Everything You Should Know About Panel Lights

Did you know that with a proper illumination system, you can change the whole appearance of how a place looks? This stands applicable for residential as well as commercial settings.

There has been a massive evolution and change in lighting systems over the years. Gone are the days of boring bulbs and incandescent lamps. With the advent of LED lights, you can see profound changes in the lighting systems in commercial areas as well as in our homes. LED lighting not just looks great, they are energy-saving as well. You can see the difference in your electricity bills every month.

When we talk about panel lights now, we usually mainly refer to LED panel lights, and smart-looking, chic LED panel lamps are becoming a favourite with everyone. These lights help illuminate your home or your office space and have replaced the previously used bulbs and fluorescent ceiling tubes. LED panel lamps come with the implementation of the latest technology. Hence, they not only provide excellently uniform illumination but they reduce power consumption substantially.

In this article, we will let you know everything about panel light and lamps, along with pilot lamps. Continue reading to know more.

What is a panel light?

Panel lights come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Depending on your requirements, you can buy the one which seems most suitable. Most of the designs of these lights and lamps are elegant and sophisticated. Many of them also come with the latest features and advanced characteristics.

LED panel lights are available in two categories. They are as follows:

• Recessed LEDs – They are the slimmest varieties available in the market now. There is a mounting surface on which the LED will fame and fit. You will have to make a cutout hole in the mounting surface to fit in the LEDs. There are side springs that will hold the LEDs in place.
• Surface-mounted LEDs – When you compare recessed LEDs with surface-mounted ones, you will see that the latter is thicker. This is because surface-mounted LEDs have a structure for matching broader surfaces. There is no need to cut the mounting hole as screws help in attaching the bracket to the light.

How do panel lights work?

LED panel lights have become a favourite choice for people for their homes as well as for their office space. These panel lamps provide sufficient and uniform lighting, illuminating the whole space evenly.

There are two primary lighting panel structures – edge lit modules and direct-lit backlight modules. In a direct-lit panel, there are many LED light sources. All these sources are disposed of directly under a panel. But you must understand that LED is a directional light source, and the output intensity of this light is strongest at 90 degrees. The orientation of LEDs is directly towards the light-diffusing layer. Therefore, this is sometimes uncomfortable for the eyes.

Edge-lit LED panel lights produce light that remains consistent to the eye across the diffuser panel. With the edge-lit backlight theorem, the light transmits from an LED array to a central area of an edge-lit panel through various light guides.

Also read: 5 Things You Should Know Before Choosing Step Lights

How to Choose LED Panel Lights?

The initial step in this enlightening endeavor involves determining the purpose behind the intended installation of LED panel lights. It is imperative to delve into factors such as the dimensions of the room, its intended function, and the desired lighting atmosphere. By meticulously assessing these variables, you will be able to ascertain the appropriate size, color temperature, and brightness level that align with your specific application.

Energy efficiency, a hallmark characteristic of LED panel lights, stands out as a crucial aspect to consider during the selection process. By prioritizing lights with high energy efficiency ratings and possessing the esteemed ENERGY STAR certification, you can revel in the knowledge that you are making a sustainable and environmentally responsible choice.

Another pivotal aspect to deliberate upon is the color temperature and color rendering index (CRI) of the LED panel lights. Color temperature plays a significant role in determining the light's appearance and its ability to create a desired mood. For indoor lighting applications that necessitate a warm and inviting ambiance, LED panel lights with color temperatures ranging between 3000K and 4000K are highly recommended.

What Are the Benefits of LED Panel Lights?

LED panel lights offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for various lighting applications. These advanced lighting solutions combine cutting-edge technology with energy efficiency and exceptional performance.

One of the primary advantages of LED panel lights is their remarkable energy efficiency. LED technology consumes significantly less electricity compared to traditional lighting options, resulting in reduced energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. This efficiency is due to the conversion of electrical energy into light with minimal wasted heat, ensuring maximum energy utilization.

LED panel lights also boast an extended lifespan, typically lasting up to 50,000 hours or more. This longevity eliminates the need for frequent replacements, reducing maintenance costs and inconvenience. Additionally, LED lights are highly durable and resistant to shock, vibrations, and extreme temperature variations, ensuring reliability in demanding environments.

Moreover, LED panel lights provide exceptional light quality with uniform distribution and no flickering or glare. They offer a wide range of color temperatures, enabling customization to suit different spaces and purposes. Furthermore, LEDs are free from harmful substances like mercury, making them environmentally friendly and safe for both indoor and outdoor applications.

With their sleek and slim design, LED panel lights provide a modern and aesthetic lighting solution. They can be easily installed on ceilings or walls, integrating seamlessly into various settings, including offices, retail spaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and residential areas.

Tips To Consider When Buying LED Panel Lights

1. Quality: Opt for high-quality LED panel lights from reputable manufacturers. Look for certifications such as UL, CE, and RoHS to ensure compliance with industry standards.
2. Light Output: Consider the desired level of brightness for your space. Check the lumen output of the LED panel lights to ensure they provide sufficient illumination.
3. Energy Efficiency: Look for LED panel lights with high energy efficiency ratings. Energy Star certification signifies optimal efficiency and reduced power consumption.
4. Lifespan: Consider the lifespan of the LED panel lights. Longer lifespans ensure minimal maintenance and replacement costs. Aim for lights with a lifespan of at least 50,000 hours.
5. Dimmability: If the dimming capability is required, ensure that the LED panel lights are compatible with dimmer switches.
6. Installation: Check the installation requirements and options. LED panel lights should offer easy and flexible installation, whether recessed, surface-mounted, or suspended.
7. Warranty: Select LED panel lights with a comprehensive warranty that covers both the product and performance. A warranty assures product quality and reliability.

How can LED Panel lights save money?

LED panel lights offer significant cost savings compared to traditional lighting options, making them a smart investment for both residential and commercial applications. Here's how LED panel lights can help you save money:

1. Energy Efficiency: LED panel lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less electricity compared to traditional lighting sources. They convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light, minimizing wasted energy as heat. This efficiency translates to lower energy bills and substantial long-term savings.
2. Reduced Maintenance Costs: LED panel lights have an exceptionally long lifespan, typically lasting up to 50,000 hours or more. This longevity eliminates the frequent need for replacements, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. With traditional lighting, frequent bulb changes and maintenance expenses can quickly add up.
3. Lower Cooling Costs: Unlike traditional lighting options, LED panel lights emit very little heat. This means that they contribute less to indoor heating, resulting in reduced cooling costs.
4. Dimming Capability: Dimming reduces energy consumption further, saving additional money.
5. Rebates and Incentives: Many utility companies and governments offer rebates and incentives for switching to energy-efficient lighting, including LED panel lights. Taking advantage of these programs can provide additional cost savings.

Why Schneider Electric’s panel lights are the best?

Now that you have made up your mind about purchasing panel lights and panel lamps for your home or office setup, you must ensure that you buy these products from an authentic and trusted source. Schneider Electric eShop can become your one-stop destination for shopping panel lamps and lights at the most reasonable rates. You will also find some of the best pilot lamps at the store in varying colours.

Here are some reasons why Schneider Electric’s panel lights are the best:

• Attractive designs – You will be amazed to see the variety of attractive designs of LED panel lights in the Schneider Electric eShop. The designs are simple, elegant, and sophisticated. The designs of the panels are such that you can install them in any room of your house. You can also use them in the office conference room, in the lounge area, as well as above your working space.
• Uniform light dispersal – The panel lamps at Schneider Electric eShop provide a uniform dispersion of light to every corner of the space. The design of the panels is scientifically tested to ensure that you get maximum illumination.
• High-quality products - Schneider Electric eShop provides high-quality products to its customers. Whether you are buying pilot lamps or panel lamps and lights, there is no compromise with the quality of the products whatsoever.

Best quality panel lights and pilot lamps at Schneider Electric eShop

Install panel lights and lamps in your home or office and see how the lighting changes the total ambience of the place. You will also save a lot on your monthly energy bill by investing in good quality LED panel lights. Just make sure you buy your LED panel lamps only from an authentic place like the Schneider Electric eShop. The eShop allows you to browse for your electrical goods online from the comforts of your convenient location and delivers high-quality electrical equipment and devices directly to you.

FAQs

• Which light is better: cob or panel light?

  COB lights provide concentrated light output and are often used for focused lighting applications. On the other hand, panel lights offer a larger surface area with multiple LED chips, resulting in uniform light distribution and a more diffused lighting effect. Panel lights are commonly used for general illumination in spaces like offices, schools, and hospitals. Ultimately, the decision between COB and panel lights should be based on factors such as the desired lighting effect, space requirements, and specific application needs. It is recommended to assess these factors and consult with lighting professionals to determine which option will best meet your lighting goals.

• What are the different types of panel lights?

  1. Backlit Panel Lights: These panel lights have LED modules placed behind a light guide plate, providing uniform illumination and a diffused lighting effect.

  2. Edge-lit Panel Lights: In this type, LEDs are located along the edges of the panel, and light is distributed through a light guide plate or diffuser, resulting in a slim profile and even lighting.

  3. Tunable White Panel Lights: These panels allow adjustment of color temperature, ranging from warm to cool white, providing flexibility to create the desired lighting ambiance.

• What is the importance of panel lights?

  1. Enhance Visibility: Panel lights offer bright and even illumination, improving visibility and reducing eye strain in various spaces, such as offices, schools, hospitals, and retail environments.

  2. Create Aesthetic Appeal: With their sleek and slim design, panel lights provide a modern and sophisticated look to any space. They seamlessly blend into ceilings or walls, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the area.

  3. Improve Energy Efficiency: LED panel lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming less electricity compared to traditional lighting options. This results in significant energy savings and reduced carbon footprint, promoting sustainability.

• Which company is best for panel lights?

  Choosing the best company for panel lights depends on various factors such as product quality, performance, customer reviews, and specific requirements. Some renowned companies known for their high-quality panel lights include Philips, Osram, Cree, GE Lighting, and Acuity Brands. It is advisable to research and compare the offerings of different companies, considering factors like product reliability, energy efficiency, warranty, and customer support, to determine the best fit for your lighting needs.