LED lighting has become increasingly popular as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable lighting option, offering numerous benefits such as energy savings and longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting options. While LED lighting have longer lifespans, one potential drawback is the issue of light decay that occurs over time. In this article, we will explore the concept of light decay, its impact on LED lighting products, and the various factors that cause this phenomenon.
What is LED Light decay?


Light decay refers to the gradual reduction in lumen flux of a light source over time. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in all light sources with usage and is a crucial factor that needs to be considered when selecting LED lighting products.
LED Lights Decay Overview
LED lighting products have longer lifespans than traditional lighting options, but the product’s lifespan is directly proportional to the rate of light decay. The acceptable light decay range for LED lighting products before reaching the end of life is between 50% – 60%. While this range is acceptable, it is important to note that high-quality LED tubes can maintain 70% brightness even after 50,000 hours of usage.
How Much Light Decay is Acceptable for LED Tubes?
The acceptable light decay range for LED tubes is below 10% after 1000 hours of usage. However, high-quality LED tubes can maintain 70% brightness after 50,000 hours of usage. If a light source falls below the acceptable light decay range, it may be less effective at performing its intended function.
What Causes LED Light Decay?
There are many factors that contribute to LED light decay, with the most significant factor being heat dissipation. Ordinary epoxy resins have limited thermal conductivity, making it challenging to dissipate heat easily. When LED chips operate at temperatures exceeding 80 degrees, it expedites the light decay process, causing the lamps to deteriorate more quickly. Other factors that contribute to LED light decay include the quality of LED lighting products, the working environment, and technical parameters and encapsulat
Quality Problems in LED Light Products
The quality of LED lighting products plays a significant role in light decay. The brightness of LED lighting is likely to reduce rapidly when poor quality LEDs and aluminum shells are used. Poor heat dissipation can also lead to increases in temperature and the resulting light decay. Therefore, it is important to select high-quality LED lighting products that have better heat dissipation capabilities.
leds working environment
The working environment of the LED lighting product also affects light decay. When a single LED is working at temperatures below 30 degrees, its LED bracket temperature is unlikely to exceed 45 degrees, thereby prolonging its lifespan. However, the temperature increases quickly with an increased number of LED lights working together. When 100 LED lights work simultaneously, the middle LED lights may reach temperatures of up to 65 degrees, causing light decay. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the operating temperatures of LED lighting products regularly.
LED Technical Parameters and Encapsulation
LED technical parameters and encapsulation materials also play a role in light decay. Lower current can reduce the heat generated by the LED, thereby limiting light decay. The size and materials used during encapsulation may also impact LED light decay. Therefore, it is important to select LED lighting products that have optimal technical parameters and encapsulation materials.


Conclusion
In conclusion, LED lighting products are an excellent choice for environmentally friendly and long-lasting lighting. However, it is important to consider light decay when selecting these products. To maximize the lifespan of LED lighting, attention should be paid to quality concerns, working environment temperatures, and technical parameters and encapsulation. With proper care and monitoring, LED lighting products can provide lasting benefits and minimal light decay, making them an optimal choice for energy-efficient and sustainable lighting options.