How Bright Is a Led Driving Light?
LED driving lights provide a powerful, bright white light to illuminate the road. They offer greater reaction time to drivers and improve safety.
When shopping for LED driving lights, look at their lumen rating. This figure is a raw Lumen, which doesn’t factor in losses such as thermal, absorption and reflection. You should also consider a flood or spot beam pattern.
Brightness
When shopping for LED driving lights, brightness is an important consideration. The more light you can see, the sooner you’ll notice a potential hazard and have time to react. However, there are a few things to consider when comparing the brightness of different models.
First, it’s essential to understand the difference between raw lumens and effective lumens. Raw lumens are a theoretical measurement that only takes into account the maximum brightness of the individual LEDs and doesn’t factor in losses such as thermal, absorption, and reflection from the lens. However, effective lumens are a more accurate representation of the overall light output of the product and are measured using high-tech photometry equipment.
Another important thing to consider is the colour temperature of the LEDs. While LEDs can produce a wide range of colours, most automotive professionals recommend a warm or neutral white colour to maximise visibility. This is because the human eye is most comfortable with this colour and it provides the best balance between illumination and contrast. The Narva Ultima LED MK2 driving lights, for example, have a colour temperature of 5,700K.
Finally, the viewing angle is an important consideration when choosing LED driving lights. Some LEDs are like floodlights and pump out photons in all directions, while others have Led Driving Light lenses or reflectors that focus the light more tightly to create a narrower beam.
Beam Pattern
The beam pattern of a Led Driving Light is the angular spread of visible light produced by an automotive LED lighting system. This is determined by the way a light bar’s optics capture and transmit light from its diodes to its lenses. It is an essential feature that should be taken into consideration when selecting an auxiliary lighting system for your vehicle.
There are a number of different beam patterns available from LED lighting manufacturers. These include diffused and scene beam patterns, as well as spot and fog pattern lights. Each type of beam has its own benefits and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs.
Generally, driving lights produce brighter, more focused illumination that is directed straight ahead. They are often used to supplement your OEM high-beams on mountain roads and highways, but must be operated with caution to avoid blinding other drivers. They also come in a variety of colors, including red and blue that are often restricted to vehicles of law enforcement and emergency services.
A hybrid beam is another great option for those who want the benefit of both a spot and flood pattern. It combines the strengths of each style, allowing you to see far and wide at the same time. This type of LED lighting is ideal for any forward-facing location on your vehicle.
Durability
A good LED driving light is built to last, with a housing made from robust materials that can resist the elements and vibration. A waterproof design is also important, allowing it to withstand harsh weather conditions and even road salt, keeping your lights in top condition.
LEDs produce heat at their semiconductor junctions when current passes through them, converting up to 85 per cent of the energy into visible light. Quality LED drivers monitor each diode’s thermal levels and control them accordingly, so that the individual diodes don’t overheat to the point of failure. Look for a driver that has an aluminium body or housing that acts as a natural heat sink, and a design that ensures all internal components are protected from moisture.
In addition to the power and efficiency of your LEDs, a reliable driver circuit will determine the overall lifespan of your lighting. In general, contemporary LED luminaires rely on electrolytic capacitors to reduce ripple in the drive circuits. These capacitors degrade as the operating temperature increases, resulting in shorts and leakage. The vaporized electrolyte that leaks from the sealed part of the capacitor will accelerate the degradation process, thereby reducing the rated lifetime of the LED driver circuit.
When choosing a LED driving light, look for one that offers an IP rating of at least IP67. The first number refers to the ability of the unit to resist ingress of dust particles, while the second number references its resistance to water.
Convenience
LED driving lights are a popular option for off-roaders who want to improve their visibility while driving, especially in bad weather. They’re much more efficient than halogen bulbs, meaning they use less power to produce the same amount of light. They also last much longer, meaning you’ll spend less time replacing them.
Many drivers choose to pair a set of driving lights with a set of HID headlights for the ultimate lighting setup. This way, you can switch between an ultra-distance spot lens and a wider, street-legal hybrid beam to suit your needs. A waterproof design ensures they’ll continue to work in harsh conditions, while a heat sink draws away any excess heat to prevent premature failure.
While HIDs have a lot to offer, LEDs are increasingly becoming the industry standard. This is because they’re 3 Inch Led Work Light more energy efficient than halogen bulbs, and their long lifespans mean you won’t need to replace them as frequently. They’re also incredibly durable, and most come with a lifetime warranty.
LEDs are designed to run on low voltage (12-24V), direct current electricity. However, most wall sockets supply a higher voltage (120-277V) of alternating current. An LED driver converts this high voltage alternating current into low voltage direct current, allowing the LED to operate within its specified current range. The driver can also protect the LED from excessive voltage or current fluctuations that can cause higher temperatures and reduced output.