LED lights have become a widely popular alternative to other types of lights, such as incandescent or fluorescent lights. They are more efficient, use less energy, have a cleaner manufacturing process, and because they last longer, they produce less waste.
Most of us can agree that LED bulbs are great, but can LED lights catch on fire? This article will take a look at LED lights and the likelihood of them causing a flame. So continue reading to learn more!
Can LED Lights Catch On Fire?
With LED lights serving as a staple in millions of homes and businesses across the country, many have questioned the flammability of these lights. Thankfully, LED lights are unlikely to catch on fire. The reason is because of their low operating temperature.
Overheating is one of the leading causes of fires at the hands of light bulbs. If the bulb gets too hot, it can damage the fixture, melt it, or heat up surrounding material enough to spark a flame. Sometimes traditional bulbs just get too hot, damaging internal components and eventually starting a fire. But this is not the case with LEDs.
After three minutes of operation, LED bulbs heat to about 91ºF (32.6ºC). Although they may seem warm to the touch, LED lights operate at a much lower temperature than other types of lights, which we will examine next.
How LEDs are Much Safer Than Incandescent Lights
Within three minutes of operation, incandescent light bulbs reach a whopping 428ºF (216ºC)! The difference is staggering compared to LED lights: incandescent bulbs run over 6.6 times hotter than LED bulbs.
Considering that a substantial chunk of fires caused by lights directly result from an overheated bulb, LED lights are much safer than their predecessors.
Their cooler running temperature limits fires caused by overheating and is much less likely to burn someone when touched. So they’re safer too. If you’ve ever been burned while removing a light bulb, you know the extreme heat they produce first hand.
Many LED bulbs contain heat sinks that draw away excess heat from the bulb. In the unlikely event that the bulb begins to overheat, the bulb dims instead of melting the interior parts or causing internal damage.
Additionally, LED lights are made with more durable material that is resistant to shock and vibration. This lessens the chance of LED getting damaged or breaking.
Can You Keep LED Lights ON for Days? If Yes, How Long?
Well-made LED lights can be left on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They last extremely long and are relatively safe due to their very low chance of overheating.
On average, LED bulbs last between 35,000 and 50,000 hours. LED bulbs convert about 90 percent of energy into light and 10 percent into heat. Unlike older bulb types– LED lights convert most of their energy into light instead of heat.
Technically, you could leave LED lights on for days with minimal risk of fires. However, this doesn’t mean you should, especially while not in use, as it would constantly be drawing energy, albeit minimal.
As with any electrical appliance, there is the possibility of wiring faults or accidents that can spark a fire. With that said, LED lights are very safe and can be left on for lengthy periods without the fear of the light itself causing a fire.
Can LED Strip Lights Cause Fire Accidents?
LED strip lights and LED tape lights have gained significant traction in recent years. Many people use them to decorate areas, create a backlit effect on production cells, and outline storage areas. So, can they cause fires?
Just like with LED bulbs, the possibility of LED strip lights resulting in a fire is tiny. Since they are much cooler than other types of strip lights, the chances of them starting a fire are small, even if they are hot to the touch.
However, there is a minuscule chance of the LED light strips malfunctioning or overheating, resulting in a fire. This usually only happens with low-quality LED strips. That is why it is best to purchase high-quality units, as they tend to be made with better materials, thus reducing the risk of a fire accident.
What’s the Sign That My LEDs are Running Out Of Life?
LED lights last incredibly long, about 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Many bulbs have a rated lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. If you use the bulb 12 hours a day, it will last more than 11 years.
After 11 years, however, many people don’t remember the exact date they installed the light. So, how do you know when the LEDs are running out of time?
Unlike the sudden loss of light in traditional light bulbs, LED lights slowly dim over time. This is a sure sign that your LEDs are running out of life. Inside of each LED bulb are individual light-emitting diodes that will fail after extended use. As each diode fails, the light slowly dims, letting you know that it’s almost time to change the bulb.
LED light bulbs won’t suddenly stop emitting light. They’ll just slowly become dimmer and dimmer until they don’t satisfy your light needs anymore. At that point, you should replace them.
Practice Fire Safety for LED Lights
To mitigate any possibility of fires at the hands of an LED bulb, there are a few things you can do.
First, ensure that you install the bulb correctly and use the proper wattage. Make sure there isn’t anything blocking the heat dissipation that could cause it to ignite.
LED bulbs don’t deteriorate from switching on and off, but they can deteriorate from high temperatures. By ensuring that you manage all heat factors appropriately, you will limit fire hazards.
Additionally, high-quality LEDs tend to use better materials that are less likely to become a fire hazard. So, if you can, spend a few extra dollars to purchase a quality option to further protect your business.
Conclusion
Overall, LED lights are an excellent alternative to the old, heat-producing bulbs, like incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. LED lights are considered safer, energy-efficient, and will last years on end. By implementing the proper safety measures, your LED lights are much less likely to cause a fire and will last you for many years to come.
