LEDs: The light emitting diode or LED, is a small semiconductor device which converts electricity to light. Very simply, when electrons move across a junction (the place where two different semi-conductors meet) inside the diode, they give up photons, thus producing light.

While LEDs have been around for years (used in display panels and as indicator lights on electronic equipment), high brightness LEDs are relatively new, and are quickly replacing conventional lighting technology. LED lights give off almost no heat in the generation of light.

So, what is so great about LED lights? Well, if we compare them to the conventional incandescent light, there are several advantages. Regular incandescent light bulbs generally last for six to eight thousand hours (about 1 year) before burning out. The new bright white LEDs have a bulb life rated at 50,000 hours or 6 years. Also, LED lights are very efficient at producing light using 90% less energy than incandescents. These two advantages combined with the fact that LEDs can withstand greater shock and vibration, and possess greater tolerance to heat, cold, and moisture far beyond those tolerated by incandescent lamps, make the LED a far superior source for light — for just about any applications. Note the V8 Supercar lights on the right which have survived numerous crashes at high speed.The quality of the light is also another consideration — LEDs appear cooler — described as almost like that of moonlight, and are said to be easier on the eyes especially for reading. Smartlite's disc lights in red and green have certainly proven to withstand massive shock and vibration during the V8 Supercar races and despite a number of high speed crashes and severe damage to the car itself, the lights keep on going.

LEDs have made significant progress in providing the sign industry with an alternative to conventional fluorescent and neon lighting methods. LEDs offer the advantage of long life, low maintenance, low energy usage, low voltage and enhanced fire safety. LEDs are now being used by some of the biggest names in marketing and continue to gain momentum throughout the world in the Sign Industry.

LEDs are now also the preferred lighting option for environmentalists and those organisations charged with providing power for electricity around the world. Growing pressure from such lobbyists will speed up the use and acceptance of LED forms of lighting.

Low Voltage equates to safer operation and reduced fire hazard. LEDS run cooler and at a lower voltage than fluorescent and neon signs. For this reason, LEDs have gained advantage in areas where safety or fire hazards are significant design concerns.

Long Life and Low Energy usage equals Cost Savings. Since LEDS are considered solid state devices, they provide extremely long life. Typical life expectancy of an LED approaches 11 years (100,000 hours) of constant power on usage. By using the lights only at night, this longevity figure would increase to 20 years. This translates into reduced maintenance costs for the user.

Another advantage, is the low energy usage that LEDs offer over other light sources. The Table below shows the comparison of LEDs vs Neon and Fluorescent light sources. As the table shows, LEDS are 90% more efficient than both fluorescent and neon systems of comparable length. 

Light Source	Flouro	Neon	LED
Brand / Type	H/O F-96	12mm Red Std Trnsfmr	Red
Power usage / foot	30.5 watts	20 watts	1.8 watts
Installation Length	180 ft	180 ft	180 ft
X Power Consumption (w)	5,490	3600	324
X 12 hours / day	65,880	43,200	3,888
X 365 days	24,046,200	15,768,000	1,419,120
Divide by 1000 (KW/hrs)	24,046	15,768	1,419
X cost per KW/hr)	$0.118	$0.118	$0.118
Total Annual Energy Cost	$2,837.45	$1,860.62	$167.46

Fibre Optic Lights
There are two types of SmartLite fibre optics cable: SideGlow and EndGlow. SideGlow cable is a side [light] emitting cable composed of several individual strands of PMMA acrylic fibres covered by a clear PVC coasting. SideGlow is available in a wide range of diameters and in several models. The Fiber strands inside the cable are twisted around a reflective centre core

EndGlow cable is an end [light] emitting cable that uses the same PMMA acrylic strands as SideGlow except it is covered in an opaque black or white PVC jacket.

Endpoint fibre is the 'raw' fiber sold in individual strands by the spool. Light emits primarily from the end, however light can be observed emitting from the side as well. SmartLite offers many fixtures or light outlets that attach to the end of the cable providing both a mounting system for the cable fixture and a decorative or functional lighting system.

Why use Fibre Optic Cable?
Fiber optic cable is an excellent alternative to neon and other traditional lighting products but without any electricity in the cable itself. By using a colour filter or colour wheel in the illuminator, the cable, fiber ends or fixtures can change color. The cable emits little or no heat making it ideal for application where electricity or heat is a concern such as wine racks, display cases, in or around water. Fiber optic cable is energy efficient. Our most popular illuminator uses only a 150 W lamp.

Where can I use fiber optic cable?
Just about anywhere you like. Because there is little or no heat in the cable and no electricity your options are wide open. The outer jacket of the cable has UV inhibitors and algaecides and fungicides to further protect it in the environment.

When do I use fiber optic cable?
When you require a safe and energy efficient lighting system that has the ability to change color and is able to fit in an area that traditional lighting system cannot. It can be used for signs, building outlines, cove lighting, to illuminate architectural fixtures, swimming pool perimeters, underwater lighting, landscape lighting and so on.

Who uses fiber optic cable?
The worlds largest fiber optic sign - the Coca-cola sign is in Time Square and has over 65,000 points of fiber optic lights. The Pepsi Globe in Caracas, Venezuela uses over 7 kilometers of the SideGlow cable. Major theme parks, corporations, sign companies and home owners who illuminate their pools all use fiber optic lighting. Once you discover the magical world of fiber optics, you'll begin to see it almost everywhere.