Christmas LED Lights – From Concept to Your Christmas Tree
Christmas LED lights have recently become a popular choice for consumers looking to light up their holiday spirit. It may surprise you, however, to learn that the concept of LED lighting was discovered over one hundred years ago. Let’s look at how the LED (light-emitting diode) began, and how it grew to have a major impact on the Christmas light industry we know today.
1907- H.J. Rounds, a British experimenter, first reports of a light-emitting solid-state
diode. However, no further research is conducted at this time.
1960’s- a red LED source is developed, and becomes available for commercial use, largely as an indicator on equipment.
1970’s- red LEDs are now being used in place of incandescent indicators. Though the light output is low, it is adequate for laboratory and electronics test equipment. Soon after, red LED lights are used in televisions, telephones, radios, wristwatches and calculators.
1971- blue LEDs are invented.
1980’s- a key development for the industry of LED lighting is introduced. LEDs manufactured with this new technology are 10 times brighter, more energy efficient, and are capable of pulsing; which greatly benefits outdoor signage and messaging applications. The improved LED lights are used in fiber optic data transmission systems, medical equipment, and bar code scanners. Also, new colors of LED lights are now possible, such as green, yellow and orange.
1990’s- LEDs are now widely available in several colors, including amber, yellow, blue, white and green. They are now used in barricade lights, road hazard signs, stoplights and pedestrian signals; as well as the variable message signs in Times Square in New York City. Automotive applications are also being considered.
1993 (approximately)- LEDs emitting within the blue and green spectrum are being developed, and the process to achieve white LED light is originated.
1998 and 1999- LED Christmas lights can be found adorning America’s wreaths, Christmas trees and outdoor structures.
2005- the Capitol Christmas tree is lit with LEDs (10%) and incandescent lights together.
2006- the Capitol Christmas tree is illuminated with 100% LED Christmas lights.
2007- the tree in famous Rockefeller Center is illuminated with 100% LED Christmas lights.
2008- the Columbus Zoo, in Columbus, Ohio, announces that they will be switching all of their lighting to LED lights over the next 2 years.
As you can see, the history of LED lighting is diverse. The concept began as a passing idea, and has become the life-changing technology we know today. Christmas LED lights have been used commercially for over 30 years; and as technology has advanced, they have become a wonderful option for decorative lighting purposes, both commercially and residentially.
Cities and homes all over the country are taking advantage of the many benefits offered by led canopy light. They do not require high voltages, and are able to illuminate areas for long periods of time because they produce light without heat. LED lights are directional, meaning you can direct, or point, the light exactly where you want it to go. They are shock resistant, vibration resistant, and moisture resistant with proper usage. They can also be recycled once they do reach the end of their lifespan.
The advantages of Christmas LED lights will change the way you look at holiday decorating. With the variety of sizes, shapes and colors available, there is virtually no end to the incredible combinations and displays you can create this holiday season. And just think, your LED lights can be used all year long, for any special occasion you may celebrate before Christmas rolls around again. Christmas LED lights are the perfect choice to save money, energy and hassle this holiday season, and throughout the year.