You have seen them popping up everywhere recently. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming a popular form of illumination for both lighting fixtures and business signage. Lasting longer and operating more safely than traditional light bulbs, LEDs can do wonders for your business—and your utility bill. But there is one tiny problem that some people have been experiencing: inconsistencies in color between LED bulbs.
You could end up having several bulbs in a row that are all different colors, which is obviously not preferable in a parking lot or in your office or warehouse. Since this issue has been so common, we have decided to discuss ways to solve LED lighting color consistency problems quickly.
What Is Color Consistency?
We’ll start with the technical definition of color consistency, which is the “light quality index for LED lights.” Color consistency is discussed in terms of Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), describing colors like white as neutral, blue as cool, and red as warm.
When looking at LEDs, color consistency is often affected by a couple of things, such as human perception—color vision—and the temperature at which light is emitted from the LED in question. LED color consistency is split between two groups: green/magenta and blue/yellow.
Green/Magenta
The differences between green and magenta are described as a degree of deep ultraviolet (DUV). The DUV metric means that 0.000 is neutral; as the color shifts to a negative scale, it indicates magenta. On the positive Duv metric, you get green.
Blue/Yellow
Occurring more frequently is a discrepancy between blue/yellow. This variation is measured in Kelvin (K), for the color temperature. Depending on how the lighting is going to be used, the color variation may be more or less acceptable. Normal or a cooler white is usually around +/- 150K, whereas a warmer temperature is around +/- 75K.
Common Color Consistency Problems With LED Lighting
Over time, you may notice that the color of the LED lights within your building or office space will change color as bulbs are swapped out. This inconsistent color can be unappealing aesthetically. It often comes from differences in the tolerances of the manufacturer.
If the manufacturer of the LEDs is not as strict about the color consistency of the chips they used in the LED lights (also known as “binning”), you might end up in a situation where one strip of LED lights is noticeably whiter than the others, or vice versa. But why does this happen? Just like any other product, LEDs vary in voltage, lumens, and CCT because of production outcomes. So, LEDs arrive to buyers in large bins, so only groups of LEDs conforming to certain specifications can get sorted out together. Yet, some manufacturers of the lights are not as strident with their selections as others.
Furthermore, age may change the color of an LED light, because the chips inside may not all be the same.
Solutions To Fix LED Lighting Color Consistency Issues
Do not let the inconsistencies of LED lighting turn you away from them. In reality, while the problem can be considerable, you can avoid it entirely or, at least, amend the problems. There are a couple of solutions that we recommend you try. The first route is more technical than the second.
Technical Methods For Solving Color Consistency Problems
From a technological standpoint, the further LEDs develop, the more we can do to mitigate lighting consistency problems. For example, Xicato, a lighting manufacturer, has come up with some LED module that can self-regulate. This means that the module will move around the phosphors, adapting to the chips and bins used. This is a game-changer.
Another advancement in LED technology has been dubbed “color tuning.” With color tuning, you can essentially dim warm and cool LED lights, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance. This is not only helpful with creating more consistency, but it can be useful in setting moods and regulating certain biological processes, like our circadian rhythms.
Plus, if you can dial into the right color, you will never have to worry about color consistency.
The only downside to these technical methods to solve the color consistency problem with LED lighting is that they are not widespread. We are going to have to wait for such advancements to become a bit more mainstream. Otherwise, you will be paying a premium for it, and that may be beyond your current business budget.
Practical Methods For Solving Color Consistency Problems
Luckily, there are other ways to get the color consistency you want. First, you want to use a reliable company for your lighting and illuminated signage needs. That will ensure that you are getting LEDs that are color-matched and have the correct tolerances. Secondly, choose a common color, such as neutral, since the variances will be minor compared to more pronounced colors.
The chance always remains that one chip out of a dozen may have slipped through the cracks, so you should be prepared for LED lighting color consistency issues when they arise. Sadly, there is no real solution to stop inconsistencies completely. Working with a trustworthy contractor is your best bet at this time.
Get Those LED Lights Looking Right With Tupp Signs
LED color consistency problems are common, but that does not mean that you have to deal with it. Instead, you should work with a reputable company for your LED lighting needs. Whether you are ordering something special or just need replacement bulbs, going to the same company time and again ensures that you are getting LEDs with less variances, so the colors will not change too drastically.
Want to learn more or looking for assistance with your LED lighting? The Tupp Signs team can help with purchasing LED lights and even get you more consistent lighting. Why not give us a call or contact us by filling out the form?