How to predict LED life?

Real-world issues: LEDs don’t always last as long as expected. Although LED lighting is known for being energy-efficient, eco-friendly, long-lasting, easy to control, and low maintenance, there’s an ironic twist — many people complain that the power supply itself is the main reason LED lights don’t live up to their promised lifespan. This leads to higher maintenance costs or inefficient operation, which reduces the overall energy efficiency of the system. Additionally, poor current regulation can cause flickering or inconsistent brightness, undermining the quality of light and diminishing the environmental benefits of LED technology.

So, how can we accurately predict the life of an LED? Everything in nature has a beginning, development, and end. While LEDs are significantly more durable than traditional light sources, they still have a limited lifespan. In the early days, LEDs were mainly used in small devices like flashlights or desk lamps, where their short lifespan wasn't a major concern. However, with the widespread use of high-power LEDs in streetlights and other outdoor applications, the issue of longevity has become much more critical. Theoretically, LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours, but in practice, this number is often not achieved due to various factors.

Assuming the power supply and driver are functioning properly, the lifespan of an LED is primarily determined by its light output degradation. Over time, the brightness gradually decreases until it eventually fades out. The standard definition of an LED's lifespan is the point at which its light output drops by 30%. Understanding and predicting this decay is essential for ensuring long-term performance and maximizing the value of LED lighting systems.