How You Can Save by Switching to LED Corn Bulbs

Typically, when you see “switch and save,” the object of what you can save is money. If you switch from HID lamps to compatible LED corn bulbs, you can save money - and then some.

But we need to walk before we can run. Let’s take a step back and look at the facts. First, what is an LED corn bulb?

What Is an LED Corn Bulb?

An LED is a light-emitting diode, a type of semiconductor material that emits light when electrical energy flows across the p-n junction of its surface. As electrical energy flows across it, some of that energy is released as visible light.

Many industrial facilities use certain types of lightbulbs known as HID lamps, or high-intensity discharge lamps, for wide-area illumination. Some of the most common types of HID lamps are low and high-pressure sodium bulbs (LPS and HPS, respectively) mercury vapor lamps (MV lamps), and metal halide lamps, also known as MH lamps.

HID lamps are very bright and have relatively long lifespans, and so they are commonly used to illuminate stadiums, arenas, parking lots, high and low bays, and industrial production facilities.

However, they burn very hot, contain toxic elements (like sodium and mercury), have the potential to emit UV radiation, and can only be operated in a certain orientation, among other traits.

Enter the LED corn bulb, which consists of a metal structure around which an arrangement of LEDs has been oriented, for bright, multidirectional lighting. This gives them the appearance of a corn cob, and as a result, they are also known as LED corn cob lights, LED corn lights, corn cob lamps, and various other iterations containing the same words in different combinations.

LED corn cob lamps have been directly designed and developed to serve as replacements for certain classes of HID lights. In some situations, they serve as direct, plug-and-play replacements, and can simply be screwed into the same fixture that was designed for an HID lamp.

So now the question is: why would you want to replace your HID lamps with replacement LED corn lights?

Advantages of LED Corn Bulbs: Or, Why You Should Switch

Just as homeowners have plenty of good reasons to switch over to LED light bulbs from incandescent bulbs, LED corn lights also carry several benefits for those who would switch out their HID lamps.

1.Longer lifespan

Operational conditions and usage all affect light lifespan, but even long-lived HID light bulbs barely scrape the bottom of 25,000 hours. A more reasonable estimation of the expected lifespan for HID lamps is somewhere around 10,000 hours - but again, this is an estimation.

Estimation or not, short-lived LED bulbs last for 25,000 hours or more. Many are rated to last upwards of 50,000 hours, and many last even longer. Moreover, LEDs rarely burn out the way HID lamps do; they just lose luminosity over time until it becomes necessary to replace them.

2.Save on lighting energy costs

Another great thing about LED corn bulbs is that they consume far less energy than HID lamps. In fact, they are currently the most energy-efficient form of lighting available.

LEDs consume far less energy and operate on much lower line voltage than HID lamps while producing the same - or a greater - amount of light, saving you on energy operating costs associated with lighting.

3. Save on cooling energy costs

Something else you should know about LED corn bulbs - they don’t release anywhere near as much heat energy as a byproduct of operation as HID lights do.

This has two benefits: one, LED lights present much less of a fire risk than HID lights, and two, they won’t heat up the area around them as much, which is a big bonus for those that would operate them indoors. It potentially enables operators to save on cooling costs during the hotter months of the year.

4. No compromise on lighting directionality, color temperature, or luminosity

LED corn bulbs are also manufactured (in some cases) to serve as direct replacements for HID bulbs, offering the same or even better lumen output ratings. They’re also available in a wide range of color temperatures, from cool to warm white light, and can offer excellent lighting directionality.

5. No UV emissions

While some have concerns about the potential for HID lamps to release UV emissions, in reality, the amount is negligible. Be that as it may, it is a possibility for HID lamps to release UV light - but it isn’t for LEDs, which release none.

6.Instant on-off functionality; perfect operability in both hot and cold temperatures

One thing about HID lamps is that they can be sluggish in exceptionally cold temperatures, taking a few seconds or even longer to reach their full brightness. LEDs present no such delays, and reach their full brightness immediately, regardless of temperature or other environmental conditions.

7.LED corn bulbs contain no harmful components (they’re “green!”)

Many HID lamps (and other types of lamps, like fluorescents) contain harmful chemicals such as mercury which is necessary for their operation. This makes them not only hazardous to produce but also to dispose of.

LEDs lack harmful chemicals such as these, are much more environmentally friendly as a result. Moreover, some LED lights are considered entirely recyclable, further diminishing their impact on the environment.

8. They’re physically tough

Drop an HID lamp and you’re going to have to pick up a bunch of pieces. Some LED corn bulbs are made predominantly from plastic and metal, making them much physically tougher, and consequently, resistant to impact.

9. Protect your staff!

Every year, countless maintenance and electrical workers are injured in falls from ladders. LED corn bulbs last longer, so your maintenance staff will need to replace them less frequently, keeping them off of the ladder and safe on the ground, where they belong!

Questions on LED Corn Bulbs? Contact Us!

Interested in learning more about the LED corn bulbs we offer here, or having a hard time figuring out which exact bulbs you need to make a replacement? Contact us at 800-966-2345 and we would be happy to help you find the units that are right for you.