warm white is recommended wherever you want to be cozy and comfortable. In the living room or bedroom, for example, warm white lighting with a light color of around 3,000 K creates a cozy and romantic ambiance in the evening hours and invites you to relax – a pure feel-good factor.

Neutral white, on the other hand, is the perfect light color for hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms. It has a factual, positive effect and attracts attention. Especially when cooking or getting ready in the bathroom, it is important to have bright and friendly lighting in the background.

Daylight white is particularly recommended for rooms with higher demands on productivity and concentration. For example, in the office, study, etc., it has a positive effect on mood and increases attention – the ideal conditions for reading and working.

Impact on our feelings and biological rhythm

The color temperature that a person appeals to or even needs depends on the time of day and the activity at hand. The color of light that shines on us influences the release of melatonin. The hormone plays an important role in our body’s sleep-wake cycle. More melatonin is produced in the evening hours, so our body knows when it’s time to sleep. Cool white or daylight white, on the other hand, inhibits the release of the hormone.

This is how the body ensures you stay alert and focused – so cool white light is ideal for use in study rooms or spaces where the focus is required. Warmer lighting, on the other hand, is more suitable for the evening hours. Here it is important to relax and calm down – it makes it easier to fall asleep. The light that is too bright in the evening should therefore be avoided, as it inhibits the release of melatonin and can lead to poorer sleep.

What color at what time?

The different light temperatures affect melatonin levels. Cold light makes you awake and active, while warm light brings calm and tends to make you tired. It is therefore helpful to use different light temperatures at different times of the day:

• Morning (approx. 8-11 a.m.): Daylight white
• Midday (approx. 12-1 pm): Warm white
• Afternoon (approx. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Daylight white
• Evening (approx. 6-9 p.m.): Warm white 

Cold light in the morning is important to wake up and start the day full of energy. More comfortable lighting can be chosen for the lunch break. This way you can relax and recover. In the afternoon, concentration and attention are usually required again. Here, bright daylight white activates your productivity and gives you new strength for work and all the tasks that lie ahead. In the evening hours you can look forward to warm white LED lamps that help you to relax and enjoy a well-deserved sleep.

However, the desired color temperature of your LED lights can be freely chosen according to person and activity. Depending on how you feel and which light color you like better, all doors are open to you for your lighting concepts.

Which colors in which environment?

In the following table, you will find an overview of the common color temperatures with their respective properties and preferred areas of application.

Whether it’s different times of the day or different rooms – ultimately, the LED color temperature is about you feeling good and realizing your personal taste in your home.

Light planning: implement the targeted illumination of rooms

Various factors play a role in the lighting planning of your premises or an entire building. The choice of LED light sources and the respective light colors determine how a room appears. It is not necessary to use just one light color for a room. On the contrary: the different areas of a room can be wonderfully staged with correspondingly different color temperatures and come into their own much better.

While neutral white and daylight white are ideal as basic lighting, warm white is a wonderful addition as an accent and decorative lighting. For example, illuminate showcases, shelves, paintings, or the dining table with LED strips, strips, wall spotlights, or spots in warm white and create perfectly coordinated lighting concepts in every room.

Can the color temperature be changed?

For areas that are used both during the day and in the evening, such as the living room, it can be helpful if the LED lighting can change its color temperature. Basically, this works when the lights are dimmed. However, this requires appropriate light sources, because not all LEDs are dimmable. With the right lamp and an additional dimmer, you can dim your daylight white lighting in the evening and wrap the living room in a cozy atmosphere.

Light colors vary and create unique worlds of light

Whether it’s a cozy atmosphere in the living area or activating light colors in the kitchen, bathroom, and office – vary the color temperature with different light sources from our online shop and create dreamlike worlds of light in your home.

The color rendering index, i.e. the CRI value, is always specified on a modern LED. It indicates how natural the colors of the illuminated object appear when illuminated. It is therefore also a criterion for the quality of the illuminant.

What is the color rendering index?

CRI stands for Color Rendering Index. This so-called color rendering index indicates how natural the color of an object or the environment appears when illuminated by a specific light source. The CRI is, so to speak, a comparative value that can be used to determine the color impression of an LED. The light quality of light sources can therefore be compared with the help of the index. Other common designations are reference index (R) or general reference index (Ra).

The value is always between 1 and 100 and has no natural unit. For comparison, natural sunlight, halogen, and incandescent lamps have a CRI value of 100. Fluorescent lamps, on the other hand, have a lower reference index of 60 to 90.

How is color rendering measured?

The color rendering of an LED can be measured using measuring instruments such as a spectrometer. The benchmark is always natural sunlight with a maximum value of 100. In order to determine the color rendering of a lamp, it is evaluated in terms of how close it is to the color rendering in natural light.

According to DIN 1619, 14 standardized reference colors are used for this – eight primary and six secondary colors:

• primary reference colors: mustard yellow, antique rose, light green, yellow-green, turquoise blue, aster violet, sky blue, and lilac violet
• secondary reference colors: yellow, green, saturated red, pink, blue, and leaf green

All colors are then checked with regard to their deviation of the color representation from sunlight by the respective LED. In this way, an objective assessment of the color rendering can be given.

LED color rendering index values ​​explained

The CRI of a light source is given the designation Ra for the general reference index. While 100 means a completely natural color reproduction, the value 1 is assigned to unnatural lighting. All values ​​from Ra 90 stand for very good reproduction. A value of Ra 80 and above is considered good color rendering. Anything below 80 should be avoided for your living spaces as your clothing or food may appear in a distorted light.

CRI values ​​of different light sources in comparison

Different light sources each have different CRI values. Here you will find an overview of common light sources and a comparison of the respective color rendering index:

Although older LED lamps do not reproduce the natural colors quite perfectly in comparison to other light sources, modern light sources are constantly evolving and their color rendering index is improving. Today’s LEDs even achieve very good color rendering with a value of up to 90.

When is color rendering relevant?

The CRI of an LED plays an important role in your interior design. For example, high color fidelity is important in the following areas:

• Bedroom: choice of clothing
• Bathroom: mirror lighting
• Dining room: dining 

If the colors are not reproduced naturally in private surroundings, this quickly leads to discomfort and dissatisfaction. High color fidelity of your LED lighting can remedy this. Luminaires with a Ra index of at least 80 are recommended for indoor use so that the colors shine to their full potential.

Good color rendering is also important in business – for example, in the case of security colors in the industry. There shouldn’t be any risk of confusion here. Furthermore, high color fidelity plays a role in spaces for graphic artists, doctors or architects, but also in supermarkets or in shops with retail space. For industrial applications and outdoor areas, a Ra index of at least 65 is sufficient.

Lighting is a central element when planning your own four walls. The optimal interplay of general lighting, zone lighting, and accent lighting makes a decisive contribution to the effect of the rooms. Especially the latter puts certain areas in a special light, lets furniture or works of art shine, and creates light effects in the apartment or in the house.

This is hidden behind the accent lighting

While both the basic or general lighting and the zone lighting are primarily designed to provide brightness, accent lighting serves as a decorative element. It creates individual focal points, creates stronger contrasts, and sets visual highlights. Accentuating light thus has a special influence on the atmosphere and ambiance of a room and arouses positive feelings.

With them, paintings or sculptures can be staged or couch areas can be provided with cozy light. If the basic lighting is quite bright, care should be taken to ensure that the light intensity of the accent lighting is sufficiently high. This works particularly well with directional lighting solutions, such as recessed spotlights. With the help of colored lamps, other impressive effects can also be created.

Set accents with LED lamps

LEDs are ideal for an individual and effective lighting design in your own home. They combine various advantages because they are:

• particularly energy efficient
• economical in power consumption
• compact and flexible in use
• robust and switch-proof
• extremely durable 

The powerful lamps can be used both indoors and outdoors. Thanks to different designs and designs, they offer a tailor-made solution for every requirement.

Ceiling and wall lights

Spotlights on ceilings, walls, or in corner areas create an attractive, harmonious accent lighting that skilfully loosens up the room ambiance. Due to their special radiation characteristics, swiveling spotlights and spotlights offer a variety of options for visual staging – regardless of whether you want to display a sculpture on a pedestal or create an atmospheric atmosphere in the house bar. The accentuating cone of light highlights your desired area and provides eye-catchers in the living room, kitchen, bathroom or bedroom.

LED strips

LED strips can be installed in corners and edges as well as behind or under furniture. They can be ordered in individual desired lengths and complement every room perfectly as a design element. As versatile accent lighting, they are available in a single-color version as well as RGB, RGBW, or RGBWW lights. In addition, almost all LED strips in our shop are equipped with a dimming function, so that not only the light color but also the brightness can be ideally adapted to the situation. Waterproof models can also be used outdoors without any problems.

LED strip

In contrast to the bars, LED strips are designed flexibly and can be adapted to different shapes. Thanks to their quick-connect system, they can be joined together to any length. As a strip set, the colorful accent lighting includes everything you need for installation and operation, from the lamp to the cable and power supply unit to the remote control. Due to their self-adhesive properties, the stripes can be attached securely and adaptably to smooth surfaces.

Accent lighting with LEDs: energy-efficient, atmospheric, durable

Whether in the kitchen, dining area, living room, or bedroom – with high-quality LED accent lighting, you can emphasize objects and room areas according to your own ideas. They shine in different colors and, as a waterproof variant, can also be installed in bathrooms, gardens, or by pools. Create unique lighting effects in your home with spotlights, strips, and strips from our online shop.

Connecting LED strips – couplings, connectors, soldering

LED strips offer great design options. However, some lighting installations require connecting multiple sections of LED strips. The LED strips can be connected to each other with special accessories or with a soldering iron.

Connect LED strips in series or parallel

LED strips can be combined with each other in two ways: in series and in parallel.

Series connection: The series connection of LED strips consists of connecting consecutive strip sections together. This connection method is recommended for short strip sections.

Parallel connection: With this connection, each section of the strip is connected directly to the power supply. This type of connection prevents voltage drops.

Connecting longer sections of LED strip

Sections longer than 5 m should not be connected to each other – such a connection can cause voltage drops. Connecting the LED strips to a power supply should be done according to the diagram:

How to connect an LED strip without soldering

To connect sections of LED strips without soldering, use special connectors or couplers designed for this purpose LED strips. They enable quick and easy assembly without a soldering iron. When choosing the connectors, pay attention to the width of the LED strip and its type. Some connectors are for single color strips, others for RGB or RGBW strips.

Connection/coupling for LED strips
LED strips can be connected by soldering, connections, or couplings. The connections or couplings should be selected correctly according to the strip type (eg RGB) and its width.
Coupling variants: Single color
LED strips: 8mm, 10mm  
RGB strips: 10mm
RGBW strips: 10mm, 12mm Angle
connector: allows strips to be connected at an angle

How to connect LED strips in silicone

LED strips with increased IP protection are secured with a silicone coating. To connect these strips, carefully remove the silicone layer from the connection point and then use a connector or coupler to connect the two sections of the LED strip.

How to solder LED strips?

Another way to connect LED strips is soldering.

To start, you need to prepare:
– transformer-soldering iron
– solder
– strips or wires for soldering

1. Preheat the soldering iron (the temperature should be in the range of 320-380°C)
2. Bring the tin to the designated places of the LED strip
3. Connect the dots with the applied tin in a horizontal motion
4. Wait a few seconds for the tin to cool.

How to solder LED strips in silicone?

To join sections of the waterproof LED strip by soldering, carefully remove the silicone layer and then solder the LED strips together at the appropriate locations. Use a clear shrink fitting to protect the solder joint. It is worth remembering that the light from the LEDs is slightly dimmed in the place where the connector is located.

LED strips can be conveniently cut very easily. So you can bring your LED strips to the desired length for every location. But be careful! The LED strip may only be cut at a few specific points, otherwise, it will remain dark afterwards. Here you can find out what you have to pay attention to when cutting the LED strip and how you can connect them again.

Part 1: Cutting LED strips

Q: Can you cut LED light strips? How to cut LED light strips?

A: Since an LED strip light is fixed in length and it is not always possible to purchase a suitable length strip light, users often ask if an LED strip light can be cut to a specific length. There are many different brands and LED strips, so the question of whether a strip can still be used normally after cutting cannot be answered in general. It really depends on the product in question. In general, if the strip has a cutting line, it can be trimmed; if not, it’s best not to cut them.

Before you cut the strips it is important to check that the strip you have purchased can be cut; otherwise the strips could become unusable. At the same time, it is imperative that you remember to turn off the electricity. Directly cutting a strip connected to the power supply is extremely dangerous.

Step 1: Measure length

If the LED strip you bought is too long, you need to cut off the extra part. The first thing you should do is measure the right length so you don’t cut the strips too short.

Step 2: Find the scissors icon on the strip

For the convenience of users, manufacturers have included a scissor logo on the cuttable portion of their LED light strips. To avoid damage, you must find the scissors logo before you cut.

Step 3: Cut with scissors

The final step is to cut off the excess strip with scissors at the point marked with scissors. Accidentally cutting diagonally can cause the strips to stop working. So make sure you cut straight.

Part 2: Using the LED strips after cutting

Q: I bought a LED strip and used part of it. But I also want to use the remaining part. Is that possible?

A: If the LED strip you bought can be cut, the leftover cut-off can no longer be used. If you want to reconnect them after cutting, you will need to use an extra 4-pin connector to reconnect them. However, if the cutting and termination are done improperly, it can cause the strips to stop working properly. It is therefore advisable to double-check the length of the strip before cutting so that it does not have to be reconnected after cutting.

If you need to reconnect LED strips after cutting, you need an additional 4-pin connector. In general, this product is not included in a LED strip kit and must be purchased separately.

Step 1: Buy a suitable 4 pin connector

There are many different connectors and you need to choose the right one depending on the strip. If your strip is 10mm wide, the 4-pin connector you choose must be suitable for 10mm. If your strip is 8mm wide and you buy a 10mm connector it will not work.

Step 2: Open connector

If the connector has a cover, you need to open the connector sideways.

Step 3: Insert strip into connector

Place the two cut ends of the LED strips in the connector’s fastening clips. At this point, check that they are not swapped by following the picture guide.

Step 4: Cover connectors

After attaching the strips, close the connector cover and check if the light strip lights up normally after connecting the power supply. If the connected parts do not light up normally, then you should try to adjust the connection point between the connector and the strip.

Connection of the LED strips after cutting

In general, it is a bit tedious to reconnect the light bar after cutting it off. Not only do you have to buy additional connectors, but any mishandling can render the strips unusable. It is therefore best to ensure that the required length is correct and avoid waste.

Part 3: Using the LED strips after cutting

Q: Will a cut LED strip still work?

A: Some strips can be cut to a specific length and continue to work. However, they must be cut according to the cutting mark. There are small and very precise parts on LED strips. Accidentally cutting in the wrong place can cause the strips to stop working properly.

After cutting the strips, you can put the corresponding parts in the right position and turn on the lights by following the steps below.

Step 1: Make sure the wall is dry and clean

If you want to install the strips on a wall, please clean the wall first. If the wall is dusty or wet, the LED strip cannot be fixed properly.

Step 2: Attaching the LED strips

After cleaning the wall, you can peel off the film behind the strip and stick it where you want.

Step 3: Connect the LED strips

If you bought a LED strip, it should come with a connector and a controller. Connect the strips and the controller using the connector. Pay attention to the front and back when connecting the strips and connector. If the light strip is plugged in the wrong way, it will not work properly.

Step 4: Connect power supply and turn on LED strip

The last step is to connect the controller to the power supply. The LED strip should light up.

After following the steps above and noticing that the LED strip is still not lit, you should check if there is a connection problem. If set up correctly, it is possible that the light strip was damaged during cutting. So be careful and always cut according to the logo on the strip.

LED strips are a great way to create the right mood lighting for any room because the lighting in a room has a significant impact on how it affects people. The choice of lamps and illuminants is therefore important when it comes to the interior design of your own four walls. The diverse designs of LED strips enable a wide variety of lighting concepts.

Function and light colors of LED light strips

From diffuse to brightly lit in changing colors, the setting options seem endless. The flexible LED strips can be found in a wide variety of areas, across all rooms and furniture – both indoors and outdoors – with very individual solutions for all objects.

Basically, LEDs create a beautiful glow in a room by running electricity through semiconductor technology, which then produces infrared and ultraviolet light. The small lights are attached to their circuit boards at regular intervals on a band. The individual lamps are connected to each other with a wire.
The type of semiconductor crystal used or its composition in the lamp determines the wavelength of the light, which results in the color generated:

White light is created from the sum of all wavelengths, it does not have a dedicated wavelength of its own. For this reason, the color temperature, which is specified in Kelvin (K), is used to describe white light. There are generally three types of white light:

• Warm white: 2700 to approx. 3300 Kelvin
• Neutral white: approx. 3500 to 5300 Kelvin
• Daylight white (also known as cold white): from approx. 5300 Kelvin 

The different shades of white in LED light strips, just like bright colors, have a direct impact on the feeling and effect of the room. The less Kelvin the white light has, the greater the red, orange, and yellow components in it. In addition to relaxing brightness, an LED strip in warm white ensures a cozy, homely ambiance. Conversely, the higher the Kelvin number, the bluer the white contains. It approaches daylight and has a stimulating and concentration-enhancing effect.

The color rendering, which describes the quality of artificial light in the form of the color rendering index Ra, must be distinguished from the color temperature. With a higher CRI (Colour Rendering Index), objects look more natural. While the incandescent lamp with a CRI of up to 100 was the standard for a long time, white LEDs now also achieve a value of up to 98 and are in no way inferior to the old light sources.

The amount of light emitted by a source per unit of time, on the other hand, is measured in lumens. On the other hand, the unit Lux indicates how bright it is, i.e. how much light arrives on a surface per unit of time.

The variety of LED strips

Above all, the versatility of the LED strips has made the small light-bringers so popular. Each room can be embellished and individualized with different lighting concepts. In order to meet this requirement, we offer you LED strips in various shapes, colors and designs:

• RGB LED strip
• RGBW/RGBWW LED strips
• waterproof LED strips
• battery-powered LED strips
• COB LED strip
• LED strips in a set with power supply and dimmer

All stripes can be individually adapted to your own requirements. You can choose the strip length between 5 centimeters and 5 meters for almost all strips. Some models are even available up to 10 meters long. A fundamental distinction is that either one row or two rows of lights are attached to a strip. According to your wishes, you can buy your perfectly matching LED strips in our online shop.

Color splendor with LED strips RGB, RGBW and RGBWW

What do the abbreviations actually stand for? one might ask at first. The explanation is very simple. The letters RGB stand for the colors of the additive color system that can be displayed by the LED strips, and the W or WW designates an additional white light-emitting diode, which can either be installed in the same housing or externally. Basically, RGBWW stripes define the warm white color temperature of the additional diode. At a glance, the LED strips with the 4-in-1 chip can produce the following colors:

• Rot
• Green
• Blau
• White
• Warm white 

A corresponding remote control, also known as an RGB(W) controller, is required to select the individual colors. This is used to control the LED strips. They are all dimmable via the remote control. In addition, transitions can be set at variable speeds, alternating flashing is also possible. The specified color options can also be mixed using the remote control. As a result, your room lights up individually in the color you want.
Depending on the color, a room looks completely different. Orange tones are ideal for the dining room, for example, because they look friendly and create a cozy atmosphere. Yellow lighting evokes associations with sunlight and promotes receptivity, creativity, and joie de vivre.

Green, on the other hand, is the color for nature, calm, and relaxation. If your relaxation room shines with green light accents, the respiratory rate is lowered, the pulse rate calms down and you can relax better. Blue is associated with water, sea, sky, and a calming expanse. This has a positive effect on concentration and reduces mental restlessness.
The most diverse effects can be achieved with the brightly colored RGB stripes. From accent spots on certain pieces of furniture or the backlight on a TV to full ceiling lighting, the strips work wonderfully in a variety of areas.

Waterproof stripes for inside and outside

Waterproof means that moisture cannot get into the lights and therefore cannot cause any damage. The LED light strips get this property from their design. Thanks to a special silicone layer and the appropriate covers, no moisture can get to the sensitive technology. The areas of application, therefore, extend from within your own four walls to outdoors. They are just as insensitive to rain as they are to the water in the pond and pool or moisture in the bathroom. The garden can be wonderfully illuminated with waterproof lights. Be sure to pay attention to the corresponding IP protection class of the LED strips. Stripes are protected against spray water from IPX4. For permanent operation underwater, however, you need at least protection class IPX8.

In our wide range of high-quality products, you will certainly find the right LED strips for your purposes.

Simplicity reigns supreme with Quick LED strips

High light requirement, variability, easy cleaning, and, on top of that, simple assembly. We are talking about the Quick LED light strips. Quick refers to the assembly properties of the stripes. They can be plugged together indefinitely because the power supply is linear and passed from band to band. Only the power supply has to be readjusted, because the more LEDs on the light strip, the more power is required.

One strip is connected to the next via the 4-pin Quick-Connect socket. Several meters of the stripes can be joined together using a 4-pin connector. The distance between the individual lights remains the same with this type of connection. If a strip is to be shortened, this is always possible at a distance of 0.125 meters at marked points. The protective silicone layer must be removed when shortening the new end of the strip so that the cable or plug can be soldered on again.

Everything was included in one fell swoop: in the LED strip set

Whether large areas, entire rooms, or smaller elements, the areas of application of the complete sets are as varied as the colors of the LEDs. The biggest advantage of a set is the extensive package content:

• LED light strips
• connection cable
• power adapter
• remote control 

All the technology required for assembly, installation, and operation arrive in your home in one fell swoop. You don’t have to worry about whether the power supply has to be 12 volts or 24 volts because the right piece is included. It is perfectly adapted to the included strip and controller. The individual parts are simply plugged together in just a few minutes and the technology is ready for use. Greater effort and more intensive work only arise if the strip is shortened.

Installation – it’s that easy

A decision was made:  LED strips on top of the kitchen cupboards are to expand the lighting concept as an additional light source. Despite the main lighting from wonderfully bright spotlights in the kitchen on high-traffic areas, it is still a little too gloomy. The necessary length of the strip has already been determined, it should be 4.10 meters, with a double row of LEDs.

To solder or not to solder?

The next decision is whether or not special cabling is required. For the former, many of the strips can be ordered without connectors, which means that the power supply and connection cable have to be soldered on yourself. For the second there are pre-soldered sockets. Connection cables can simply be plugged into these.

Once this question has been answered, it is time to choose the right power supply unit. Depending on the strip length, the watt consumption per meter, and the required voltage in volts, an appropriate power supply must be selected. The most common are LED strips with 12 V and LED strips with 24 V. LED strips with 230 V are ideal if a very long strip is to be installed, for example.

Simply glue on the LED strips

As soon as the required technology has been purchased and is on-site, the actual assembly can begin. Thanks to a practical double-sided adhesive tape, only the foil needs to be removed from the back of the LED strip. Then the bulb can be glued to the desired location. However, the surface should first be clean and dust-free, otherwise cleaning is the first thing to do.
Once the strip has found its place and is glued, it is connected to the cable and power supply. The power pack is plugged into the socket and the kitchen shines in new splendor – just as desired.

Special lighting for individual styles

Regardless of the shape, whether for angles, corners, or simply along a line – LED strips are a lighting solution for so many areas of application that impress with their efficiency and flexibility. To expand existing lighting concepts or in the form of accent lighting, there is hardly an easier way to get modern lighting technology into your own four walls. In addition to the well-known energy efficiency of LEDs, easy assembly and installation are additional cherries on top of the cream.

Ready configured light strips as an alternative

In contrast to loosely attached LED strips, light sources that are permanently installed in a profile are protected against impact and the ingress of dust and moisture. Depending on the profile, passive cooling through the dissipation of heat can also be an advantage of these light strips. If you want to create indirect lighting in the living room through a suspended ceiling or illuminate stairs, you don’t have to do without flexibility.

With the right mood lighting, you create a special atmosphere for different requirements. A cozy seating area requires a different lighting mood than the study or bathroom. In fact, the right light not only creates the right mood but can also influence well-being and even health. Here you can find out what needs to be considered for optimum lighting.

What is the lighting mood?

The lighting mood is an interplay of the type of lighting, the color temperature and the brightness. In general, a cozy lighting mood is distinguished from a neutral or rather cool lighting mood. The different aspects of the lighting in a room create a very individual lighting atmosphere. For this reason, while there is no magic recipe for an optimal result, there are a few tips that you can follow to create the desired mood.

Mood depending on the area of ​​application

The use of a room or area is often decisive for the desired atmosphere. For example, different lighting is required in the study or in the kitchen than in the living room or bedroom. A ceiling light is often sufficient for functional lighting, but the right lighting atmosphere can only be achieved through a harmonious mixture of different types of lighting. A distinction is made between the following types of lighting for your home lighting concepts:

• basic lighting
• indirect lighting
• accent lighting
• working lights 

Each type of lighting has specific properties, making it suitable for different areas.

Basic lighting

Basic lighting is usually used in the form of a ceiling light. It ensures that a room is illuminated over a wide area and ideally it is dimmable so that you can change the lighting mood in no time at all.

Indirect lighting

Indirect lighting can be achieved, for example, with LED strips behind furniture or above a false ceiling, but also with spotlights aimed at a wall. Indirect light does not cast any shadows and provides even, cozy illumination – the perfect addition to the basic lighting.

Accent lighting

Lamps and spotlights can be used for accent lighting to illuminate special pieces of furniture or decorative elements and thus set the scene.

Working lights

Work lighting is used wherever concentration is required or there should be sufficient brightness for certain activities – for example in offices or in the kitchen.

It’s all in the mix

The right lighting mood is often only achieved through a combination of several types of lighting – an interplay of diffuse and spotlighting makes a room look cozy and at the same time sets exciting accents.

Rooms or areas that are used for different activities at different times pose a particular challenge. Ideally, the various types of lighting can be combined in different ways or are dimmable in order to create a different mood with little effort. For example, the same area can be illuminated brightly enough for a meal with friends to set the scene for the meal in an atmospheric way, but later accompany a movie night with a more cozy lighting atmosphere.

The Effect of Light

The lighting in a room not only provides sufficient light for various activities, but also for a certain lighting mood that can directly influence our mood. On the one hand, colors can have a certain effect on us in the sense of color therapy, on the other hand, even minimal gradations of brightness and/or color temperature can have a decisive influence on our well-being. The right lighting can even support the biorhythm and vice versa, unfavorable or even wrong lighting can disturb it.

Lighting mood and biorhythm

The day and night rhythm in particular is controlled by the hormone melatonin, which is produced to a greater or lesser extent depending on the intensity and color temperature of the light. For example, subdued light with a low blue content ensures increased production, and the body is prepared for a restful sleep – which is why melatonin is also called the “sleep hormone”. During the day, bright light with a high proportion of blue – ideally daylight – reduces the release of the hormone: we are awake, alert, and concentrated.

Color temperature

Modern LED lamps are available in different light colors. The light color is also referred to as color temperature and is given in Kelvin (K). A basic distinction is made between these color temperatures:

• Warm white: below 3,300 K
• Neutral White: 3300K – 5300K
• Daylight white: over 5,300 K

In general, the lower the temperature, the redder the light appears. Above a temperature of 5,300 K, the light appears increasingly bluish as the temperature rises.

Colored light by RGB lights

With RGB LED lights, you can set a specific color to achieve a very specific lighting mood. We know from color therapy that green light, for example, has an activating effect and can promote creativity. This makes it ideal for work and living rooms.

Yellow light, on the other hand, has a relaxing effect and can be used, for example, after a long day to recharge your batteries. Orange or red have a calming effect and are a good alternative to dimmed white light, especially in the evening. Incidentally, when used sparingly, red light can stimulate the senses and promote activity.

More tips for mood lighting

The right choice of lamps is important for the lighting atmosphere. In addition to the desired light color, luminous efficacy and brightness are also crucial aspects. Depending on the area of ​​application, you should also make sure that the LED light is dimmable or that the light color can be adjusted. When setting up or attaching the lights, care should be taken to avoid dazzling – including indirectly through reflections, for example in panes.

In addition to the watt and lumen specification, there is an additional value that is decisive for the choice of an LED: the beam angle. It has a significant effect on how brightly the lamp and spotlight illuminate a surface. We have summarized for you what you need to know about the beam angle of your LED lighting.

The angle allows the right light in the room

Different lamps fulfill different tasks in interior design: the basic lighting ensures pleasant room lighting, accent lighting can be used to create beautiful eye-catchers and decorative lighting sets the scene for the valuable wall art.

So that the different light installations do not get in each other’s way, it is important to consider the beam angle of the built-in LED lamps. This prevents the light cones from overlapping and there are no overexposed areas in the room. However, before you can take this into account, you have to know what exactly is meant by the term beam angle of an LED.

Beam Angle vs. Field Angle: What’s the Difference?

Basically, it is important to pay attention to the beam angle for every type of LED, regardless of whether a ceiling light or an LED spot is used for lighting. As far as the angle is concerned, however, it makes sense to differentiate between a directional light source and an omnidirectional light source. The classic light bulb, for example, is a round radiator that distributes its light in all directions and only gets a certain direction through a lampshade. A directional illuminant, on the other hand, shines in a precise direction. The LED in its various forms such as spot, radiator, or bar belongs to the second category.

The beam angle, which is specified in degrees, determines the angle at which a luminous flux emerges from a light source.

The beam angle of an LED is decisive for how the light is thrown into a room. Together with the distance between the lamp and the ground, a circle of light is created. The greater the distance between the ceiling and the lamp, the larger the area covered by the circle of light. However, not every area covered by the circle of light achieves the same brightness. The spread of the light is responsible for this. In order to describe this effect, the term field angle was introduced in addition to the radiation angle. In some descriptions of the beam angle, the term half-power angle is used. In fact, these are just two terms for the same phenomenon.

The range of the beam angle reaches up to 50% of the luminous intensity of an LED. However, only a maximum of 10% of the luminous intensity of a spotlight or a ceiling light reaches the area of ​​the field angle that surrounds the beam angle area.

Even when a light source is aligned, there is always some degree of light scattering. The full 100% light intensity is only effective in the central point of the light cone. The further away you are from this center, the less light intensity and thus brightness get from the light source into the room.

Especially with accent and decorative lighting, which are implemented with LEDs, attention must be paid to the right beam angle. So you are on the safe side to illuminate the desired object appropriately. The following table is used to illustrate the relationship between the diameter of the circle of light and the half-value angle. As the average ceiling height of new buildings is between 2.3 and 2.5 meters, the table assumes a ceiling height of 2.4 meters.

It becomes apparent that the half-value angle of an LED has a significant influence on the actually illuminated area of ​​a room. The larger the angle selected, the larger the area covered by the light from the illuminant.

Calculate the beam angle of an LED yourself

If you already know two important key data – the diameter of the required light cone and the distance between the lamp and the illuminated surface – you can calculate the half-power angle yourself without much effort.

a = 2 x {arctan [d / (lx 2)]} is the formula for calculating the beam angle. The arctan is the inverse of the tangent used in calculating angles. On most calculators, it is marked with the arctan key.

The value a represents the beam angle of your LED to be calculated. The value designates the diameter of the required light cone or the area to be illuminated. The distance between the lamp and the surface is marked with the value l. If you insert the last two values ​​into the formula, the beam angle required for your desired LED is calculated. Unnecessary bad purchases of the wrong LEDs can be easily avoided.

Brightness, beam angle, and LED bulbs

The lumen value of LEDs is an indicator of how bright the light from the light source is. The larger the value, the brighter the respective lamp can shine. With two identical lamps with different beam angles, the perceived brightness is very different.

When choosing an LED light source, it is not only important to pay attention to the values ​​of lumen and beam angle, but also to the interaction between the two factors.

A lamp with a half-power angle of 15° and one with a half-power angle of 60°, which have the same lumen value, have the same light output on paper. However, the 60° light source covers a much larger area with its circle of light than the 15° lamp can. The larger area in this example will be less brightly lit than the smaller 15° fixture if both fixtures are mounted at the same height.

Can the beam angle of an LED be edited afterward?

Sometimes you want a change in your own four walls and the interior needs to be adjusted. This also includes the lighting. In this case, the structure of an LED cannot be changed later. But what about the beam angle? To reduce the angle, one immediately thinks of an improvised lampshade. Quickly crafted, it invites you to live out your creativity. Attaching a diffuser comes to mind to increase the angle.

The beam angle of LED lamps cannot be reduced or increased by hand. Modifications carried out independently can lead to heat build-up, burns through, or even fires.

If you are not satisfied with the half-power angle of your LEDs, we recommend purchasing a new one. Thanks to the lower power consumption and the comparatively low acquisition costs, the replacement is worthwhile. It’s also the safest course of action, both for you and your belongings. You can save yourself the costly conversion work by a specialist. The old bulbs can easily find a new place of use elsewhere in the apartment.

The purpose of use also decides on the beam angles

The lighting of living spaces serves different purposes. That’s why we offer a wide variety of light sources, from recessed lights to spotlights and strips to modules. The LEDs in different sizes can be used for any purpose:

• accent lighting
• decorative lighting
• basic lighting

With basic lighting, you want to bathe a room in bright light over as wide an area as possible. In living rooms such as bedrooms or living rooms, a large beam angle of 120° is ideal for LED lighting, so the light cone is very large.

Several 90° spots are ideal in narrower areas such as corridors. The beam angle of LED lighting for accent lighting or for decorative purposes is more dependent on two factors: the distance to the lamp and the size of the object to be illuminated.

Small key figure, big effect

Choosing the right half-power angle for your LEDs is immensely important. With the right values, wonderful worlds of light can be created in the home. Incorrectly selected angles lead to the opposite, glare effects or corners that are too dark can occur. Therefore, keep in mind the factors of intended use, the distance between the lamp and the illuminated area as well as the size of this area when purchasing new LED lamps that have an optimally selected beam angle.

LED, in full light-emitting diode, in electronics, is a semiconductor device that emits infrared or visible light when charged with an electric current. Visible LEDs are used in many electronic devices as indicator lamps, in automobiles as rear-window and brake lights, and on billboards and signs as alphanumeric displays or even full-colour posters. Infrared LEDs are employed in autofocus cameras and television remote controls and also as light sources in fibre-optic telecommunication systems.

The familiar lightbulb gives off light through incandescence, a phenomenon in which the heating of a wire filament by an electric current causes the wire to emit photons, the basic energy packets of light.

LEDs operate by electroluminescence, a phenomenon in which the emission of photons is caused by the electronic excitation of a material. The material used most often in LEDs is gallium arsenide, though there are many variations on this basic compound, such as aluminium gallium arsenide or aluminium gallium indium phosphide. These compounds are members of the so-called III-V group of semiconductors—that is, compounds made of elements listed in columns III and V of the periodic table. By varying the precise composition of the semiconductor, the wavelength (and therefore the colour) of the emitted light can be changed.

LED emission is generally in the visible part of the spectrum (i.e., with wavelengths from 0.4 to 0.7 micrometres) or in the near-infrared (with wavelengths between 0.7 and 2.0 micrometres). The brightness of the light observed from an LED depends on the power emitted by the LED and on the relative sensitivity of the eye at the emitted wavelength. Maximum sensitivity occurs at 0.555 micrometre, which is in the yellow-orange and green region. The applied voltage in most LEDs is quite low, in the region of 2.0 volts; the current depends on the application and ranges from a few milliamperes to several hundred milliamperes.

The term diode refers to the twin-terminal structure of the light-emitting device. In a flashlight, for example, a wire filament is connected to a battery through two terminals, one (the anode) bearing the negative electric charge and the other (the cathode) bearing the positive charge. In LEDs, as in other semiconductor devices such as transistors, the “terminals” are actually two semiconductor materials of different compositions and electronic properties brought together to form a junction. In one material (the negative, or n-type, semiconductor) the charge carriers are electrons, and in the other (the positive, or p-type, semiconductor) the charge carriers are “holes” created by the absence of electrons.

Under the influence of an electric field (supplied by a battery, for instance, when the LED is switched on), current can be made to flow across the p-n junction, providing the electronic excitation that causes the material to luminesce.

In a typical LED structure, the clear epoxy dome serves as a structural element to hold the lead frame together, as a lens to focus the light, and as a refractive index, match to permit more light to escape from the LED chip. The chip, typically 250 × 250 × 250 micrometres in dimension, is mounted in a reflecting cup formed in the lead frame. The p-n-type GaP:N layers represent nitrogen added to gallium phosphide to give green emission; the p-n-type GaAsP:N layers represent nitrogen added to gallium arsenide phosphide to give orange and yellow emission; and the p-type GaP:Zn,O layer represents zinc and oxygen added to gallium phosphide to give red emission.

Two further enhancements, developed in the 1990s, are LEDs based on aluminium gallium indium phosphide, which emit light efficiently from green to red-orange, and also blue-emitting LEDs based on silicon carbide or gallium nitride. Blue LEDs can be combined on a cluster with other LEDs to give all colours, including white, for full-colour moving displays.

So to answer what are LEDs exactly, any LED can be used as a light source for a short-range fibre-optic transmission system—that is, over a distance of fewer than 100 metres (330 feet). For long-range fibre optics, however, the emission properties of the light source are selected to match the transmission properties of the optical fibre, and in this case, the infrared LEDs are a better match than the visible-light LEDs. Glass optical fibres suffer their lowest transmission losses in the infrared region at wavelengths of 1.3 and 1.55 micrometres.

To match these transmission properties, LEDs are employed that are made of gallium indium arsenide phosphide layered on a substrate of indium phosphide. The exact composition of the material may be adjusted to emit energy precisely at 1.3 or 1.55 micrometres.