Integrated LED or a replaceable light source?
With many modern lamps you no longer see a light source. The light comes from a line, a ring or an edge. That is integrated LED: the LEDs are built permanently into the fitting. Beautiful, but it raises a logical question. What if it ever stops working?
The difference in brief
| Integrated LED | Replaceable light source | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Free: lines, rings, slim profiles | Bound to the fitting |
| Light | Even, no visible bulb | Depends on the bulb you choose |
| Lifespan | Typically 25,000 to 50,000 burning hours | Per bulb, replaceable |
| Light colour | Fixed, set by the maker | Your own choice |
How long does integrated LED last?
Most LED modules are made for 25,000 to 50,000 burning hours. If the lamp is on three hours a day, that is well over twenty years. LED also rarely fails suddenly: the light becomes very gradually a little weaker over the years.
So what does fail?
If something breaks, it is usually the driver: the unit that converts mains voltage into the voltage for the LEDs. It often sits in the ceiling cover and on most fittings can be replaced separately. The lamp itself does not need to go.
Why choose integrated LED?
- Freedom of form. Without a fitting, a lamp can be a thin ring or a floating line.
- Calm light. No bright point to look into, but an even glow.
- No hassle. You never need to find or replace the right bulb.
Why choose a separate light source?
- Your choice. You decide the light colour and brightness, and can change later.
- Visible light source. With clear glass, a beautiful bulb is part of the design.
- Easy to replace. A new bulb is fitted in a minute.
Which fitting your lamp has, see E27, E14, G9 or GU10.
Note when dimming
Not every integrated LED is dimmable, and not every dimmer works with it. Check whether the lamp is dimmable, and see which dimmer works with LED lighting.
Our warranty
On our stock lamps we give five years’ warranty on the whole lamp, and on the exclusive collection ten years. That includes the built-in LED. So you need not worry about a part you cannot replace yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the LED myself?
Usually not the LEDs themselves, but the driver yes. In case of a fault, contact us first.
What light colour does integrated LED have?
It differs per lamp and is listed in the product details. For the home, warm white works best; see which light colour per room.
View the pendant lamps or see them lit in our showroom in Arnhem.
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