Do LED Lights Also Perform Perfect in Cold Weather?

As we all know, LED lighting performance is affected by heat. It is claimed that LEDs have a wide suitable temperature range from -30 °C to 60 °C and the optimum temperature for LED lighting is 25 °C. High ambient temperature will reduce the effectiveness of LED lighting performance, resulting in lower power-to-light conversion. What about low temperature if high ambient temperature weakens the performance of LEDs? Does the performance of LED lighting improve with lower temperature?

There are two main considerations regarding the cold weather performance of LED lights - smooth starting and stable operation capability. Generally speaking, cold weather means cooler temperatures. Rain, ice and snow also occur in cold weather. To understand whether LED lights perform well in cold weather, we need to know how LEDs work and the relationship between temperature and LED light performance.


How Does LED Work?

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light by current flows. A die is the active area of ​​the LED. Plastic or ceramic body covers one or more molds. When the LED is forward facing, the electrons can recombine inside the electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescence. The core of an LED is a sheet consisting of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, with a transition layer between them called the PN junction. In the PN junction of some semiconductor materials, minority carriers injected with majority carriers will release excess energy in the form of light. Therefore, LED can directly convert electrical energy into light energy. The color of the light is related to the energy required for the emitted electrons. The more energy released, the shorter the wavelength of the emitted light.



How Does Cold Weather Affect the Performance of LEDs?

LEDs Start to Operate Normally in Cold Weather

The capacity to start lighting in cold weather is important for some areas. LED is a semiconductor, that is, free electrons in a negatively charged component are transferred to holes in positively charged components with the help of electrical energy. Light is emitted when forward activity occurs. LEDs are heated by the current flowing through them. Since the LEDs respond in the electronic driver instead of warming up, the LEDs can be activated in cold weather. In addition, electronic drives can be used even from -30 °C. So LED lights can perform well in cold weather.

Lumen Output Is Unaffected by Cold Weather

Unlike traditional lighting methods, LED lights generate less heat. The port temperature and ambient temperature are therefore lower than conventional lights. Supports lower junction and ambient temperature current conduction. Lumen output is then improved due to less stress on the driver. As a result, cold weather will not affect the performance of LED lights in general conditions.

There is a constant decrease in the relative luminous flux with increasing junction temperature. In other words, lower temperature does not degrade LED lighting performance.
LED Lighting Performance in Cold Weather
In cold weather, the lighting performance is affected by the materials, sealing and electrical equipment of the LED luminaires as well as the LEDs.

LED Luminaire Materials

LED lighting performance is threatened by cold weather, as most materials of LED luminaires are greatly affected by low temperature and water. Therefore, the material of LED luminaires is critical to LED lighting performance. The components of LED luminaires must be made of high quality material. For example, the glass had to be breakable glass, which enables the LED fixture to withstand sudden temperature changes. Metal, aluminum, carbon steels and plastic are widely used as the main material of LED luminaires.They may become more brittle and rot due to low temperature. Manufacturers use containment housing to protect materials from the influence of low temperature. Waterproofing and corrosion resistance are also important for the materials of LED luminaires.

Sealing of LED Luminaires

Sealing must also be considered for lighting performance in cold weather. Gaskets need to be poured and adjusted to a temperature above 0 °C. It means that sealing is difficult in cold weather when the temperature is below 0 °C. Low temperature may cause the LED luminaire components to deteriorate, exposing the internal component to exposure risk. In addition, it is difficult to obtain proper seal installations in the field due to the low temperature. To solve the problem, the parts of the LED fixtures are advanced sealed at the factory, reducing the need for sealing in cold temperature conditions. Factory sealed, it increases the safety of the electrical parts of the luminaires and simplifies installation.

Electrical Equipment of LED Luminaires

Wire and cable is electrical equipment that transfers electricity to LEDs for lighting. Since LED does not generate much heat, snow and ice can cover LED luminaires in cold weather and cause serious problems in lighting performance. Apart from snow and ice, LED luminaires also face the risk of rain. The factors mentioned earlier have a significant impact on wire and cable. It is recommended to store the cables at a temperature above 10 °C before installation. The intense stress and low temperature of snow, ice, and rain damage the insulation on wire and cable, possibly impeding electrical conduction. Consequently, laying of cables must be done slowly and carefully.



LED Lights can perform well in cold weather. Since LEDs need electricity, not heat, to burn, they work normally in cold weather. In addition, the lumen output of the LEDs is not affected by cold weather. LEDs generate less heat than conventional lighting. The cold air releases stress on the driver and subsequently improves lumen output overall.But the lighting performance of LED lights is not only related to LEDs, but also to the material, sealing and electrical equipment of LED luminaires. Cold weather greatly affects their performance. While the material may be more brittle in cold weather, it is difficult to seal in cold weather. Electrical equipment such as wire and cable are more likely to be damaged by cold weather. You can visit our shop for LED fixtures that are perfectly designed for typically cold areas. Soli Lighting offers LED lighting solutions for harsh weather conditions and cold storage.