Shopping for LED landscape lighting fixtures in Raleigh? You’ll find three main types. There are integrated LED fixtures, semi-integrated LED fixtures, and LED drop-in lamps. Each one looks similar in the yard. However, they differ a lot when it’s time for service. Here’s the difference in the three.
What is an integrated LED fixture?
In an integrated LED fixture, the LED is built right into the fixture. Most carry a warranty of about 10 years. They’re designed to run cooler, which helps the LED chip last longer. They also give a better light.
Some integrated fixtures let you adjust the color temperature and the beam focus on the fixture itself. As a result, there’s no need to try several lamps to get the look right. Some are made for mounting into hardscaping. Others are built for downlighting from trees.
What is the downside of an integrated LED fixture?
Integrated fixtures are not serviceable. When the LED finally fails, the whole fixture has to be replaced. They also cost more up front. That’s the tradeoff for their long warranty and built-in features.
What is a semi-integrated LED fixture?
A semi-integrated LED fixture sits between the other two types. The key difference is that it’s user serviceable. In other words, we can go back and service it time after time. When it needs service, we swap out the LED chip, or module. You keep the fixture in place instead of replacing the whole thing. The LED chips are rated for about a 10-year life. Some semi-integrated fixtures even carry up to a lifetime warranty.
What is an LED drop-in lamp?
An LED drop-in lamp is just what it sounds like. It drops into a standard low voltage fixture, much like a bulb. So it’s easy to service and easy to replace.
Drop-in LEDs have gotten better and better. Early LED lamps often failed one diode at a time. Today, drop-in lamps typically come with a 3- to 5-year warranty. They’re built to run in fully sealed fixtures, which keeps moisture away from the chip. They also run cool and use very little energy. For many outdoor lighting jobs, drop-in LEDs are a great cost-effective choice.
Which LED fixture type is easiest to service?
Drop-in lamps and semi-integrated fixtures are the easiest to service. Both can be maintained for years without replacing the fixture. Integrated fixtures, on the other hand, last a long time but must be replaced once the LED fails.
All three are far more efficient than old halogen lamps. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, good-quality LED products are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours or longer.
How do we choose LED landscape lighting fixtures in Raleigh?
There’s no single right answer for every yard. Instead, we pick the fixture type that fits each spot, your budget, and how you want to maintain the system. Whatever the fixture, our signature look stays the same. We use warm 2700K light, soft and low in lumens, with no glare.
Joe Yanulevich spent more than 35 years in concert and theatrical lighting before he began lighting landscapes. On stage, the light matters and the fixture disappears. His work has also earned Masters of Landscape Lighting recognition.
Lite Visions provides an installation warranty on every LED fixture type we install. We also offer annual maintenance for the systems we install.
Want to learn more? Read The 2700K Advantage, High Quality Landscape Lighting Fixtures, and Landscape Lighting Maintenance in Raleigh. When you’re ready, contact Lite Visions to schedule a daytime consultation.
Give us a call: Nine one Nine-518-9950
