Can LED Lights Catch On Fire | Colorado Inspection Team

Coming home late at night and flipping on your light switch in the home, only to find that the light bulb has burnt out is very frustrating. For once you are hoping that something in the home lasts forever. Well, unfortunately, light bulbs and light strips do not last forever. However, there are some advanced technologies that allow them to last a very long time. LED light bulbs can sometimes last up to 100,000 hours. Can LED lights catch on fire? LED lights are extremely less likely to start a fire as this technology does not generate a large amount of heat.

Let’s take a look below at the LED technology and what typically occurs.

LED lights in a room. — LED light strips for a room.

Will LED Bulbs Start A Fire

Believe it or not, LED lights are not a typical means for fire starting. Although they are attractive, and most teenagers want them in their rooms, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are fire producers. Luckily, LED lights produce light by passing an electrical current through a diode and the diode emits light from the current. Since the diode emits light, your LED will emit less heat than the average light bulb. Typically, light bulbs that are not LED technology can emit more heat energy and often have a greater potential of fire starting.

Can LED Strip Lights Start A Fire

Your most basic LED lights strip is highly unlikely to catch fire. The temperature required for the lights to heat up and catch fire is fairly rare. However, if you settle for a cheaper set of LED light strips, then you might have a greater potential of a fire hazard. Purchase the greater quality LED light strips to ensure the less likely possibility of a fire. If you purchase a good quality circuit board with a UL 94 flammability rating then you are less likely to see a fire. This makes sure that the LED light strip components and wires do not catch fire.

How Much Do They Cost

Installing new LED light canisters to replace your older lighting system might cost you a decent amount of money upfront. However, the longevity of the LED lights is worth it in the long run. The national average to install one LED light fixture is about $525. The cost range for LED light fixtures can start at $175 and go as high as $900. This all depends on the materials needed and the labor charge from the professionally licensed electrician.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are looking into your lightbulbs, go ahead and check out the amps and voltage on your refrigerator. Understanding your appliances is vital to the success of keeping your home from a fire starting. Read up on the amps for all of your appliances to ensure that they don’t catch fire.

Since you are on the topic of voltage and electricity, go ahead and check out the fans in your bathrooms. Understanding your bathroom fans is important as well. It might be a great idea to go ahead and have the bathroom fans serviced while you have a certified licensed electrician checking on your light fixtures.

Lastly, knowing how to reset your circuit breaker is important. Sometimes your light bulbs or light fixtures might cause you an issue, and understanding how to reset those breakers is vital to keeping your home illuminated. So, make sure to read up on the options, so that you can control the lighting in your home and troubleshoot the lighting issues that might arise.

When Do I Call A Professional

Anytime you are looking into changes to your lighting fixtures you will want to call on a local licensed electrician. Every day people change light bulbs in their homes and oftentimes they do not use the correct bulbs. As consumers, we read about new technology and what is best for the longevity of light in our homes. However, that does not mean the original light fixtures can handle the latest and greatest technology. Reach out to your local home inspection team to conduct a home inspection.

The home inspector can look into the life of your light fixtures to see how old they might be. It is also good to have your wires inspected as well, so getting a full home inspection at this time is perfect! Once the inspection is done, the home inspection team can refer a reputable licensed electrician to complete any needed projects.

Conclusion

Lights and light fixtures are necessary for every home. Homeowners want bright lights to liven up the room and ensure that the home is inviting to guests. Knowing what type of light fixtures you have in your home is important. Prior to purchasing replacement bulbs, you will want to know how old the fixtures are and what type of bulbs they support. If you own an older home, you might want to look into upgrading your lighting fixtures to save on electricity. Using the most current technology can typically keep your home more energy-efficient.

If you aren’t sure how old your electrical system is in the home, you can call on your local home inspection team to look into the wiring and fixtures that run throughout the home. Call on Colorado Inspection Team to take a look at your light fixtures and electrical needs during a home inspection in Castlerock, CO, and the Front Range areas.