Shedding Light on Common LED Terms

LED lighting has become the standard for Australian homes and businesses, thanks to its energy efficiency, long lifespan, and wide variety of options. But when you’re shopping for downlights, strip lighting, or outdoor fittings, the technical jargon can be confusing. To make things easier, here’s a breakdown of the most common LED lighting terms you’ll come across.

Wattage (W)

Traditionally, people judged the brightness of a light by its wattage. With LEDs, that’s changed. Wattage now refers to how much power the light consumes, not how bright it is. For example, a 10W LED downlight can often produce the same brightness as an old 60W halogen globe - while using far less energy. When comparing LEDs, wattage helps you understand energy consumption, but brightness is better measured in lumens.

Lumens (lm)

Lumens measure the actual light output. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light. For example, a typical LED downlight might produce around 800–1000 lumens, which is ideal for general household use. If you’re lighting larger areas like offices or outdoor spaces, you’ll want fittings with higher lumen levels. Always compare lumens rather than wattage when deciding how bright your space will be.

Colour Temperature (Kelvin, K)

Colour temperature describes the appearance of the light, from warm and cosy to cool and crisp. It’s measured in Kelvin (K):

• Warm White (2700K-3000K): A soft, yellowish light that creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.

• Cool White (4000K): A neutral, bright light often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.

• Daylight (5000K-6500K): A crisp, bluish light that mimics natural daylight, great for task lighting or commercial environments.

Tri-Colour Options

Many modern LEDs are tri-colour selectable, meaning you can switch between warm white, cool white, and daylight using a simple toggle or switch on the fitting. This gives you flexibility to adjust the ambience without replacing the light.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

The IP rating tells you how well a light fitting is protected against dust and water. It’s especially important for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. The rating is shown as two numbers:

• The first digit indicates protection against solids (like dust).

• The second digit indicates protection against moisture.

For example:

• IP20: Indoor use, no water protection.

• IP44: Suitable for bathrooms (resistant to splashes).

• IP65: Weather-resistant, perfect for outdoor fittings.

Input Voltage

LED fittings are designed to run on different voltages. The most common in Australia are:

• 240V (Mains Voltage): Standard household voltage - common for downlights, floodlights, and most fixed fittings.

• 12V Low Voltage: Often used for garden lighting or specialty fittings. Requires a transformer or driver to step down the power.

Always check the input voltage to ensure compatibility with your wiring and installation.

Lighting the Way Forward

By understanding wattage, lumens, colour temperature (including tri-colour options), IP rating, and input voltage, you’ll be able to make smarter choices when selecting LED lighting. And here’s a pro tip: always check the product datasheet for the most accurate details on performance and installation requirements. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen with cool white downlights, installing warm ambient lighting in your living room, or adding outdoor security floodlights, these terms (and the datasheet) give you the confidence to find the right product for your needs.