LED lights have revolutionized the lighting industry, offering greater energy efficiency, longer life, and a wider range of lighting possibilities than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lamps. However, when it comes to choosing LED strips and fixtures, especially for outdoors, it is important not only to look at the price, but also at the quality of the materials used and much more.
Here are some factors to consider to guarantee the best quality and durability over time.
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Bright performance and energy efficiency
The quality of the light emitted by LED strips and LED fixtures depends on the precision of the LEDs themselves and the design of the product. So look for products that offer bright, even illumination, with a high color rendering index (CRI) for natural color rendering.
Furthermore, make sure that the LEDs are of high quality and that the product has optimal energy efficiency to reduce consumption and save on electricity.
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Resistance to atmospheric agents
Outdoor lights must withstand a variety of adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, heat and humidity. It is therefore important to ensure that the LED strips and fixtures are designed and made with materials resistant to atmospheric agents, otherwise their durability will not be prolonged and you may find yourself having to incur a new expense in a short time.Therefore, prefer materials such as stainless steel 316L, anodized aluminum and bronze, and in places near the sea it is necessary to make sure that the products have resistance to marine environments with an anti-corrosive paint in order to make them resistant to salt fogs, otherwise after a few months the product deteriorates.
Another step you could take is to check at the time of purchase whether the product has certifications for resistance to atmospheric agents, such as the IP (Ingress Protection) protection index.
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Durability and reliability
Another important indicator of the quality of LED strips and LED fixtures is their durability and reliability over time. Check the useful life declared by the manufacturer and look for reviews from other users to evaluate the reliability of the product. Typically, high-quality LED strips and fixtures offer a lifespan of at least 25,000 hours of operation.
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Seals and treatments
Still speaking of outdoor lamps, to protect the internal components from humidity and atmospheric agents they must be completely sealed. Therefore, ensure that the lamp has high-quality seals around the joints and entry points of electrical cables to avoid infiltration, use only waterproof joints to prevent water from rising from the cable.
In addition to this, some lamps can be subjected to special anti-corrosion treatments to ensure greater resistance to corrosion caused by exposure to atmospheric agents. Therefore, check whether the product has undergone such treatments to ensure a longer lifespan.
Protection from deterioration
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause outdoor light materials to fade and deteriorate over time. It is important that the material is resistant and lasts over time, to preserve their appearance and performance over the years.
Easy maintenance
Consider how easily the lamp can be maintained and cleaned over time. Opt for lamps with designs that allow easy access to internal components for bulb replacement or periodic maintenance. Avoid low-quality materials such as cheap plastics, weak metal alloys and thin surface coatings that can deteriorate quickly.
Investing in high-quality lamps will ensure longer life and better lighting for your outdoor space.
Warranty and customer support
Opt for products that offer a satisfactory warranty and good customer service. A longer warranty can be a sign of confidence from the manufacturer in the quality of their product. Also, make sure you can easily contact the manufacturer or retailer if you have any problems or questions.
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Safety certifications
Check whether your LED strips and LED fixtures comply with electrical and environmental safety regulations, such as CE, RoHS and UL certifications. These certifications are an indication of the product's compliance with internationally recognized quality and safety standards.
IP (Ingress Protection) rating
Another crucial factor to consider for outdoor lamps is their IP rating, which indicates the level of resistance to the ingress of dust, water and humidity. The IP code is made up of two numbers: the first indicates protection against dust and the second against water.
Dust protection: The first number ranges from 0 to 6. A higher number indicates greater protection against dust and solid particles. For outdoor lamps, it is advisable to look for an IP rating of at least 5 or higher to ensure that the lamp is protected from dust, dirt and environmental debris.
Water Protection: The second number ranges from 0 to 8. A higher number indicates greater protection against water ingress. For outdoor lamps, it is advisable to look for an IP rating of at least 4 or higher to ensure that the lamp is protected from splashes of water coming from all directions and even temporary immersion in water.
Value for money
Finally, carefully evaluate the quality-price ratio. While it's important to invest in high-quality products that offer superior performance and durability, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to opt for the most expensive product on the market.
Look for a balance between quality, performance and price, which meets your needs and budget.
In conclusion, when choosing LED strips and LED fixtures, it is essential to pay attention to the quality of the materials and performance, in addition to the price. Opting for high-quality products will ensure longer life and a better outdoor lighting experience.
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Written by Alice Pruccoli