Which lamps to choose: halogen or LED? Millions of people around the world are trying to get an answer to this question. Both types are very popular not only among ordinary consumers, but also among motorists. LED lamps are used in almost all light sources. The degree of demand for halogen analogues is also high. But the difference between halogen and LED lamps is obvious. Each species has its own characteristics, has its own principle of work. What is the difference between LED lamps and halogen ones and which products are better to use?
More on the operation of halogen light sources
Before you understand which is better, halogen or LED lamps, it is worth considering the features of the work of both.
The device of halogen samples largely repeats the design of conventional incandescent lamps. The only significant difference is the presence in the cavity of the halogen flask: iodine or bromine. It is necessary in order to increase the life of the lighting device in two, or even four times.
When turned on, the filament warms up to the required temperature and begins to emit light. During this process, tungsten is released from the surface of the spiral. Small particles of the released substance react with halogen, which prevents the deposition of tungsten atoms on the inner surface of the flask.
As a result, a kind of positive feedback is created around the luminous filament, which contributes to an increase in the temperature of the spiral and an increase in the brightness of lighting. The maximum temperature can be three thousand Kelvin. The shape of halogen lamps may vary. It all depends on the application. On the shelves of shops you can find halogen lamps for use in medicine, household appliances and in cars.
Advantages and disadvantages
The demand for halogen lamps is due to the advantages of these light sources:
- replacement does not require much time and effort;
- they radiate warm tones that resemble sunlight;
- low cost provides access to the vast majority of buyers.
Due to the low cost, the production and consumption of halogen lamps remains at a high level. Due to their compactness and resistance to voltage drops, they are actively used in car headlights.
The disadvantages of halogen lamps include a low efficiency, which does not exceed 15%. This is because most of the energy consumed is spent on maintaining heat. The duration of operation is relatively short, on average, about two thousand hours. This indicator directly depends on the frequency of turning on the lamp and surges in the network. To increase the service life of halogen lamps, some consumers are forced to install switches with dimmers that provide a smooth start.
More on LED Lights
LED lamp is a ready-made device, the components of which are the light source and driver. Currently, a lot of white LEDs have appeared on store shelves, the cost of which is quite low. This led to a sharp reduction in the cost of the production process, made it possible to purchase the device to a wide range of people.
LED lamps are widely used not only in household appliances, but also serve as the basis for garlands and traffic lights. Experts advise putting them in children's toys and the dashboard in a car. Luminous ribbons based on LEDs emphasize the style of the interior in homes and offices. LED lamps are currently in serious competition with xenon headlights in cars. The popularity of devices is due to their reliability, which is confirmed by seven-segment indicators. The service life of the latter is from 5 years and above.
The main advantages and disadvantages of LED lamps
The demand for LED lamps is due to excellent functionality and a number of other advantages. Lamp life with a built-in primitive driver is about 36 hours. The life of better models with expensive components can reach 72 hours. The efficiency of LED lamps is much higher than that of halogen analogues, and is 30%. That is why experts advise to purchase them.
A huge advantage is also the instant on and off lamps with LEDs. This is especially important in dynamic installations. The small size of the constituent elements allows you to create lamps of any shape. In addition, they can be returned for repair in the event of a malfunction. This significantly increases the service life.
Another advantage is the relatively low temperature and the absence of harmful components and radiation. According to professionals, the last two factors ensure safety and do not have a detrimental effect on the human body. In addition, LED-based lamps can be produced with either a glass or a plastic bulb.
The disadvantages of LED lamps are also there. One of the main disadvantages is the high cost of products whose power exceeds 5 watts. Here it is worth noting several key points that prevent widespread distribution: the high price of products based on LEDs with a power of more than 5 watts. This does not allow such devices to be widely used in headlights of cars, searchlights and street lamps. In addition, LED lamps can only be used with a special driver.
Cost
The determining factor for many people is the price of appliances. That is why, before answering the question of which is better, halogen or LED lamps, you need to consider the price categories to which the products belong.
The cost of LED lamps is much higher than the corresponding indicator of halogen ones. You can purchase a device of the first category with a standard E27 base for an average of 150-350 rubles. The price of halogen lamps does not exceed 50-60 rubles. It should be borne in mind that the shelf life is different for halogen and LED lamps.
Which are better?
Both types of lighting devices are popular. But many people are still interested in what is better: halogen or LED lamps? Having examined the features of the work of both of them, having studied other nuances, we can give a definite answer.
LED lamps have one single drawback compared to halogen counterparts - high cost. But can the price be considered a minus? After all, the working life of LED lamps is about 30 hours. While the similar indicator of products with halogens is much less. And this means that during operation, the cost of LEDs fully pays off. Experts recommend that this option of lighting devices not be discounted also because the manufacturer gives a guarantee for the lamps. If the product ceases to work before the expiration of the warranty period, the lamp can be returned to the store or exchanged for a similar product.
Moreover, LED lamps heat up much less and can have a plastic case with impact-resistant properties. Not a single halogen device is capable of producing such results.
Conclusion
The question of which is better to use halogen or LED lamps in lighting devices, worries millions of people around the world. Both light sources are in demand. However, a comparison of halogen and LED lamps demonstrates the clear superiority of the second option over its counterparts. It is LEDs that are recommended to be acquired by specialists who know firsthand the characteristics of lighting devices.