Low-voltage DC lighting allows LED fixtures to be powered with a simple resistor instead of a complex driver, which improves safety and reduces component costs. Where is this applicable? How does this relate to solar panels and batteries? Using 48V DC grids, as practiced in India, enables efficient and safe lighting solutions.
Explore the pros and cons of using LED retrofits versus dedicated LED fixtures, focusing on installation ease and performance differences. Discusses the challenges of retrofits, including size constraints, voltage spike susceptibility, and lighting distribution issues. Learn about low-voltage lamp fixtures for halogen lamps and their improved reliability with LED retrofits in 12V DC systems.
Light flicker in LED lighting arises from the conversion of alternating current to direct current, leading to periodic fluctuations in brightness. These fluctuations can affect human perception and cause fatigue, especially at frequencies of 100–120 Hz. Acceptable flicker percentages, regulated by standards, should remain below 9.6% for general use and 4% in sensitive environments. Understanding flicker metrics and using high-quality drivers can help mitigate these effects effectively.
LED drivers are classified by output regulation into constant current, constant voltage, and constant power types. Constant current drivers keep a fixed current to stabilize brightness in series-connected LEDs, while constant voltage drivers suit parallel LED modules but incur energy losses through resistors. Constant power drivers adjust the current to maintain steady power, offering flexibility with LED suppliers, though at a higher cost.
LED fixtures need drivers to convert AC to DC, lower voltage, and stabilize current. Drivers can enable dimming. They can be 40–50% of fixture cost. While LEDs last up to 100,000 hours, drivers last ~50,000 due to aging capacitors. High-end drivers use film caps but cost more. Focus on driver warranty for a better gauge of overall fixture longevity.
