Using the right type of lighting is crucial in industrial locations. Not only can a poorly lit space can lead to mistakes and a decreased quality of work, but light fixtures in industrial locations must meet proper safety standards. Many industrial workspaces require explosion proof lighting to ensure that volatile chemicals are not ignited by an exposed light.
Once you’ve determined the safety requirements for your workplace, you can start to think about exactly what type of light to use. Anyone who knows industrial lighting is familiar with the age old debate: LED vs. HID lights. There are pros and cons of both, and it is important to weigh your options before making a bulk purchase. We’ve provided a simple comparison of LED and HID lights to help you get started.
Factors to Consider
In addition to meeting safety regulations, there are several factors to consider when dealing with industrial lighting. Efficiency and durability are two major concerns, as well as the projected lifespan of the light. In terms of light efficiency, LED and HID lights both operate at 100 lumens per watt. However, the brightness of HID light decreases over time. Furthermore, because HID bulbs need ballasts to function, their power usage is higher than that of LED lights, and their lifespan is half as long.
HID lights are far more fragile than LEDs. While HID lights are made of glass, LEDs are made of plastic and lack a filament, making them much less breakable. They can also immediately illuminate a room. HIDs, by contrast, take about 20 seconds to warm up. LED lights have also been shown to provide better color rendering than HID bulbs.
Another concern with HID lights is the health impact. Research indicates that HID lights can be more harmful for your eyes, while LEDs are more tailored towards a modern workplace. Additionally, HIDs contain significant quantities of mercury, which is toxic and cannot be easily disposed of. Furthermore, HID lights are not explosion proof and have been known to reach unsafe temperatures.
In This Light, the Choice is Clear
When considering LED lights vs. HID lights, the winning choice seems obvious. Increased efficiency, durability, and safety are only a few of the reasons why LED lights are better. Many LED lights are explosion proof, allowing you to decrease the risk of workplace accidents. They are also considerably longer lasting than HIDs. While HID lights have their uses, in industrial settings explosion proof LED lights are a smarter and safer investment.
