LED lights are seen by many as the next big thing when it comes to lighting. But do they live up to their promise?
![LED tube LED tube](/images/LEDtube.jpg)
LED tube
Over the last few months we have been researching and testing LED tubes. These tubes are the same shape as a fluorescent tube, and have hundreds of LEDs on them. To summarise our research results:
- The performance of LED tubes has improved greatly over the last 12 months, particularly in terms of total light output.
- Quality of manufacture is still of concern (one of the LED tubes in the photo has partially failed).
- Many tubes now have a very good “daylight” light colour, although some of the ones we tested were quite blue.
- We are not yet at the point where a LED tube can substitute a 36 watt tri-phosphor fluorescent, but if the technology continues to advance as it has the performance may match fluorescent tubes within the next three years, but with much lower power input.
- Pricing is still high, but as lighting performance improves the range of applications where LEDs can be used will increase. This should lead to economies of scale and price reductions.