What is the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving lamps? Features and differences between fluorescent lamps and LED lamps.


Conventional light bulbs provide excellent light, but are very energy inefficient - 95% of their energy is converted into heat. Fun fact: after the ban on the sale of light bulbs more powerful than 100 W, manufacturers, as if nothing had happened, continue to produce them, but they call them not light bulbs, but “heat emitters” and in essence they are right.

Modern LED lamps consume 8–10 times less energy than incandescent lamps with the same luminous flux, which means that when lighting with LED lamps, you can pay 8–10 times less for lighting.

I calculated the cost of lighting a two-room apartment with conventional and LED lamps.

Of course, the calculation is very approximate. Nevertheless, 3–5 thousand rubles per year is a very real saving for an average apartment. Pay attention to the burning time of the lamps. Manufacturers promise 1000 hours of incandescent lamp operation (in reality, light bulbs often burn out much earlier), but even if the lamps work their 1000 hours, they will have to be changed in the hallway and room twice a year, and in the kitchen and bedroom once. With an average cost of a lamp of 30 rubles, this will cost another 690 rubles.

LED lamps do not have to be changed every six months. Manufacturers promise 25–50 thousand hours of operation. This is more than 11–22 years with daily use of 6 hours.

Set LED lamps for this average apartment it will cost 4380 rubles (7 E27 6W lamps for 280 rubles, 11 4W candles for 220 rubles) and they will pay for themselves in less than a year.

Good LED lamps provide the same comfortable light as incandescent lamps and you will not be able to distinguish their light from that of incandescent lamps.

A 60-watt incandescent lamp, when the network voltage drops to 207 V, begins to shine like a 40-watt lamp, and if the voltage drops to 180 volts (which often happens in rural areas) A 60-watt lamp “turns” into a 25-watt lamp. The LED lamp shines at any voltage with the same brightness and is not afraid of jumps.

Unlike incandescent lamps, LED lamps generate little heat. Lamps do not warm the room when it is already hot. The child will not get burned on the light bulb in the table lamp.

LED bulbs also give you freedom and comfort. No more worrying about saving electricity: when a light bulb consumes 6 W instead of 60, it can be just don't turn it off. I used to always turn off the light in the hallway, now it's always on when I'm at home. It's more convenient.

And one last argument in favor of buying LED lamps. Don't treat them like consumables. You buy them for a long time. Treat them the same way you treat the chandelier or lamp you install them in, because most likely someday you will replace them together, because LED lamps will never burn out.

2. Are LED and energy-saving lamps the same thing? And if not, which ones are better?

LED bulbs much better than CFL for several reasons:

  • the LED lamp does not contain hazardous substances, and the bulb of any CFL contains mercury;
  • LED lamp consumes less energy with the same luminous flux;
  • the LED lamp instantly lights up to full brightness, and the CFL smoothly increases brightness from 20% to 100% in a minute at room temperature and much more slowly at low temperatures;
  • CFLs have a poor spectrum consisting of peaks of several colors. The spectrum of an LED lamp is much closer to natural light and incandescent light.

3. What's glowing there?

In 1923, Soviet physicist Oleg Losev discovered electroluminescence of a semiconductor junction. The first LEDs using this principle were called “Losev Light”. The red LED was the first to appear, followed by yellow and green LEDs in the early 70s. The blue LED was created in 1971 by Yakov Panchechnikov, but it was extremely expensive. In 1990, Japanese Suji Nakamura created a cheap and bright blue LED.

Even 20 years ago it was believed that it was impossible to create a white LED, however, after the advent of the blue LED, it became possible to make white light sources with three crystals (RGB).

In 1996, the first white phosphor LEDs appeared. In them, ultraviolet or blue LED light is converted to white using a phosphor.

By 2005, the luminous efficiency of such LEDs reached 100 lm/W or more. This made it possible to start using phosphor LEDs for lighting, because the LED is one of the most economical light sources.

4. What types of LED lamps are there?

LED lamps are available in various buildings with different types of socles. These are ordinary “pears”, “candles” and “balls” with E27 and E14 sockets, and “mirror” lamps R39, R50, R63 and spotlights with GU10 and GU5.3 sockets, capsule lamps with G4 and G9 sockets, lamps for ceilings with GX53 plinth.

LED lamps use Various types LEDs. The first LED lamps used conventional LEDs in a plastic housing.

Currently, high-power LEDs in housings are used only in some lamps.

Most modern lamps use bulk LEDs and LED assemblies.

IN Lately COB (chip on board) LED emitters are increasingly being used. In them, many LEDs are coated with a single phosphor.

A type of COB is LED filament. In them, many LEDs are placed on a glass strip coated with phosphor.

In the very last generation Crystal Ceramic MCOB lamps emitters are located on round plates made of transparent ceramics.

LED lamps are produced with different color temperatures of light: 2700K - yellow light, like incandescent lamps, 3000K - slightly whiter comfortable light, 4000K - white light, 6500K - cool white light. In my opinion, lamps with a color temperature of 2700-3000K are more suitable for the home.

5. Is it always possible to simply screw in an LED lamp instead of a regular one?

No not always. There are two problems you may encounter:

  • Working with a switch with an indicator. A large number of LED lamps cannot work with switches that have an indicator. They flash or glow dimly when the switch is turned off. This is due to the fact that a weak current constantly flows through the lamp. There are two ways out of this situation: either use lamps that work correctly with such switches or turn off the indicator inside the switch.
  • Dimming. Most LED lamps cannot work with dimmers, but there are special dimmable LED lamps (usually much more expensive than regular ones). Unlike incandescent lamps, when the brightness decreases, the LED lamp does not change the color of the illumination (it turns yellow in a conventional lamp). Many dimmable LED bulbs do not dim to zero, but only to 15-20% of full brightness.

6. Are all LED lamps good and if not, how do good ones differ from bad ones?

In ordinary incandescent lamps everything is simple: a bulb and a tungsten filament. An LED lamp is much more complex and its quality depends on the quality of the LEDs, phosphor and electronics.

There are three important parameters, affecting the quality of light produced by the lamp:

  • Pulsation of light. Many low-quality lamps have high level pulsations (flickering) of light. Such light is visually uncomfortable and a person quickly gets tired of it. When you move your gaze from one object to another, a stroboscopic effect is visible (as if several objects are visible instead of one). The human eye perceives pulsation of more than 40%. There are two ways check for light pulsation- pencil test (we take an ordinary long pencil by the tip and begin to quickly and quickly move it in a semicircle back and forth. If individual contours of the pencil are not visible, there is no flickering, but if “several pencils” are visible, the light flickers) and checking with a camera smartphone (if you look at the light through the smartphone’s camera, as a rule, when the light flickers, stripes will appear across the screen, and the brighter they are, the stronger the flickering). Lamps with visible pulsation should not be used in residential areas.
  • Color rendering index (CRI). The light spectrum of an LED lamp is different from the spectrum sunlight and the light of an ordinary incandescent lamp. Although the light appears white, it contains more of some color components and less of some. CRI measures how uniform the levels of different color components are in light. With a low CRI of light, shades are less visible. Such light is visually unpleasant, and it is very difficult to understand what is wrong with it. For incandescent and solar lamps CRI=100, for ordinary LED lamps it is more than 80, for very good ones it is more than 90. Lamps with CRI below 80 It is better not to use in residential premises.
  • Lighting angle. LED pear lamps come in two types. For the former, the protective cap has the shape of a hemisphere, having the same diameter as the body. Such lamps do not shine back at all, and if they shine downward in a chandelier, the ceiling will remain dark, which can be visually unsightly. In the second type of lamp, the transparent cap has a diameter larger than the body and the lamp shines slightly backwards. Lamps using LED filaments or transparent disks have the same wide illumination angle as conventional incandescent lamps. Halogen spotlights produce a narrow beam of light with an illumination angle of about 30 degrees, and most LED spotlights produce diffused light with an angle of about 100 degrees. Such light bulbs in a suspended ceiling “blind” due to the angle being too wide. Only some LED spotlights have lenses and the same narrow lighting angle as halogen lamps.

And three more problems that can often be encountered with LED lamps:

  • Inconsistency luminous flux and equivalent to the declared values. Unfortunately, inflated luminous flux and equivalent values ​​are often written on the packaging of LED lamps. You can find lamps that indicate a luminous flux of 600 lm and that the lamp replaces a 60-watt incandescent lamp, but in fact it only shines like a 40-watt lamp.
  • The color temperature does not match the stated one. Very often there are lamps whose light color temperature differs from what the manufacturer promises. Instead of 2700K you can find 3100K, and instead of 6000K even 7200K.
  • Premature lamp failure. Manufacturers indicate the service life of LED lamps from 15,000 to 50,000 hours, but in fact the lamps sometimes break after several months of operation.

7. How to choose high-quality LED lamps?

The Russian market offers lamps from several dozen brands. Most of them are Russian brands that manufacture lamps to order in China. Many people think that since the lamps are Chinese, it is better and cheaper to buy them in Chinese online stores, but this is a big mistake. Unfortunately, the vast majority of lamps are made from Chinese stores Very Bad quality. Their power and luminous flux are much lower than promised, the color rendering index (CRI) is low, many lamps have pulsation, sometimes reaching 100%, color temperature is not standardized (the Chinese often write “warm white light 2700-3500K” and what will happen in fact no one knows), there is no guarantee for such lamps and if they fail, they cannot be replaced. I tested several dozen lamps from Chinese online stores and there was only one good one among them, and it was more expensive than similar lamps in Russia.

I know of only four brands that do not overstate the lumen output and equivalent on the packaging. These are Ikea, Osram, Philips and Diall, therefore, when buying lamps from all other brands, it is better to take lamps with a reserve. If you need to replace a 40-watt light bulb, it's best to get one that says "60-watt incandescent equivalent."

If it is possible to turn on the lamp upon purchase, make sure it doesn't flicker using a pencil test or a smartphone. Lamps with unacceptable pulsation can be found even from brands such as Osram.

If flickering is already detected at home, feel free to return the lamp- according to Russian laws, LED lamps can be returned to the store within 14 days from the date of purchase.

Pay attention to the warranty periods (the warranty for lamps ranges from one to five years) and keep your receipts. Lamps must be exchanged at the places where they were purchased.

The TSN-Electro company presents a whole series of innovative LED luminaires LEDEO various purposes: LED lamps for interior spaces; for housing and communal services, street lighting, industry, etc., as well as for domestic purposes.

Currently, ordinary incandescent lamps are gradually becoming a thing of the past. First of all, this is due to the development of progress, and, consequently, new technologies that are gaining popularity in the field of lighting. What technological innovations are now an alternative to standard lighting systems?

Firstly, these are fluorescent (or energy-saving gas-discharge light bulbs), which gained great popularity after the ban on the production and sale of conventional incandescent light bulbs. Secondly, a significant alternative to energy-saving LED bulbs.

What is the difference between energy-saving and LED light bulbs?

What lighting should you choose to solve this problem once and for all and never return to it?

Energy-saving gas-discharge light bulbs, while cost-effective, are not environmentally friendly. If energy-saving lamps are handled carelessly, mercury vapor is released from a damaged or destroyed bulb, which can cause severe poisoning. In a standard room without ventilation, due to damage to one energy-saving lamp, the maximum permissible concentration of mercury may be exceeded for a short time by more than 160 times.

The situation is even more dangerous when such a lamp breaks, and mercury vapor ends up in the air, and the fragments scatter throughout the large area. Recycling of fluorescent lamps is also a problem, which requires special landfills and, therefore, additional funds. Manufacturers of energy-saving lamps do not inform the population about such “details” at all.

“Currently, due to the lack of a centralized collection and recycling network and poor awareness of citizens, used lamps are thrown away along with ordinary garbage and subsequently placed in solid household waste landfills, which is unacceptable,” says Rospotrebnadzor. Thus, we can conclude that the development of compact luminescent technology has very dubious prospects due to its danger to human life and environment, and the direction itself, by and large, is the technology of yesterday.

From this point of view, it is more appropriate to develop LED lighting, and its use not only in industrial or street lighting, but also in household lighting.

And here it is worth noting the main factor that scares consumers away - the high level of initial costs when purchasing an LED light bulb. The question arises: is it this technology economical with such a high initial investment?

Let's compare: average price An ordinary energy-saving light bulb costs about 200 rubles, the payback is about a year, the service life is about 5000-6000 hours. The simplest LED lamp costs about 600 rubles, the payback period is 2.5 years, the service life is from 50,000 to 100,000 hours. You might think that an LED light bulb is less economical than an energy-saving light bulb, since it has a higher price. But it is not so.

When calculating efficiency, it is worth taking into account not only the initial costs of purchasing a light bulb, but also how much electricity it consumes. So, an analogue of a 60-watt incandescent light bulb would be a 15-watt energy-saving light bulb and a 6-watt LED light bulb. That is, an LED light bulb saves energy, and, consequently, money more than twice.

When comparing, it is also necessary to take into account the fact that energy-saving light bulbs are absolutely unreliable: they do not tolerate voltage fluctuations and have a complex design that constantly breaks down. Only a small percentage of these lamps survive to the end of their intended service life. Thus, you will have to constantly buy new light bulbs to replace - no savings, just waste, right?

Progress does not stand still. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the new products that surround us. It seems only recently that incandescent lamps were practically the only known source of light in our homes. And now they have practically been forgotten. Modern energy-saving ones have appeared. Before they had time to properly study the new product, they had competitors - LEDs. Which lamp is better to choose for your home – LED or energy-saving? Let's make a comparison, considering all the advantages and disadvantages of both lamps.

In order to make comparisons easier, you need to consider all the characteristics of LED and energy saving lamps. In addition to technical characteristics, price, service life, environmental friendliness and safety play an important role.

An energy-saving lamp is a sealed flask containing argon and mercury vapor. When voltage is applied, mercury emits ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light passes through a phosphor-coated bulb and produces a luminous flux.

The principle of glow in an energy-saving lamp

Light-emitting diode lamp (LED) – LEDs connected in series. A chain of LEDs is connected to a current stabilizer. The number of LEDs may vary. The more there are, the brighter the luminous flux.

Operating principle of LED lamp

Power consumption

First, you need to understand that the main thing when choosing lamps is the luminous flux, which is measured in lumens, although according to the meter we pay for Watts. Illumination depends on the number of lumens, not on power. With the same luminous intensity, LED lamps consume five times less energy than energy-saving lamps. That is, they are much more economical. 3 Watts of an LED lamp corresponds to 15 Watts of an energy-saving lamp. With the constant rise in electricity prices, this characteristic has a great influence on the choice of buyers.

And one more difference - to achieve full power, an energy-saving lamp needs time to heat up to a certain temperature. This creates certain inconveniences. LED does not require heating; it gains full power immediately when voltage is applied.

Color spectrum

Both lamps can operate in a different color spectrum - from warm yellow to cool blue. The color of the glow can be determined by color temperature. This characteristic is measured in Kelvin. The value is indicated on the packaging (for example - 4300K). The more Kelvins, the cooler the light.

Light temperature determines the color of the lamp's glow

It is true that it must be taken into account that different manufacturers color spectrum may vary. For cheap Chinese companies, the luminous flux characteristics indicated on the packaging do not always correspond to reality. Therefore, it is better to choose quality products from trusted suppliers. When checking, be sure to pay attention to the color of the glow. Be sure to check all lamps you buy.

It is very important that lamps with the same glow color are installed in the same room. Otherwise, vision problems may occur. Vision is also affected by the presence of flicker. It is better to choose devices with minimal flicker.

High-quality LED lamps with high-quality driver components (current source) do not flicker. For residential buildings, doctors recommend using “warm”, natural light.

Durability

Energy saving lamps are durable. They can work up to 12 thousand hours. But when compared with LEDs, they lose. Manufacturers give them a guarantee of 50 thousand hours.

LED lamps are less sensitive to voltage changes. This happens often in our homes. In addition, the voltage there does not always correspond to the standard 220V. Their durability does not depend on the temperature in the house and the frequency of switching on and off. They are resistant to mechanical damage. With proper use, the luminous flux remains virtually unchanged over time. But with a low-quality driver and cooling, it may decrease.

TO disadvantages of LED sensitivity to high temperatures may be attributed. Energy savers win this comparison. The more power, the more heating. LEDs require constant cooling. But we learned to deal with it. A high-quality heat sink can solve this problem. A radiator is usually used for cooling. But recently a new product appeared on the market - with liquid cooling.

Therefore, according to this criterion, the comparison is in favor of LED. But the durability of any equipment also depends on the integrity of the manufacturer. Therefore, it is better to choose products for your home famous brands with a long warranty period. If problems arise, you can always replace the defective product.

Environmental friendliness

The main disadvantage of energy-saving lamps is the presence of mercury. They require very careful handling, since if the flask breaks, mercury vapor will be released into the room.

This may harm your health. It is especially important to ensure that the flasks do not fall into the hands of children. This deficiency creates a disposal problem. They can only be thrown into special containers. But, as a rule, none of the sellers warns about this. In addition, not all houses have places for disposal of mercury-containing waste.

LED lamps do not have this drawback. They are safe, do not contain harmful substances, and can be thrown into a regular garbage disposal.

Appearance

Energy-saving lamps are produced in only two types - in the form of the letter U and spiral. The most commonly used are spiral ones. They fit almost all chandeliers and sconces. The sockets come in small E14 and large E27. But the spiral does not look good in all chandeliers. In addition, spotlights have recently become widespread. You can't put a spiral in them. U-shaped lamps are much cheaper, but they cannot be used in all lighting devices. Their use in homes is limited.

But the variety of LED lamps allows you to choose exactly what you need. They are produced both similar to ordinary incandescent lamps and to candles. They come in round and elongated, large and small, with and without a diffuser.

Flat lamps have a small beam angle. Therefore, they are best used for spot lighting devices. For chandeliers, the option with a diffusing bulb is more suitable. For lamps with lampshades, floor lamps - without a diffuser (for example, in the form of corn).

LEDs are suitable for ordinary chandeliers and spotlights, for residential premises and bathrooms, in apartments and country houses. In addition, they are produced not only with base E14 and E27, but also GU10, MR16.

Prices

LED lamps are more expensive than energy-saving lamps. But recently their prices have begun to decline slightly. But still the price is one of the most important factors influencing our choices. Replacing all the lighting in an apartment at the same time will cost quite a decent amount. And not everyone can calculate what will happen there in a few years.

Manufacturers

Since LED lamps appeared on store shelves relatively recently, it is still difficult to determine which manufacturer is the leader.

When comparing different brands, we can mention OSRAM, PHILIPS. But IKEA lighting devices have also proven themselves well. Domestic manufacturers are also not lagging behind, for example the ERA and COSMOS brands. Claim that everything Chinese manufacturers It is definitely impossible to produce low-quality goods. There are quite reputable ones on the market Chinese companies. The choice is yours.

In online stores, purchase products with great warranty period not advisable. It is possible to replace a low-quality product, but it will require a lot of effort. Therefore, it is better to purchase lamps in a retail store.

So, we can conclude that it is better to give preference to LED lamps. In addition to saving energy, they also have a number of advantages: durability, variety of types, safety, and environmental friendliness. But, however, the choice is a personal matter for everyone.

In contact with

You pay a lot of money for electricity and are thinking about how to save money. For economic benefits, you need to decide which lamps to install in your home and office - LED or energy-saving. Incandescent lamps may not be considered at all, since they are already a thing of the past. The main thing is to understand the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving lamps, so that they become a cost-effective and safe solution for your health.

1 difference - economic benefit

You will save about 100 rubles per month when installing an LED lamp. At the same time, the energy-saving option will save only 22 rubles in the family or business budget. Imagine how much you can save in a year!

On average, an energy-saving light bulb costs 200 rubles and pays for itself in 1 year. At the same time, its LED alternative costs 600 rubles. It pays for itself in 2.5 years. Do you think you should go with the first option? You are wrong! The service life of lamps of the first type is only 5,000 - 6,000 hours, and lamps of the second type (more advanced) are 50,000 to 100,000 hours.

2 difference - safe use

Unfortunately, energy saving light bulbs contain substances that are toxic to humans - mercury and phosphorus. At the slightest damage to the flask, when you turn them on, they begin to release mercury vapor into the confined space. If you do not ventilate the room every 20-30 minutes, the concentration of mercury will gradually exceed the maximum permissible standards by 120-160 times. If you break such a light bulb, leave the room immediately, but before doing so, open the window for ventilation.

LEDs do not contain chemical compounds, so they do not cause severe poisoning. They are completely recyclable and are thrown away with regular trash. While fluorescent lamps must be disposed of in special plants.

This is a safe solution for three reasons:

  • they do not hum during operation and do not create background noise;
  • do not flicker or strain the eye muscles, so you will maintain your sharp vision;
  • They work at the lowest temperatures and can be left outside, in the country house and in the cottage.

3 difference - reliable operation

LED lamps can withstand voltage fluctuations and do not break during surges - from 110 to 270 volts. That is why they serve for so long to those who chose them.

The “Energy Saving Alternative” does not start at all and refuses to work at low voltage. These words will be confirmed by summer residents. They complain that you won't see any savings with such lighting equipment. You have to buy new lamps, because they quickly become unusable due to their complex and frail design.

You will adjust the light level when installing the LED bulb. It will adapt to your needs and preferences. You will never regret buying it for your home or office if you are not put off by its high cost. Think about how much money it will save you.

Incandescent lamps are rapidly losing their former popularity, and they are being replaced by new, more technologically advanced lighting devices. This happens for the simple reason of unacceptably high energy consumption. Therefore, today fluorescent, which is popularly called energy-saving, and LED (or LED, from English light-emitting diode) lamps are in great demand. But, despite the wealth of information about each type of light bulb, many are interested in an expert answer to the question of their differences. So what is the difference between an LED light bulb and an energy-saving one? Let's figure it out.

Popular name fluorescent lamps(LL) not entirely true, LED lamps are also energy saving. Moreover, different types energy-saving lamps may differ in appearance and be based on completely different physical principles of operation. But, for easier understanding of the article, we will use the name that is well-established among the people.

Safety

The main aspect in choosing any product is the issue of safety, which directly depends on the physical principles of operation and design of the product. There is mercury vapor inside an energy-saving lamp, so damage to the glass bulb can lead to human poisoning. But, in addition to highly toxic mercury, many experts consider their ultraviolet radiation dangerous, which negatively affects the retina.

In addition, expired LL is considered hazardous waste and requires special disposal.
The main difference between an LED lamp and an energy-saving lamp, in terms of safety, is the absence of any harmful substances. Moreover, LED light bulbs can be produced without the use of a glass bulb, which significantly increases the mechanical strength of the structure.

Life time

Long service life means maintaining all the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. If we compare only high-quality products, then an LED lamp lasts on average about 30 thousand hours, and a LL lamp lasts only about 8 thousand. If we compare with conventional incandescent light bulbs, then the gain for LEDs is approximately 45 times, for LLs and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) approximately 8 times.
Another difference between energy-saving lamps and lighting is a noticeable reduction in the operating life of the lamp when switched on and off frequently.

Economic benefit

LED lamps also differ in energy consumption. To create the same luminous flux as from a tungsten filament, a CFL will require approximately 5 times less electricity, and an LED approximately 8 times less.

The production of LED lighting sources is a rather young, not entirely established direction. Therefore the cost quality LED devices is quite high (as of January 2017, the average price in Russia is 350 rubles). The production of CFLs has long been established, and the average cost of the product is approximately 3 times lower. But, as mentioned above, the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting sources is their longer service life, which compensates for the costs in the long term of use.

Modern Russian market lighting fixtures are varied. Manufacturers predetermine the optimal characteristics for each element at the design stage of lighting devices. Light sources (lamps) are no exception. Choosing the appropriate bulb shape, base type or lamp power for a particular lamp is not difficult. It is much more difficult for the consumer to decide on the type of light source: energy-saving or LED.

This issue can be resolved by comparing the advantages of common structural elements energy-saving and LED lamps, and determining the pros and cons of their additional operational parameters.

Design Features

The only structural element that unites all types of lamps is the base. Otherwise, the design differences between energy-saving devices and LED devices are significant.

All such devices are divided into three types:

  1. Incandescent. Base: tungsten filament; vacuum flask, usually containing an inert gas composition.
  2. Gas discharge.
  3. LED.

Only gas-discharge and LED light sources are considered energy-saving.

The glow of gas-discharge lamps is realized through an electric discharge in metal or gas vapor. Gas dischargers can be divided into:

  1. High pressure lamps. There are sodium, mercury and metal halide. This type is optimal for outdoor lighting.
  2. Low pressure lamps. This type includes fluorescent light sources. The main structural element is an electrode tube, which is filled with argon and mercury gas vapors. The inside is coated with phosphor. For it to glow, a short-term high-voltage discharge must hit the spiral. If there is low voltage in the electrical network at home, the lamps may light up problematically (not immediately and dimly or not light at all). They are used for both indoor and outdoor lighting of a house or apartment.

When you need to choose which light bulbs are better for your home: LED or energy-saving ones, the latter means fluorescent devices.

A modern alternative to the types of lamps described above are LED devices. Such lighting elements, due to their design, are characterized as:

  • energy saving;
  • environmentally friendly;
  • durable, resistant to mains voltage surges.

A minor drawback is the cost of LED lamps. The technology for their production is new, not yet modernized, and therefore quite expensive. The return on one-time costs for their acquisition is almost 100%, due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.

Design features of LED sources:

  1. The principle of using light flux. The light emitter is an LED or a group of them. Such a diode element converts electric current into light by flowing current through a special crystal (semiconductor).
  2. The light-emitting element of the diode family converts electric current into light by passing it through semiconductor crystal. A significant advantage is that current is passed only in the required direction.
  3. The light emitter can be either in an open design or placed in a special flask.

Such light emitters are much more resistant to mechanical stress, in contrast to a similar element of fluorescent lamps (electrode tube with mercury and gas vapor).

Differences in the design of CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and LED light bulbs are one of the main parameters of technical and operational characteristics, which allows us to determine how they differ. Their cost-effectiveness is also important.

Luminous flux: which lamps are more economical

Most consumers are guided by this very criterion when choosing fluorescent or LED lamps. The difference in economics and electrical efficiency of these two types can be determined by comparing them in terms of energy consumption and operational efficiency with traditional lamps incandescent

The most important indicator, without which it is impossible to make such a comparison, is the luminous flux. This parameter determines how light it will be in the room of the house or apartment. Measured in Lm (lumens; lm). The higher the luminous flux of a lamp, the brighter the room will be during its operation. Over time, this value may decrease.

Almost all manufacturers of energy-saving and LED light bulbs indicate on their packaging that the main operating parameters of their lamps correspond to the same characteristics of incandescent lamps.

Based on the average values ​​of similar performance characteristics of most common lamp models and manufacturers, an analysis was made of the efficiency and economy of electricity consumption in relation to the luminous flux value. The results of such a comparison are shown in the table.

Based on the tabular data, you can easily determine that LED light bulbs are much more economical and have better quality of operation compared to similar energy-saving ones.

Efficiency

The efficiency of the light bulb is also indicated by the ratio of the luminous flux to the operating power of the lighting element. This value isolates a certain set of indicators and is called efficiency (efficiency factor) or “luminous efficiency”. Measured in lm/W. The higher the indicator, the more economical the lamp operates.

For an incandescent lamp this value is very low - less than 10 lm/W, therefore, it has a very low luminous efficiency. This is its most significant drawback. For comparison: the average efficiency of an ice lamp is 90%; for most energy-saving ones it is below 90%.

To make it easier to make a choice, it is worth considering how else these types of lamps differ.

Comparison of quality indicators of light sources

The fundamental differences in the main parameters of such characteristics should be summarized by highlighting the most basic criteria. Namely:

  1. Brightness. This parameter is also called luminous intensity. Measured in cd (cd). Data on this indicator are found on the packaging of lamps intended not for home use. This is an important criterion when choosing an artificial source for the “running lights” of cars.
  2. Colorful temperature. Also called color rendering index, color temperature. It is measured in K (kelvins). The basis is an indicator of the hue of the color of the source, which can be divided into:
    • warm color. It is indicated on the packaging by numbers from 2700 K to 3300 K. This shade is comparable to the diffused color of the sky at sunset;
    • daytime or natural color. Designated 4000 K; 4200 K. Compare with the shade of a dim sky;
    • cold. The packaging indicates 5000 K.

To determine the priority in this choice, it is also worth considering the difference in the sizes and shapes of the lamps.

Appearance: base type

The perception of interior design largely depends on the quality of lighting in the room. A correctly selected lighting option will highlight the advantages of the interior and hide the shortcomings. Important aspect, without which it will not be possible to implement such a design move, is the choice of a suitable shape and pleasant appearance of lamps for modern lighting fixtures.

Having decided on the type of light bulb, a person pays attention to the type of base. They are:

  1. Standard or screw. The most common in everyday life are E14 (minion) and E27. The number indicates the diameter of the base. There are no installation features provided. Light bulbs with sockets of type E40, E27 or E14 are allowed to be mounted in standard incandescent lamp sockets. The E27 base has a thread of 27 millimeters, and the E14 has a reduced thread of 14 millimeters.
  2. Pin. In everyday life they are not used as often as screw ones. Pin contacts are more often used in luminaires of modern lighting options. The marking of the cartridge is very important.

The number that follows the letter marking of this type of base is the distance between the pins, indicated in millimeters (GU4 or GU5.3, etc.).

After selecting the base, the type and size of the lighting electrical elements is selected. LED and halogen lamps have a more original shape (candle, ball) and beautiful design. Luminescent ones can only have the shape of a spiral or tube.

Comparison of shapes and sizes

For the modern consumer, it is important not only how economical the operation of one type of lamp will be compared to another, but also the priority of their appearance.

Having picked up optimal size, you can eliminate the situation when a lamp that is not suitable in size and shape sticks out of a regular lamp.

Energy-saving lighting elements can often be found in the form of a complex spiral tube with a phosphor deposited inside. They are as compact as possible - they can be mounted in a medium-sized lampshade.

LED devices have a much more varied interpretation of shapes and sizes. Of these, the two most common are:

  1. Mini size. The diameter of the crystal circumference is 1.5–3 cm. A source with this LED size will turn out to be very small - less than three centimeters. Very often, such a light bulb is installed in furniture and suspended ceilings.
  2. Standard format. It all depends on the size of the flask. Its presence is not required. The diode does not require a specific environment. Bulbless LED lamps (called “corn” for their characteristic appearance) are increasingly being used.

As a result, when choosing which type of lighting sources is better, you can see that LED lamps have more advantages - many different shapes and sizes.

Advantages of LEDs compared to fluorescent analogues

Of course, if you have the opportunity to choose, it is better to buy ice lamps to illuminate your home or apartment. To justify such a decision, it is enough to highlight the advantages of this type of light bulbs and compare them with an analogue, based on the above material, namely:

  1. Increased operational efficiency. The average luminous efficiency level in relation to operating power is 130–160 lm/W. For comparison: most energy-saving light bulbs have a maximum of 100 lm/W.
  2. Immunity to temperature. This means that this type of light source is capable of operating at different ambient temperatures, both at –60 °C and at +40 °C.
  3. The presence of different directions of light flux. An important advantage, especially when installing table or wall lighting devices. The ice bulbs mounted in them will provide a uniform luminous flux for a specific narrowly focused device.
  4. Quality of luminous flux. The design of this type of lamp is made with a different number of LEDs. Due to their significant concentration, the quality of light output will be as high as possible.
  5. Some modern devices with ice technology are created with the ability to adjust the brightness level.
  6. Durability. The structural elements of ice light sources are immune to most external factors, do not have elements that burn out (as in old lamps - tungsten filament). The service life of an average energy-saving light bulb, according to manufacturers, is about 10,000 hours of operation, for an LED light bulb - from thirty to sixty thousand.

It all depends on the manufacturer, the price-quality ratio. Preference should be given to global brands: OSRAM; Philips or domestic - “Era”; "Space". These companies are stable in terms of selling high-quality products.

In addition to the technical and operational advantages of LED sources, it is also worth dwelling on a comparison of the impact on the user’s health.

Effect on the human body: comparison of fluorescent and ice lamps

This criterion can most easily be determined by highlighting the following main points of impact:

  1. Radiation. LED light bulbs are completely coherent. This means that the LED itself acts as an emitter of light in the working spectrum. Compared to energy-saving ones, it does not have a noticeable effect on human vision. Fluorescent lamps are the opposite. The principle of producing light is based on the interaction of a discharge and a phosphor, which is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the discharge. This creates lighting. Moreover, such a discharge also creates an additional luminous flux - ultraviolet radiation. The effect on vision is minor, but negative.
  2. Flicker. This performance characteristic is not typical for an ice lamp; flickering is practically absent, due to the fact that the operating power of the LED requires constant pressure. And the flickering frequency of fluorescent lamps is about fifty hertz.
  3. Mercury. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor. If the flask breaks, the body is poisoned by certain doses of these fumes. LED sources do not contain any harmful substances.

Choosing an LED or energy-saving lamp to illuminate your home is a very pressing issue. It’s quite easy to decide by assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each type: both operational and structural. After such a comparison, the user will understand how to distinguish an ice lamp from an energy-saving one not only by appearance, but also to find differences in their functionality. Then you will be able to select the optimal light source for a specific lighting design solution and for the individual operational features of the room.

You pay a lot of money for electricity and are thinking about how to save money. For economic benefits, you need to decide which lamps to install in your home and office - LED or energy-saving. Incandescent lamps may not be considered at all, since they are already a thing of the past. The main thing is to understand the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving lamps, so that they become a cost-effective and safe solution for your health.

1 difference - economic benefit

You will save about 100 rubles per month when installing an LED lamp. At the same time, the energy-saving option will save only 22 rubles in the family or business budget. Imagine how much you can save in a year!

On average, an energy-saving light bulb costs 200 rubles and pays for itself in 1 year. At the same time, its LED alternative costs 600 rubles. It pays for itself in 2.5 years. Do you think you should go with the first option? You are wrong! The service life of lamps of the first type is only 5,000 - 6,000 hours, and lamps of the second type (more advanced) are 50,000 to 100,000 hours.

2 difference - safe use

Unfortunately, energy-saving light bulbs contain substances that are toxic to humans - mercury and phosphorus. At the slightest damage to the flask, when you turn them on, they begin to release mercury vapor into the confined space. If you do not ventilate the room every 20-30 minutes, the concentration of mercury will gradually exceed the maximum permissible standards by 120-160 times. If you break such a light bulb, leave the room immediately, but before doing so, open the window for ventilation.

LEDs do not contain chemical compounds, so they do not cause severe poisoning. They are completely recyclable and are thrown away with regular trash. While fluorescent lamps must be disposed of in special plants.

This is a safe solution for three reasons:

  • they do not hum during operation and do not create background noise;
  • do not flicker or strain the eye muscles, so you will maintain your sharp vision;
  • They work at the lowest temperatures and can be left outside, in the country house and in the cottage.

3 difference - reliable operation

LED lamps can withstand voltage fluctuations and do not break during surges - from 110 to 270 volts. That is why they serve for so long to those who chose them.

The “Energy Saving Alternative” does not start at all and refuses to work at low voltage. These words will be confirmed by summer residents. They complain that you won't see any savings with such lighting equipment. You have to buy new lamps, because they quickly become unusable due to their complex and frail design.

You will adjust the light level when installing the LED bulb. It will adapt to your needs and preferences. You will never regret buying it for your home or office if you are not put off by its high cost. Think about how much money it will save you.

Incandescent lamps are rapidly losing their former popularity, and they are being replaced by new, more technologically advanced lighting devices. This happens for the simple reason of unacceptably high energy consumption. Therefore, today fluorescent, which is popularly called energy-saving, and LED (or LED, from English light-emitting diode) lamps are in great demand. But, despite the wealth of information about each type of light bulb, many are interested in an expert answer to the question of their differences. So what is the difference between an LED light bulb and an energy-saving one? Let's figure it out.

The popular name for fluorescent lamps (FL) is not entirely correct; LED lamps are also energy-saving. Moreover, different types of energy-saving lamps may differ in appearance and be based on completely different physical principles of operation. But, for easier understanding of the article, we will use the name that is well-established among the people.

Safety

The main aspect in choosing any product is the issue of safety, which directly depends on the physical principles of operation and design of the product. There is mercury vapor inside an energy-saving lamp, so damage to the glass bulb can lead to human poisoning. But, in addition to highly toxic mercury, many experts consider their ultraviolet radiation dangerous, which negatively affects the retina.

In addition, expired LL is considered hazardous waste and requires special disposal.
The main difference between an LED lamp and an energy-saving lamp, in terms of safety, is the absence of any harmful substances. Moreover, LED light bulbs can be produced without the use of a glass bulb, which significantly increases the mechanical strength of the structure.

Life time

Long service life means maintaining all the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. If we compare only high-quality products, then an LED lamp lasts on average about 30 thousand hours, and a LL lamp lasts only about 8 thousand. If we compare with conventional incandescent light bulbs, then the gain for LEDs is approximately 45 times, for LLs and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) approximately 8 times.
Another difference between energy-saving lamps and LED lighting sources is a noticeable reduction in the operating life of the lamp when switched on and off frequently.

Economic benefit

LED lamps also differ in energy consumption. To create the same luminous flux as from a tungsten filament, a CFL will require approximately 5 times less electricity, and an LED approximately 8 times less.

The production of LED lighting sources is a rather young, not entirely established direction. Therefore, the cost of high-quality LED devices is quite high (as of January 2017, the average price in Russia is 350 rubles). The production of CFLs has long been established, and the average cost of the product is approximately 3 times lower. But, as mentioned above, the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting sources is their longer service life, which compensates for the costs in the long term of use.


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