Forum Discussion
4x4van
Sep 05, 2013Explorer III
A few final notes:
-LED replacements are typically called out using 2 numbers; the first is the # of SMDs (Surface Mount Diodes), the second is the SMD size. Examples; a 48-3528 contains 48 SMDs, each one measuring 3.5mm x 2.8mm. A 13-5050 contains 13 SMDs, each one 5.0mm x 5.0mm.
-3528 SMDs each contain a single LED, while 5050 SMDs each contain 3 LEDs. Therefore, the 5050 SMD is brighter (though not 3x brighter) than the 3528, and consumes more current.
-Layout; the bulb style layout emits light all around (360 degrees), while the flat panel type directs all the output in one general direction (usually about 120 degrees).
-The bulb style LEDs are available in various base types, while the flat panel LEDs typically come with several base adapters (wedge, festoon, BA9s, BA15s), so make sure you know what type of base/socket you will be needing before ordering.
-Your existing fixtures will also have an impact. Those with clear lenses seem to work better with LEDs, while the opaque lenses tend to diffuse the LED output quite a bit.
-I suggest, as others have, ordering at least 2 each of several styles to try out first. Once you find what you like, order enough to do your whole RV, along with a couple of spares.
-Regarding color temps; a typical incandescent is about 2700K-3500K and appears quite "yellow"; that is also know as "Warm White". "Cool White" is typically 6500K and above and will have a bluish hue to it. 4500K-5500K is neither yellow nor blue, gives the truest color rendering, and is also a bit brighter than either warm or cool, although it draws just a bit more current as well.
-Take any "listed color temp" with a grain of salt until you have actually purchased and tried the unit. I wouldn't bet on the accuracy of any listed numbers, particularly from overseas vendors.
-LED replacements are typically called out using 2 numbers; the first is the # of SMDs (Surface Mount Diodes), the second is the SMD size. Examples; a 48-3528 contains 48 SMDs, each one measuring 3.5mm x 2.8mm. A 13-5050 contains 13 SMDs, each one 5.0mm x 5.0mm.
-3528 SMDs each contain a single LED, while 5050 SMDs each contain 3 LEDs. Therefore, the 5050 SMD is brighter (though not 3x brighter) than the 3528, and consumes more current.
-Layout; the bulb style layout emits light all around (360 degrees), while the flat panel type directs all the output in one general direction (usually about 120 degrees).
-The bulb style LEDs are available in various base types, while the flat panel LEDs typically come with several base adapters (wedge, festoon, BA9s, BA15s), so make sure you know what type of base/socket you will be needing before ordering.
-Your existing fixtures will also have an impact. Those with clear lenses seem to work better with LEDs, while the opaque lenses tend to diffuse the LED output quite a bit.
-I suggest, as others have, ordering at least 2 each of several styles to try out first. Once you find what you like, order enough to do your whole RV, along with a couple of spares.
-Regarding color temps; a typical incandescent is about 2700K-3500K and appears quite "yellow"; that is also know as "Warm White". "Cool White" is typically 6500K and above and will have a bluish hue to it. 4500K-5500K is neither yellow nor blue, gives the truest color rendering, and is also a bit brighter than either warm or cool, although it draws just a bit more current as well.
-Take any "listed color temp" with a grain of salt until you have actually purchased and tried the unit. I wouldn't bet on the accuracy of any listed numbers, particularly from overseas vendors.
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