Comparative Analysis of LED Edge-lit Panel Lights and Back-lit Panel Lights
Comparative analysis of LED side emitting panel lights and Back-lit panel lights
- Luminescence principle and luminous effect
Edge-lit panel light
Edge-lit panel light is called as side-lit panel light.
The light source is located on the side of the lamp and reflects and refracts light through the light guide plate, forming a uniform diffused light effect that is close to natural light, reducing glare and visual fatigue.
The light efficiency is slightly lower than that of the back-lit type (the loss of the light guide plate is about 7%), but the uniformity of the light is higher (the uniformity can reach 0.85).
Back-lit panel light
Back-lit panel light is also called as direct panel light.
The lamp bead shines directly downwards, and the light penetrates the diffuser plate for output, resulting in higher light efficiency and concentrated brightness.
Easy to produce light spots or local highlights, poor uniformity, and prolonged use may cause discomfort due to glaring light.
- Structure and appearance
Edge-lit illumination:
Thinner thickness (8-12mm), lightweight design, suitable for embedded installation or low rise space.
It is necessary to use a light guide plate (PS/PMMA material) to achieve light diffusion, which is a complex process and costly.
Back-lit illumination:
The lamp body is relatively thick (3.2-5cm), with a simple structure and no need for a light guide plate, resulting in a low production cost.
The distance between the lamp beads and the diffuser plate needs to be controlled to avoid dark areas or light spot problems.
- Heat dissipation and lifespan
Edge-lit illumination:
The light source( LEDs) is attached to the side frame that is made from alumininium alloy 6063 of good heat dissipation, and the outer frame participates in heat dissipation, with a better heat dissipation path and a lifespan of over 50000 hours.
The light guide plate is sensitive to temperature and needs to control its heat generation to avoid aging.
Back-lit illumination:
The light source (LEDs) are glued at the back of the housing that is made from iron plate of bad heat dissipation.
The concentrated arrangement of lamp beads can easily accumulate heat, and long-term use may accelerate light decay.
Requires reliance on metal substrate or additional heat dissipation design, with lower cost but more frequent maintenance.
- Applicable scenarios
Edge-lit illumination:
Recommended scenarios: Home, office, school, hospital and other places with high requirements for light comfort.
The diffuse reflection characteristic can reduce the reflection of electronic device screens, making it suitable for learning or long-term eye environments.
Back-lit illumination:
Recommended scenarios: High brightness demand places such as shopping malls, exhibition halls, industrial plants, etc.
Significant cost advantage, suitable for engineering projects with limited budget or short-term use.
- Cost and Maintenance
The initial cost of the light guide plate and light strip is relatively high (about 35% more expensive). The structure is simple and the cost is low (without a light guide plate)
Maintenance cost: The light guide plate is prone to aging and needs to be replaced regularly. The replacement of 35 lamp beads is convenient and the maintenance cost is low
Applicaitons for edge-lit and back-lit panels
Scenarios with priority Edge-lit illumination:
Soft lighting is required (such as for children studying or working for long periods of time)
Places that require uniformity of light
Limited space ceiling height or pursuit of lightweight design.
Convenient transportation packaging, no need for additional wooden frames or boxes for protection for retailers or small orders, or projects.
Lighting projects that require high-quality light;
Priority back-lit scenario:
Need high brightness lighting (such as commercial displays, industrial scenes);
The budget is limited and the requirement for light uniformity is relatively low.
Conclusion: How to choose?
For high quality panels, chosing LED edge-lit panel light solutions.
For ecomonic panels, chosing LED back-lit panel light solutions.
Note: There is no absolute superiority or inferiority between the two, and it is necessary to balance light efficiency, cost, and comfort according to actual needs. It depends on buyer’s decisions and demands.
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