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A LIST OF
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
What are LEDs?
A light-emitting diode
(LED) is an electronic
light source. LEDs are
based on the
semiconductor diode.
When the diode is
forward biased (switched
on), electrons are able
to recombine with holes
and energy is released
in the form of light.
This effect is called
electroluminescence and
the color of the light
is determined by the
energy gap of the
semiconductor. The LED
is usually small in area
(less than 1 mm2) with
integrated optical
components to shape its
radiation pattern and
assist in reflection.
In other words LEDs are
the revolutionary way to
directly convert
electrical energy to
visible light. This is
unlike conventional
light sources (light
bulbs), which use
extreme heat (wasted
energy) to generate the
light.
Color/Temperature
An LED’s color
temperature is measured
in kelvins (K). Color
temperatures greater
than 5500K are "cool
white" with a blue/green
color. Color
temperatures of
3000-5500K are “neutral
white” while color
temperatures of
2700–3000 K are "warm
white" with a yellow/red
color.
A common complaint
regarding LED lighting
is that it appears too
‘blue’. Some
manufacturers of LED
lighting solutions
utilize the higher
temperature LEDs (blue
color) due to their high
lumen per watt output.
Standard Smashray LED
systems are produced in
the ‘Neutral White’
color. This color
temperature closely
resembles the spectrum
of natural daylight.
What is Luminance, Illuminance and Foot
Candles?
Luminance is the
intensity of light per
unit area of its source.
Luminance does not
change with distance
from the light.
Illuminance, or Light
Level, is the total
luminous flux incident
on a surface/work plane,
per unit area. The work
plane is where the most
important tasks in the
room or space are
performed (ie. The desk
surface in an office).
Illuminance does change
with distance from the
light. When discussing
light levels required in
offices, classrooms,
etc… at task level
illuminance is the
relevant term.
Illuminance is measured
in foot candles (ftcd,
fc, fcd) (or lux in the
metric SI system). A
foot candle is actually
one lumen of light
density per square foot,
one lux is one lumen per
square meter.
What is a Conversion or
Retrofit?
Conversion kits are a
quick and simple way to
convert and upgrade your
existing lighting
fixtures to extremely
energy efficient LED
lighting. Maintaining
the existing fixture
minimizes time, cost and
waste.
What are the real
benefits of LEDs?
Energy Savings – Smashray products save
from 50% to 80% over
existing technologies
such as fluorescent and
HID light bulbs.
No Mercury or Lead –
Disposal of LEDs does
not contaminate the
environment and poison
our environment and
wildlife.
Long Life –
Eliminates
replacement and
maintenance costs
throughout its life of
50,000+ hours.
Minimal Heat Generation
– Reduces air
conditioning costs.
Directional Illuminance
– Can eliminate light
pollution by aiming the
fixture and LED in the
desired direction
Life Span Not Affected
by “On/Off” – The life
of conventional light
sources is diminished
each time they
are cycled on and off,
but this is not the case
with LEDs, which see no
reduction in life due to
cycling
Instant On – LEDs turn
on instantly and do not
require a ‘start up’
time. HID light bulbs
require a start up time
of up to several
minutes. This is a
significant benefit for
industrial applications
where delayed ‘on’ times
can cause major
disruption.
What is Mercury?
Mercury is a highly
toxic metal that is
harmful to both humans
and wildlife. Exposure
to even small amounts of
mercury, over a long
period of time, may
cause negative health
effects including damage
to the brain, kidneys
and lungs.
Unborn and young
children are especially
susceptible to mercury
exposure because their
nervous systems are
still developing.
Whether it is absorbed
through the skin,
inhaled or ingested,
exposure to mercury
should be taken very
seriously.
Mercury is classified as
a toxic substance.
What types of light
sources contain mercury?
Mercury is present in
several types of
conventional lighting
including:
•
Fluorescent
and compact
fluorescent
bulbs.
• High
intensity
discharge
bulbs (HID).
The
following
are HID
bulbs: |
|
- mercury
vapor
- metal
halide
- high
pressure
sodium |
Do Hyperion®
and 4U2SEE signs come
with a warranty?
Yes, both of these sign
companies provide a
warranty for their
products.
-
Hyperion Warranty
-
4U2SEE Warranty
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