A few of the energy bulbs in the left wing of your office have popped their clogs and are no longer useful. You may think that among the sea of bulbs, a few dead bulbs would not leave a significant impact. Today we will briefly cover all about LED office lighting.
However, it is the poor employee sitting under one of the dead bulbs who bears the brunt of the dim effects. Replacing one bulb at a time is also a pain in the neck. Not to mention, it is time-consuming, disturbs the office hours if the electrician is available only during that period, and adds to the overall bill.
More often than not, employees feel their concentration sizzling into an all-time low. Some even feel their energies shooting down as little light indicates comfortable hours of relaxation.
Others have to strain their eyes to focus on their work. Not only you, but your employees also feel the effects of this almost daily drill.
One way to break through this regular practice is to use LED lights in the office. It is an efficient and effective means of lighting the office that promotes a refreshing atmosphere.
LED lighting not only provides consistent light that encourages a positive and alert work environment, but they also provide support for a long time as these lights have a long lifespan. Another treat from the bag of LED lights is that they let you save money and energy.
One way to break through this regular practice is to use LED lights in the office. It is an efficient and effective means of lighting the office that promotes a refreshing atmosphere.
LED lighting not only provides consistent light that encourages a positive and alert work environment, but they also provide support for a long time as these lights have a long lifespan. Another treat from the bag of LED lights is that they let you save money and energy.
The Meaning of LED Lights
It is first essential to understand and remove any misunderstanding regarding the meaning of LED lights. Without further ado, here is the definition of LED lights. LED stand for light emitting diode.
It is the latest energy-efficient technology that employs semiconductor devices to convert electricity into light. LEDs use about 85% less energy than other forms of light bulbs.
The Edge of LED Lights Over Traditional Bulbs
There is a lot of difference between LED lighting system and traditional light bulbs such as halogen and incandescent lighting.
Firstly, they differ in the way the light is produced. Incandescent bulbs pass light over a thin filament wire, whereas an LED produces light by employing a semiconductor.
The semiconductor emits light when electricity passes through it. On the flip side, regular energy-saving bulbs pass light through mercury vapor in order to produce light. The vapor is then absorbed by a coat of phosphor inside the lamp that causes the glow.
All these bulbs have a different lifespan as well. LED lights have an estimated life of 25,000-50,000 hours. Incandescent bulbs brighten up for an average of 1000 hours, and halogen lights live for 1000-5000 hours.
The estimated figures show that LED lights have a much longer lifespan than all other sources of lighting.
They differ in energy efficiency. Since the lifespan of halogen and incandescent bulbs is significantly lower than the LED lights, they save less money, as constant replacements are required.
LED lights have an advantage in energy efficiency too as they feed on about 85% less energy as other sources of light. It is, therefore, safe to say that LED lights are super energy-savers and are significant assets in cutting down power bills.
Lastly, LED lights instantly switch
off when you flick the light as compared to other bulbs that leave a dim
glow in their wake. This saves you from any trouble of waiting.
Benefits of LED Office Lighting
The advantages of using LED lighting in the office can be explained under broad categories. These are mentioned below:
Advantages for Employees
While there is a lot of hype about
the environmental and monetary benefits of the usage of LED lights,
there are a lot more bright positives for the employee as well.
Reduces Strain and Stress
Various reports have shown the positive effects of light and its influence on the work performance, energy, mood, alertness and vigilance of office staff.
A survey conducted by Kensington Technology Group marked eyestrain as the chief reason behind physical stress in the office. LEDs provide consistent bright light that reduces eyestrain. Therefore, it also reduces stress and anxiety.
Increase in Productivity
68% of people in the workplace are concerned about the lighting system according to the findings of a study conducted by the American Society of Interior Designer. Also, a study made at the Cornell University revealed that productivity declined by 2% every year due to poor lighting.
The same survey also showed that the productivity of an employee has the potential to rise by 3% to 5% by using LED office lighting.
Reduces Headaches and Migraines
Proper illumination is a need of the
hour. This is where LED lighting boosts its advantages. LED lights emit
light in a single, particular direction that cuts the need of using
diffusers and reflectors that lower light. LEDs also do not flicker; it
is a constant source of light. This is good news for all those employees
who face constant headaches or migraines.
Promotes a Healthy and Balanced Circadian Cycle
LED lights also help improve the
circadian rhythm. Recent work in LED technology has allowed it to copy
natural light, and research reveals that adequate exposure to natural
light promotes a regular rhythm of the circadian cycle. By mimicking
natural lights, LED lights seem to do a favor to the circadian rhythm.
Use of Green Technology
Mother Nature has done us many
favors, and we have only returned a terrible thanks. Ozone depletion,
carbon dioxide emissions, and pollutions of all kinds are some of the
ways we have damaged the environment.
The use of LED lights helps us return
favors on a positive note to our planet. By employing LED lights, we
reduce carbon emission in the atmosphere. LED lights are green
technology which is beneficial for the planet and, in the long run, for
the future. Additionally, it is good for the image of the company.
Economic Benefits
LED light fixtures are the epitome of
long lifespans. Recent developments have extended the lifetime of these
lights to a minimum of 50,000 hours. Some fixtures also come with a
lifespan of 100,000 hours or 150,000 plus hours.
The maintenance cost also jumps to a
low as replacing LED lights isn’t a regular activity. With a life of 20
years and higher resistance to vibrations and shocks, LED lights are
more durable than other forms of lighting. Hence, LED lights are an
effortless way of keeping your offices bright all day long without any
fuses while saving your time and money as well as the atmosphere.
Design Flexibility
LED lights can be molded into any
shape to provide efficient illumination. Individual LEDs can also be
dimmed so that you can easily control light and its distribution. This
can provide great lighting effects that are suitable and beneficial not
only for the eye but also for one’s mind.
The design is also flexible in the sense that LED lights can be used anywhere and in different kinds of workplaces.
Use of LED Lights in the Office
Ranging from LED tube lights to LED
light panels, emergency bulbs and GU10 bulbs for lamps, there are a lot
of options to choose from. Selecting the right source of lighting is
essential and must be done wisely to suit your budget and workplace
requirements.
Uses of LED lights in the office are
innumerable. They can be utilized for lighting the office ceiling or in
desktop lamps. Since they are cost-efficient, durable and flexible, LED
lights can be employed anywhere in the workplace and for all kinds of
purposes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing LED Lights for the Office
Here is a quick list of things that need to be taken into consideration before getting LED lights for your office:
The Aim of the Project
Whether setting up a new office or
replacing the lighting system of an existing one, it is essential to
keep in mind the purpose of illumination. The lighting may be for a
school, office, or bank. Each of these workplaces demands a different
source of light. Therefore, it is important to consider the amount of
light that would be needed in the workplace.
In case you’re replacing old bulbs,
you need to know that there are two main types of light bulb bases: a
pin base and a screw base. Choose the shape of the light bulb according
to the shape of the fixture so that it fits in it.
Work Involved
Another thing to consider is the type
and workload involved. If the employees are using computers throughout
the day, then intense brightness is not required. Bright levels of light
will make it difficult for them to see on the screens.
Also, whatever the task the employees
are doing, they would always need some uplight. Uplight is a form of
indirect illumination that not only eliminates glare but also promotes
uniformity by balancing the contrast between the light source and
surrounding area. It also minimizes shadows.
However, an excess of uplight is not
desirable, as it will result in an effect like a faint light called the
cloudy day effect. Therefore, downlight must also be provided. This can
be achieved by perforated holes or by lenses in the base of the lighting
fixture that will give a bright atmosphere.
Color Rendering
Color rendering scales how an object appears to the human eye by a light source. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a scale of 0 to 100 percent that indicates how accurate a given light is showing the actual color to the human eye.
The higher the CRI, the more vibrant or closer to the natural color objects appear to the eye. A light source of 100 CRI has the ability to show the same view of an object as in daylight. CRI of 85 to 90 is considered adequate for most workplaces.
However, if the work in the office demands color distinction with the utmost accuracy (for example, if your office works with design), then a CRI of 100 is a must.
Space Versatility
An office that is located in a school
today may be used for some other purpose tomorrow. While installing
lighting system, keep in mind flexibility of the design so that the room
may be able to accommodate any changes in the future.
Color Temperature
Color temperature is measured in
Kelvin (K). This describes how a light appears when a human eye directly
sees the bulb. Here is what you need to keep in mind:
- 2700K emits a yellowish white light that creates a personal, warm and cozy mood. It is suitable for commercial hospitality.
- 3000K
gives less yellow and a soft white light. It creates a calm and warm
atmosphere which is also suitable for commercial hospitality.
- 3500K gives a cool, bright white light that is best for commercial lighting as it creates a friendly aura.
- 4100K
gives off a cool, bright white light. A clean and efficient atmosphere
prevails in the presence of this color temperature light, which is good
for commercial purposes.
- 5000K is daylight or natural light that is suitable for industrial and business use as it gives a daylight effect.
- 6500K emits the bluish white source of light that promotes an alert day aura. It is best for industrial institutions.
It is important to know that as the
scale of temperature rises, the light gets brighter, leaving behind the
yellow effect and going towards fresh white. Keep in mind the office
requirements and select the light temperature that is needed.
In a nutshell, here are all the points that need to be taken seriously when choosing LED lighting for your office:
- Sufficient light depending on the work being done in the workplace
- Should be flicker-free and glare-free
- If there are more visual tasks, the light should provide appropriate brightness
- The lights give off a pleasant white color for maximizing productivity
- No shadows or distracting reflections
- The light intensity should be individually adjustable
- Balance of direct and indirect lighting
- The need for any maximization of light can be met with the aid of lamps
Verdict
The bottom line is that LED lights are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. They are also healthy for the employees, which translates to an active and conducive work environment and increased productivity.
LED lights should be carefully chosen depending on the need and the type and amount of work being conducted at any particular office. They can be effortlessly used in lamps, ceilings, and emergency lights and for illuminating all sorts of areas due to their flexible and durable design.
-Thanks a lot for reading my article “All About LED Office Lighting”. Hope read and enjoy!
