There are many times when LED lights should be used. They are more efficient, longer lasting, and cooler than other light bulbs.
However, there are some times when you should avoid using them. In this article, we will discuss the top 8 times to avoid LED lights.
- Do Not Use LED Light In Heat Lamps
- Do Not Use LED Lights In Enclosed Fixtures
- Avoid LED Lights Above 3000K
- Do Not Use LED Strip Lights With Incandescent Bulbs
- Do Not Use Blue or Green LEDs for Night Lighting
- Avoid Using Faulty or Damaged LEDs
- Do Not Use High-Intensity LEDs Without Proper Ventilation
- Do Not Use Dimmable LEDs With Incompatible Dimmer Switches
Let’s get into the details of when you shouldn’t use LED lights.
1. Do Not Use LED Light In Heat Lamps
Number one on the list is when you are using lights for heat lamps. LED lights give off very little heat, which can be a problem for animals that need warmth.
If you are using LED lights to keep your pet warm, make sure to also provide them with a heat source that emits more heat, such as a heating pad.
Heat lamps are used to emit infrared radiation. This type of light is invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat.
LED lights do not emit infrared radiation, so they will not work as heat lamps. If you try to use them, the LED lights will overheat and break.
The appropriate thing to do is to find an incandescent heat lamp. They are not as energy-efficient but will get the job done.
2. Do Not Use LED Lights In Enclosed Fixtures
Number two on the list is when you have enclosed light fixtures.
Just as LED lights do not give off a lot of heat, they also are very sensitive to heat, and if they are in an enclosed fixture, that heat can build up and damage the light.
Enclosed fixtures are any fixtures that do not have ventilation. This means the fixture does not allow air to flow in and out freely.
Examples of enclosed fixtures are recessed lighting, can lights, track lighting, pot lights, and downlights.
While it is okay to use LED lights in some of these fixtures, it is best to avoid using them in enclosed fixtures.
If you must use LED lights in an enclosed fixture, make sure the fixture is rated for LED lights and has proper ventilation.
Most importantly, do not use more than one LED light in the fixture. The heat from multiple LED lights can build up and damage the fixture.
If you are looking for an LED light for an enclosed fixture, make sure to get one that is dimmable. Dimmable LED lights give off less heat than non-dimmable LED lights.
3. Avoid LED Lights Above 3000K
Number three on the list is when you are using LED lights with a color temperature above 3000K.
Color temperature is a measure of the light’s color, and it is measured in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin value, the warmer the light will appear. The higher the Kelvin value, the cooler the light will appear.
LED lights with a color temperature above 3000K will appear bluish-white in color. This type of light is not ideal for use in the home because it can cause eye strain and make it difficult to see.
If you are looking for an LED light for the home, make sure to get one with a color temperature of 3000K or lower.
The most popular color temperatures for home use are 2700K and 3000K. These color temperatures will appear warm and inviting in the home.
Color temperatures above 3000K are better suited for commercial applications, such as office spaces, warehouses, and retail stores.
If you are looking for an LED light for a commercial application, make sure to get one with a color temperature of 4000K or higher.
Color temperatures between 4000K and 5000K will appear bright and vibrant in commercial spaces.
One example of an application where you would want to use an LED light with a color temperature above 3000K is if you are using the light for security purposes.
The bluish-white color of the light will make it easier to see in the dark and will deter criminals.
4. Do Not Use LED Strip Lights With Incandescent Bulbs
Number four on the list is when you are using LED strip lights with incandescent bulbs.
LED strip lights are a type of light that is often used in accent lighting. They are thin and flexible, and they can be cut to size.
Incandescent bulbs are the traditional type of light bulb that has been used for decades. They are less energy-efficient than LED lights but give off a warm, inviting light.
The problem with using LED strip lights with incandescent bulbs is that the two types of lights produce different types of light.
LED strip lights produce cool, blue-tinged light, while incandescent bulbs produce warm, yellow-tinged light.
When you mix the two types of light, it can create an unflattering and jarring effect.
If you are using LED strip lights in your home, make sure to use them with LED bulbs. This will ensure that the light is consistent throughout the space and creates a cohesive look.
LED bulbs come in a variety of color temperatures, so you can choose the perfect one to complement your LED strip lights.
5. Do Not Use Blue or Green LEDs for Night Lighting
Number five on the list is when you are using blue or green LEDs for night lighting.
Blue and green LEDs are often used in accent lighting because they create a cool, calming effect.
However, these colors should not be used for night lighting. The reason why is that blue and green light suppresses the production of melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep. The body produces more melatonin at night, which makes us feel sleepy.
If you are using blue or green LEDs for night lighting, it can disrupt your sleep cycle and make it difficult to fall asleep.
If you are looking for an LED light to use at night, make sure to get colors like yellow, amber, or red. These colors will not suppress melatonin and will help you sleep better at night.
Also, you want a light color temperature of 2700K or lower so that it appears warm and inviting in the bedroom.
6. Avoid Using Faulty or Damaged LED Lights
Number six on the list is when you are using faulty or damaged LED lights.
Just like any other type of light, LED lights can be damaged and stop working correctly.
However, because LED lights are so energy-efficient, they often last much longer than traditional light bulbs.
Even though LED lights are designed to last a long time, they can still be damaged.
For example, if an LED light is dropped, it can break and stop working correctly.
Additionally, if an LED light is left on for too long, it can overheat and stop working correctly.
If you are using a damaged or faulty LED light, it can cause a number of problems.
The light may flicker or buzz. Additionally, the light may not be as bright as it should be.
If you notice any of these issues with your LED lights, make sure to replace them as soon as possible.
Using damaged or faulty LED lights can also be a fire hazard.
So, not only is it important to replace them for aesthetic reasons, but it is also important for safety reasons.
7. Do Not Use High-Intensity LEDs Without Proper Ventilation
Number seven on the list is when you are using high-intensity LEDs without proper ventilation.
High-intensity LEDs are a type of LED light that is very bright. They are often used in task lighting because they provide a lot of light.
However, because they are so bright, they can produce a lot of heat.
If high-intensity LEDs are used without proper ventilation, the heat can build up and cause a fire.
So, if you are using high-intensity LEDs, make sure to use them with proper ventilation. This will help to prevent any accidents.
8. Do Not Use Dimmable LEDs With Incompatible Dimmer Switches
Last but not least on the list is when you are using dimmable LEDs with incompatible dimmer switches.
Dimmable LEDs are a type of LED light that can be turned down to create a softer, more ambient light.
Dimmable LEDs are often used in living rooms and bedrooms because they create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
However, not all dimmer switches are compatible with dimmable LEDs.
If you use a dimmer switch that is not compatible with your dimmable LEDs, it can damage the lights. Additionally, it can be a fire hazard.
So, make sure to check if your dimmer switch is compatible with your dimmable LEDs before you use them together.
Final Words
To conclude, there are a number of times when you should not use LED lights. The most important thing to remember is that LED lights are very energy-efficient and long-lasting. However, they can still be damaged or cause problems for us if inappropriately used.
I hope this article was helpful in understanding when you should not use LED lights. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
