Downlights are a common style of indoor lighting. As one series of lamps, it is generous and durable and easy to install. It does not take up space, consumes less power, lasts longer. The quality and style of the various downlights on the market vary, so how do we choose cost-effective downlights when purchasing and importing them? We can start with the quality of the light source, the materials used, the degree of light failure and the certification of the four aspects, with a comprehensive consideration to choose a cost-effective downlight.
Style and quality of light source
Firstly, let's look at the common styles, installation methods and wattage options for downlights. Downlights are available in flat and concave versions, with options for open, concealed, suspended and track mounting. Wattage options include 7W, 10W, 15W, 20W and 30W.
The quality of the light source depends on three main parameters, namely the color rendering index CRI, the relative color temperature CCT and the luminous flux.
The CRI is a measure of the color recognition of a light source compared to a standard light source (e.g., daylight), and the CRI corresponds to an index that gives a better color reproduction of the object. Generally, the CRI corresponds to a Ra > 80, otherwise it will not meet the daily lighting requirements.
CCT is expressed in terms of absolute temperature K. When the color temperature is around 3000K, the light has a yellowish tint. When the color temperature is above 5000K, the light is bluish. Light of different color temperatures has different lighting and visual effects. For home lighting, a color temperature of no more than 4000K is recommended.
The luminous flux is different for different wattages of downlight. The higher the wattage, the higher the luminous flux. Too high a luminous flux may affect the color rendering index of the downlight and may come at the cost of accelerated light decay.
A higher CRI and luminous flux parameter mean a better performance of the downlight and a higher price. Different wattages also correspond to different prices, so here you can choose according to your needs.
Degree of light decay (service life)
In the process of use, the brightness of the luminaire will become lower and lower. LED light decay means that after a period of use, the light intensity of the LED will be lower than the original light intensity, and the lower part is the light decay of the LED. Light decay is related to the service life of the lamp. We can also see from the product light decay marked on package or manuals to get the information. The industry internal standard is: 1000 hours of light decay for 0; 3000 hours of light decay for 1%; 10000 hours of light decay for 3%; 50,000 hours of light decay is not greater than 30% can.
Generally, the use of high-quality chips and constant-current drivers can reduce the degree of light decay, while the production process is rough, there are defects may also increase the degree of light decay. One of the biggest factors affecting the light decay is heat dissipation. If the product heat dissipation is poor, it will greatly accelerate the light decay.
Materials
When purchasing downlights, good quality LED chips and stable drivers are also to be considered. Good chips and drivers can make the downlight achieve uniform light color and no strobe. At the same time, downlights need good heat dissipation, and aluminum is a better material for thermal conductivity. General aluminum heat sink, with strong air convection design and good heat dissipation performance, can effectively reduce light decay and extend service life.
Certification
It is also very important for buyers to have the certification of the factory or supplier. Different countries or regions have different requirements for the certification of LED downlights. For example, when importing to the Saudi market you can refer to the availability of these certifications: EER, CB, IECEE and SASO Approved, while when importing to the UK and European markets you can refer to the availability of these certifications BS and CE.
We can use the above items to determine the cost-effective downlights to choose when importing. In our previous article on how to source more cost effective LED luminaires, we have also covered what to look for when sourcing luminaires.
HomeBest downlights are also a good choice, with high quality chips and aluminum heat sinks, a color rendering index of Ra>80 and a life expectancy of up to 30,000 hours, and have been certified by a number of certificates, guaranteeing quality and safety. If you have questions or would like more information, please visit: https://www.hbsocket.com/