A long lasting, safe and energy efficient range of lighting options for commercial and residential use.
What does LED stand for?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, an example of solid state lighting.
Why do I need to change?
 In February 2007, the Australian Government enacted a law that will ban the sale of most incandescent bulbs by 2010. Until recently the only alternative we had been given was to use CFLs which contain hazardous levels of mercury. LEDs are a far cleaner and safer choice.
Do LEDs contain mercury like CFLs do?
No. Mercury is a highly toxic Neurotoxin which is used in fluorescent light bulbs including CFLs. Many people are unaware of the use of mercury in CFLs and are not educated on the strict cleanup procedures they should follow if a bulb breaks. Millions of these mercury containing light bulbs are being thrown away into our landfills, risking the contamination of our ground water.
Do LEDs require separate drivers?
No. Our LEDs come with internal constant current drivers which means you simply take out the light bulb you have and put in the LED. The only exception is the LED tube lights which require a starter to be removed and the ballast bypassed in order to save the maximum amount of electricity.
Could I put my LEDs into existing light fittlngs?
Yes. Our LEDs come in a range of bases and sizes to fit most commonly used existing light fittings with the exception of the tube lights and G24 (fluorescent tube replacement) bulbs which do require the starter being removed and the ballast bypassed before they can be installed. This work needs to be carried out by a qualified electrician to retain the warranty.
Is heat a problem with LEDs?
Heat can be an issue if too much wattage is pushed through an LED and the lamp will fail. This was the reason manufacturers took time to develop brightness in small bulbs such as a 50w halogen replacement. It is difficult to create that level of brightness in such a small area without creating too much heat. This issue has now been overcome. The environment in which an LED bulb is placed can also have an impact on its lifespan. Ambient temperatures should be between 20°C and 50°C and the bulb should be adequately ventilated to allow any heat generated to dissipate. The surface temperature of an LED will be approximately 50°C - 60°C which is not too hot to touch but possibly too hot to handle for too long.
Will LEDs work with existing dimmers?
Only if the LED is specifically marked 'dimmable'. A dimmable LED uses a different internal driver to a non-dimmable LED. These dimmable LEDs do not work with all existing dimmers but the range is growing as manufacturers continue to make improvements and new drivers become available. Using a non dimmable LED bulb on a circuit which includes a dimmer will void your warranty.
Are LEDs as bright as 'normal' bulbs?
Our range has been tested and we give an approximate indication of the wattage of the incandescent bulb they are an effective replacement for. LED light is generally more directional than incandescent light and they do emit a different light to incandescent bulbs. It is recommended that you install them and give yourself time to get used to the different look of the room.
What is the difference between warm white and cool white?
Warm white has a yellowish glow while cool white contains more blue tones and are closer to the colour of daylight.
Why choose LEDs over compact fluorescent light bulbs?
- LEDs use very little energy
- LEDs may last up to and perhaps beyond 50,000 hours which can mean up to 10 years even with heavy usage
- LEDs emit no UV light and are safe for people with health problems that are affected by fluorescent lights
- LEDs produce very little heat greatly reducing the strain on air conditioning and therefore reducing energy consumption
- LEDs can be retro fitted into most standard light fixtures
- LEDs emit no audible 'buzz'
- LEDs are mercury FREE
- LEDs come in an extensive range to suit many applications
- LEDs are shock and vibration resistant
Disposing of LEDs
Firstly, disposal shouldn't be necessary for at least 10 years. If a bulb breaks, it poses no immediate health risk and can be placed in a bin. Landfill is the recommended method of disposal.
Warranty All Gruen Energy LEDs come with a 2 or 3 year warranty on faults.
Why haven't I heard of LEDs before?
 LEDs have been around for decades. They have been used in our cars and as indicators on electronic devices but their uses were limited by manufacturer's inability to create a white LED. Recent developments have made a white LED possible.
How much energy can I save?
Of course lights for various purposes will have different specifications but on average, an LED will use an 18th of the power of a standard incandescent bulb. LED bulbs typically use between 1 and 15 watts. Rarely will you see an LED bulb that uses more than 15 watts of power. This means that in general, LEDs use less power than compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) which are currently being marketed as 'energy saving'.
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