The higher the temperature at which the LEDs are operated, the more quickly the light will degrade, and the shorter the useful life will be. Thermal management is generally the single most important factor in the successful performance of an LED over its lifetime. This keeps LEDs from overheating and burning out. LEDs use heat sinks to absorb the heat produced by the LED and dissipate it into the surrounding environment. LEDs offer a tremendous opportunity for innovation in lighting form factors and fit a wider breadth of applications than traditional lighting technologies.

There are also hybrid approaches where a non-traditional “bulb” or replaceable light source format is used and specially designed for a unique fixture. Some LED light fixtures may have LEDs built in as a permanent light source. Some LED bulb solutions may physically resemble familiar light bulbs and better match the appearance of traditional light bulbs. Small in size, LEDs provide unique design opportunities.

LEDs are incorporated into bulbs and fixtures for general lighting applications.

How does the light bulb work