Thinking of making the switch to LED lights?
LED lights, with their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and improved sustainability, are rapidly taking over the market!
However, integrating them into your current lighting system might not be as straightforward as you’d think.
While some LED lights can be used in enclosed fixtures, regular bulbs often get damaged and quickly lose efficiency.
If you’re working with enclosed fixtures and really want to light up the room with LED lights – don’t worry! In this article, we’ll discuss how to use LED lights with enclosed fixtures. You’ll learn about:
- The benefits of using LED lights
- The reasons why some LED bulbs aren’t appropriate for enclosed fixtures
- How to select the right lights for your enclosed fixtures.
Let’s dive right in!
Contents
Can LED Lights Be Used In Enclosed Fixtures?
Yes! Some LED bulbs are designed for use in enclosed fixtures, but ordinary ones are at risk of heat accumulation, reduced lifespan, and diminished performance.
When looking for the right lights for your enclosed fixtures, choose specially designed bulbs and those advertised by the manufacturer specifically for enclosed fixtures!
Why Certain LED Bulbs Can’t Be Used in Enclosed Fixtures
There are a number of reasons why some LED bulbs aren’t meant for enclosed fixtures. Let’s take a look at the most important ones:
Heat Accumulation
There’s a key difference between traditional lights and LED ones: LED lights run cooler than traditional bulbs and don’t need any energy restrictor to control the heat they generate.
If you use regular LED lights in enclosed fixtures, the heat that they produce (which would otherwise just dissipate into the air) can’t flow out the way it’s designed to. The heat is trapped in the bulb, which can cause it to flicker, shut off, color, or dim!
Reduced Lifespan
One of the biggest appeals of LED lights is their long lifespan! These bulbs can run as long as 100,000 hours, and on average, you won’t need to change them for at least 20 years.
Putting the wrong bulb in enclosed fixtures will significantly reduce its lifespan, however!
As we’ve mentioned, enclosed fixtures trap heat. Overheating places stress on LED components called solder joints and circuit boards – reducing their lifespan much more quickly.
Diminished performance
Even before the LED light dies due to excess heat, it will likely experience diminished light output first. LED lights simply don’t function well when they’re too hot, and this will render your purchase redundant from a very early stage.
It’s essential to check the packaging before your purchase to make sure your LED light is able to withstand high-heat/enclosed fixtures.
Tips for Using LED Bulbs in Enclosed Fixtures
If you’re really adamant about using LED lights for your enclosed fixtures, here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the right one:
Choose LEDs with Enclosed Fixture Ratings
The most important tip for this is to do your research! Google is your friend. Arm yourself with the knowledge necessary for a correct purchase.
Before going to the store, note the shape of the enclosure and take a photo to show the salesperson what you’re looking for. Go for products labeled as “Enclosed Rated” as these are specially designed for enclosed fixtures.
There’s no “try before you buy” with light bulbs, so do your best to get it right the first time. If you’re successful, then you won’t have to worry about it again for 20 years!
Check Manufacturer Guidelines
It’s worth reading through the manufacturer guidelines to properly understand how to make the most out of your LED lights.
One piece of key information to look for is the wattage of the LED; make sure it doesn’t exceed the wattage rating of the enclosed fixture!
Provide Proper Ventilation
To diffuse the extra heat produced by the bulb and preserve its lifespan, check if there’s sufficient ventilation. If there isn’t, it’s worth consulting the manufacturer guidelines again to get a lower-wattage bulb.
Benefits of Using LED Bulbs in Enclosed Fixtures
You now have the right LED bulbs for your home. Going for this type of light provides you a lot of benefits, such as:
Energy Efficiency
LED lights save up to 90% of energy compared to traditional bulbs, which is better for the environment and for your power bill.
Your enclosed fixture may have come with the house or been installed for aesthetic purposes, and chances are you’ve heard plenty of people struggling with the transition to LED lights.
But once you get it right, you’ll start reaping the benefits almost immediately! That’s why this investment is well worth the time and effort.
Long Lifespan
With LED lights, “How many ________ will it take to change a lightbulb?” will soon become a joke past its prime!
The moment you install your LED lights into your enclosed fixture with the correct fittings and requirements, you probably won’t have to think about it for another 20 years!
Lasting at least 10 years longer than a traditional bulb, LED lights are very efficient in the long run and can end up saving you plenty of money.
Enhanced Lighting Quality
Opting for LED lights can open up opportunities for different color schemes that create a unique ambiance in your home.
For example, you may want to dim your lights for relaxed evenings or brighten them when you’re trying to wake yourself up.
Additionally, you’ll be able to experiment with the right color temperature for your space without compromising on sustainability or efficiency! Simply put: there’s a lot more room to show your personality by using LED lights in your enclosed fixtures.
Conclusion
Is it worth switching to LED lights? Yes. Should you walk into the first store you can find and buy LED lights without a second thought? No!
LED lights are a long-term investment that requires research to get right. Not all LED bulbs work for your enclosed fixtures, and choosing the wrong one can result in excessive heat – making it die much more quickly than its intended lifespan.
With their energy efficiency, long life, and great lighting quality, LED lights are a brilliant option for lighting your home.
Careful package reading and thoughtful research will mean that you’ll be able to enjoy the long-term benefits that the right lights for your enclosed fixture bring!
