Podcast - LED Light Fixtures A Guide to Industrial and Commercial Lighting
All right, ready to dive into a world brighter than you might think. Today we're shining the light on LED light fixtures. And we're not just talking about your average light bulb here.
Think warehouses, workshops, and maybe even your backyard could use a little sprucing up with LEDs.
It's pretty amazing how LEDs have changed the lighting game.
I know, right? And that's exactly what we're going to untack today. It's way more than just LEDs save energy. We're going to find out what makes them tick, how to pick the right one for what you need.
Because it's not as easy as just looking at wattage anymore and how LEDs are changing all kinds of spaces.
You're right. It really is a whole new world.
So let's start with the basics. Can you give us like a simple definition of what an LED light fixture is just so everyone's on the same page?
Absolutely. An LED light fixture is basically like a complete lighting unit. It uses light emitting diodes or LEDs as the light source. So it's everything you need in one package to, well, light things up, but it's way more efficient and customizable than old school lighting.
Okay, that makes sense. And Murcu has like a whole family of these fixtures with kind of cool names. Solis Planet, Solis CargoL, Solis Efflux.
They sound like they're from a sci-fi movie.
Yeah, they do sound kind of futuristic, but there's a reason for those names. Each model is designed for something specific.
We'll get into that later, but yeah, it's not just a cool name.
You got me curious.
Now, I was looking at the spec sheet for the Solus Planet high bay light and saw something called efficacy.
It was rated at 200 lumens per watt. I vaguely remember lumens have something to do with the brightness, but can you break down what that number means for like the average person?
Yeah, great question. And it's really important for understanding how efficient LEDs are. Lumens per watt basically tells you how well the light turns electricity into actual light.
So the higher the lumens per watt, the brighter it is for the same amount of power. So 200 lumens per watt for that Solis Planet, that's pretty good.
Okay. So higher number equals more brightness and saves you more energy.
I can see why people would love that, especially if you're trying to save money on your electric bill.
Exactly. And that's a big reason why LEDs have become so popular.
They can really cut down on energy use compared to older types of lighting.
We're talking cutting your lighting costs by 75%, maybe even more.
That's the kind of difference LEDs can make.
Wow. 75%.
That's not messing around.
All right. Let's move on to the different types of LED lights. I'm looking at this list and it's a lot to take in UFO, linear, warehouse, industrial. It's like a whole universe of LEDs out there.
Yeah. It can seem that way at first, but it's not as complicated as it looks.
Think of it this way. Each type of LED is made for a specific job.
You see those best four columns in the mucus stuff. Those are key to figuring out which fixture works where.
So it's not just how it looks, it's how it works too.
Like take UFO lights. Those are the round ones you see in warehouses, gyms, factories. Their shape lets them give off a ton of light from a small package, perfect for big spaces with high ceilings.
Ah, so the shape actually changes how the light spreads. That's cool.
Then you have linear LED lights, which are well linear.
Right. Their rectangular shape makes them perfect for spaces where you need light spread out evenly over a bigger area, like aisles in stores, supermarkets, or long work benches.
And what about the more specific ones like warehouse and industrial LED lights? I'm guessing those are tougher and can handle more abuse.
They're built to be rugged and durable. They can handle dust, moisture, even extreme temperatures.
I think factories, construction sites, or anywhere things can get a little rough.
Now I'm seeing something called an IP rating in the materials. What is that all about?
The IP rating, that's super important, especially if you're dealing with places where dust or water could be a problem.
It tells you how protected the light is against those things, like an IP65 rating. You'll see that on some of these fixtures means it's totally dustproof and can handle water jets from any direction.
Wow, that's impressive. So you could use these outside even if it rains a lot.
Absolutely. Patios, walkways, even some industrial settings where weather is a factor, the ip rating lets you know the fixture can handle it.
This is making me rethink my whole backyard lighting setup. I'm seeing all kinds of possibilities.
It's pretty wild that Murcu uses for everything from backyards to hospitals. It's quite a range.
Yeah, it really shows how adaptable LEDs have become. And remember, it's not just about making things bright.
It's about doing it efficiently, sustainably, and in a way that fits the space perfectly.
Okay, I'm ready to tackle installation. The materials mentioned three main ways, bracket mounting, lifting ring suspension, and chain suspension.
Could you break those down for Sure, bracket mounting, that's the most common one, usually for lights on the ceiling or wall.
Think of it like attaching the light to a solid surface with brackets and screws.
Sounds pretty straightforward.
What about those suspension methods?
Lifting ring suspension, that's usually for heavier lights or when you need to hang them high up rings are attached to the fixture so you can hang it from hooks or anchor points.
It's common for those UFO style lights we talked about earlier.
So it's like a fancy chandelier, but more industrial.
Exactly. And then chain suspension that gives you more flexibility to adjust the height you use chains instead of fixed mounts.
Good for places where you might need to change the lighting like a workshop or warehouse.
So each method has its own pluses depending on the situation. Now, let's get back to Murcu's specific products.
We've got all these Solis models, each with its own features. How do I pick the right one?
That's where that comparison table and their stuff comes in handy. It shows you the main differences between models in a way that's easy to get.
Take the Solis Planet, for example, that's for those big high ceiling areas we talked about.
But if you need something smaller for a warehouse or garage, the Solis CargoL might be better. Or if it's a long, narrow space like a supermarket aisle, the linear Solis Latte would be perfect.
So the key is to really think about the space you're lighting up. How high is the ceiling? How big is the area?
What will you be doing there? It's not just about brightness anymore. You have to think about things like beam angle, IP rating, even though you're going to install it.
It's all about choosing the right tool for the job, or in this case, the right light for the space.
And don't forget, Murcu's team can help you figure it all out and make sure you get the perfect LED setup.
That's great advice. And we're just scratching the surface here. We haven't even talked about LEDs in backyards and hospitals.
Yeah.
But we'll get into that right after this. I was kind of surprised to see hospitals and backyards on that list of places where LEDs are used.
They seem like pretty different places with different lighting needs.
True. They are different, but that just shows how adaptable LEDs are.
Think about hospitals. They need reliable lighting all the time in operating rooms, patient rooms, hallways.
LEDs are perfect for that. They're bright and clear, but still super energy efficient.
And for a place that's open 2047, saving energy is a big deal.
It makes you wonder how much money hospitals could save by switching to LEDs.
Plus, they last way longer. I bet they wouldn't want to be changing light bulbs every week in the middle of surgery.
Exactly. LEDs last way longer than old school bulbs.
We're talking tens of thousands of hours. That means less maintenance, less hassle, and things run smoother.
Okay. That makes sense for hospitals, but backyards.
I'm having a hard time imagining anything besides those old energy hogging floodlights.
Well, LEDs have come a long way, even outside. You can find LED floodlights now that are just as bright as the old ones, but use way less power.
And it's not just floodlights either. There's pathway lighting, accent lighting, even those string lights for decoration, all with LEDs now.
So you could use them for security lighting, landscaping, even making your backyard look nice for parties.
You got it. And don't forget about helping the environment by using LEDs.
You're reducing your carbon footprint, which is good for everyone.
That reminds me, we've talked a lot about how efficient LEDs are, but can you give me some numbers?
How much money can someone actually save by switching?
It's a good question. And the answer is a lot of things.
It depends. Things like the type of LED, how much power it uses, and how often you use it all matter.
But on average, LEDs use about 75% less energy than those old incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 25 times longer.
75%. That's a lot.
My wallet's already feeling heavier just thinking about it.
And it's not just the energy you save directly.
LEDs don't make as much heat as old bulbs. You save on cooling costs too, especially in big spaces like warehouses or factories.
So they're saving you money on both sides of the energy bill.
That's wild. Another thing I always wonder about with LEDs is the different color temperatures.
I've seen stuff like warm white and cool white, but I don't really know what they mean.
Color temperature, it's basically how warm or cool the light looks, and it's measured in Kelvin's lower Kelvin numbers, like 2700K, give you that warm yellowish light, kind of like those old incandescent bulbs.
That warmer light is nice for homes and places where you want to feel cozy and relaxed.
Oh, that's why my living room feels so chill with those warm white LEDs.
Exactly. Now, higher Kelvin numbers like 5000K or 6500K, that's a cooler bluish white light that's good for offices, stores, places where you need to see clearly and focus.
Think of it as the light that keeps you awake and on task.
So it's not just about picking a color you like. It's about matching the color to how you want the space to feel and what you're going to be doing there.
Exactly. Choosing the right color temperature can totally change the vibe of a room and how well you can use it.
OK, this has been really helpful. But before we finish up, let's bring it back to our listeners.
We've talked about why LEDs are so great, how versatile they are, how much energy they save, even how to pick the right color. What final thoughts would you give them?
I'd say think about your own spaces. Is there a room in your house that could use an LED upgrade? Maybe your garage or workshop needs better lighting.
Maybe you're a business owner and you want to cut costs and make a better space for your employees.
Or maybe you're just sick of changing light bulbs all the time and you want something that lasts longer and saves you money.
Whatever your situation is, take some time to look into LED lighting.
There's so many options out there and the technology keeps getting better.
And like we said, the benefits are way more than just making things brighter.
Well said. And of course, we've got to give a shout out to Murcu for having so much info on their website.
If you're looking for good quality LED lights, definitely check them out. They have that awesome solace line, each one made for a specific job and a team of experts who can help you find what you need.
They're a great resource for anyone thinking about switching to LEDs.
Okay, everyone, we've talked about a lot today, from the basics of LEDs to some pretty specific stuff about them.
Hopefully you're feeling like you know more and maybe you're even thinking about trying LEDs in your own place. But we're not done yet.
In our last part, we're going to answer some of the most common questions about LED light fixtures.
Stay with us. There's still more to learn.
Okay, we're back for the last part of our LED journey.
I feel like I've learned so much already, but I'm sure people still have questions.
Yeah, definitely. There's always more to learn about LEDs.
Let's get to those questions. Then think of this as our LED FAQ.
And the first one that pops into my head is about those IP ratings we talked about. They seem pretty important, especially for outside or industrial places.
Can you give us a little more info on what those ratings mean?
It's a good question, because IP ratings can be confusing if you don't know what you're looking at.
Basically, those two numbers tell you how well protected the light is against stuff getting in like dust and liquids. The first number is for solids like dust or dirt.
It goes from the zero, meaning no protection, to six, which means it's totally dustproof.
So the higher the first number, the better it is at keeping out all that tiny stuff that can mess up electronics.
Right. The second number is all about liquids.
It goes from zero, meaning no protection, to nine, which means it can handle high pressure hot water jets. So that IP65 rating we mentioned before, that means the light is completely dust tight and can take water jets from any direction.
That makes way more sense. Now it's like a code that tells you how tough the light is.
Okay. Another question I hear a lot about LEDs is if you can dim them like you can with regular bulbs.
Yeah. A lot of people think you can't dim LEDs, but you can, especially the ones made for homes or businesses. You just got to make sure the LED fixture you get can work with a dimmer switch.
So you can't just use any old dimmer switch?
Nope. Using the wrong dimmer can make the light flicker shorten its life or even break it.
Good to know. So always check if it's compatible before you install a dimmer.
Speaking of installation, what about the cost?
We know LEDs save you money over time because they're efficient, but are they more expensive to install in the first place than regular lights?
It's true that LEDs can cost more upfront than the old school options, but the price difference is getting smaller now that LEDs are more common and cheaper to make.
And when you think about all the money you save on energy and how much longer they last, LEDs usually end up costing you less overall.
So it's like an investment that pays off in the long run.
Exactly. And you're helping the environment too, which is a big deal for a lot of people these days.
Absolutely. Okay. One last question before we wrap up.
What's next for LEDs? Anything new and exciting happening that our listeners should know about?
The world of LEDs is always changing. One cool thing is smart lighting. We're seeing a lot more LED fixtures now that you can connect to your smart home system so you can control them with your phone or even your voice.
Wow. So you could change the brightness, the color temperature, even turn lights on and off from anywhere.
Exactly. And some smart LED systems can even learn what you like and adjust the lights automatically based on what you usually do or what time it is.
That's wild. It's amazing how far lighting has come.
Oh wow.
Well, everyone that brings us to the end of our deep dive into LED light fixtures, we've gone over a lot from the basics to some pretty specific details about IP ratings, dimming, and even a peek into the future of smart lighting.
We've explored why LEDs are so great, what they are, and even how to use them.
Hopefully you're leaving with more knowledge and maybe even some inspiration to try LEDs in your own space.
Remember, LEDs aren't just about saving energy. They're versatile. They last a long time and there's an option out there for everyone and every situation.
So take what you've learned and go light up your world. Don't forget to check out Murcu's website for all your LED needs. They've got that awesome solace line with different fixtures for different jobs and a team of experts ready to help you.
Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring.
