LEDs have been part of our dailylife for a long time now, for many of us unnoticed within appliances in our homes as a signal light (computer for instance, TV, remote controls, watches,etc). Their use for lighting purposes, however, much later. LEDs originally existed in coloured forms only, and with very little light output. With the development of LED technology, LED light is now regularly used as a main source of lighting both in households and in commercial use.

Several conditions need to be fulfilled in order to create LED light bulbs . First of all, individual LED lighting operates at low voltage, so internal circuits need to be added to it to operate them. Also, technological developments in LED lighting had to advance in light output and colours available. With the invention of high power LED light bulbs, birth output has become possible, as well as long-term use of the LED lighting.These ultra bright LEDs are now developed to emit 200 lumens per Watt, though these recent research results achieve by Cree are not yet available on the market.

Even though individual LEDs are available with very bright output, their use in a light bulb has more requirements. High power LEDs are very bright, still, to create an LED light bulb suitable for replacing a 60W halogen for instance, several one of these are implied in a single light bulb, which is quite a limited space. LED lighting is highly sensitive to heat, and high power LEDs emit quite a lot, even though it is still a fraction of what a traditional light bulb does. Proper thermal management is essential for these LED light bulbs, which is solved with heat sinks for the bulbs. Design for bulbs is significant, since LEDs easily overheat themselves shortening their lifespan. Extra circulation of the air slows down this process.

Besides the recent introduction of LED replacement bulbs for 40W and 50W halogens by Osram and Philips, numerous Chinese manufacturers offer replacement solutions for our energy-hungry halogen bulbs. These products – though lacking a proper brand name – often include quality components and offer warranty to their products. Obviously, these products come at a more modest price and are therefore more easy to afford for most of us.

White colour lighting appeared with the introduction of blue LEDs, which can either get a phosphor cover and emit cold white light, or can be used with RGB technology to create the full spectrum of light, including white light. Both technologies are used to create white light LEDs, depending on the form of light and the manufacturer.

LED light bulbs are available with standard fittings for easy retrofit replacement. Lights running at mains usually have no special requirements (dimmable LED light bulbs are exceptions, as they need specific dimming systems depending on the bulb). These can replace current halogen or incandescent bulbs instantly. However low voltage LED lights requiring transformers  for their operation need special care. LED suitable transformers are always a requirement, though these requirement depend on the light in question. Still, transformers used for halogen lights in most cases ruin LEDs, so make sure you use the proper power supply whenever you switch for low power LEDs.