LEDs v Halogen - Dutchmen Owners
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Old 09-10-2013, 06:10 PM   #1
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LEDs v Halogen

For those of you that wonder if replacing Halogen lamps with LEDs is worth the effort, I have a few specs for you.

There are many variables between the two lamps. Current draw, heat, light color, cost and life.

I'll address the heat consideration between them. A few months ago I replaced most of the Halogens with LEDs. Because I chose to purchase LED arrays and not 'based' type of LED lamps I had to add a resistor to the circuit to protect the LED array.

I used what resistors I had on hand but the resistors had too much resistance so I decided I would have a go at them again with lesser resistance.

After replacing the resistors I was curious as to how much heat I was now creating with the smaller resistors but now with more light. I measured a fixture that had been burning the LED array for 30 minutes at 98 degrees. Not bad as that is way cooler than any decent filament lamp.

I then measured the Halogens that I didn't replace. 15 minutes of burn time gave me 105 degrees. Still not bad but the time element was less and these fixtures were still in the ceiling pocket.

Now enters the A/C air being pushed around in the ceiling/roof space. The cool air is there and does a good job of cooling whatever is up there and normally that's none of us.

I pulled the fixture out, turned it on and gave it 15 minutes before the temperature check. This time I had 156 degrees!!! Keep in mind the LED is still giving me 98 degrees after being on for over an hour.

So, if you want to rid yourself of some heat in your rig you might want to consider changing the lamps in the fixtures. The current draw consideration is obivious and life of the LED outweighs the Halogen lamp's harsh brightness.

Oh yeah, get that cold air into the living space where it belongs.
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Old 09-10-2013, 09:49 PM   #2
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Good information! I will most likely replace the bulbs in our unit over the winter when we are not taking it out.

LEDs not only put out less heat, they do save on utilities. If you are hooked up at a campground maybe not so much of a worry, but dry camping they will make a difference.
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