The Ultimate LED Bulb Buying Guide: Decoding Package Labels and Making Informed Choices2

Watt (W): Watt is a unit of power that measures the rate of energy consumption. In the context of lighting, wattage indicates the amount of electrical power consumed by a light source to produce light. It directly influences energy usage and operating costs. Historically, wattage was used as a rough indicator of brightness, with higher wattages generally corresponding to brighter lights. (However, with the advent of energy-efficient lighting technologies like LEDs, the relationship between wattage and brightness has become less direct.) Therefore, in order to be consistent with the previous habit of choosing incandescent lamps, LED bulbs are often labeled with an equivalent incandescent wattage. This helps consumers transition from traditional bulbs to LEDs more easily. For instance, a 75W-equivalent LED bulb consumes far less power(11W) while providing similar brightness(1100lm) as the 75W incandescent.

Yuji only indicates the luminous flux instead of the incandescent equivalence on the label. If you are used to incandescent lamps before and are more used to measuring the brightness of the light by wattage, then you can also find this information on the product page.

Power and wattage equivalence in lighting provide consumers with a convenient way to understand the brightness of different types of bulbs relative to traditional incandescent bulbs. By considering both wattage equivalence and actual lumen output, consumers can make informed decisions to select energy-efficient lighting solutions that meet their lighting needs while reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

 6. Light Quality Parameter: CRI R9 and TM30

When evaluating the quality of light emitted by LED sources, one important parameter to consider is the Color Rendering Index (CRI). Besides, R9 and the IES TM-30-18 are still important metrics to value the light quality for some special applications.

The CRI (Color Rendering Index) is a measure of how well the LED bulb renders colors. The CRI ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher number indicating better color rendering. LED bulbs with a high CRI are ideal for areas where accurate color representation is important, such as art studios or makeup areas.

For more knowledge of CRI, please click to check the blog: What is CRI?

https://store.yujiintl.com/blogs/all-about-led-technology/what-is-cri

Under normal circumstances, most manufacturers will only mark CRI value. But if the quality of a light is measured from a more professional perspective, multidimensional test metrics must be introduced, namely: CRI R9, TM30 test report, CQS, etc. When most manufacturers are only marking CRI, Yuji's products have already provided the values of R9 and TM30. This proves our work is completed in accordance with industry-leading standards.

Specifically, CRI R9 refers to the ability of a light source to render saturated red colors accurately. While the overall CRI value provides a general indication of color accuracy, CRI R9 specifically assesses the rendering of red colors, which are critical for applications such as skin tones, textiles, and certain fruits and flowers.

The IES TM-30-18 (Technical Memorandum 30-18) is a method developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) to evaluate the color rendition of light sources using a comprehensive set of metrics beyond those provided by traditional CRI.

Unlike CRI, which can sometimes be limited in its ability to accurately assess color rendering, TM-30-18 provides a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation of color quality. It offers insights into the fidelity and saturation of colors, as well as information about hue shifts and color preferences.

TM-30-18 is increasingly being used by lighting designers, architects, and manufacturers to specify and evaluate lighting systems for a wide range of applications, including architectural lighting, retail displays, hospitality spaces, and residential environments.

7. Dimmability (Dimming Mode)

Some LED bulbs are dimmable, allowing users to adjust the brightness according to their preferences. Check the package label to ensure compatibility with dimmer switches if this feature is desired.

Types of Dimming:

Triac Dimming: Triac dimming is another type of phase-cut dimming that uses a semiconductor device called a triac to control the flow of current to the LED bulb. It offers smooth dimming performance and is commonly used in commercial and residential dimming applications.

0-10V Dimming: 0-10V dimming is a control method where a separate low-voltage control signal (0-10 volts) is used to adjust the brightness of the LED bulb. It is often used in commercial and architectural lighting systems that require precise dimming control.

PWM Dimming: Pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming involves rapidly switching the LED bulb on and off at varying frequencies to control the average light output. This dimming method is commonly used in LED lighting systems with digital or smart dimming capabilities.

Not all LED bulbs are compatible with all dimmer switches or control systems. It's essential to choose LED bulbs that are specifically labeled as dimmable and compatible with the dimming method used in your lighting setup.

In summary, LED bulb dimming mode provides users with flexible control over lighting levels, energy savings, and ambiance enhancement. By understanding the types of dimming methods, compatibility considerations, and benefits of dimmable LED bulbs, users can optimize their lighting experience to suit their needs and preferences.

8. Beam Angle

The beam angle indicates how wide the light is distributed. A narrower beam angle concentrates light in a smaller area to suitable for focused lighting, while a wider beam angle disperses light over a larger area and is ideal for general illumination.

Narrow Beam Angle (15-30 degrees): Narrow beam angles provide focused and directional light, making them ideal for accent lighting, spotlighting, and task-oriented applications where precision illumination is required.

Medium Beam Angle (30-60 degrees): Medium beam angles offer a balance between focused and wide dispersion of light. They are suitable for general lighting in residential and commercial settings, as well as for accentuating specific areas or objects.

Wide Beam Angle (60+ degrees): Wide beam angles provide broad and uniform illumination over larger areas. They are commonly used for ambient lighting, wall washing, and floodlighting applications where even distribution of light is desired.

9. Lifespan and Warranty

LED bulbs are known for their longevity. Package labels often display the estimated lifespan in hours. Look for bulbs with high-quality components and reliable warranties to ensure durability and peace of mind.

10. Specific Features and Functions

Explore additional features and functions offered by LED bulbs, such as Flicker-free，full spectrum，smart lighting capabilities, color-changing options, and compatibility with home automation systems. These features can enhance convenience, versatility, and customization in your lighting setup.

Armed with the knowledge of how to read an LED bulb package label, consumers can confidently navigate the vast array of options available in the market. By considering factors such as bulb shape, base type, color temperature, lumens, light quality parameters, dimmability, beam angle, lifespan, and additional features, you can make informed decisions and create the perfect lighting environment for your home or business.