Lumens

Since LED light bulbs are designed to use less energy than halogen spots, wattage is not a reliable way to gauge how bright the bulb is. Brightness is measured in Lumens.

With LED spotlights there is more to consider than just a direct Lumen comparison with the halogen equivalent. The superior light quality given off by LEDs and much lower bulb degradation rate over time must also be taken into account. This is why the stated Lumen output for an LED spotlight is often less than that quoted for a halogen spot bulb it replaces.

Beam Angle

The beam angle is how wide the beam is spread. If you have a very narrow beam angle your light will be projected like a handheld torch whereas if you have a wide beam angle it will be much softer and spread like a traditional bulb. Wide beam angle are best for living areas such as living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms where you are looking for a softer light and narrow beam angles for targeting specific areas or for decoration.

Energy Used

The wattage is the value given to the energy consumed by the light bulb itself. So, a 50-watt halogen spotlight bulb will use 50 watts of power. If you have 6 x 50-watt halogen spots in your kitchen then you will be using 300 watts of power. If you were using replacement LED lights at 4 watts each you would be using 24 watts of power, resulting in huge energy savings.

Size ()

The size determines the diameter and the length of the bulb. In most cases the bulbs are a retro-fit, which means they are a direct replacement for their halogen equivalent.

Input Power

This is a measurement of the volts required to operate the bulb. The standard for the UK is 240 volts. This means that you can plug these directly into existing fittings without changing any of the electrics.

Replacement for

This details what this LED bulb is a replacement for in terms of standard halogen bulb wattage. This allows you to easily make a comparison when replacing your existing halogen bulb, to ensure you get a similar light quality and brightness from your new LED bulb

Wattage

The wattage is the value given to the amount of power consumed by the light bulb itself. So, a 50-watt halogen spotlight bulb will use 50 watts of power. If you have 6 x 50-watt halogen spots in your kitchen then you will be using 300 watts of power. If you were using replacement LED lights at 4 watts each you would be using 24 watts of power, resulting in huge energy savings.

Voltage

This is a measurement of the volts required to operate the bulb. The standard for the UK is 240 volts. This means that you can plug these directly into existing fittings without changing any of the electrics.

Average Lifespan

Manufacturers will give lifetime claims in multiples of 1000 hours. One thousand hours is equivalent to about 6-months use when the bulb is on for 4 hours per day. A traditional halogen spotlight bulb is expected to last about one year (2000 hours) where as an LED will last between 30,000 and 50,000 hours - that’s between 15 and 25 years! Switching to LEDs means you may never have to change your light bulbs again.

Dimmable

Dimmable LED bulbs are only compatible with a dedicated "Trailing Edge" dimmer switch that reduces the current flow. Your bulbs will not work effectively if used with the conventional "Leading Edge" dimmer switches that operate with a higher current flow.

When ordering dimmable LEDs please ensure you have an LED-compatible Dimmer Switch.

Bulb Base

This is the fitting of the bulb, described by a letter/number code. You can find out what your fitting is by looking on the base of the bulb you are replacing or the packaging of your existing bulb.

Colour

Warm white is a softer more yellow light that is closer to the light given off by a traditional halogen spotlight. Therefore, warm white is better suited for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

Cool white is a much brighter white that is best suited for kitchens, utility areas and bathrooms.