ABSTRACT
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are small high efficacy light sources that can be packaged into a range of products suitable to both new build and retrofit applications. In new build applications LEDs are often built-in to the luminaire and form an integral part of it, which can offer some technical benefits. LED lighting technology is sufficiently developed to be widely accepted as the light source of choice for most lighting applications. Manufacturers and suppliers are keen to highlight potential energy saving from LED lighting technology. LED lamps/luminaires are typically more expensive than traditional lighting alternatives across most types. However, the cost variance and energy saving potential for different LED lamps/luminaires types is significantly varied. Typical LED colour rendering characteristics vary from CRI 65-95 according to a product’s priority for efficacy or colour appearance fidelity. In addition specialized LED products are available with light spectral properties tuned to specific applications including human centric circadian lighting and retail lighting requirements.
