Have you ever been overwhelmed by the ever-changing technology around us? And that you decide to search about it online but yet become more confused than ever? Don't be embarrassed, it happens to all of us too.
Today, we are going to share about the main differences between between LED bulb enabled fixture and LED integrated fixture. It may sound dull or complicated, but inside all the beautiful light fixtures you see out there(e.g. hotel lobbies or Pinterest mood boards), are using either LED bulb enabled fixture or LED integrated fixture. Choosing the right type of light source will make your money worthwhile.
These 2 type of light sources are the most commonly used for residential homes and once you understand the underlying concept of it, you will not feel like being left behind anymore.
The difference between LED bulb enabled fixture and LED integrated fixture.
LED lighting has revolutionized the market for lighting fixtures and is now dominating the general purpose lighting market.
More and more manufacturers have taken to integrating LEDs directly into their fixture while some would prefer to have designs revolving around the usage of LED bulbs. Noticing that consumers have been torn between the two options, we have come up with an introduction and breakdown on the pros and cons of either type.
LED bulb enabled fixtures:
While incandescent bulbs typically last only around 1,000-2,000 hours, LEDs is usually rated above 10,000-3,0000 hours (approximately 10-times its predecessor). Here’s a post for the bulbs options we offer and its different purposes: https://www.shioklighting.com/post/the-different-kinds-of-bulbs-to-know-before-buying
Traditionally, an entire lamp fixture is produced by a single manufacturer. However, in today’s landscape, different lighting components are often manufactured by different companies. These components include the physical casing and LED bulbs. In other words, users have the option to select the bulbs based on their needs (e.g. light colour, brightness, dimmable, smart bulbs, beam angle, CRI).
Despite their long-rated lifespan, all LED bulbs will eventually burn out. But not to worry, the ease of change for lightbulbs, coupled with the fact that readily available at major supermarkets and hardware stores makes it a breeze for replacement. In fact, you can even stock your preferred bulb for future use as their shelf life are technically indefinite when stored properly.
However, there is no product that is all empowering. Due to variations of bulb type and dimension available for mass market LED bulbs, light fixtures dimension are designed to accommodate these bulbs within the fixture.
Thus if you are thinking of something small and petite enough to fit into your fingers, you will have better luck exploring integrated LED fixtures (i.e. lamps with built-in light source).
Shiok Lighting’s philosophical approach in our products has always been finding a balance between form vs function. Continuing to explore the limits and boundaries of lighting design. One great example would be the newly launched Roma Ceiling Light design in comparison with our Nova Ceiling Lamp design. With both pieces utilizing GU10 bulb types, we pushed the boundaries of creating a piece that encompass a small form factor, practicality of changeable bulbs, with anti-glare property.
Roma Ceiling Light
Material: Aluminum Alloy Size: W5.4cm x H10cm
Nova Ceiling Light
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Size: W7.7cm x H14.7cm
LED integrated fixtures:
In the previous segment, we mentioned that dimensions of lamp fixtures which utilize bulbs are limited as there is a minimum size needed to accommodate the size of widely available bulbs. However integrated lamp fixtures which uses LED chip are not limited by this factor, allowing it to be more compact and unlocking the possibility of countless aesthetic designs and variations.
As technology improves, more energy efficient LED chips with small form factor are produced. These small but powerful LED chips are the driving force behind more innovated designs and increased light source optimization.
However, as most consumers tend to see their light fixtures as more or less a permanent installation, purchasing an LED-integrated fixture do carry some form of risk. While it could theoretically last for years without requiring maintenance, not all lamps will last till the end of the rated lifespan. Once the LED chip fuses (whether at the end of lifespan or prematurely) the whole fixture will generally need to be replaced. With that said, to prolong the lifespan of your lights and we highly encourage you to adhere to the below criteria before an impulse buy.
Quality is key.
Always try to look for reputable brands, be it for the LED chip or the LED driver. A great example is our Demi Series as well as our Xander Series. Both LED diodes manufactured by brands such as Osram and CREE. And with these components by major brands, your fixture has better assurance for longevity.
Demi Ceiling Light
Material: Aluminum Alloy Size: W10cm x H10cm x L10.4cm
Xander Spot Light
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Size: W14.6cm x W4.4cm x D5.5cm
If design and the overall aesthetics is of a higher priority to you, and you don't mind replacing it after it fuses, then LED integrated lighting is a must-try!
Below are 2 timeless examples that perfectly embodies function and form.
Hope this article can help you get a better understanding of what you would need when looking for lights for your future home. We are glad to share more, hence if you guys have any queries, feel free to drop us an email or visit our showroom @ 1093 Lower Delta Road #07-20.
Image credit: Pinterest