LED is an electronic component that, by means of a minimum current, immediately emits a bright light without infrared and ultraviolet. LED technology  (light emitting diodes) represents the evolution of solid state illumination, in which the generation of light is obtained through semi-conductors rather than through filament or gas. From the point of view of energy consumption, LED illumination is more efficient, longer-lasting and more sustainable. Moreover, it lends itself to creative uses that integrate the light in our homes, cars, shops and cities.

LED lighting is destined over time to replace traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting.

LED lights still have 70% of their initial luminosity after 50,000 hours, according to the EN50107 standards.

If we compare the duration of LED lighting with that of tradition lamps and assume an average use of six hours per day we find that:

• Average life of a filament light is roughly 1000/1500 hours (250 days);
• Average life of a discharge light is roughly 4,000 hours (666 days);
• Average life of a fluorescent light is roughly 6,000 hours (1,000 days);
• Average life of a LED light is roughly 50,000 hours (8,333 days).

The luminous efficiency of a light source is the ratio between the luminous flow and incoming power. This dimension is expressed in lumen/watt. The luminous flow is defined on the basis of the subjective perception of the average human eye and corresponds to a particular curve within the spectrum of visible light. The light bulb also emits radiations outside the visible band, generally infrared and ultra violet that do not contribute to the sensation of luminosity. A light bulb is more efficient in relation to its ability to remain within the spectrum visible to the human eye.

Currently a LED light has a luminous efficiency of up to 120lm/W, compared with:

• 13lm/W for incandescent bulbs;
• 16lm/W for halogen bulbs;
• 50 lm/W for fluorescent bulbs.

LED lights contain silicon powder, but no noxious gasses or toxic substances, unlike fluorescent and discharge lighting (metallic halogen and sodium vapours).

Total absence of luminous pollution: LED lights shine, but do not saturate the environment.

Zero U.V emissions can be harmful for humans after long periods of time.

Another reason to use LED for commercial premises, especially in clothing and fur outlets, is that long exposition to the above mentioned types of illumination can lead to the hardening and fading of materials, especially natural fibres.

LED lights generate heat but do not retain this heat; in fact, the  bulb itself is capable of controlling the heat generated and disposing of it. In this way the electric power is used for illumination only, optimising efficiency. The average temperature rarely exceeds 50°. LED lights can, therefore, be installed in contact with wood, plastic and all other materials considered unsuitable for exposure to excessive heat.

Notable gains should arrive from saving on air conditioning a well lit room: indeed, a halogen or incandescent lamp produces a considerable quantity of heat dispersed in the surrounding area, and normally when calculation is made for the installation of air conditioning, it is considered as a sources of heat to lower by/to roughly 75W.

The equivalent light source to LED is reckoned to have a margin of redundancy of around 15 W.

The cost of maintenance of LED lighting has been estimated to be in the order of one hundred times less than is the case with the sodium plants currently in use, hence virtually non-existent.

The types of LED lighting on sale are compatible with connections in current use in terms of size, plugs and tension : all you need to do is screw the new light into the fitting and bingo!

Arké proposes LED solutions for every type of client: public administrations, condominiums, private homes, public spaces, shopping centres, shops and offices.