When choosing lighting for your space, understanding key terms is essential. LEDs and HID
(High-Intensity Discharge) lighting serve different purposes, but knowing their differences can
help you make informed decisions. This guide explains essential lighting terms and compares LEDs with HIDs, ensuring you select the best solution.
Lumens: The Measure of Brightness
Lumens measure the total visible light output. For both LED and HID lighting, lumens determine
how bright the light appears.
LED Comparison:
• An LED fixture producing 10,000 lumens often uses less energy than an HID fixture with
the same output.
HID Lighting:
• HIDs offer high lumens, which makes them common in industrial, street, and stadium
lighting. However, their brightness diminishes over time (lumen depreciation).
For consistent brightness, LEDs outperform HIDs, maintaining their lumen output longer.
Watts: Energy Use, Not Brightness
Watts measure how much energy a bulb consumes. With LEDs, low wattage doesn’t mean low
brightness.
LED Example:
• A 100-watt HID lamp can be replaced by a 30-watt LED, offering the same lumens with
far less energy.
HID Reality:
• HID fixtures often consume more wattage, especially when accounting for ballast losses.
LEDs save energy while matching or exceeding HID brightness levels.
Color Temperature (Kelvin): Choosing the Right Light Tone
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), defines the light’s appearance.
LEDs:
• Available in a wide range, from warm (2700K) to daylight (6500K), suitable for various
applications.
HIDs:
• Typically cooler in tone, ranging from 4000K to 6500K, often giving spaces a bright,
sterile appearance.
For versatile lighting options, LEDs offer better customization than HIDs.
CRI: The Quality of Light
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source displays colors.
LEDs:
• Commonly have a CRI of 80 or higher, with premium options reaching 90+, ensuring
vibrant color accuracy.
HIDs:
• Metal halide HIDs offer decent CRI (60–80), but high-pressure sodium HIDs fall short
with CRIs below 30.
LEDs provide superior color accuracy compared to most HID options.
Beam Angle: Where the Light Goes
Beam angle determines the spread of light.
LEDs:
• Offer adjustable or fixed beam angles, making them ideal for targeted or broad lighting
needs.
HIDs:
• Emit light in all directions, often requiring reflectors to focus it, which reduces efficiency.
LEDs deliver more precise lighting with minimal energy loss.
Dimmability: Greater Control
LEDs:
• Many are dimmable, allowing flexibility for different brightness levels.
HIDs:
• Dimming options are limited and often require specialized equipment.
For better control, LEDs are the clear winner.
Lifespan: Long-Term Savings
LEDs:
• Last 15,000 to 50,000 hours or more, with minimal maintenance required.
HIDs:
• Offer shorter lifespans, typically 6,000 to 24,000 hours, depending on the type. HIDs also
require frequent replacement due to lumen depreciation.
Over time, LEDs save both time and money on replacements and maintenance.
Energy Efficiency: LED vs. HID
LEDs:
• Convert nearly all energy into light, with minimal heat waste.
HIDs:
• Lose significant energy as heat, making them less efficient.
For eco-friendly, cost-saving lighting, LEDs are far more efficient than HIDs.
Warm-Up Time: Instant vs. Delayed
LEDs:
• Turn on instantly at full brightness, making them ideal for on-demand lighting.
HIDs:
• Require a warm-up period to reach full brightness, which can take several minutes.
In spaces where quick lighting is crucial, LEDs are far superior.
Why Choose LEDs Over HIDs?
While HIDs have been a reliable choice for industrial and outdoor applications, LEDs offer
better energy efficiency, longer lifespans, and consistent performance. They eliminate the
drawbacks of HID lighting, such as high energy use, short lifespans, and slow start times.
Make the Switch to LEDs
Upgrading to LEDs ensures you benefit from lower energy costs, reduced maintenance, and
superior lighting quality. At Central Lighting Service, we offer a wide range of LED products to
suit any application, from residential to industrial.
Ready to switch? Explore our website today.
