Why we should care about about LED Vibration Resistance
Due to its excellent efficiency, low power consumption, and long lifespan, LED lights are currently used all over the world. LED lights are strong, but a variety of factors can affect how well they operate in real-world situations. Particularly, the hostile environment will lower LED lights’ reliability, leading to breakdowns. In order to comply with applicable requirements, every LED light must pass a number of tests, including thermal and rain testing. The measurements of ingress and impact resistance are known as IP rating and IK ratings, respectively. Another crucial element for the consistent operation of LED lights is vibration. But it’s frequently disregarded. Vibration resistance of LED lights is crucial for applications such as bridges, roads, loading docks, and tunnels. The four frequently asked issues about the vibration resistance of LED lights are addressed in this post. I hope this post might help you understand how well LED lights can withstand vibration.
Are LED lights vibration-sensitive?
The idea that LEDs are sensitive to vibration is untrue. LEDs are actually vibration- and shock-resistant. Typically, the ability of LED lights to work and glow normally under the stress of vibration is used to assess their sensitivity to vibration. LEDs are semiconductor devices made up of an n-type and p-type semiconductor juxtaposed together. A light output equivalent to the energy of the semiconductor band gap is produced as a result of the electrons and holes in the devices compounding as a result of the current flowing through them. Glue is used to cure the LEDs on the brackets, and wires are used to link them to the circuit board. Epoxy is finally used to seal LEDs, encasing and safeguarding the electronic components. LEDs are shock and vibration robust because to the solid stage packet and non-filament architecture. LEDs are therefore not frightened of vibration while being transported.
LEDs are very simple to install in any small or closed devices. As of now, it is clear that LED lights are not similarly vibration-sensitive. LEDs are able to emit light normally in the presence of shock and vibration since they lack filaments and moving parts. However, this does not imply that LED lights are impervious to all forceful vibrations; over time, LED lights can be harmed by frequent, strong vibration.
What impact does vibration have on LED lights?
As was previously mentioned, vibration has no effect on LEDs or LED lights. But LED lighting is made up of more than just LEDs. Vibration has an impact on all fasteners, mounting brackets, and electrical components. Breakouts and failures may happen if vibration exceeds the capacity of LED lights. For instance, to illuminate roads or bridges, LED lights are put on tall poles. Traffic and a strong, constant wind create a significant vibration that shakes the poles and jeopardizes the LED lights’ solid support. Such vibration could result in a dangerous accident.
Going back to LED lights, excessive vibration can cause the glass to break and the connections to become loose. For the majority of LED lights, one of the irreducible materials is glass. Glass is frequently used for LED light fixtures’ diffuser and lens. Glass is brittle in comparison to other materials. Vibration can consequently cause glass to break. When making diffusers or lenses, tempered glass is used to increase the resistance to vibration. The loose connection is another impact of excessive vibration. Inside the LED light, many parts are wired and connected to one another. LEDs cannot emit light without a power source. When wire connections are lost due to vibration, the power supply to LEDs is blocked, which causes flicker or breakouts.
What requirements do LED lights have for vibration resistance?
Electronic equipment is subject to a variety of vibration testing criteria. Some of them focus on the electrical performance and safety. Some of them concentrate on the bare minimal ability to function in various environmental circumstances. There are three criteria that can be used to evaluate an LED light’s vibration resistance in lighting.
IEC 60598-1
Internationally recognized IEC 60598-1 defines the specifications for the creation, assembly, and testing of electrical luminaires. According to this standard, luminaires must be able to operate while under vibrational stress. Particular emphasis is placed in this standard on the resistance against vibration in street lights and floodlights. Additionally, the standard states that during normal operation, the connection between each component of the luminaires should not be lost due to vibration.
IEC 60068-2-6
IEC 60068-2-6 is a testing standard that only uses sinusoidal vibration to verify the operation of luminaires. For a while, luminaires ought to work properly within the testing frequency range. The test report details the luminaire’s performance and testing frequency. Even though sinusoidal vibration is uncommon in real-world situations, it helps us better comprehend vibration.
ANSI C136.31
An American national standard known as ANSI C136.31 established the minimal vibration tolerance requirements for street and area luminaires. According to ANSI regulations, 3G Test acceleration rating is claimed. The 3G test determines whether a luminaire can resist the worst possible vibrations. According to this standard, 3.0 G tests are conducted on bridge or overpass luminaires. The test level for luminaires for other locations is 1.5 G. After the test, any loose pieces that can compromise the luminaires’ safety and functionality are not permitted.
To what extent are LED lights vibration-resistant
Mechanical vibrations between 0 and 30 Hz generally have a negative impact on LED lighting. However, it is challenging to determine the precise vibration resistance of LED lights. The ability of LED light to endure vibration is influenced by a wide range of elements. The primary determinants are the vibrations’ frequency and strength, the LED lights’ quality, their distance from the vibration source, and their material. LED lights are susceptible to failure when subjected to constant, strong vibration. According to research, when LED lights were 34.74 inches away from a 15Hz vibration, their intensity dropped by 25%. However, there were no appreciable changes in the brightness at 39.74 inches. Long distances reduce vibration, allowing LED lights to operate normally in the presence of significant disturbance.
Glass can break and connections can become loose due to vibration. LED lights are more likely to break or explode if their glass is not shatterproof, even under low-intensity vibration. Although it is difficult to determine how much vibration LED lights can tolerate, if you choose LED lights that adhere to the necessary standards and regulations, you won’t need to worry about sudden failures brought on by vibration.
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