{"id":2073,"date":"2022-10-08T03:41:02","date_gmt":"2022-10-08T03:41:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/?p=2073"},"modified":"2022-10-13T11:44:26","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T11:44:26","slug":"common-problems-with-led-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/common-problems-with-led-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Problems With LED Lighting: Possible Issues With LED Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LED lights are no longer a new technology. However, they might cause unexpected and unfamiliar issues once installed. If you have switched from traditional lighting technologies to LEDs, you need to understand these problems to know how to fix them before they cause permanent or destructive damage. We will look at common problems with LED lighting and explain how you can solve the issue. Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n

LED Light Flickering<\/h2>\n\n\n

A brand-new LED bulb should produce a consistent glow. However, if it flickers randomly like Morse code or has a constant flicker, it could be due to several reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Causes Flickering<\/h3>\n\n\n

It could be a loose wire connection, a loose bulb connection on the fixture, a damaged LED driver, poor capacitors, or an improper dimmer setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dimmers usually operate using PWM<\/a>, where they decrease the brightness by turning the LED chips on and off in rapid succession. Poor quality dimmer switches produce electrical current with an improper pulse width (less than 100Hz).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Two dimmer switches<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such frequencies create an observable flicker. The blinking effect becomes more pronounced when you dim the bulbs further because each pulse’s duration becomes longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But perhaps the most probable cause is insufficient wattage. Connecting the LEDs in the same circuit as high-wattage electrical appliances, like washing machines, heaters, dryers, and vacuum cleaners, will cause the LED bulb to flicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Different<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Different electrical appliances in modern kitchens<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The devices draw a lot of energy, leaving the light fixture with an inadequate power source. The solution to this issue is to turn off some of the appliances or place the LED fixture in a separate circuit. <\/p>\n\n\n

Humming\/Buzzing Noise<\/h2>\n\n\n

Quality LEDs should not produce an audible humming or buzzing sound<\/a>. If they do, it could be due to several electrical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Causes Humming?<\/h3>\n\n\n

A circuit overload can cause buzzing. For instance, if the installed dimmer type supports 200W LEDs, but you connect over 200W LED fixtures, they will buzz. Also, if the LED bulb receives a slightly higher voltage, it will hum instead of blowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The electronic components inside the bulb will vibrate at a specific frequency, causing the humming sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"LED<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LED bulb installation in a lamp<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low-quality LED bulbs can buzz due to their poor internal components. Therefore, the solution is to get quality bulbs or a compatible dimmer<\/a> for your dimmable LED bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED Light Disturbingly Bright<\/h2>\n\n\n

LEDs are generally brighter than traditional bulbs for the same wattage. However, if they are too bright and wash out everything, it can be uncomfortable to stay under them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bright<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bright LED bulbs<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

What Causes The Intense Brightness?<\/h3>\n\n\n

The light bulb could be getting a higher wattage than required. Also, it could have a high lumen output, or the color temperature<\/a> could be too white for your liking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can install dimmer switches to tone down the light output. But if you don’t have dimmable bulbs, you will have to replace them with low-lumen output bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n

Too Dim<\/h2>\n\n\n

Although LED products are durable, they have a lifespan. And as they age, the diodes and electronics inside degrade, producing less than 100% brightness. For instance, if an LED bulb has a 50,000-hour lifespan rating at L70, its lumen output will drop to 70% after 50,000 hours of use. This common issue requires a simple bulb replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there could be other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, a loose connection can fail to turn on some chips in an LED strip light. Also, an incorrect voltage or current from the driver can cause dimming if the power supply is insufficient. Therefore, you should get a matching driver for the light strip’s voltage and current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"LED<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LED chips soldered on a circuit board in an LED light bulb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, high ambient temperature<\/a> can lower an LED’s light output. LEDs produce maximum brightness when their junction temperature<\/a> is 25°C. High ambient temperatures elevate the internal temperature, reducing the light output.<\/p>\n\n\n

Overheating LEDs<\/h2>\n\n\n

LEDs don’t produce excessive heat. But they need efficient cooling mechanisms to function optimally. Placing LEDs in old fixtures designed for recessed lights can cause overheating because of the closed space that does not allow air circulation. The solution is upgrading to an IC-rated recessed light because it has better air circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n

LEDs Stop Working<\/h2>\n\n\n

LEDs stop working if they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n