Do LED Lights Get Hot? Everything You Should Know

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Do LED Lights Get Hot?

You’ve probably heard that LED lights get hot, but what does this mean? Does it mean that they’re dangerous to touch or that they’ll explode at any moment? Let’s start by clearing up some confusion around the term “heat.” Heat is an essential part of any light bulb—it takes energy to produce light and generate heat, but some bulbs produce more heat than others.

LED lights are a good example of this. While other light bulbs can get extremely hot when you turn them on, LED lights usually only get slightly warm, if at all (they may even feel cold to the touch). It is because LEDs use less energy than other bulbs, which means they don't waste as much energy producing unnecessary heat.

In addition to being more efficient when it comes to using electricity, LEDs also last longer than many kinds of traditional incandescent bulbs. The beam itself in the Led doesn’t actually produce heat. It is the fixture that creates a little heat generation. LEDs only utilize about 20-50% of the heat from the bulb, whereas an incandescent bulb uses 10% of electricity for light and 90% for heat, meaning it will be extremely hot to the touch.

Many people want to know do LED lights get hot is because they don’t want to get burned or run the risk of fire damage. When a traditional lightbulb breaks from an accident, the heat in the glass bulb can be extremely dangerous.

Are there LED Light Bulbs that Don't Get Hot?

Yes, there are LED bulbs that don’t get hot. The reason that they don't get hot is that they don’t use a filament as incandescent and halogen lights do. Instead, they use semiconductors that produce light through electro-luminescence (EL). They also have a lifespan of 50,000 hours, so you won't need to replace them for quite some time.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that LED lighting produces whiter light than conventional incandescent or halogen bulbs which means you may need multiple lights in order to achieve the same ambiance as your previous bulb. You need to remember that even though LED lights only produce a minor amount of heat, you should still follow some essential safety tips. That includes:

  • Turn off the lights you are not using to increase their lifetimes.
  • Be sure to follow any special instructions from the manufacturers.
  • Keep your LED bulbs in ventilated spaces, so the heat doesn’t increase even further.
  • Make sure your fixtures are secure, so family or pets do not knock them over.

All in all, you will most likely not have to deal with a fire caused by LED lights. They get nowhere near the over 216 degrees Celsius temperature of incandescent bulbs which are far more dangerous. That is probably where the LED lights hot myth comes from because consumers have been used to hot glass from traditional options.

Bonus Tips: How to Prevent Light Degradation in LED Bulbs?

LED bulbs come with some heat sinks to remove extra temperature. It is an excellent way to lower the heat being generated, so the lifespan of your LED bulbs is extended.

Asking do LED bulbs get hot has to do with degradation. This is when the light cannot produce as much luminosity or color brilliance over time. You can easily combat this effect by:

  • Minimizing the vibrations around the LED light bulbs.
  • Using secure fittings away from ceiling fans and doors.
  • Ensuring you have quality heat sinks built into the fixtures.

FAQ

Can Hot LED Lights Cause a Fire?
LED lights are made of plastic, metal, and glass. They do not have any filaments that can overheat and cause a fire, unlike incandescent bulbs that contain a tungsten filament. The light-emitting diode is the only component in an LED light that emits heat; it is encased in plastic or coated with a material that protects it from heat damage.

Why Choose LED Lights Over Other Bulb Types?
The first advantage of LED lights is that they are more energy efficient than other types of bulbs. In fact, many LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours and consume only a fraction of the energy used by incandescent bulbs. That makes them a more efficient and eco-friendly option.

Do LED String Lights Get Hot?
LED lights do not get hot. They are safer than incandescent bulbs, which can get so hot they can cause a fire or burn your skin if you touch them. That is fantastic when you use LED string lights for your Christmas tree or to line your bedroom walls to change colors to the music.

Conclusion

We have covered everything you need to know about how hot do LED bulbs get and how to prevent them from overheating. The most important thing is to choose a bulb type and size that works best for your situation.

When you are shopping around for the best quality LED light bulbs to use in your home, business, or commercial space, check out the premium LED options we have available. This way, you get the brilliance you want in your workspace, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor setting, and more!

Written by LEDVANCE USC
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