Halogen and LED are light sources with unique characteristics, but their common purpose is to provide light. In this blog, we will tell you the differences between halogen and LED lighting, including their respective advantages and disadvantages. Discover what to consider when using both types of light sources.

What is halogen lighting?

Halogene lighting is comparable to an old-fashioned incandescent light bulb. An incandescent bulb contains a filament that gets extremely hot. So hot that it emits light. Halogen lighting also contains a similar type of filament. However, halogen lighting is filled with iodine and bromine gas, which makes the filament even hotter, resulting in higher light output and longer lifespan. The difference in efficiency between these two is about 20%.

Benefits

  • Good light strength and wide range
  • Relatively inexpensive to buy
  • Very good color rendering
  • Heat resistant quarter turn

Cons

  • Less longevity
  • Gets very hot -> inefficient use of energy
  • Cannot handle high voltages
  • As of 2018, the production of halogen lighting is prohibited.

What is LED lighting?

LED is short for 'Light Emitting Diode.' A diode consists of two electrodes through which electricity flows. Light is produced because electrons constantly move within the semiconductor material. An LED lamp can generate as much light with 15% of its power as a halogen lamp/incandescent bulb. LED lighting, therefore, handles its energy much more efficiently and sustainably, contributing to the lifespan of LED lighting. Of course, there are variations in power. The more light is produced, the more power it consumes.

Benefits

  • Efficient use of energy
  • Lifespan up to 35 times longer than halogen lighting
  • Available in different shapes and light colors
  • More resistant to surge voltages
  • Very good range of brightnesses

Cons

  • LED lighting typically has a slightly higher purchase price.

Halogeen vs. LED: The Differences at a Glance

FeaturesLED lightsHalogen/glow lighting
Sustainability++
Heat development++++
Purchase value+++
Lifetime+++
Resistant to surge voltage+++
Suitable for 12v/24v++

Power Consumption

There is a significant difference in energy consumption between halogen and LED lighting, as mentioned earlier. Halogen lighting is less energy-efficient because a lot of energy is wasted as heat. In contrast, LED lighting requires minimal energy to operate. This difference is sometimes noticeable because LED lighting can cause disturbances in the CANBUS system. The low energy demand of LEDs can make the towing vehicle think that the lighting is malfunctioning, resulting in an error message on the dashboard. Fortunately, this can be easily resolved by, for example, installing a resistor for the LED lighting.

Halogen

Availability of halogen lamps is decreasing

Stores that still have halogen lighting in stock are allowed to sell it. However, since September 1, 2018, the production of this type of lighting has been banned by the European Union because it does not meet the current energy requirements. This is related to the transition to LED lighting, which is much more sustainable. Therefore, the availability of halogen lighting will decrease.

uestions about the differences between halogen and LED lighting? Feel free to contact us!