When it comes to illuminating your office space, make sure you get the best LED panel lights to enjoy efficient and high-quality lighting. Versatile LED panel light fixtures offer a multitude of benefits, including energy efficiency, long lifespan and enhanced lighting quality.
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This comprehensive guide will highlight the key considerations and things you should keep in mind when seeking out the best LED panel lights. From assessing your specific lighting requirements and understanding different sizes and types of LED panel lights to evaluating factors such as brightness, color temperature and installation options, this article will help you select the best LED panel lights for your needs.
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When it comes to brightening your home or workspace, you have several options at your fingertips. But to make the most out of your space, it's crucial to find the best LED panel lights tailored to your specific needs. Here are some key points to consider when assessing your lighting requirements:
The dimensions of your room will greatly influence the type of lighting you need. Large rooms require multiple LED panels, while smaller spaces benefit from just one or two strategically placed lights. Keep in mind the height of your ceilings, as higher placements require more powerful lighting options. For help getting started on planning your project, fill out Revolve LED's Commercial LED Layout.
The brightness of an LED panel light is measured in lumens. To understand how much brightness you'll need, you can check the lumens per square foot recommended for different types of spaces. For example, an open office plan requires more lumens per square foot than a conference room.
The room's function is another crucial factor in choosing the best LED panel lights. A classroom, for instance, requires bright, clear lighting so students can study, while a teacher's lounge may benefit from softer, dimmable options to create a relaxed space where faculty can unwind between classes.
Consider how you intend to install the panel lights for your space. The three most common forms of installation for LED panel lights are mounting into a drop ceiling, mounting onto a solid surface or suspending via steel cables. Make sure you understand the installation requirements and whether additional costs are involved before purchasing.
LED panel light design has evolved over the years to cater to varying needs and aesthetic preferences. Below are some of the types of LED panel lights you'll encounter.
These are the most prevalent types of LED panel lights, known for their sleek and minimalist appearance. These panels are flat and can be easily mounted on ceilings or walls. They provide even, diffused light that minimizes glare, making them suitable for offices, classrooms and healthcare facilities. Standard flat panels come in these sizes:
These LED panels allow you to adjust the color temperature, giving you the flexibility to change the mood and ambiance of a room. Whether you need cool light for focused work or warm light for relaxation, color-selectable panels offer a versatile solution.
Dimmable LED panels provide the ability to adjust the light intensity, making them ideal for multi-purpose spaces. These types of LED panel lights are commonly used in conference rooms, restaurants and residential areas where varying levels of brightness are needed throughout the day.
Emergency backup systems are increasingly becoming a standard feature in LED panel lighting, particularly in commercial and institutional settings where safety is a primary concern. These backup systems are integrated into the LED panel light design and are equipped with a battery that automatically comes on during power outages. When the main power supply shuts down involuntarily, the emergency backup ensures that the LED panels continue to provide illumination for a specified period, up to 90 minutes. This feature is especially critical in emergency situations, aiding in safe evacuation and providing visibility in essential areas like stairwells and hallways.
There are several compelling reasons why LED panel lights have become the top lighting choice for offices, retail shops and other commercial spaces. Here are some of the LED panel light benefits you should expect:
Below, we've answered a few questions about the best LED panel lights. Please contact us for additional information.
The best LED panel lights vary depending on your specific needs, the size and type of space you're lighting and your personal preferences for features like brightness, color temperature and energy efficiency. That said, when choosing a high-quality LED panel light, consider options from trusted vendors like Revolve LED, which offer a range of designs with features like adjustable color temperature, dimmability and integrated emergency backup systems.
LED flat panel lights are known for their longevity, often lasting up to 50,000 hours or more depending on the quality and brand. This translates to several years of use, even if the light is in operation for 8-10 hours a day. The best LED panel lights, like those from Revolve LED, are designed to offer long lifespans and consistent light output throughout their usage period. It's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's specifications for a more accurate understanding of how long a particular LED flat panel is expected to last. Keep in mind that factors such as frequent power fluctuations and extreme temperatures can affect the lifespan of your LEDs.
The ease of installation for LED flat panel lights varies depending on the design and your existing infrastructure. Thanks to the basic LED panel light design– and the comprehensive guide accompanying the light fixture – installation tends to be straightforward for anyone with experience. However, some installations, especially in commercial or large-scale environments, likely require professional installation to ensure that all electrical codes and safety measures are met.
When it comes to illuminating your space with superior quality and style, don't settle for less — choose the best LED panel lights from Revolve LED. Our range of LED panel lights offers unbeatable energy efficiency, advanced features and exceptional durability to meet all your lighting needs. From versatile LED panel light design options to special features and integrated emergency backup systems, we provide comprehensive solutions that blend functionality with aesthetics. Take the first step in transforming your lighting experience by contacting us today.
Revolve LED provides Solid State Lighting solutions tailored to both residential and commercial settings, catering to individual homeowners, contractors, businesses and municipal clients, as well as wholesale distributors.
LED panel light is a high-end indoor lighting fixture. The light passes through the light guide plate with high transmittance to form a uniform plane luminous effect. Matching different accessories (clips, surface-mounted frame, or steel ropes), these lights can be easily mounted on a range of surfaces, making them suitable for diverse applications.
LED panel structure:
1. Panel light aluminum frame
The frame is an important part of a flat panel light, and the high-strength frame makes the panel light more durable. The lateral frame of the LED panel light is constructed from diverse materials, each exhibiting distinct heat dissipation capabilities. At present, the frame materials of panel lights mainly include aluminum alloy, steel, PC, A, aluminum-plastic, steel and other materials.
The most commonly used is the aluminum frame (small panel light, with a plastic shell), and it is divided into splicing and welding frames. The welding frame will be stronger and the price will be higher than the splicing frame. The general frame has a flat frame and a step frame according to the style, and the price will be different. In addition, the weight of the frame will also affect the price.
2. LED light source
The type, brand, and quantity of LED chips will affect the light effect, and the luminous flux will also affect the price.nd quantity of LED chips will affect the light effect, and the luminous flux will also affect the price.
SMD and SMD are used a lot in panel lights, brand chips like HONGLI, SANAN, SAMSUNG, Lumileds (formerly Philips) are our first choice. The direct-lit panel light generally needs far fewer lamp beads than the side-emitting panel light because the light-emitting of the lamp beads is scattered by the optical lens.
3. LED light guide plate
The light guide plate is essential for edge-emitting panel lights. It refracts light, guiding it from parallel to perpendicular through the light-transmitting plate. Reflection via a reflective paper directs the light to the panel light’s back. Efficiency depends on dot design and plate choice (transmittance), often PMMA, MAS, or PS, varying in cost.
PS and MAS will turn yellow due to long-term use. PS will probably last for two years, and MAS will last for three years. It also depends on the climate of the region. Generally speaking, it will be produced in hotter places. The yellowing time will be shorter. If you want a 5-year warranty or higher light efficiency, PMMA light guide plates are basically used. The size of the light guide plate used by various factories is generally in the range of 1.6-3.0mm, and the thicker the plate, the higher the price.
4. LED diffuser
The function of the diffuser plate is to evenly disperse the light of the light guide plate, and it can also play the role of blurring the dots. The materials used are mainly PC (polycarbonate plastic), acrylic, PS (polystyrene plastic), PP ( polypropylene plastic), etc. The price is from high to low, and PS and PP are used more.
The light transmittance of acrylic is 92%, PC is 88%, and PS is about 80%. Acrylic boasts higher light transmittance and affordability, though it’s less resistant to aging. Comparatively, PC is pricier but excels in anti-aging properties. Diffuser plate thickness varies among manufacturers, with conventional options falling between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm and costing more. Direct light-emitting panel lights demand stronger diffuser intensity compared to side light-emitting types, often requiring a thicker design.
5. Reflective Paper
Reflect the residual light on the back of the light guide plate to improve the light efficiency, generally RW250.
6. Back cover
The most commonly used is the iron back cover; the thickness and weight are different, and the strength is different. Compared with the side-emitting panel light, the direct-lit panel light has a different style, and the back cover is thicker, and the direct-type back cover will be spray-coated, in addition to coloring for better reflection.
7. LED driver
The quality and price of the LED panel light power supply depend on the brand, voltage, isolation (isolation is safer), non-isolation, whether it is stroboscopic (it will affect whether the light of the lamp is stroboscopic when taking pictures under the mobile ), functional requirements (such as dimming and color grading) and certification requirements will vary.
8. Installation parts
Suspension wires, mounting brackets, etc. are used to install and fix accessoriesounting brackets, etc. are used to install and fix accessories
Different areas or places often choose different styles and types of LED panel lights. LED panel lights can be divided into the following categories:
1. From the way of lighting
2. From an installation way
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3. From functional choices
We have a versatile panel light with different wattages and sizes, choose the one you need from our wide range.
Note 1: Backlit panel light will be available to do higher wattages than edge-lit panel light in the same sizes.
Note 2: The other special dimensions, such as x150mm, x200mm, and × mm can be customized.
Structurally, positive light-emitting LED panel lights are different from side-emitting LED panel lights, and their light-emitting working principles are also different.
Edge-lit LED panel lights working principle
It mainly includes a frame, diffuser plate, light guide plate, light bar, reflective film, back plate, and other components. The light of the LED chips enters the interior of the light guide plate from the light-emitting surface, and the light hits the reflective point of the light guide plate and then exits downward, and is irradiated from the light-emitting surface of the lamp. The light that does not reach the reflective point will be reflected back through the reflective film, so that the LED Most of the light from the LED chips is converted into light used for lighting. The quality of the light guide plate is an important criterion to measure the quality of the side-emitting panel light.
Back-Lit Panel light working principle
The structure of the direct type (Back-lit) panel light mainly includes a frame, a diffuser plate, a light bar (including an aluminum substrate, lamp beads, a lens, a back cover, etc.)
The light of LED chips is scattered by the lens and reflected from the back cover and emitted from the light-emitting surface of the lamp. It does not need to be refracted by the light guide plate and is directly illuminated.
LED panel lights have become a versatile lighting solution for various settings due to their efficiency, versatility, and aesthetic appeal; LED panel lights are mainly used in:
The key places like Office Spaces, Commercial Areas, Educational Institutions, Healthcare Facilities, Residential Spaces, Parking Garages, and so on, LED panel lights can be seen almost everywhere in our lives.
1. Dark areas appear around the panel lights
This phenomenon generally occurs in side-emitting panel lights because the thickness of the light guide plate is not enough. Please replace the thicker light guide plate, such as 2.0T and 3.0T.
2. A yellow light appears around the panel light frame
This also often occurs in side-emitting panel lights because the distance between the light guide plate and the side lamp beads is too close during the production process. The distance between the lamp beads and the light guide plate needs to be adjusted. Of course, it may also be a quality problem of the LED lamp bead itself, which needs to be replaced with a better LED lamp bead.
3. The middle part of the panel light turns yellow
This is one of the main aspects of the current quality problems of side-emitting panel lights. For this question, please refer to the blog “Why LED lights yellow changing”.
4. Water ripples appear
The reflective film in the side-emitting panel light is generally made of PE material, and some low-end suppliers often use foam reflective film to reduce costs, which will deform during prolonged heating. resulting in the appearance of water ripples.
5. LED panel lights flicker
The main reasons for flickering are as follows: 1. The power supply is broken; 2. The power supply does not match the current and power parameters of the lamp bead, 3. The lamp bead is damaged
To choose the right LED panel lights, you need to understand the important parameters related to panel lights, as follows:
Lighting mode: Edge-lit or backlit panel light. The positive light-emitting panel has high lighting efficiency, no risk of yellowing, and the price is cheaper than the side light. High-end side-emitting panel lights are generally expensive and suitable for use in high-end places, while low-end side-emitting panel lights often have yellowing and dead spots. So, we recommend buying positive-emitting panel lights.
Dimensions and power: The standard size of panel lights is ×300mm, 300×300mm, 300×600mm,600×600mm 600×mm. Power: 9W 12W 18W 21W 22W 24W 36W 48W 72W 85W 90W. For general home lighting, such as kitchens, bathrooms, study rooms, living rooms, etc., small-sized and low-power panel lights can be used.
For example, 3-8 square meters, with 300*300 specifications, the general power is about 10W. 8-15 square meters, 300*600 specifications can be used, and the general power is about 18W-20W.
In commercial lighting places, the space is often larger, whether a large size such as a 2×2 LED panel light, 4×1 or 4×2 LED light panel is used, it can provide more brightness.
Lumens: The higher the luminous efficacy output, the more energy-saving and is, and the fewer lamps are used in the same project. Now, LED technology can keep the actual output of panel lights at a minimum of 100lm/W, and a maximum of 150-170lm/W.
Power Factor: The energy consumption of LED is only 1/10 of incandescent lamps and 1/4 of energy-saving lamps. The service life can reach more than 100,000 hours, and the maximum power factor is 1, indicating that the load is purely resistive, and the power transmission only has active power, no reactive power, and the utilization rate is the highest.
The power factor of LED lights depends on the LED driver. At present, the efficiency of qualified LED drivers is generally above 85%. In reality, the power of 3W, 5W, 7W, 9W, 12W, and 15W LED lights with small wattage is generally not affected. The factor requirements are high, generally between 0.5-0.65, and the power factor of large wattage will be higher. Many people think that the higher the power factor, the more efficient the power supply. Of course, under the same wattage, the higher the power factor, the better.
UGR: Glare creates a bright sensation in the visual field that the human eye cannot adapt to, and may cause disgust, discomfort, or even loss of vision. Excessive brightness in a certain part of the field of view or excessive brightness changes before and after. Glare is one of the important causes of visual fatigue. The lower the glare value, the more comfortable the LED panel light will be. Some special places, such as school classrooms, generally require the use of Anti-glare LED panel lights with UGR
Lifetime: The life of the LED light is theoretically at least hours, so if the LED panel light works for 12 hours a day, it should be able to be used for 11 years. The longer the durability, the greater the cost savings.
Led driver brand: Judging from our years of production and sales experience, the LED driver largely determines the final lifespan of an LED panel light. Poor quality LED panel lights often use low-end LED drivers (mostly non-isolated drivers). In terms of quality, brand driver > ordinary isolated driver > non-isolated driver. The high-end quality LED panel light driver generally adopts the isolation scheme. If the price is within the acceptable range, try to use high-end brand drivers.
Totally 4 different installation ways for LED ceiling panel lights as follows: (You can check the step drawing or download the guide PDF file)
Recessed led panel lights
This installation method is often used in offices, shops, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. It is also the most common installation method. First, remove the ceiling, put the LED panel light driver on the ceiling next to it, connect the power cord, and then put it in. Panel lights are sufficient, and the installation method is relatively simple.
Suspension flat panel LED light
You need to prepare a set of steel ropes first. Hang the lighting from the ceiling with steel ropes. First, fix the 4 hanging wire bases on the lighting fixture on the roof, then tie the 4 hanging wires to the LED panel light, connect the light’s driving power cord, and pull the wire to adjust the height of the panel light. The installation method is more flexible
Surface-mounted LED panel light
Use screws to fix 3sides of the frame onto proof, then connect the led driver, insert the Led light panels into frames, and finally, screw the last frame.
Clip installation