Many factors make industrial LED lighting (light-emitting diode) different from that for commercial and residential use. The major factors are function or purpose, cost-effectiveness, durability and design.
LED lighting is becoming the most popular lighting technology today. LED lights offer several advantages over traditional incandescent lights. They are currently considered the most energy-efficient lighting technology with a longer lifespan. Moreover, LED lights do not contain mercury, which is toxic and persists in the food chain.
Residential LED light fixtures are often the cheapest and most accessible types to find. Offices, stores, or places with high traffic benefit from commercial LED lighting. They are made of better quality than residential LED lights. Meanwhile, industrial LED lighting used in factories or production sites is typically designed to be long-lasting, durable, and safe.
What is Industrial LED Lighting?
Factories, mills, power plants, and many production and manufacturing buildings use industrial LED lighting. Industrial facilities require continuous lighting throughout the day, and safety is of the utmost importance. Industrial LED lighting has several advantages when compared to the legacy high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting it replaces.
Industrial buildings may have temperature extremes and rough conditions like strong vibrations, welding, construction, mining, etc. Industrial LED lighting fixtures are made to withstand harsh conditions and last longer than other lighting fixtures.
Compared with legacy lights that may be green or orange in color, Industrial LED lighting provides a natural-looking white light that increases productivity by helping keep workers alert and reducing eye strain. In the event of a temporary power outage, the instantaneous full brightness of LED lighting when power is restored, as compared with the slow warm-up of HID lighting, improves workplace safety while enhancing productivity.
Industrial LED Lighting vs Residential LED Lighting
To better understand the difference, the table below compares industrial LED lighting vs residential LED lighting.
| Features | Industrial | Residential |
| Cost-effectiveness | – More expensive as it is made with better quality drivers, parts, and safety features – Up to 4 times more efficient than legacy industrial lighting – Typically offers a lifespan of 30,000 hour or more | – Cheapest and most readily available – Shortest lifespan among LED types – Consumes up to 90% less energy. |
| Durability | – When specified, can withstand extreme weather conditions and temperatures – Designed for high durability – Designed for long life – Longer warranty | – Low maintenance – Generally durable – Reasonable warranty |
| Function & Design | – Designed to be left on all day – White lighting allows workers to be more alert and focused while doing their tasks, thereby improving productivity – Instantaneous full brightness improves safety and productivity | – Provides ambient light for indoor and outdoor spaces – Variety of LED domestic lights available ideal for every part of the house – You can use it for mood lighting, accent walls, cove lights, etc. |
| Additional features | – May be integrated with smart controls to adjust lighting levels (and power usage) to the amount of available daylight | – Some types have daylight and motion sensors |
Should Homeowners use Industrial-Grade LED Lights
Despite the advantages of industrial-grade LED lights, they are not highly recommended for homeowners. homeowners. Due to their different functions, they are not suitable for residential use.
Houses need ambient lighting to complement their functionality and aesthetics. The aim is to make the home cozy, comfortable, and relaxing. Meanwhile, Industrial LED lighting makes the place safe.
Using industrial-grade LED lights in homes is also not cost-effective. They cost more because of their high brightness and design for long life. Plus, they consume more energy than regular domestic LED lights.
How Companies Can Make a Difference By Improving Their Lighting Systems
Many business owners ask if switching to LED lighting is worth it. They want to know how companies can make a difference by improving their lighting systems. There are many benefits to switching to LED lighting. While boosting productivity, they improve workplace safety, reduce operational costs, enhance the ambiance, and help the environment.
Productivity
Industrial LED lighting lessens fatigue and drowsiness among workers. Studies show that the white LED light suppresses melatonin, the sleep hormone, making workers more alert and focused.
Another study shows that LED lighting improved the workers’ psychological and cognitive performance. Those working under LED had lesser fatigue and better spatial and verbal memory than those under fluorescent lighting.
Safety
A study published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that LED lighting could reduce the severity and frequency of injuries or accidents in the workplace.
Savings
The US ENERGY Star confirms that companies can save on operational expenses and maintenance when shifting to LED lighting. Here’s how:
- Lower maintenance costs since commercial LED lights last much longer than traditional bulbs.
- Lower energy bills since it is energy-efficient, providing the same brightness with less energy.
- The US ENERGY Star estimates that commercial buildings could save up to $249 when using LED light fixtures and avail themselves of LED rebates and incentives.
Environment-friendly
Switching to LED lighting is also good for the environment by helping to combat climate change. Since it consumes less energy, it aids in reducing carbon emissions with less energy waste. According to a study by the US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), LED lights are less harmful to the environment than other bulbs. The study shows that LED lights have less of a water and soil impact on ecosystem damage and ecotoxicity. They also make a lower contribution to global warming and landfill waste.
Be the Change
Companies in the industrial sector play a critical role in energy efficiency efforts. As energy demand increases, companies can make significant contributions to the fight against climate change.
Improving lighting systems are the first changes for companies to make. Industrial LED lighting technology will continue to progress in the next few years. The sooner companies make the shift, the earlier they can take advantage of the advancements and savings opportunities.
New applications could mean the possibility of increasing energy efficiency at a lower cost and with more profitability for businesses. It also means another valuable step toward sustainability for the planet – a win-win situation for all.
