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October 14, 2009

Comparing LED, Halogen, and Xenon Lighting for Emergency Vehicles

When comparing LED vs. Halogen, and Xenon technology for use on emergency vehicles, it can be helpful to browse through several of the most well known emergency lighting websites on the internet. Consult Whelen, Code 3, Federal Signal, or Soundoff Signal for starters, to see what is available. When you are selecting emergency lighting, there are a few things to consider with the differences in available products. These bulbs are produced in many shapes and sizes, including flashers, light bars, mini-bars, and strobe lights.

There has been much improvement and innovation in modern lighting, and it seems that the newest, LED lighting, is going to be superior to either Halogen or Xenon lamps. To understand the reasons why LED is leading the way, here are a few facts on all three types of lighting.

LED is an acronym for light-emitting diode. It is a light source that works through electroluminescence. The technological development of LED lighting began in the 1920s, when a Russian radio operator noticed that whenever current passed through the radio receiver diodes a form of light was emitted. Early LED lights gave off a faint red light, but modern LED lights are bright and available on the infrared, ultraviolet, and visible wavelengths. By 1962, modern LED lights were being developed. LEDs were used in electronic displays such as calculator read out windows.

The method of operation involves electroluminescence. Briefly, this means that when a diode is turned on, electrons match up with electron holes, and are able to release energy that is in the form of light. This light can produce different colors, and in simple terms, the energy amount in the gap determines the color.

LED lights are superior to other light sources because they consume less energy, last longer, are smaller and have fast switching times that are useful for communications. Presently, they do cost more, and have more restrictive needs for current and heat control. They can last 50 times longer than incandescent lighting. These lights are now used in general lighting, automotive lighting, and video displays. LED lights are energy efficient, and do not contain hazardous materials like mercury. New lights are many times brighter than incandescent lighting. They can be produced in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. LED lights are “cool” lights, and do not put off a lot of heat.

LED lights are good for use on emergency vehicles because they are low maintenance, have low energy consumption, and have long lifetimes. They have bright visibility that is easily seen from a distance. For tail lights or headlamps, LED lights are better because they act faster than other lighting, and mini-seconds can make a difference for drivers. They operate at a lower voltage than Xenon lighting. LED lighting is ecologically better, and because lasting longer produces less waste, their carbon footprint is significantly lower.

Halogen lights are incandescent lighting that uses a tungsten filament sealed with an inert gas. There is a bit of a halogen substance, such as bromine, or iodine, in the small sealed area. This use of halogen increases the bulb lifetime and creates a brighter light than incandescent lights without halogen. They can be smaller, and have longer lifetimes than non halogen bulbs. To operate, the halogen lights need to be run at a higher temperature. Gas and heat work to keep the glass bulb from blackening.

However, the higher temperatures can cause fire or burns, and some of these lights are required to have a protective grille. UV rays emitted from halogen lights can cause sunburn. Lights can be damaged by touching, leaving skin oil on the bulb, which can create a hot spot. These lights are used for headlamps, projection lamps, and floodlighting.

Xenon lighting is the closest to natural daylight. It uses a ionized xenon gas in a closed bulb system. These bulbs are commonly used for movie projection. They produce a very white light, but are inefficient in terms of lumens, and require high power. Arc lamps are highly dangerous, and require special handling, and in some uses, like IMAX projection, protective clothing for the operators. In 1991, Xenon headlamps for automobiles were introduced. Heavy duty Xenon flashlamps are used for automotive lighting, and warning flashers.

It appears that the LED lamps are the most cost efficient, long lasting, and safest of all three types. Again, check out lighting details at the Whelen, Code 3, Federal Signal, or Soundoff Signal websites.