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High quality efficient home lighting using LEDs, HIRs and Halogens

Discussion in 'Garage / Workshop' started by crashnburn80, Oct 28, 2018.

  1. Oct 1, 2021 at 8:04 PM
    #121
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Somewhat embarrassing to say I finally replaced the defective hood par20 lamp. Of course couldn’t have chosen a worse time as nearly everywhere seemed sold out with product shortages to match my existing Green Creative UHD 95+ CRI 3000k 40 degree flood Par20, but found one place that still had them in stock:
    https://www.beeslighting.com/6.5PAR20DIM-930FL40-B?keyword={bkeyword}&creative={bcreative}&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg86t3N6q8wIVBBLnCh3G_Qa-EAQYASABEgL2hfD_BwE

    The box lists 45+ years lifetime, hopefully that is more accurate this time.

    A3C790EA-07E8-4A33-9096-5682686CE896.jpg

    1CF91A60-D918-474C-931C-DA2DEF098BF0.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2021
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  2. Dec 3, 2021 at 7:31 PM
    #122
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Made the switch this year to programable LED RGB Christmas lights, change the colors at a touch of the remote.

    For Seahawks game days, switch to blue and green.
    A934F8D6-584C-4168-B8CD-4C2EA9259A8B.jpg

    But. I hate them.

    Forgive the indoor pictures of outdoor lights, but this is the yellow/warm white setting, which is actually very yellow. The pictures look better than they do in person.
    C60D0D54-AA81-4967-BFFB-FFA83139B3A9_1_201_a.jpg

    But when you look away, turn your head or first glance at the lights, I see this. The raw Red and Green. It is super distracting. This picture has the lights on the same setting as above but is just taken while sweeping the camera vs holding it still. Only time this doesn't occur is if using only Red, Blue, or Green. It starts to make you question your sanity.
    4B36CC78-82AC-413B-B0BA-ED46BB6A3927_1_201_a.jpg

    Next year I'll likely go back to traditional and maybe just put these up for game days. TBD but these are pretty awful.
     
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  3. Dec 4, 2021 at 7:34 AM
    #123
    MrMccrackin

    MrMccrackin Well-Known Member

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    We didn’t buy any lights this year, in fact we had 4 strings go down and I had to use the Tacoma strings to fill in the gap.

    The wife really wants program light show stuff but doesn’t want to pay for it.
     
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  4. May 30, 2022 at 5:41 PM
    #124
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Lost another GU10 in the kitchen, I'm out of HIR EcoVantage GU10 spares and they don't make them anymore. I had been using some 50w halogen spares but ran out of those too. I found some HIRs on ebay for a pricey $11-12/ea, but I figure it is time to try some quality LEDs again in the kitchen.

    Ordered 9 Soraa GU10s, 95 CRI 435 lumen in 60 degree flood
    upload_2022-5-30_17-26-29.jpg

    upload_2022-5-30_17-28-19.jpg

    And one single higher power 490 lumen model for above the kitchen sink, where I'd like a little more light, also in95 CRI 60 degree spread.

    upload_2022-5-30_17-29-28.jpg

    upload_2022-5-30_17-30-19.jpg

    Its worth noting a standard halogen flood 50w GU10 is 410 lumens when new, so the 435 lumens will be a little brighter. Many of the 95 CRI rated GU10s are a fair amount lower than 410 lumens, which I did not want to do. This also makes the Soraas not efficient enough to be legal for sale in California, but they will be far more efficient than the outgoing 39w HIRs and 50w halogens are 7.5w and 9w. The standard halogen flood is 40 degrees from what I could find, the Soraas are available in 35 degrees and 60 degrees. I didn't want to reduce the spread, especially in an LED format, so I went with the 60 degrees figuring the pattern overlap between bulbs would makeup for the wider pattern spread reducing intensity for a single one. Fortunately Destination Lighting has a generous return policy. TBD.
     
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  5. Jun 4, 2022 at 9:54 AM
    #125
    pinem56

    pinem56 Well-Known Member

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    I have focused on replacing all interior lights with GE Relax bulbs, but they don't appear to be made for exterior use. Any A19 socket recommendations for 2700k outdoor bulbs?

    Also looking for recommendations on quality outdoor dimmable led string lights that are built to last. Having a hard time finding anything that isn't chinesium crapola. Willing to spend what it takes to get something good that will last and be the right temperature.
     
  6. Jun 5, 2022 at 10:43 PM
    #126
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    I run a 60w equivalent GE Relax bulb in an outdoor fixture that is enclosed which protects the bulb from the elements. Lasted for ~2 years before dimming, I recently swapped it with a spare GE bulb. I don’t have any specific quality CRI recommendations for a bulb rated for damp locations as an exposed outdoor fixture, I’m not aware of any quality high CRI lights in this space, but LED A19s do exist rated for outdoor damp use. Here is an outdoor A19 from GE. It uses the older style opaque base, so the light isn’t as well distributed toward the socket, if that matters depending on the fixtures bulb orientation.
    GE LED Outdoor Light Bulb, 10.5 Watt (60 Watt Equivalent) Soft White, Medium Base, Dimmable (1 Count)
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015ZIMYCI

    For string lights, I think the best bet for a quality piece will be to use a string with a standardized bulb base that allows you to change out the bulb, then optionally select the bulb you want to run that best suits the purpose if the included bulbs are not satisfactory. Most the fully contained string light units do look like cheap Chinesium.

    As an example, here is an LED string light with interchangeable bulbs. I’m don’t have any experience with this one, just giving you the idea.
    https://partylights.com/48-Black-Co...-Light-LED-Professional-A15-Warm-White-Bulbs/
     
  7. Jun 10, 2022 at 11:19 PM
    #127
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    The Soraas are beyond phenomenal. I opted for the 60 degree 7.5w flood in 3000k for the over counter 8' ceiling mounts in the kitchen. The Soraas hit the 95 CRI mark with significantly brighter output, providing very rich colors. They do have an unexpected spectrum drop out at just over 420nm though color seems completely natural.

    26139CE2-7CC6-4112-A91E-FBEA2F7E9FAB.jpg 37A8E205-BC17-4A24-A58C-0E19640BF73F_1_102_o.jpg

    I desired a little more light over the sink area so opted for a higher power 9w version of the Soraa bulb (vs the standard 7.5w), just for that location. The results were perfect. Measurably higher light output intensity while not appearing obvious to the casual observer.
    95714B0D-25FB-42E0-A0F8-7FE6F4DD5C98_1_102_o.jpg 9366DB35-AE3F-4F8B-BF8F-FB019BABF38B_1_102_o.jpg

    Interestingly the 9w bulb must cross some threshold, because it contains a UV warning, whereas the 7.5w with the exact same spectum curve does not have the warning.
    A20EE318-4017-48A2-97F7-64832FCF43C5_1_201_a.jpg

    Sexy AF. Would you look at those R9 values. These bulbs are so amazing. I can't tell you how many LED bulbs I've tried in this application from major name brands just to have wash out, low quality light, lack of red representation etc. There is a reason I've run performant halogens in this location over LEDs in the past.
    8CF1BD24-CDD8-467F-B4B1-200FA0081696_1_102_o.jpg

    One of the issues with a GU10 LED is they do get rather hot, despite the misnomer LEDs don't generate heat. The compact bulb that is often entirely enclosed has limited availability to shed heat. Hence Soraas open fin heat sink design, so even in recessed sealed ceiling applications (like my above counter bulbs) the open air external heat fins still allow for cooling. Brilliant design.

    I have another ceiling fixture that hangs down from the ceiling and allows aiming of GU10s to various parts of the kitchen in-between the kitchen proper and dining room. I initially equipped this with the same 3000k Soraas as the kitchen. It was immediately evident that was a mistake. 3000k is whiter for high visibility task areas, bringing that light color temp over in proximity of the dining area in a lamp that is often used in the evening as a standalone fixture quickly stood out as an error. It wasn't a warm inviting color one would want in a dining area, nor was it a welcoming color for late night functions. I swapped the 3000k Soraas for 2700k Soraas and the blend was so much better and more natural. Soraas best lamps are not California compliant and not energy star rated but the color output and light quality is just phenomenal. I cannot recommend these enough for output quality.

    GU10 95 CRI 2700k 7.5w 60 degree: https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/117655/LED-01573.html
    GU10 95 CRI 3000k 7.5w 60 degree: https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/117656/LED-01577.html
    GU10 95 CRI 3000k 9w 60 degree: https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/212145/SORAA-08768.html
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2022
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  8. Jul 8, 2022 at 11:22 PM
    #128
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Visiting the parents house in Chelan where power is basically free (literally cheapest in the nation due to crazy hydro).

    The bulb in the kids guest room is a 43w halogen equivalent of a 60w bulb. (Halogen replacements for incandescent we’re a less expensive form of energy efficient lighting before LED became good). The halogen is way to bright for kids sleeping but also serves as the night light. The easy solution is to throw a T-shirt or similar over the lamp. However one cannot cover it because the halogens get so hot. So I brought over a GE Relax LED A19 bulb from home to swap in the kids room, the lamp can now be safely covered for reduced output, meaning the kid sleeps longer and everyone is happier. I then took the halogen A19 and moved it to the adult guest room that had a horrific 5000k bulb in the bedside lamp. Words cannot explain how much I hated that 5000k bulb for that purpose. It now has a beautiful 2700k bulb in the adults room and the 5000k bulb may accidentally fall into the trash. The changes sound trivial, but the quality of life gains are fantastic.
     
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  9. Jul 10, 2022 at 8:43 PM
    #129
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Not a Member

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    Nice thread, I read through it all. Looks like a lot of different brands were tried. I was all set on GE Relax after the post and went and bought some but I then found a ton of reviews and the experiences here with failure are not promising. The plan is to take them back.

    I’ve been running Walmart Great Value LEDs in 2700 for a few years with no failures. I’m mostly happy with them but I don’t know what the CRI is, just that they feel like what I remember true incandescents being like years ago.

    Honestly I wish regular old 60W incandescents were still around because it seems like the LEDs are all a gamble with pros and cons and none of them perfect. Also expensive to experiment with different ones.

    So have we decided on a perfect brand that lasts a long time, good color and CRI, and won’t break the bank to install throughout the house? Im tempted to just leave the great values in until they fail but I certainly wouldn’t mind something better. I liked the color and feel of the room with the GEs better but if they’re going to fail, then no thanks.
     
  10. Jul 10, 2022 at 10:10 PM
    #130
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    I’ve run the GEs since the start of this thread after testing a bunch at the time, I run them in every room of the house that takes A19s, 4 bedrooms, living room, dinning room, upper staircase, lower staircase, hallway, basement, storage room, master bedroom balcony, deck and front entry way. About 38 GE Relax A19 bulbs running nearly 4 years, and out of all those 1 has failed, mounted in an enclosed outdoor fixture for which the bulb specifically says it is not rated for. I’d call that pretty good for reliability. Now in decorative E12 mini-base they have not been so reliable and I’ve had several failures. But that is an important distinction to make, an A12 (standard bulb shape) is way easier to cool than something with a micro style base. So the GE Relax A19s do appear to last, they have good color and CRI and are reasonably priced. You can buy value brand LED lights of course, but the color rendering will not be on par with a quality HD light, which is the entire point of this thread.
     
  11. Jul 10, 2022 at 10:27 PM
    #131
    CraigF

    CraigF Well-Known Member

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    none yet
    Not to pull off the primary focus but any good options for a C7 Ceramic Pink LED replacement?
     
  12. Jul 11, 2022 at 9:05 AM
    #132
    bush rat

    bush rat Well-Known Member

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    thanks for the thorough LED tutorial.
    Ive struggled to find suitable LED replacements for incandescent , particularly in the kitchen.
    Flickering lights, weak lights, too blue, shadow zones all sound familiar to me.
    ive bought and returned many fixtures while trying to get it right.

    Wife is not yet happy with the result.

    i recently bought linkable shop light fixtures that produce 7000 lumens each at 4000K. at least my workshop is properly lit up.
     
  13. Jul 12, 2022 at 12:21 AM
    #133
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Generally speaking, there are not going to be brands striving to make a high quality pink LED light. Is this a nightlight? If so, you might just consider a pink incandescent C7 from GE. Power consumption is low anyway. Otherwise if you want to go to LED for something like string lights, you are likely into off brands.

    Yep, been there. I've bought and returned or swallowed lost cost on countless home lighting products, constantly unhappy with the results. I started this thread to share what I have found that works, backed by measured data. What lighting bulb base is used in your kitchen? 4000k is higher than my personal preference for the shop, I run 3000k but is a perfectly acceptable color temp for the purpose.
     
  14. Jul 20, 2022 at 3:08 PM
    #134
    bush rat

    bush rat Well-Known Member

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    sorry for delay in responding.
    the kitchen has a 4000k fixture.

    my wife hates it and i agree.
     
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  15. Jul 27, 2022 at 6:03 PM
    #135
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

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    With our local sustained heat wave of temps in the low-mid 90s for nearly a week straight in an area where homes don’t have AC, I’m really appreciating the kitchen swap to LED. The 10 50w halogen bulbs put off some serious heat that is now a non-issue for the LEDs.

    725B02D8-D95B-478E-B90D-33D5EC8C3295.jpg

    Not light related specifically, but I also like the data provided by my Awair air quality monitor, where I can plot things over time to better understand the dynamics in the house and how to most effectively manage them.

    Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor, White/Grey Trim https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NF6JCBM
     
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  16. Jul 28, 2022 at 1:31 PM
    #136
    TacoFergie

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    @crashnburn80 have you seen or tried theses GE "Sun Filled LED" bulbs? They seem very interesting. They claim 97CRI and they have 2700k and 5000k. They claim less blue light by "limiting the the blue peak in the light spectrum", their words..not mine. It doesn't make sense to me how they are able to filter those wavelengths and produce 5000K. If they were available locally somewhere I think I'd give them a shot just to see. The 2700K sounds like it would be more of my flavor for most of the house. Though I don't care for 5000K lighting, I am curious how they would look in a room and how "blue" they would be with their filtering that they make claims of.

    https://www.gelighting.com/sun-filled-led
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2022
  17. Aug 19, 2022 at 4:29 PM
    #137
    daveeasa

    daveeasa FBC Harness Solutions Vendor

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    Did a bunch of relax 360’s just now. Added some candelabra packs since I realized this new house has a ton of those. I can figure out the floods but thought I’d ask about those round glove makeup station bulbs. This house is straight out of 1980 and until we start gutting, I’d like to keep the power bill as lean as I can.
     
  18. Aug 25, 2022 at 11:31 AM
    #138
    TacoFergie

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    For globe style bulbs (G25 is the bulb designator) there isn't a huge selection. Since it's at a make-up station, I would assume a high CRI is what your after. Home Depot sells a Halogen globe bulb that consumes 40w that is equivalent to a 60w incandescent. The nice thing about the halogen is that it is 100 CRI, so there is no compromise on CRI.

    Outside of that the LED choices available locally are mostly going to be the clear Edison style LED which would look nice too. Home Deopt's EcoSmart brand has them in 3 color options and they claim 90 CRI. Lowes sells the GE HD Globes in 3 different lines as well that claim 90 CRI, I would believe GE's specs over EcoSmart personally.

    I'm sure there are plenty of other LED options on the interwebs for Globe style bulbs with higher CRI than what is available locally since they are still used widely for make-up stations on movie sets and theater.
     
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  19. Aug 25, 2022 at 12:20 PM
    #139
    daveeasa

    daveeasa FBC Harness Solutions Vendor

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    I'm just going full GE relax from Lowes at this point. The halogens put out way too much heat, it's unruly. I'm cool with that for vehicle headlights but I'm a hard f-no to halogen in the house. Just terribly inefficient. I'll give up CRI before I have my skin melted off :p

    Hopefully the power bill will drop a bit, bigger house with many more bulbs, most of which were halogen when we moved in, means a painful electric bill.
     
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  20. Aug 25, 2022 at 12:27 PM
    #140
    TacoFergie

    TacoFergie Well-Known Member

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    I really like those GE Relax bulbs. They have been great and give off a comfortable amount of light. I'm curious about the GE Sun-Filled bulbs I posted about earlier. I don't have any available locally and can't bring myself to ordering them online when I really have no need to.
     
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