HID VS LED

2019-08-21

In order to better understand the true comparison between HID and LED lighting, we must first look at the actual physical anatomy of each product.

The HID is a gas discharge arc lamp in which light is transmitted through the current between the two electrodes and the ionized gas.A second gas is also used which determines whether the HID is a sodium lamp or a metal halide lamp. Everything is sealed with quartz glass capsules.All HIDs require a ballast to regulate power and generate an initial surge to activate the lamp. HID consumes less power and produces more illumination than halogen bulbs, but it's nothing compared to LEDs.

LED anatomy uses solid state technology to convert electrical energy into light. Basically, the LED module consists of tiny bulbs that are semiconductors mounted in the circuit.When the module is turned on and current is passed through these semiconductors, it causes them to emit photons and the fixture will illuminate.LEDs provide uniform illumination. Unlike HIDs, HIDs must be equipped with bulky reflectors to redirect light output. Overall, LEDs are more efficient and you can see the difference immediately.

Historically, HID lamps have been the preferred choice for parking lots and other large areas that require large amounts of visible light.However, they are not the perfect solution because the light produced is not always pleasing, and most HIDs take longer to warm up before they are fully illuminated.Although installing HID lighting typically reduces upfront costs, regular relighting and ballast replacement often offsets these savings.Even with a higher initial investment, LED lighting offers a faster return on investment because LEDs require little maintenance.All of these issues, coupled with rapid technological advances in improving performance and lowering the price of LED products, have prompted many companies to convert.Consider these specific cost HIDs compared to LEDs to better understand why LEDs provide the ideal external lighting solution.

Save energy costs

Although HID is more energy efficient than other types of lighting, such as halogen or incandescent, LEDs are more energy efficient.In some cases, LED lighting can save up to 75% of energy compared to current lighting systems. Performance issues can also affect energy efficiency.The HID lamp requires up to ten minutes of warm-up time before it is fully illuminated, and the LED light turns on immediately without any flicker.HIDs can also produce light in all directions, some of which actually never actually leave the fixture. LEDs are capable of producing focused omnidirectional light, with almost 100% of the light leaving the fixture.This provides enhanced light distribution control and light uniformity. Our commercial LED parking lights feature precision molded optics for superior uniformity and enhanced light distribution.This allows you to use fewer lights in the same space and maximize pole spacing for greater energy savings.

Save on maintenance costs

Maintenance costs are where you can achieve the greatest savings. HID lamps are very fragile, with moving parts, glass bulbs, filaments, ballasts and capacitors, all of which can suddenly break or burn out.Each repair or replacement requires an elevator rental to reach the top of the parking lot and is operated by a qualified electrician. Heavy-duty LEDs are more durable and do not use all the external parts that require expensive repairs and/or replacements, which can affect the company's profits.

Longer service life

The US Department of Energy says LEDs have a much longer life than other lighting systems.The life expectancy of HID lighting is 15,000-25,000 hours, while the life expectancy of LED lighting is 50,000 hours. However, many products, including us, are rated for more than 100,000 hours.Longer service life means lower lamp replacement frequency, which is also directly related to your maintenance cost savings.

No matter how long or how long the product behaves, using efficient outdoor lighting, if the product has no special warranty, it does not make any sense.Most HID products typically offer a one to two year warranty, while LED products typically have a five-year warranty. We are confident in our products and Adiding lighting offers a 10-year limited warranty on our LED area lighting