LEDStrip

Understanding LED Lifetime and the 70% Rule (L70)

LED strip lights are often marketed for their long lifespan, but how long can you actually expect them to last? The concept of LED lifetime is defined differently from traditional light bulbs. While incandescent bulbs burn out and fluorescent lamps begin to flicker, LEDs gradually lose their light output over time. So, unless there are extreme failures like power surges or physical damage, you can typically use your LED strips until they become too dim.

 

But how do we determine when an LED strip is “too dim for use”? The industry has adopted a somewhat arbitrary metric called the L70 rule. It states that an LED is considered to have reached the end of its useful life when it has experienced a 30% reduction in light output, or when only 70% of the original light remains.

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To measure LED longevity, a test methodology called LM-80 was developed. This method determines the primary standard for evaluating LED lifespan, taking into account factors such as materials selection, durability, and quality. Specimens are tested at specific temperatures and drive currents, with changes in light output measured at intervals of 1000 hours, up to a total of 10,000 hours.

 

Reputable manufacturers will have their LEDs tested using the LM-80 method in third-party laboratories to ensure unbiased results. These results are then published in a report format. If you’re buying LED strips in bulk, a trustworthy supplier should have no problem providing you with this test data.

 

However, it’s worth noting that LED longevity testing is a time-consuming process. Even if the LEDs are continuously illuminated, a 10,000-hour test would take about 14 months. To estimate the lifetime beyond the tested period, an extrapolation algorithm called TM-21 is used. This algorithm uses the performance data from the LM-80 test to project the LED’s estimated lifetime. This estimated number is typically mentioned in specification sheets and warranties.

 

3 Reasons Why LED Strip Lifetime Claims May Be Inaccurate

While LM-80 and TM-21 provide valuable insights into LED strip longevity, there are several factors that can affect the accuracy of lifetime claims:

 

Limited Testing: Lifetime claims should be based on a maximum of 6 times the number of hours actually tested. For example, if the LM-80 test was conducted for 5,000 hours, the manufacturer can only claim a maximum lifetime of 30,000 hours. This ensures that premature conclusions aren’t drawn from limited data.

Mismatched Conditions: The LM-80 test parameters (drive current and case temperature) must be higher than those used in the LED strip itself. Higher temperatures and drive currents accelerate LED degradation. If your LED strip operates at a higher drive current or in a hot environment, the original lifetime predictions may overestimate its longevity.

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Other Factors: LM-80 and TM-21 tests don’t account for factors like humidity or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the potting compound used for waterproof LED strips. Additionally, manufacturers may use superior materials for the LM-80 tests but switch to cheaper, inferior materials for mass production. As a result, the actual LED lifetime may differ from the reported estimates.

In addition to dimming, LED strips may also experience color shifts over time. If the materials degrade at different rates, the LED’s color may change throughout its lifespan. LM-80 test reports often mention the extent of color shifting, but this information is rarely included in LED strip specifications. While there are no industry-wide guidelines for acceptable color shifts, you can reference the LED manufacturer’s LM-80 test reports or look for a metric called “delta u’v’” to gauge color stability. A delta u’v’ over 0.003 is noticeable to the human eye, and a delta u’v’ under 0.006 throughout the LED strip’s lifetime is generally considered acceptable for most indoor lighting applications.

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It’s Not Just About the LEDs: Consider Adhesive and Power Supply Quality

When we talk about LED strip lifetime, it’s important to remember that it’s not just the LEDs themselves that can fail. The adhesive backing used to mount the LED strip and the power supply unit also play crucial roles in the overall lifespan.

 

The adhesive backing is exposed to various environmental conditions, such as dust, humidity, and sunlight exposure, which can degrade the adhesive over time. To ensure durability, Waveform Lighting uses 3M VHB double-sided tape for their high CRI LED strips, featuring some of the most reliable adhesive material available on the market.

 

Similarly, the power supply unit can be a potential failure point in the long run. Reputable manufacturers will provide a mean-time-before-failure (MTBF) metric, which gives you an idea of how long the power supply is expected to last. Unlike LEDs, when a power supply fails, it typically causes the LED strip to flicker or go completely dark.

 

To extend the lifespan of your power supply, keep it cool, dry, and away from dust. It’s also important to consider the LED strip’s power draw and the capacity of the power supply. Exceeding the power supply’s capacity can lead to immediate damage, while operating close to the upper capacity limit can cause premature failure. Aim to never exceed 80% of the power supply’s rated power capacity.

 

How long can I expect LED strip lights to last?

LED strip lights can typically last anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 hours or even longer, depending on their quality and usage.

Are there differences in lifespan between various LED strip brands?

Yes, there can be significant variations in lifespan among different LED strip brands, with higher-quality brands often lasting longer.

What factors affect the durability of LED strip lights?

Factors like operating temperature, voltage stability, and overall build quality can impact the durability of LED strip lights.

Do LED strip lights require maintenance to prolong their lifespan?

LED strip lights generally require minimal maintenance but keeping them clean and ensuring proper ventilation can help extend their lifespan.

How does LED strip quality impact their longevity?

Higher-quality LED strips typically use better components and are built to last longer than cheaper, lower-quality alternatives.

Can I run LED strip lights continuously for extended periods?

LED strip lights are designed for extended use, and they can be run continuously for many hours without issues, but it’s advisable to check their specifications for any usage limitations.

What is the typical warranty period for LED strip lights?

The warranty period for LED strip lights varies by brand and model but is often between 1 to 5 years.

Are there signs that indicate LED strip lights are aging or deteriorating?

Signs of aging or deterioration in LED strips may include reduced brightness, color shifts, or individual LEDs not functioning correctly.

How does the operating environment affect the lifespan of LED strips?

Extreme temperatures, high humidity, and exposure to moisture can shorten the lifespan of LED strips. It’s best to use them within specified temperature and humidity ranges.

Are there ways to optimize LED strip usage hours to maximize their lifespan?

To optimize LED strip lifespan, use a stable power source, maintain proper ventilation, and avoid overdriving them with excessive voltage. Additionally, turn them off when not in use to conserve hours of operation.

Conclusion

LED strip lights can provide long-lasting illumination for various applications. Understanding LED lifetime, the L70 rule, and the testing methodologies behind lifetime claims can help you make informed decisions when buying LED strips. Additionally, considering factors like color stability, adhesive quality, and power supply reliability can further enhance the longevity of your LED strip lighting setup.

 

Read More about LED lighting and explore our collection of articles, how-to’s, and guides on various lighting applications, as well as in-depth color science articles. Browse Waveform Lighting Products for a wide range of high-quality LED lighting solutions.