Halogen and LED, both light sources with different properties. With both having the same purpose: to provide light. In this article we will tell you more about the differences between halogen and LED lighting. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? And what can you take into account when using both light sources.
What is halogen lighting?
Halogen lighting is actually incredibly similar to an (old) incandescent bulb. An incandescent lamp contains a filament that gets incredibly hot. So hot that it gives off light. Halogen lighting contains just such a filament. However, halogen lighting is filled with gas of iodine and bromine. This makes the filament even hotter and thus ensures a higher light output and lifetime. The difference in efficiency between the 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 the abbreviation for "Light Emitting Diode. A diode is two electrodes through which electricity flows. Light is created because the electrons make constant movements in the semiconductor material. An LED lamp can create as much light as a halogen bulb with 15% of its power. LED lighting is therefore many times more efficient and sustainable with its energy. This contributes to the lifespan of the LED lighting. There are of course gradations of power. The more light that is created, the more power it takes.
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.
Halogen vs LED lighting, the differences at a glance
| Features | LED lights | Halogen/glow lighting |
| Sustainability | ++ | – |
| Heat development | + | +++ |
| Purchase value | ++ | + |
| Lifetime | ++ | + |
| Resistant to surge voltage | ++ | + |
| Suitable for 12v/24v | + | + |
Power consumption halogen vs LED
As mentioned earlier, there is a huge difference in power consumption between halogen vs LED lighting. Halogen lighting uses energy less efficiently. A lot of energy is lost through heat. In contrast, LED requires minimal energy to do its job. This is also reflected in the fact that LED lighting sometimes interferes with the CANBUS. Because the LEDs require so little energy to operate, the towing vehicle thinks that the lighting is defective, which results in an error message on the dashboard. This is easily solved by, for example, fitting a resistor for the LED lighting.
Declining availability of halogen lighting
Stores that still have halogen lights in stock may still sell them. Since September 1, 2018, the production of this type of lighting has been banned by the European union. They do not meet the applicable energy requirements. This has everything to do with the transition to LED which is much more sustainable. This will reduce the availability of halogen lighting.
Want to know more about the differences between halogen vs LED lighting? Get in touch with us!
