A guide to large LED modules
LED lighting has taken the world by storm. It is much more energy-efficient than the traditional incandescent light bulbs and even fluorescent lighting, to the point that electricity use in many countries is lowered significantly when LED lighting is implemented on a large scale.
Large LED modules are a particular type of LED that many people could benefit from but may not necessarily be familiar with. With that in mind, this article will walk you through everything you will need to know about large LED modules, what makes them unique and how they can be used. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
What makes large LED modules different?
You would be forgiven for thinking that large LED modules were simply more powerful forms of LED modules, but there is a lot more to them than that.
One prominent factor in deciding any type of LED module is the return depth. This is the space between the LED emitters and the light-emitting surface. It might seem like a minor point, but the return depth is very important in dealing with spotting, which is when you can easily observe the LED ‘spots’ as opposed to a solid block of light, shattering the illusion of any light show or luminous creation.
Even at their best, small LED modules have a return depth between maximum 40-60mm, which might not be enough for you. Standard LED modules fare somewhat better, with a typical minimum return depth of 40-60mm but many are suitable for lighting applications with a 50-70mm depth. Large LED modules generally have a minimum return depth of 50mm, but there are plenty with an 80mm minimum and some more heavy-duty modules which (when double-sided) have a return depth of 200mm.
As you might expect, large LED modules can provide more power at less cost, with 130-150 lumens per watt at your disposal for most standard models, and some modules providing up to a 225-lumen output on that level of power. This is far better than small modules which, even on similar levels of efficiency, struggle to surpass 25 lumens. Large LED modules also have a higher beam angle, allowing them to distribute the light to provide a wide flood beam effect that other models would struggle to reach.
What are large LED modules used for?
Befitting the name, large LED modules are ideal for large-scale projects. Flex face signage is just one example of this—these are essentially illuminated signs or banners, which you might have seen on shop fronts and which allow your branding or logo to stand out even at night. The same technique is often applied to traditional projecting signs. If you have a business, then large LED modules are exactly the type to pick to help your brand stand out.
Large LED modules are also ideal for lightboxes, LED panels, and even simple edge lighting. The possibilities are endless, and you do not need to be constrained by the return depth or the lumen output as with smaller modules. Ultimately, large LED modules have the power to brighten up any lighting project (no matter the scale that you are dealing with) and the efficiency needed to maintain this power at a reasonable and efficient cost.
Large LED modules in the WeLoveLEDs range
| Name of product | Available colours | Voltage | Beam angle | Efficiency | IP rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QU3 LED Module |
|
12v | 160° | 1W per module (at full power) 95 Lms/w | 65 |
| ROCK3 LED Module |
|
12v | 175° | 1W per module (at full power) 150 Lms/w | 67 |
| ROCK ROCK4 LED Module |
|
12v | 175° | 1.5W per module (at full power) 150 Lms/w | 67 |
| ROCK RGB3 LED Module | RGB | 12v | 160° | 0.72W per module (at full power) 130 Lms/w | 67 |
| ROCK RGBW LED Module | RGBW | 12v | 160° | 0.72W per module (at full power) 130 Lms/w | 67 |
| LBAR18 – 1m |
|
24v | 30° | 1W per module (at full power) 90 Lms/w | 65 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical watts and lumens of LED products?
This depends on the scale of your LED module, but standard and large LED modules are usually between 100-150 lumens on a single watt, with some models offering less or more where required.
Why does the beam angle matter?
The beam angle of an LED allows it to diffuse the beam across a wider angle, letting the LED better illuminate its surroundings.
Are LED bulbs really that energy efficient?
Absolutely. Traditional bulbs often get only 16 lumens per watt, and if you compare that with the table above, you can see that LED lighting invariably gives you far more for less.
What do IP65 and IP67 mean?
IP ratings, or Ingress Protection codes, denote how well an item’s casing can resist dust and water, with the two digits representing these qualities, respectively. IP65 products are completely dust-tight and can resist low-pressure jets of water, while IP67 products are dust-tight and can be fully immersed for up to 30 minutes in shallow water.
