Installing LEDS In Enclosed Fixture: A Lighting No-No | Sitler's LED Supplies (2024)

FAQs

Can you put LED bulbs in enclosed light fixtures? ›

Enclosed fixtures protect the bulb from dust, moisture or other debris. Unfortunately, this enclosed designed isn't always compatible with LED light bulbs and can lead to overheating.

In most cases, you will not need new fixtures for your LED light bulbs. They are designed to fit easily into existing fixtures.

Fixtures for incandescent and halogen bulbs are generally less efficient in dissipating their heat versus LED lighting fixtures. Because of this, it's more likely that the LED bulbs will overheat if used in a traditional fixture; consequently, this would shorten the lifespan of the LEDs.

Today, there seems to be plenty of interest in fixtures/luminaires where the lamp could be replaced. These are what we call non-integrated luminaires since the lamp could be replaced after they burn out and the luminaire is still functional.

Because totally enclosed fixtures do not allow air to circulate around the lamp, it causes heat to build up, which can lead to performance issues. Though CFLs and LED bulbs do not produce nearly as much heat as incandescents, they are more sensitive to heat, which can affect their performance.

LEDs do not generate as much heat as old-style bulbs and they struggle with high temperatures. If they're close to, or in, an enclosed fitting with bulbs that have a high wattage and therefore emit a lot of heat, this may be the cause of your bulbs failing earlier than expected.

Will I need new or special light fixtures? You do not need specialist or new light fittings to enjoy the benefits of LED energy saving light bulbs. Retrofit like-for-like LED bulb replacements are available for many existing light fittings. Simply decide which style of light bulb you require and plug them in!

Usually. Almost all lighting fixtures can house LED bulbs. To confirm that LED bulbs can be housed in a fluorescent lighting fixture, look for LED bulbs that are “ballast compatible,” this means that they can work with the ballasts that are already installed in your current lighting fixture.

Therefore, as long as the LED lamp's actual wattage and heat released is less than the socket or fixture rating, you should not encounter any issues. LED lamps do get warm, but they only emit a fraction (~15%) of the heat that an incandescent bulb emits.

LEDs only need a slight current, and if you run them in series with a much higher resistance than a traditional string of mini lights, you risk damaging your lights or, worse, starting a fire. It's a good idea to only run string lights in the same family together in one run.

When should you not use LED lights? ›

Heat and Moisture Stress: Although LEDs operate at much cooler temperatures than traditional incandescent lamps, they can still fail if exposed to extreme temperatures. The same is true for environments with high levels of humidity.

As long as the mounting base (socket) is the same size and type, you can use an LED bulb in an existing fixture. If the mounting base isn't the same size and type, the LED bulb will not fit the socket. You should never use a bulb with a higher wattage than what is recommended for the fixture.

LED bulbs don't put out nearly that much heat, as you've probably noticed if you've used both types, but their electronics are also much more sensitive to heat. So while using a standard LED bulb in an enclosed light fixture isn't dangerous, the resulting heat will likely cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.

What Is An Integrated LED Light Fixture? An integrated LED light fixture is a lighting fixture which incorporates LEDs directly into the luminaire. In comparison, a common lamp setup has a place to change out a traditional light bulb. Integrated LED lights connect directly with low or line volt electrical systems.

Flickering and dimming issues with LED lighting can be a concern for users. Low quality LED bulbs and drivers are more likely to experience flickering issues. Problems can also occur in high-quality lights if mistakes are made in the installation process. Another cause for this issue is loose electrical connections.

Except for preventing moisture from damaging the electronics and fogging of lenses, adding vents for LED street lights or flood lights also have following benefits: It can protect sensitive electronic component and products. It has long service life in extreme environment, does not have failure and is maintenance-free.

Read the bulb's package. It will tell you if it is OK to use in an enclosure. I have had good luck with using Walmart's Great Value brand 60W and 100W LED bulbs in indoor and outdoor enclosures.

LED lights are very safe and not likely to cause a fire. LEDs produce light at a lower temperature and are safe to leave on for extended periods. They are not hot enough to cause to cause fires when installed properly.

Yes, as long as the bulb is rated for use in enclosed fixtures and the fixture does not have a rubber gasket.