02 Apr Heat Sinks & Finish – Choosing Quality LED Lighting, Part 4

In our 4-part series on determining the quality of a LED light fixture we have examined what you can tell from the manufacturer specifications, covering LED Chips, LED Drivers, and LED Lenses. However, you can also get an idea of the quality of the fixture by simply examining its housing – specifically, its Heat Sink and its Finish.

Heat Sinks

 
LED fixtures emit significantly less heat than other types of lighting, but they still emit a lot of heat internally, which impacts both the life of the components and the performance of the light. This is especially problematic for high power LED fixtures, such as area lights and high bays. An essential component of a LED fixture is the heat sink, which is designed to disperse the heat produced by the LED light.

Due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, aluminum is the most popular material for LED heat sinks. All GKOLED LED fixtures feature a sturdy, durable die-cast aluminum housing, ensuring effective heat dispersion and optimal LED performance. Cheaper fixtures may use less aluminum to reduce the cost of materials, or even use a plastic heat sink. If in doubt, check the weight of a LED fixture. A fixture that seems too light for its size may indicate that the manufacturer has tried to cut costs by skimping on materials for this important component.

Finish

 
When evaluating a LED fixture for a project, pay close attention to its finish, which should be completely smooth and uniform. The finish of a LED fixture has a functional purpose as well as an aesthetic one, as painted heat sinks have been shown to perform better than unpainted ones. If the finish on a LED fixture is uneven, it can be an indication that the manufacturer is also cutting corners in other places during production.

We fully stand behind the quality of our fixtures. Because of this, we are offering a 30-day risk-free trial on any of our LED products, with all shipping costs covered by us. For more information on this offer, please contact our Chicago-based sales team at 630-793-9449 or at info@gkoled.com.