01-06-2015, 10:09 AM
How LED and Fluorescent Light Works
LED vs Fluorescent
Fluorescent tubes have been consistently proven to be economical, producing the illumination required. Recently however the use of LED has increased consistently. Both fluorescent tubes and LEDs have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's see why should we consider LED lighting over fluorescent tubes.
We must first understand how both light sources work.
Fluorescent Lights :
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are made up of a long glass tube with metal fittings on each end where electricity is passed into them. Inside the glass tube is a small amount of magnesium and an inert gas usually argon. The inside of the glass is coated in a phosphorous powder. When electricity is passed into the metal caps at each end, it excites the magnesium inside the tube. Magnesium atoms then release energy in the form of ultraviolet light, which is invisible to the naked eye. When the ultraviolet light hits the phosphorous coating, the phosphorous begins to glow, creating light.
LED Lights :
Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) do not contain a gas or a filament of any kind. Instead, the entire LED is made up of a material called a semiconductor. This material is solid in nature, which makes LEDs a little more durable. When electricity is passed through the semiconductor material, the electrons inside begin whizzing about which releases energy in the form of visible light.
LED vs Fluorescent
Fluorescent tubes have been consistently proven to be economical, producing the illumination required. Recently however the use of LED has increased consistently. Both fluorescent tubes and LEDs have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's see why should we consider LED lighting over fluorescent tubes.
We must first understand how both light sources work.
Fluorescent Lights :
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are made up of a long glass tube with metal fittings on each end where electricity is passed into them. Inside the glass tube is a small amount of magnesium and an inert gas usually argon. The inside of the glass is coated in a phosphorous powder. When electricity is passed into the metal caps at each end, it excites the magnesium inside the tube. Magnesium atoms then release energy in the form of ultraviolet light, which is invisible to the naked eye. When the ultraviolet light hits the phosphorous coating, the phosphorous begins to glow, creating light.
LED Lights :
Light Emitting Diode (LEDs) do not contain a gas or a filament of any kind. Instead, the entire LED is made up of a material called a semiconductor. This material is solid in nature, which makes LEDs a little more durable. When electricity is passed through the semiconductor material, the electrons inside begin whizzing about which releases energy in the form of visible light.