Quick take: good LED lighting is more than “lumens for less.” What really matters: LED quality, driver electronics, materials and thermal design, safety and EMC. Here’s a friendly buyer’s guide—from economy to premium.
Economy vs. premium – what’s the difference?
| Area | Economy products | Premium / exclusive products |
|---|---|---|
| Materials & thermals | Cheaper plastics, thinner copper, modest heatsinks. | Aluminium, thicker PCB (e.g., 2–3 oz), efficient heatsinks/profiles. |
| LEDs & colour | Wider colour variance (higher SDCM), CRI≈80. | Tighter binning (lower SDCM), CRI 90+, stable CCT. |
| Electronics (driver) | Lower efficiency, weaker filtering; possible flicker. | High efficiency, low flicker, PF≥0.9, full protections. |
| Safety & EMC | Basic levels, higher interference risk. | EMC class B testing, better surge immunity, certifications. |
| Lifetime & warranty | Shorter service life, limited warranty. | Extended lifetime (cooler operation), longer warranty. |
| Total cost | Low entry price, more replacements/maintenance. | Higher purchase price, lower total cost over time (TCO). |
What are you buying? A quick overview
1) LED (component)
- Look for: binning consistency, CRI, power dissipation and heat path.
- Use cases: custom builds, COB modules, retrofits.
2) LED bulbs (E27, GU10, etc.)
- Key specs: lumens, beam angle, CRI≥80/90, low flicker, PF≥0.5 (home) / ≥0.9 (office).
- Tip: for reading/work choose CRI 90+ and steady 3000–4000 K.
3) LED strips
- Important: LED density (LEDs/m), lm/m, CRI, PCB copper weight, operating temp.
- Installation: always use aluminium profiles with diffuser; multi-point power injection on longer runs; proper thermal tape/adhesive.
- Environment: pick the right IP rating (IP20 indoors, IP65/67 for moisture).
4) Ready-made luminaires
- Check: optics (uniformity, UGR for offices), IP/IK, housing quality, serviceability.
- Premium: better heatsinking, stable colour, higher efficacy and longer warranty.
5) LED power supplies (drivers)
- Types: constant voltage (12/24 V) for strips; constant current (mA) for modules/COB.
- Quality markers: efficiency, PF, low ripple/flicker, SCP/OVP/OTP protections, surge immunity.
- Mounting: ventilation, enclosure compatibility; plug-in vs. modular vs. IP67.
When is it worth paying more?
- Colour fidelity & CRI 90+: photography, retail, kitchens, office.
- Continuous operation: high-efficiency, low-flicker drivers.
- Harsh environments: IP65/67, aluminium bodies, cooling profiles.
- Sensitive sites (EMC): low interference, high PF, robust filtering.
Quick buying checklist
- Define the application (mood, task, display, outdoor).
- Pick CCT and CRI for the job.
- Size the lumens and beam pattern.
- Match the driver (CV/CC) with ~20–30% power headroom.
- Ensure cooling and space for the driver.
- Verify IP/IK, warranty, certifications and EMC parameters.
Bottom line: premium costs more because it delivers stable colour, longer life, quiet (electrically and acoustically) operation and better materials—saving time and money in the long run.
Need help choosing? Contact us and we’ll prepare a tailored proposal.