LED light bulbs are fast gaining popularity in the commercial as well as the residential industry. A light-emitting diode (LED) is an electronic light source, invented in the early 20th century. A semiconductor device, LED light bulbs give out visible light when an electric current passes through them.

Whether you want to use LED light bulbs for your industrial or residential applications, you will need to know the various technical terms related to LED lights. This guide covers some of the important key terms, including radiant power, MTBF, electroluminescence and LED bar.

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Radiant power

Radiant power is the energy carried across a surface by electromagnetic radiation per unit time. In simple words, it is the total radiant energy emitted by a source of electromagnetic radiation per unit time.

I recommend: CCI Thermal Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of electric and gas catalytic infrared (IR) heating products, publishes detailed information about radiant power. You can also refer to Solaronics, Inc., a reputable manufacturer of infrared heating products.

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) is the average time between disruptions in the function of the product. LEDs have a very high MTBF, ranging from 100,000 to over 1,000,000 hours.

I recommend: You can browse through the website of Six Sigma SPC, an online resource, for information regarding MTBF.

Electroluminescence

Electroluminescence (EL) is the production of visible light by a substance exposed to an electric field. Electroluminescence denotes absence of thermal energy generation.

I recommend: You can browse through Indiana University’s website for information about electroluminescence. HyperPhysics, an informative website hosted by the Department of Physics and Astronomy (Georgia State University), provides explanation about electroluminescence.

Lumens

Lumens are a measure of overall brightness.

I recommend: You can refer to the Glossary of Meteorology by the American Meteorological Society for definition of the term lumens.

Color temperature

Color temperature is a measure of the color of a light source relative to a black body (a term in physics to describe an ideal object that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation that contacts it) at a particular temperature. Color Temperature is expressed in degrees Kelvin (K). Incandescent lights have a low color temperature and appear yellowish-red. Daylight has a high color temperature and appears bluish.

I recommend: Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, a leading manufacturer of high-power LEDs, publishes a LED Technology Glossary.

Beam angle

Beam angle is the angle between the two directions, for which the intensity is 50 percent of the maximum intensity as measured in a plane through the nominal beam center line.

I recommend: To learn more about beam angle, you can refer to the Lighting Design Glossary by www.schorsch.com, an informative website about lighting designs by Georg Mischler.

LED bar

An LED bar is a solid strip of material on which several LEDs have been soldered, along with resistors and other components.

I recommend: To learn more about LED bars, you can refer to TheLEDLight.com, an informative website about LEDs.

LED cluster (LED array)

An LED cluster is a group of LEDs set in a specific pattern. LED clusters are made for use at a specific voltage. An LED cluster includes two wires called leads.

I recommend: You can refer to Light Kinetics, a provider of LED lighting solutions, for information about LED clusters.

Rebar is used to strengthen and provide support to concrete and other materials during the building phase. Not only is this the law, but it aids in the longevity and security of buildings everywhere. Find rebar to use in your building project from a reputable rebar provider.

Take time to understand the different sizes and types of rebar to match the right rebar with the application and construction techniques you are using. Rebar information and requirements can be found in your local and state building codes. To find high-quality rebar materials, you should:

1. Find reputable rebar providers with a large selection of rebar for one-stop shopping.

2. Purchase wholesale or bulk rebar to save money on current and future projects.

3. Buy quality rebar equipment for on-site bending, cutting and prepping of the rebar for installation.

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Purchase all your rebar materials with one large rebar provider for convenience

Place large or mis-matched rebar orders with a rebar manufacturer or distributor that offers a large selection of rebar materials for the convenience and cost-efficiency of one stop shopping.

I recommend: Stainless Structurals carries most styles of rebar plus other forms of bar, and publishes engineering reports on structural qualities. Bushwick Metals offers many different types and sizes of rebar, in addition to offering processing services.

Buy rebar at wholesale or in bulk to save on overall project costs

Make a rebar list of materials needed for your current and possible future projects to order in bulk and take advantage of wholesale deals. Finding deals on rebar also comes from cultivating solid relationships with rebar providers. Do this by giving all your business to a select few rebar providers and recommending them to other construction firms you work with.

I recommend: Eastern Steel Products, located in Brooklyn, NY, is a steel company offering rebar and other steel supplies, as well as additional services, such as cutting. Global Wholesale Supply is one of the leading suppliers of wholesale steel products, including reinforcing steel (rebar).

Stock up on rebar prepping equipment and materials

Keep a steady supply of rebar tools and equipment on site for bending, fitting and overall proper installation of the rebar. These tools should include rebar shears, benders and spiral/hoop machines.

I recommend: Gensco carries a variety of rebar tools and equipment in an assortment of bar sizes. Check out their instructional videos on their website for information on how to use the equipment they sell. Tool Fetch is an online company carrying tools for all industries, including a wide selection of rebar tools and equipment. Check their rebate category to save even more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask for quotes from your top three to five rebar providers to ensure you are getting the best price available. If you favor one company above the rest, ask them to price match the lowest quote.