31-12-2020
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Difference between Back-lit and Edge-lit LED panel

Edge-lit vs Back-lit luminaires

LED luminaires have been raved and favored by many since its introduction, and as technology improved, LED luminaires are also more affordable than before, and these improvements in lighting technology have also lead to luminaires that are lighter and slimmer than before.

This has also led to the introduction and birth of LED panels, the answer to improving visual comfort and allowing corporations around the world to save more on energy bills.

What is a LED panel light?

LED panel light is designed to deliver general ambient lighting for various indoor lighting settings and is becoming the go to choice for both troffer replacement projects and new building constructions. It’s high efficacy and long lifespan have also made it to be one of the most popular lighting solution today!

Edge-lit or Back-lit LED panel?

Now, let’s take a look at both type of lighting emitting technology. Edge-lit and Back-lit essentially refers to how the LED chips are lined up within a luminaire, and both utilize different components to ensure light are emitted in a well-diffused manner.

Edge-lit LED luminaires

As its name implies, LED luminaires that are edge-lit have its LED chips lined up on the inner side of a luminaire fixture. The light from edge-lit LED luminaires are emitted sideways as such it would require specialized panels and components to ensure that the light from LED chips are emitted out in a well-diffused manner.

Key features of Paragon Edge-lit luminaires;

5 different layers; To ensure as much light is emitted as possible and designed to diffuse light evenly across the whole surface, emitting a perfectly smooth lighting experience
Ultra-thin profile; At only 10mm/1cm thick, it is one of the slimmest luminaire in the market. Combined with its minimalist and clean frame, these panels are sleek and blend in perfectly with any environment. It’s ultra-thin profile also fit perfectly onto ceilings with low void.
Multiple mounting options; Edge-lit panels can be installed directly onto conventional T-grid systems or other installation options such as surface mount on ceilings and suspended from ceiling using steel cables.

Back-lit LED luminaires

Back-lit luminaires are a little more straightforward and it does not require as much components as edge-lit luminaires, albeit slightly thicker as it require a certain distance between LED chips and the diffuser cover as such the emitted light can be diffused evenly.

Instead of LED chips lined by the side of a luminaire fixture, LED chips in a back-lit luminaire are installed on the back of the frame, as such the LED chips are parallel to the ground with light emitted directly onto the diffuser and out of it.

Key features of Paragon Back-lit luminaires;

Does not have reflector and optical plate; As light shines outward directly, there is no need for a reflector and optical plate. Instead, this type of luminaire requires a diffuser that ensure light are emitted in a smooth and even manner.
A slightly thicker profile; To reduce hotspot and glare, back-lit panels require a deeper housing such that light can be diffuse evenly through the diffuser. Coming in almost 4 times as thick as Paragon’s Edge-lit panel lights, it is still slim enough to be installed on t-grid ceilings.

Steel frame, fully welded prevents light leak.
PS diffuser sheet, prevents yellowing over prolonged operation.
LED Chips, attached on fixture with thermal paste for efficient heat dissipation.
Powder-coated steel fixture, durable and prevents corrosion.

Benefits of making the switch to LED?

Edge-lit and Back-lit LED panels have been widely installed in various indoor lighting applications due to its numerous advantages, but it is mostly favored for its contribution to reduce energy usage and maintenance costs.

Flexibility in installation

Paragon have taken into consideration the numerous installation areas, therefore, apart from installing it on conventional t-grid ceiling, there are other accessories for installation on concrete and plaster ceiling. Namely, exposed ceiling frame, concealed ceiling frame and suspended ceiling cables. Therefore, this luminaire is not limited to only certain locations, but applicable for a wide range of lighting application.

Higher energy efficacy

LED lights in general are more energy efficient than traditional fluorescent and incandescent luminaires. Paragon’s LED panels have an energy efficacy of up to 110lm/w, which require lesser energy to emit the same light output when compared to traditional fluorescent troffer luminaires.

Reduce heat emission

LED lights are more efficient in utilizing energy, hence most of the electrical energy are converted into light more effective. Whereas fluorescent and incandescent, are less efficient in converting electrical energy into light, as such the unconverted energy are emitted as infrared (IR) radiation.

Higher CRI

Paragon LED panels have a CRI >90, this translates to reflecting the colors of objects more accurately. When objects that are illuminated by high CRI light source, will appear richer, brighter and vibrant.

Shock resistance

Due to the construction of the its components, LED lights are not susceptible to external shocks during transportation or operation, hence it makes it less prone to failure due to external shocks

Eco-friendly

LED lights are much more environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that it does not possess any harmful chemicals and substances, unlike fluorescent and incandescent which contains mercury and other inert gases that are typically harmful for the environment. LED lights are also able to operate much longer than fluorescent and incandescent before a need for replacement, which helps to reduce waste generated.

Long lifespan

Paragon LED panels have a rated lifespan of L70 @ 50,000 hours. But that does not mean it will stop emitting light once it surpassed 50,000 hours, it means that the it will emit 70% of its initial output lumens when it reaches 50,000 hours.

Whereas fluorescent light has a lifespan of approximately 15,000 hours, which meant replacement of blown lights will have to take place more often.

Reduce maintenance

Because of its long lifespan, LED lights generally do not require any maintenance once it is installed correctly. This is a huge cost saving for government and companies who are still using fluorescent light fixtures, that may require hiring external professionals to conduct checks and replacement of blown fluorescent bulbs/tubes.

Reduce downtime

With a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, organizations and businesses do not have to worry that a faulty or blown light will affect the daily operations.

Benefits of switching to Paragon LED panels (Edge-lit or Back-lit)

Simple and unobtrusive design, keep ceilings neat and tidy
High light diffusion and low glare lighting
High quality luminaire that prevents light panel turning yellow over time
Comfortable lighting for any time of the day
Save up to over 50% in energy consumption as compared to traditional fluorescent troffers

Summary

Ultimately, no matter which you choose, you can be assured that Paragon LED luminaires ultimately helps to reduce energy usage and increase visual comfort. Be it edge-lit or back-lit, the decision often boils down to what works best for your specific application.

Require assistance in selecting the appropriate LED lighting solution for your space? Do contact us today and we will be able to provide you with free lighting design too.