In this article, David Boultbee, Technical Consultant at Ultra LEDs, shares his insight into the benefits of LED bulbs and why they can be a safer lighting option for rented properties.
As a landlord, you’re expected to make your property as safe as possible for your tenants by minimising health hazards and fire risks. One of the ways you can do this effectively is to choose to install LED light sources in your building.
LEDs are considered safer than other light sources in various ways, so much so that the EU banned the use of halogens in favour of LEDs in September last year (which.co.uk). Below, I’ll take you through just a few of the reasons LEDs could be perfect for making the property that you rent out safer.
They’re low voltage
LED light sources use less power to run than their halogen, fluorescent, or incandescent alternatives. They can run off low voltage circuits, and the electricity that powers them from the mains even has to go through a transformer to reduce its voltage. This means there’s usually less of a risk of electrical shocks or fires if they’re handled, such as when the bulbs are being changed. To be on the safe side, though, I would still advise that they’re only handled by a qualified electrician.
They produce less heat
LEDs consume less energy than other light sources because more of the power they do use is converted into light rather than heat. That means they’re less of a fire hazard, even if they’re left on for a long time by your tenants. As a bonus, this also makes them more energy efficient, as less of the power they require to light up is wasted.
They can be water resistant
LEDs come with different IP ratings, which indicate how protected they are from moisture. Fully water-resistant options usually have an IP rating of at least IP65 up to IP67 and 8, which are waterproof versions. This makes them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and the outdoors around your property where water and other liquids can cause dangerous issues for electrical lights.
They don’t contain mercury
Unlike some other forms of lighting, LEDs use an electrical conductor to generate their light instead of mercury. Even sources that use a very small amount of mercury can be considered a hazard as the substance can be toxic if it is inhaled or ingested in any way. Because they’re mercury-free, LEDs pose no risk of poisoning if they are broken or dropped.
They’re safer to dispose of
Because they don’t contain toxic materials, LEDs are also safer to dispose of without having to worry about them leaking mercury — although you still need to be careful around broken glass. Even better, some components in LED lights may even be recyclable depending on your local area. If you can recycle your old LED bulbs, it saves them from being sent to landfill and causing issues for the environment and wildlife that way.
These are just some of the reasons that LED light sources can be a better option for your property when it comes to safety. From reduced fire hazards to the lack of toxicity, there are plenty of reasons to choose LEDs.