Emergency lighting and signaling is required in a large variety of enterprises including commercial, industrial, utilities, military, security, personal safety and more. One thing that is common to all emergency lighting and signaling applications is that extreme care must be taken when selecting the components used to make up the emergency circuitry.

Emergency lighting and signaling isn’t a case where damaged or defective lighting components are simply an irritation requiring maintenance, rather a time when an outage can mean shutdown of equipment for safety reasons or in the worse case, an injury or fatality. Today’s emergency lighting and signaling systems are increasingly being manufactured with LEDs to meet safety challenges such as:

• Reliability – LEDs are, by far, more reliable that other lighting options. When it is imperative that a lighting system function at a moments notice, using LEDs in your design will ensure consistent and reliable operation.
• Lower Power Consumption – LED circuits have lower power requirements than typical lighting options, thus resulting in a lower power requirement for your entire emergency lighting circuit.
• Improved Illumination – LEDs are brighter and can be seen from double or triple the distance of incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
• No Filtering Circuit Requirements – Unlike standard luminaries, LEDs do not require a filtering circuit to remove the peaks of light outside the usable bandwidth.
• Durability – LEDs can withstand vibration, movement and rougher environments than lighting elements that have bulbs and filaments.
• Faster Switching – An emergency lighting circuit requires fast switching that is a characteristic of only one lighting type, LEDs. LEDs lighting circuit can be instantly switched on and/or off dependent on circuit requirements. There is no delay that can result in lost time in a circumstance where a second’s notice can prevent harm or damage.
• Extended Lifecycle – LEDs can have lifecycles anywhere from 5-10 years making them last many times longer than other luminaries.
• Simple Automation and System Integration – LED characteristics such as ‘Instant On/Off’, the low power requirements and pulsing allow them to be easily integrated into an existing circuit design or a newly automated system.
• No Mercury or UV Radiation – LED lighting options are not filled with mercury, neither do they emit radiation making them safer for any circuitry but especially circuits designed for safety. In addition, their safe composition means there are no special disposal requirements.
• Reduced Maintenance – LED usage as your lighting component will mean less downtime and therefore, less maintenance; this not only saves time but also increases safety and reduces costs.

VCC is ready and able to supply all your Emergency LED lighting and signaling needs. Contact us today and make your emergency lighting application more reliable, durable, earth friendly and flexible.

Light-emitting diodes (LED) have exceptionally long lives, low failure rates, and therefore low maintenance and replacement requirements. Not only does this result in hassle-free applications in instrumentation, telecom and networking equipment, and even toys and other consumer products, but because of their efficiency, they save significant amounts of energy as well.

LED Life Expectancy

Most manufacturers publish lifespans for LEDs close to 25,000 hours each, with some lasting as long as 100,000 hours. Most LEDs have life expectancies that are upwards of 50 times longer, for example, for tungsten halogen lamps that are used in various applications such as instrumentation for microscopy applications. Additionally, because LEDs put out little to no heat at all, they avoid complications from excess heat such as noise and vibrations from fans.

Causes of LED Failures

Life expectancy of LEDs is extremely good, as is the rate of failure. There are, however, several factors that impact whether an LED lamp will fail prematurely, including the following:

• Capacitors: This component is used in the circuit of every LED driver and has the potential to fail sooner than the rest of the system if quality is inferior. With high-quality materials, this should not be a problem.
• Heatsinks: Necessary for dispersing heat away from the bulb, heatsinks are essential for long lasting high power LEDs. They can fail, however, if the surface area is inadequate, the gaps between fins are inappropriate, or the fins are positioned incorrectly. Again, with high-quality components, LEDs should not experience such problems.
• Temperature: Though LEDs generally function well under normal conditions, when used in enclosed or high-heat areas, they can experience a shorter lifespan due to overheating. Extreme cold conditions can also shorten the life of an LED, causing it to flicker, dim, or cease functioning.

Early failure is rare, but can happen if not properly designed and operated.

Replacement Benefits of LEDs

Long lifespans makes LEDs ideal for many installations Because LEDs last for many, many years; they can be installed in enclosed and difficult to maintain components, thereby decreasing labor and maintenance costs significantly.

LEDs from VCC Optoelectronics

VCC offers a wide selection of LEDs and LED indicator products for commercial applications. Our high-quality, high-performance LED products are leaders in the field, with custom system designs available. Our team of highly qualified technical staff will use cutting edge technology and computer modeling to design and manufacture LED components for your project that meet your requirements for intensity, accuracy, and spatial needs.

A light-emitting diode (LED) is generally made with the same basic components. In the simplest sense, the LED circuit consists of two components connected in a series—an LED and a current limiting resistor—that are powered by a voltage source. The basic components of an LED include the following:

• Die: Includes a top contact that is wire-bonded to the frame terminal called the post
• Lead frame: This houses the die
• Encapsulation epoxy: This protects the die and disperses the light
• Conductive epoxy: Recessed in one half of the frame
• Anvil: A recess in the frame which is specifically shaped to throw light forward

At the heart of LED construction is the p-n junction which functions as a semiconductor diode. Every LED contains a p-type semiconductor (electron rich) and n-type semiconductor (electron deficient) with a transition layer between them known as the p-n junction. Connecting the LED to an energy source results in the flow of current from the p-side (anode) to the n-side (cathode). When the volt passes through an LED circuit, it encourages electrons to recombine with electron holes, which then releases energy as photons or light. The voltage across the p-n junction must be in the correct direction (forward-biased) in order for an LED to illuminate. A reverse-biased polarity will result in little current and no illumination.

LEDs are considered solid state lighting, which gives them several advantages. They are naturally shock resistant, have significantly long life spans, can withstand quick on/off cycles without damage, and can be formed to crease highly focused illumination.

Extra Features Built into LEDs: Color, Size, Shape, Angle

Sizes of LEDs vary quite significantly depending on the desired end product. Though the standard size is approximately 5 mm in diameter, they can also be made in smaller and larger sizes. LED shapes (determined by cross-section configuration) range from round to square to rectangular to triangular.

Though it might be assumed that creating LEDs with color occurs by modifying the plastic body or package of the LED, colored LEDs are actually constructed by changing the semiconductor material using things such as gallium phosphide, indium gallium nitride, silicon carbide, diamond, or aluminum nitride. They are available in basic colors, including red, amber, orange, green, blue, yellow, and white. Tri-color and bi-color LEDs are created by combining mixing more than one type of lead in the same LED to create more complex colors such as orange-red, pure emerald green, bluish green, near UV, infrared, and far UV.

The viewing angle at which the LED is manufactured can also be customized. The options for LED viewing angle include standard 60° but narrower viewing angles at 15° or less are also possible.

Mounting LEDs for use on circuit boards requires utmost precision and care.  If an LED is not set correctly on the circuit board, or if the LED is the wrong size or shape, it will not perform properly for its intended purpose. These lights perform functions such as showing when the device is powered, when certain parts of the device are working, if certain utilities or machine functions are operating, etc.

Several different methods are used to mount LEDs on circuit boards: right-angle, horizontal and vertical. Printed circuit boards require a separate mount design.  Engineers select the appropriate installation method after reviewing infrastructure requirements, circuit board type, the number of lights necessary and the intended purpose for the LEDs.  One critical determiner is whether the mount must be directly connected to the top of the circuit board or if the LED can be installed as a thru-hole unit.

Right-angle mounts hold an LED light parallel to the circuit board.  This mounting style involves soldering the mounts directly onto a circuit board, and these mounts can accommodate bi-lead or tri-lead LED lights of different shapes. The most common LED shapes used with this style of mount are round, flanged, flangeless and rectangular, but other shapes can also be accommodated.  The bi-lead and both tri-lead styles can be installed in conjunction with other right-angle mounted LEDs, which allows engineers to create interlocking sets of LEDs depending on usage requirements. These lights are installed as complete units; if an LED must be replaced, the entire unit must be removed and a new one installed.

Horizontal and vertical LED mounts can be installed as thru-hole units or mounted directly onto circuit board surfaces. Horizontal mounts are similar to right-angle mounts in that they align the LED parallel to the circuit board.  Vertical mounts hold the LED perpendicular to the circuit board. Thru-hole mounting requires a hole of appropriate size in the circuit board, and the LED protrudes through that opening.

Newer installation mounts for horizontal and vertical LEDs involve single or multiple sockets that can accommodate lights of any shape and color in the correct size.  These sockets are installed where required, and the LED lights are inserted after the mount installation.  This type of socket mount prevents LEDs from suffering damage related to the soldering process, and also facilitates the removal and replacement of LEDs for maintenance purposes.

VCC offers a selection of high-quality mounts designed to meet industry needs for precision and durability.  Along with right-angle, horizontal and vertical mounts, VCC offers a special mount designed specifically for printed circuit boards.  The PCB design is available as a single, dual or tri-lead mount and offers LED stability and the ability to address uniform height and spacing requirements. As with other types of circuit board mounts, PCB mounts can accommodate LEDs in a variety of shapes and colors depending on manufacturer requirements.

LEDs are increasingly used for display applications. For this purpose, the display should exhibit some favorable characteristics such as strong intensity, bright contrast and uniform illumination.   An LED light pipe, often a plastic-based, injection-molded construct, is an important accessory that plays the role of creating a uniform distribution of LED light flux — incidentally, LEDs create directional light fluxes. For example, in backlighting applications, the directional light from LEDs must be uniformly distributed. This can be done by using LED light pipes. Using light pipes provides two benefits.  First, it keeps the number of LED lights to a minimum and just provides sufficient light to meet brightness requirements.  Secondly, the need for using diffusing elements is minimized if not removed altogether.

LED pipes offer many benefits for private, commercial and industrial use.  The primary benefit is a cost-savings associated with the reduced number of lights — and therefore energy — needed for a particular lighting operation.  LED lights also offer a reduced heat output as compared to other forms of lighting.

How It Works:

The basic optical principle for any LED pipe is quite simple. The geometry of the pipe is important for two needs. First, the LED acts as the source, so the LED-produced light must be coupled efficiently to the LED pipe. The coupled light subsequently floods through the pipe using Total Internal Reflection (TIR). Secondly, the output light must be able to provide uniform illumination via output coupling.  In direct coupling, a slab light pipe, is used.  The LED is a surface mounted diode. The light is propagated throughout the length of the light pipe.  Often, the output couple light passes through layers of diffusing film to further scatter the output luminance distribution and increase uniformity. In indirect coupling, the light from the LED is coupled to the pipe in an intermediate step. In this geometry, a diffuse reflector is used to collect the light from the LED source. The diffuse reflector is used for two reasons:  two colors can be added; and the LED light is already scatted before it enters the pipe, giving more uniformity.

LED Pipe Applications:

LED pipes have many possible applications, ranging from miniature to large-scale. For example, LED pipes can be designed to evenly disperse light over liquid crystal display (LCD) surfaces to render clear images, color or brightness.  One major LED pipe application is to illuminate LCDs for products such as computers, cell phones, signs, and alarm clocks.  LED pipes can be further specialized by creating light pipe systems, which are designed to deliver light to a specific target or output point even if the light’s path is non-linear or obstructed.  Major applications for this type of targeted light delivery are instrumentation, equipment and warning lights, or any system where lighting needs to be routed around existing components.

VCC LED light pipe systems are designed to efficiently transfer light from an LED emitter to a display panel.  VCC light pipes are manufactured from optical grade acrylic, and are available in rigid and flexible components to suit a wide range of instrumentation and applications.

The revolutionary line of Litepipes® from VCC Optoelectronics offers many design advantages that maximize LED light output, increase viewing angles, mix and blend multi-colored LED’s. The LMS and LCS series also provide reliable indication for indoor and outdoor locations that are exposed to dust, water, hose cleaning, rain, sleet and snow. In addition, these light pipes can be implemented in area where they may be exposed to corrosive materials or caustic cleaners. Below is a short breakdown on when to select a VCC Litepipe® from these two lines.

The LMS Series Litepipe®

The LMS Series is designed and exceeded testing criteria for the IP56/NEMA 4C rating. This rating means the incidental contact from dirt, dust or water will not damage this light pipe. It can also withstand cleaners such as those used in food and meat processing environments where disinfectants are used, petro-chemical applications and outdoor environments such as offshore drilling, satellite installations and emergency lighting. High-pressure jets and weather will not degrade the performance of the LMS Series of Litepipes®.

The LCS Series Litepipe®

The LCS Series has been designed to withstand all the criteria of the LMS Series but takes it further and achieves IP67/NEMA6P ratings. This series can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications as well as withstand prolonged immersion in water without compromising the performance of the indicator. This series is perfect for applications such as wastewater treatment plants and any coastal, river, lakeside or pool applications where storm waters may unexpectedly immerse the device location.

VCC takes pride in being an innovator in this field and will continue to develop products such as the LMS and LCS Series of Litepipes for specialized applications. Our team is currently working on a number of new developments and is always available to address your questions. For the advice of a dedicated and knowledgeable VCC professional or to view our complete selection of LEDs, Litepipes, Panel Lenses, Solderless Interconnectors, PCB board Mounts and Clips, contact us today.

The question has been asked: Why would a company or organization want to spend money to retrofit lighting with state-of-the art LEDs? The answers are varied and begin with the age old requirements to save time, money and have a higher quality product or advertisement. The reasons listed below come from Project Engineers and Systems Specialists expressing why they have chosen this route:

1. Saving Money: There may be a cost associated with a retrofitting LED applications but the payback makes it more than worth the expense. A large-scale example of this is Harrah’s Casino in Las Vegas. They spent $362,000 on retrofitting everything from elevator signal lights, to under counter illumination, animated displays, signage and outdoor lighting. The project has allowed them to reduce their power consumption by 2 million kWh. They expect to realize a $200,000 yearly payback from their 24/7 operations.
2. Environmental Synergy: The desire to reduce environmental contaminants and improve the overall carbon footprint of our society is a reason given across the board. LED applications can reduce carbon footprints by up to 60% over other lighting types.
3. Improved Lighting Quality: The new generation of LED’s available are brighter and more vibrant. Signage and displays appear sleek, modern and clean. The more vibrant colors were a safety consideration when the NYC Subway signals were replaced. Travelers and Engineers said the saturated colors were more visible and thus safer.
4. Longevity: A truly worldwide push is taking place with massive projects to replace street lighting and traffic signals with LED’s. One of the many reasons is the longevity factor of LED’s.  Known for their exceptional reliability and without internal filaments to be damaged, there are less repair instances and longer life cycles over-all.
5. Control and Display Features: LED’s have better dimming and control features available than the lighting of yesteryear. This is an area where both marketing and safety benefits come into play.  Airbus wing tips and train signals have been retrofitted for the control features of LED’s to provide better ground and air signaling to improve safety while the number of retrofit marketing applications is practically infinite. From sport stadiums, to retail stores, every venue trying capture the public imagination, has seen signage and signaling being retrofitted or changed to LED based displays. Lighting can be synchronized for a show, have burst of color to turns heads or be animated to send a message. The options are infinite.

VCC is excited at the new possibilities that exist and our dedicated professionals are available daily to provide you with assistance for your specific retrofit requirements. We provide standard LED’s as well as specialized options. If you need a high intensity light, have a remote application or need to have a seal that is moisture proof; VCC has the products to fit your needs. Contact us with your requirements and we will provide a custom solution to ensure the success of your retrofit application.

San Marcos, CA — Visual Communications Company (VCC), a provider of innovative Optoelectronics solutions, recently announced the appointment of Advance Technical Sales, Inc. as its manufacturer’s representative for the southwest. Based in southern California, VCC is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of LED mounting components.

“Advance Technical Sales is a great addition to the VCC team,” said Mark Baker, National Sales Manager, of VCC. “It possesses a solid business ethic and is well-known in the industry for its knowledge and professionalism. We are very excited to be working with the team.” Advance Technical Sales will cover a four-state region including Texas, the Texas – Mexico Border, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. “The partnership between VCC and Advance Technical Sales is part of VCC’s effort to augment its existing rep network in order to best support the expanded demand and growth opportunities that the company is currently experiencing,” explained Baker.

1W High Power LED on Star Board

After enjoying initial success with our through-hole LED offering, VCC is moving forward with its surface-mount LED line. The introduction of the surface-mount line rounds out VCC’s ability to be a true single-source solution for LED needs. Whether its the LED, a light pipe, or any other of the many VCC mounting components, we are now a one-stop shop for our customers.

Standard package sizes will include 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206, and PLCC2. Additionally, VCC will be offering a line of high power SMD LED solutions. These include .5W, 1W, and 3W products. Custom design solutions are also available. LEDs will be available in early October.

All of the VCC LED specification sheets are currently available at the VCC website.

LEDs Magazine – LED lighting market to exceed $5B by 2012, says report