LED Strips - Differences between SMD 3528 and SMD 5050

LED flexible strip is available in SMD 3528, SMD 5050 (also called tri-chip) and SMD 335 (side-emitting). It is important to understand the differences in order to specify the correct product as over specifying could cost you or your client more in terms of energy consumption, size of driver and product cost.

The SMD 3528 features one LED light emitting chip per lighting source measuring 3.5mm x 2.8mm, hence the name. They are most suitable for applications where lower luminosity is acceptable and cost-control is important e.g. basic illumination projects, bars & restaurants, residential use. Many of our clients choose this product to produce decorative lighting effects beneath cabinets, counters and behind ceiling coving.

The SMD 5050 consists of 3 chips in one housing and so emits approximately three times as much light. It is often used for applications where higher light levels are required, e.g. external signage applications, exhibitions, or as a light source rather than decorative.

All Spectron LED strips are supplied in 5 metre reels with the average power consumption of our SMD 3528 being 4.8W per metre. Our SMD 5050 LED light uses extra powerful SMD 5050s that consume up to 14.4W per metre. 

Spectron LED strips are available with 30, 60, 120 and 240 no. LEDs per metre in a range of colour temperatures including cool daylight (6500K), Cool White (4300K), White (3000K), Warm White (2700K) and RGB (colour changing). For other colour temperatures and specific requirement, please feel free to ask. In terms of cost, the more powerful the light strip, the more expensive it will be. 

In summary, for applications requiring high luminosity or RGB types, we recommend you opt for SMD 5050 because it is more powerful and the cost per lumen is lower than SMD 3528. For mid-power requirements where cost-saving is important, opt for SMD 3528 LED light strip. 

For more information, please contact us on 0161 236 8828 or email sales@ledsignsandlighting.co.uk

The future generation of trough light

 

A trough light is a slim lighting unit typically used in the sign industry for external shop signage illumination and other specific applications. It features a long, narrow aluminium extrusion housing a line of florescent tubes or LEDs and will generally have a plastic lens fixed over the light source to diffuse the light and for weatherproofing.

Typical applications include:

·      Supermarkets

·      High Street Retail

·      Offices

·      Estate Agents

·      Bars/Restaurants/Clubs

·      Advertisement hoarding etc

Advantages of using trough lights include:

·      Simple to use

·      Even illumination

·      Cost effective compared to some internally illuminated letters/signs using LEDs

·      Low maintenance

·      Energy efficient (especially LED trough lights)

·      Durable

·      Some Local Authorities prefer external lighting, especially in Conservation Areas. However, it is important to check with your local planning office for site specific regulations

Where can you buy one?

There are a great deal of trough light suppliers out there waiting to help you illuminate your signs effectively. Most will stock in standard black and white and some will offer powder coating to any colour you desire. Most will also include a power supply located within the trough light.

How Spectron Trough Lights Differ from the Rest

Spectron LED started as a sign making company and successfully traded for over 30 years. During this time we saw there were a lot of opportunities for improvement, e.g. the dominating size of the trough light, which was determined by the location of the driver and florescent tubes within the body of the trough. The only alternative was to tightly pack all the components within the narrow aluminium extrusion, making repair and maintenance very difficult. Secondly, due to the weight of the trough light, over time gravity would alter the angle of the light to an unacceptable level; water and condensation would creep in and mould would start growing.

The emergence of LEDs has now made it possible to redesign the trough light, which is exactly what Spectron have done. Here’s how…

1.     Spectron trough lights are the only trough lights on the market to feature a remote driver, meaning maintenance is much easier and the trough lights are a lot slimmer. We think the design is much more aesthetic and sleek.

2.    We know our LEDs and we know what works. We’re not only a supplier of LEDs – we technical experts in our field. We regularly visit our manufacturing partners and redesign a lot of our products according to what we think will best suit your needs. We don’t just buy and sell. The modules and strip we use in our trough lights have been designed specifically for the Lumenlinear and Lumenlinear-X. They are energy efficient and give an even and bright spread of light. Perfect for sustainable projects.

3.    Our latest model, Lumelinear-X, was designed in response to the common problems of water ingress and mould growth within the diffuser. Our solution? To remove the diffuser. The LED waterproof modules are fully exposed and feature an optical lens which alters the beam angle of the LED and provides waterproofing.

4.    A slim profile and sleek brackets ensures that the trough light complements your sign rather than detract away from it. It is also flexible and can be mounted at various settings and positions without the need for additional fixings.

5.    At only 11w per metre , 90lm/w and from £32.32 per metre (6mtr length), we believe the Lumenlinear-X to be one of, if not THE most energy efficient, brightest and most cost effective on the market.

Spectron trough lights have been designed by signmakers and LED specialists for signmakers. We use the latest LED technology to ensure you are getting the most effective product on the market. We are constantly striving to make improvements and welcome your feedback and suggestions for future models.

For further information on the Lumenlinear, Lumenlinear-X or any other LED product, please get in touch.

Tel 0161 236 8828  

Email sales@ledsignsandlighting.co.uk