How LED lights work

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are an energy-efficient, long-lasting and eco-friendly solution for your fleet’s warning system. A smart alternative to incandescent and halogen bulbs, this relatively recent innovation is used in all kinds of vehicle lights, from beacons to message displays. But how do LED lights work?

In a nutshell, this simple yet effective technology emits light via the movement of electrons instead of heat – providing instant illumination with improved accuracy and minimal power consumption.

Below, we explain what an LED light is, the science behind it and the benefits this process could bring your business. Read on to discover how and why LED lights are a great idea for hazard and emergency vehicles.

What is an LED?

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a simple semiconductor device that lights up when an electric current passes through it. As it doesn’t need to heat a filament to emit light, an LED is more energy efficient and enduring than traditional bulbs.

Moreover, impurities can be added to alter the LED’s wavelength of light in a process known as doping. Depending on the semiconductor material used and the degree of doping, an LED can shine light in a spectrum of colours, including amber, red, blue, green and purple.

Nowadays, this lighting solution is used for all sorts of industrial applications. At Australian Warning Systems, we stock a full range of LED lights for vehicles in emergency services, construction, transport, traffic control and other heavy-duty sectors.

 

How do LED lights work?

LEDs work according to the principles of semiconductor physics. Here’s what that means.

LED light is made from semiconductor materials, such as gallium-based substances like gallium phosphide (GaP) and gallium nitride (GaN). The semiconductor is then ‘doped’ with impurities to create two different types of layers:

• A negatively charged ‘n-type’ layer with extra electrons; and
• A positively charged ‘n-type’ layer with additional holes (spaces that can be filled with electrons)

These n-type and p-type layers are joined together to create a p-n junction. When voltage flows through the material, it sparks the electrons to move from the n-type layer to the p-type layer.

As electrons enter the p-type layer’s holes, they emit energy in the form of photons – which we see as light.

Now that you know how an LED light works, it’s time to dive into the different colours available.

What factors influence the colour of an LED light?

Coloured LEDs are often used as emergency and warning lights, like beacons and directional arrow boards. The semiconductor material used determines the colour of an LED.

LED lights tend to use one of two materials: aluminium gallium indium phosphide alloys or indium gallium nitride. Alloys containing aluminium are great for creating red, orange, and yellow light, while those with indium are favoured for green, blue, and white light.

Adjusting the composition of these alloys can change the light colour or by combining certain shades. For example, to yield a standard white light, a blue LED is covered with a yellow phosphor.

These tweaks are useful for tailoring LEDs to specific colour needs, especially for hazard and emergency warning systems that must meet strict standards.

Harness the benefits of LED lights

 

Greater efficiency

LEDs are 50-70% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs that have to convert electrical energy into heat and then light. In contrast, LEDs convert electrical energy straight into light.

Firstly, LED lights need less power and operate at a lower voltage than incandescents, helping to lower energy bills.

Here’s an example:

If you use lighting for 5,000 hours per year, which is roughly 13.7 hours each day, a 75-watt incandescent bulb would consume 375 kilowatt-hours over the year. In contrast, an equivalent 12-watt LED would use only 60 kilowatt-hours in the same timeframe.

Another benefit of LEDs is their ‘directional’ lighting. They focus light in one direction, unlike incandescent and CFL bulbs, which spread light and heat everywhere. This makes LEDs more efficient in various applications.

The LED payback period – the time it takes for LEDs to save enough energy to cover their initial cost – is getting shorter, making them a smart investment.

Eco-friendly

LED lights are better for the environment as they don’t have mercury or other toxic materials found in some older types of lightbulbs. As well as being better for the planet, this means they don’t require special disposal or the extra costs that come with it.

Plus, LED bulbs are safer to use around people and pets because they don’t give off UV or infrared radiation.

More accuracy, less glare

LEDs deliver better and more accurate lighting compared to the white light of fluorescent tubes. They provide just the right colour temperature and focus, whilst reducing glare.

In turn, this high-quality lighting helps to improve workers’ visibility so that they can be more aware of their surroundings, reduce the risk of mistakes and stay safe.

Diverse designs

Suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor applications, LED lights come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and shades. Some LED bulbs may look like traditional light bulbs, while others are custom-designed for a particular fixture.

As a result, these lights can be used in both commercial and industrial environments. Whether on the road or on-site, there’s an LED to suit your needs.

Instant illumination

LED lights turn on instantly. This is a big plus compared to incandescent or fluorescent bulbs which take a few seconds to warm up and reach maximum brightness.

This immediate lighting is particularly beneficial in situations where you need illumination fast, whether to alert another vehicle or increase visibility on a worksite.

Heat control

LEDs are equipped with heat sinks to manage heat, absorbing it and releasing it into the environment to avoid overheating and burnout.

Instead, they stay cool to the touch even when on, unlike incandescent bulbs which can get extremely hot. Ultimately, his temperature regulation helps to reduce the risk of fire if the bulb comes into contact with flammable materials.

Durability

LED lights also outlast conventional bulbs. Unlike glass bulbs, they don’t break easily and can be switched on and off regularly without harming their lifespan.

This unrivalled durability makes them perfect for heavy-duty applications, like construction, transport and emergency services lighting.

Longer lifespan

LED lights don’t produce much heat, which helps them avoid the filament wear that shortens the life of traditional bulbs.

The lifespan of an LED bulb is impressive, usually between 30,000 to 50,000 hours if it’s left on all the time. This is much longer than what you’d expect from incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.

Because of this, you won’t need to replace LED lights as often, which saves you both time and money in the long run.

And unlike traditional bulbs, which stop working suddenly, LEDs slowly dim over time. This gradual decrease in brightness lets you know it’s time to replace them before they completely stop working.

It’s worth noting, though, that the lifespan of an LED bulb can vary. It depends on factors like the bulb’s quality, how much it’s used, and the temperature of the room where it’s installed.

Shop a full range of LED lights for emergency vehicles

Browse LED lights and get a quote online with Australian Warning Systems. Whether you need LED driving lights, traffic indicators, auxiliary lighting, light bars, mini light bars, mine bars, work lights or any other vehicle light solution, our range makes it simple to stay visible.

Be confident knowing each product has been designed and manufactured to fulfil the strictest standards of safety, performance and durability.

To learn more, give our friendly team a call at 03 9796 5880 or email us at info@warningsystems.com.au. We ship LED lights Australia-wide.