1:56p.m. 31st March 2008

| By Sharon Luck

The humble lightbulb has done its job ever since Thomas Edison improved on a 50-yearold idea in 1879, but in recent years, it has been burned and spurned under the glare of the environmental spotlight.

And with new information and technology available, we are now emerging from yet another illluminating revolution.

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are the newest and possibly brightest options for lighting applications.

Found in electronic devices, vehicle lights, street lighting or even garden lights, LED technology is fast becoming the popular choice for a wide range of light sources due to its durability and energy-saving benefits.

Unlike the more commonly used incandescent bulb, LEDs do not have a filament that will burn out, and therefore have a much longer life span.

They also produce far more light per watt than an incandescent bulb.

Paul Barron, an electrical engineer at HPM, one of Australia’s leading suppliers of electrical accessories, says: “LED technology was first created in the 1920s, but they’ve become much more prevalent in the last couple of years since the development of white LED lighting technology.”

The main advantage that LEDs have over conventional lighting is their energy efficiency.

An incandescent bulb wastes a significant amount of energy while it is producing light. It acts more like an electric heater – warming the filament before there is enough energy to create light.

LEDs, on the other hand, do not have a filament to heat, so the electrical power is used simply to generate light. This considerably reduces electricity demands.

While LED lights are currently being developed for standard domestic fittings, a wide range of LED garden lights are already available. They do not contain any UV light and are less attractive to insects than halogen or fluorescent lights, making them ideal for outdoor entertaining areas.

They also generate less heat, so there is no risk of foliage burn.

“Given the environmental considerations of today, LED lights are the ideal solution for environmentally conscious households,” said Barron.

“While the initial payment for LEDs is slightly higher than ordinary bulbs, the 100,000 hours life span of LED lights, in comparison to just 1000 to 2000 hours for an incandescent bulb, means that LEDs are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.”

HPM produces a range of DIY 12V LED garden lighting which is available from leading hardware stores.

The range includes a selection of wall lights, deck and step lights, path lights, bollards and spotlights made from architectural grade materials, including solid cast aluminum and stainless steel.

Are you ready to make the switch?