Do LEDs get hot?

The entolight will get hot to the touch, typically around 140-150°F (60-66°C) during operation. This may fluctuate slightly based on ambient conditions. It’s best to avoid handling the light while it is running.

Efficiency

LEDs

There’s a common misconception that LEDs run cool. While it’s true LEDs are more energy efficient than other lighting technologies, they still do produce heat. LEDs typically have efficiency values of 30-50%. For example, take 45% efficiency and 100 watts of electrical input. Only 45 watts of energy input is converted to light. The remaining 55 watts is converted to heat.

LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights have extra components and inherent resistance in circuitry which can further lower efficiency values. Seeing 30% efficiency values in LED strip lights is common. How hot the strip will get depends upon the strip design. For example, the entolight uses a high density of LEDs and thus has a higher temperature rise than other typical LED strips.

Fluorescent & Incandescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are around 6.5% to 15% efficient. Incandescent bulbs have efficiency values of 5% or less.

How warm/hot is safe?

Caution: The information below is intended for information and reference purposes only. We cannot be held responsible for injuries or damages that arise from use of such information.

Temperatures of 104°F (40°C) or higher will feel “hot” to the touch. Objects that are 122°F (50°C) can begin to cause low temperature burns to skin. However, rarely should lighting applications ever involve contact with skin. If you are handling the entolight while it is on, take the necessary safety precautions.

Nearly all LEDs and their components can withstand temperatures up to 185°F (85°C). The manufacturer for entolight’s LEDs has ensured us they can safely withstand up to 212°F (100°C), but will begin failing above that point.

The LEDs in entolight can reach 140-150°F (60-66°C), which is above the threshold for feeling “hot”. However, this is still far below a temperature that would cause damage or possibly start a fire. The entolight will not get hot enough to burn fabric or vegetation in proximity to the lights. Very rarely do LEDs ever rise above their normal operating temperature range.