10 Most Common Problems with LED Lighting & How to Fix Them

LED lighting is becoming more and more popular, thanks to its energy efficiency and long lifespan. However, like any other type of technology, LED lights can experience problems from time to time. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 common problems with LED lighting and how to fix them.

LED Lights Stop Working

It’s always frustrating when an LED light is not working but has power as they are supposed to last for years. So it’s baffling when one suddenly goes out especially as they are designed to fade over a long period of time rather than ‘blow’ and just stop working.

Here are a few things that could be causing the problem:

1. Loose contact with bulb holder. This is a relatively easy fix- simply remove the bulb and screw it back in tightly. Check that the connections in the bulb holder have not been bent too far in after years of use and now not touching the lamp base. Unplug the fitting from the electrical source and bend them back a little with an electrical screwdriver.
2. The wrong type of dimmer switch is being used. Solution: Make sure you’re using a dimmer switch that’s compatible with LEDs.
3. The fixture is too hot. LEDs create less heat than other types of light bulbs, but if the fixture is enclosed or otherwise not well ventilated, the heat can build up and cause the LEDs to fail prematurely. Solution: Make sure the light fixture has air around it and is well ventilated.
4. The fixture is too cold. LEDs are designed to run for their long lifespans when tested between specific running temperatures. If the fixture is exposed to extreme cold, the lifespan of the LEDs will be reduced, become fragile and fail early. Solution: Plan in a maintenance schedule to change the fixture more regularly to avoid failure.
5. The power supply is inadequate. LEDs need a steadier, higher voltage power supply than incandescent bulbs. If the power supply fluctuates or isn’t strong enough, it can damage them.
6. LEDs are also susceptible to power surges, so if there was a spike in electricity, that could have caused the light to fail. Solution: Use a surge protector.
7. Something is wrong with the wiring. Loose connections, exposed wires, and other wiring problems can cause LEDs to fail. Solution: Go over the whole installation to see if anything looks astray with the wiring, some of the solder joins are very small and susceptable.
8. Another possibility is that the light was damaged during installation or handling.
9. The environment is too humid. LEDs are sensitive to moisture and can be damaged by high humidity levels.
10. Finally, it’s possible that the light simply reached the end of its lifespan. Even though they are designed to last a very long time, they will eventually burn out. If it has stopped working, it’s probably due to one of these reasons. Troubleshooting the issue should help you get your light up and running again.

Dimmer Problems with LED Lights

Many homeowners are making the switch to LED lights, attracted by the promise of energy savings and longer bulb life. However, some lights may not work with certain types of dimmer switches, leading to dimmable-led-flash/” data-type=”URL” data-id=”https://quickandeasylighting.com/dimmable-led-flash/” target=”_blank”>dimmable LED flash and flicker.

One of the most frustrating things about LED lights is when they start to flicker or dim unexpectedly. This can happen for a number of reasons, and it can be difficult to figure out what the issue is. Here are some possibilities:

1. In some cases, it may be as simple as a loose connection. Make sure all of the wires are properly tightened before ruling this out.
2. Another possibility is that the power supply is not providing enough voltage or currrent to the LEDs. This can be caused by a faulty power supply or by using a lower-voltage power supply than what is recommended. Solution: Check the LED driver has the correct current or voltage for the light fixture.
3. If you are using a dimmer switch, it may also be incompatible with LED lights. Older dimmer switches are designed for use with incandescent bulbs and will not work properly with LEDs. To avoid this issue, make sure to buy a dimmer switch that is specifically designed for use with LED lights and do not attempt to re-use an existing one.
4. Finally, if the LEDs are flickering or dimming intermittently, it could be a sign of thermal runaway. This happens when the heat generated by the LEDs starts to increase exponentially, causing them to fail. If you suspect that this is the case, stop using the lighting and contact the manufacturer for further instructions, mostly likely a replacement!

If not any of these then an electrician may need to be called to diagnose and correct any underlying electrical issues. Whether you’re using lights for your home or business, it’s important to be aware of this potential issue so that you can take steps to prevent it.

We look at this subject in more detail asking What is Dimming? Methods for dimming LED lights

LED Color Changing Problems

Light can be “tuned” to different colors by varying the intensity of its three primary colors: red, green, and blue (RGB). This is why televisions and computer screens are able to produce a wide range of colors. However, RGB LED lights can be difficult to tune because of the way they are made, sometimes in a very small scale. If your RGB color changing light bulb is flickering or not displaying colors correctly, there could be a few different problems.

1. The different colors are produced by three different LEDs that are embedded in a single unit. As a result, it can be difficult to control the intensity of each color, which can lead to color-changing problems. As a result, many RGB lights tend to produce only a limited range of colors. This is one of the main reasons why LED RGB color changing problems continue to be a challenge for lighting manufacturers.
2. Check that the power source is providing enough voltage. If it is too low, the bulb will not be able to produce a pleasing result. Solution: Check the correct driver is being used if remote.
3. Next, check that the RGB controller is set to the right mode. If it is set to static mode, it will only display one color.
4. Make sure that all the wires are properly connected. If any of the wires are loose, it can cause incorrect colors or flickering. If you have followed these steps and the problem persists, please consult your owner’s manual or contact customer service for further assistance.
5. Make sure that the batteries are fully charged in the remote if your system uses one. If they are not, then try replacing them with new ones.
6. Next, check to see if the light is turned on correctly. If it is not, then turn it off and on again. This like so many other electrical and digital items can reboot to refresh.
7. Ensure the LED bulb is compatible with the system you are using. Not all smart lights are the same, so stick to the same protocol or manufacturer.
8. If the color looks patchy or very bad, then make sure the LED source is hidden from view so only the reflected light is visible and given the chance to mix properly from the red, green and blue LEDs before being seen.
9. If the white color looks a poor quality, then this is because some solutions only use the RGB to mix a white and that has its limitations. For the best quality Whites – use RGBW LED strip or bulbs. This has an additional white chip alongside the red, green and blue.
10. Finally, if the problem still persists, then it is likely that the light itself is defective and will need to be replaced.

Causes of Early LED Light Failure

One of the most common issues with LED lights is early failure. While LED lights are advertised as being more durable and longer lasting than traditional incandescent bulbs, they can still succumb to early failure. In many cases, LED lights can last for years without any problems. However, there are a number of factors that can cause these lights to fail prematurely, including:

1. Incorrect Installation. The most common cause of early LED light failure is incorrect installation. Improperly installed lighting can also cause flickering and dimming which stresses the LED to an early failure. This refers to downlighting and LED strip amongst other more technical set ups, not LED lamps.
2. Overheating. LEDs are very sensitive to heat, and if they are not properly cooled, they can overheat and fail. LEDs emit very little heat, but if they are enclosed in a poorly ventilated fixture, the heat can build up and cause the diodes to fail.
3. Bad design. One of the most common causes of early LED light failure is poor heat sinking. A heat sink is a metal device that increases the surface area for heat management. If the heat isn’t properly dissipated, it can damage the internal components of the light.
4. Poor quality. Like any manufactured product, there will be some defective units that fail prematurely. In addition, lower quality LEDs may not be as resistant to heat and other stressors.
5. Voltage fluctuations: Sudden spikes or dips in voltage can damage LED lights. This is often caused by faulty wiring or electrical problems.
6. Frequent on/off cycling: LEDs do not like to be turned on and off frequently. This can put stress on the diodes and reduce their lifespan. If you need to use an LED light in an area where it will be turned on and off frequently, look for a light that is designed for high-cycling applications.
7. Wrong LED Driver. LED systems that are built using component parts need to suit the correct power supply to type of light source. The marriage of driver with LED needs to accomodate the current in mA, typically 350mA or 700mA in many cases. An LED source will work when driven harder with a higher mA, however not for the expected lifespan and will fail early.
8. Buzzing. In most cases, the buzzing LED lights noise is not harmful and does not indicate a problem with the light. However, if the noise is loud or annoying, it can be indicative of a more serious issue and an alert that the light is reaching the end of its life.
9. Finally, poor quality control during the manufacturing process can also lead to early LED light failure. If manufacturers do not carefully test their products, some defective LEDs can slip through the cracks and end up in finished products. As a result, it is important to buy LEDs from reputable manufacturers who have strict quality control procedures in place. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your LED lights will provide years of trouble-free service.

By understanding the causes of early LED light failure, you can help to extend the life of your lights.

Poor Quality Color Rendering

While LED lighting has many advantages over traditional light sources, it can sometimes have a poor quality of color rendering. This means that the colors of objects illuminated by these lights may not look accurate. However, there are ways to improve the quality of color rendering in LED lighting.

1. Buy a high CRI product. The CRI, or Color Rendering Index, is a measure of how well a light source renders colors. A higher CRI means better color rendering. Look for LED lights with a CRI of 80 or higher.
2. Wavering Color Consistency. Many times, the colors of LED lights will change over time. This is due to the fact that the light output of this semi conductor light source can degrade over time. To avoid this problem, look for lighting with a high CRI and a warranty that guarantees color consistency over time.
3. Choose the right color temperature. The color temperature of a light source affects the way colors look under that light. For example, a light with a cool color temperature will make colors look bluer, while a light with a warm color temperature will make colors look yellower. In general, cool white LED lights have a color temperature of around 4000-5000K, while warm white LED lights have a color temperature of around 3000-3500K.
4. Weak Lumen Output. Another reason why LED lighting can have a poor quality of color rendering is because the light output may be too dim. This can cause colors to appear washed out or muted.
5. Too high a lumen output. LED lighting can also have a poor quality of color rendering because the light output may be too bright. This can cause colors to appear washed out and too white.
6. Wrong Beam Angle. The angle at which an LED light is mounted can also affect the quality of its color rendering. If the light is mounted too close to the object, the colors may appear distorted. One way is to use a diffuser to spread the light more evenly.
7. Use multiple LED lights. If you are lighting a large area, it is best to use multiple fixtures rather than one single light. This will help to evenly distribute the light and avoid creating any hot spots or glare problems.
8. LED chips all need color correction. A phosphor coating is placed over LED light sources as they start with a blue color and then corrected by filtering the light through a phosphor coating. So LED lights often have a higher blue content when the coating isn’t great, which can make objects appear cooler than they actually are.
9. LED lights produce light from a narrow range of wavelengths, which can make some colors appear muted or washed out. Lower cost cheap product will not be designed to counterbalance that.
10. Wrong Color Temperature for the Space. Another option is to use different color temperatures for different areas of the space. By taking these measures, it is possible to achieve a more natural and pleasing color palette in an LED-lit space.
11. Color distortion. For example, someone might think that a blue object lit by an LED light looks purple. This can be because the LED light is not emitting enough blue light, or because the light is too diffused or the CRI is not high enough.

By following these tips, you can improve the quality of color rendering in your LED lighting.

Color of LED Light Looks Too Cold

A common problem with LED lighting is that it can appear too cold and harsh. Let’s look at the possible reasons why, the problems it can create and potential ways to stop this.

1. Wrong color temperature. This is often because the color temperature of the light is too high of around 4000-5000K upwards to daylight. If you want to add a warm glow to a room, you can also use an LED light with a warm white color temperature of around 3000-3500K.
2. Too blue. This effect is caused by the way that LEDs produce light. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which use filaments to create light, a Light Emitting Diode is a semiconductor that produces light. This semiconductor emits a very short wavelength of light, which is then filtered through a phosphor coating to create visible light. The problem is that not all phosphors are equally effective at filtering out short wavelengths of light. As a result, some LED lights can emit too much blue light, giving them a cold, artificial appearance. While this isn’t a major problem for task lighting, it can be an issue for ambient lighting.
3. Correct the blue. There are ways to counter this effect by using warmer-colored LEDs or by diffusing the light with covers or filters. By taking these measures, it is possible to enjoy the energy-saving benefits without sacrificing the quality of the light.
4. Sleep disruption. When the color of light is very white and cold looking, it contains a high proportion of blue light although not visible as blue to the eye. This blue light is known to disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle, which can lead to fatigue and headaches.
5. Palid skin tones. Blue light is less effective at stimulating the production of melanin, which helps to protect the skin from damage. As a result, people exposed to LED lighting may find that their skin looks pale and unhealthy.
6. Cold light has higher glare. Additionally, too much blue light can be damaging to the retina over time. As a result, many people find that LED bulbs with a higher color temperature produce an unpleasant glare that makes it difficult to concentrate. While there are some benefits to using LED lighting, it is important to be aware of its potential drawbacks before making the switch.

LED Light Creates More Glare

LED lights have a common problem in that they create more glare than traditional lightbulbs. This can be a problem in both indoor and outdoor settings. Indoors, the extra glare can be overwhelming and make it difficult to see. Outdoors, the extra glare can cause drivers to temporarily lose sight of the road. However, this need not be the case as there are ways to avoid glare.

1. LED light is directional. One of the reasons that LED lights can be so bright is that they are highly directional. This means that the light is focused in a specific direction, rather than being diffused in all directions like traditional lightbulbs. As a result, when using LED lights, it is important to ensure that they are not pointing directly at people otherwise the glare can be overwhelming.
2. Use an LED light with a diffuser. Another way to avoid glare is to use a diffuser. A diffuser helps to spread the light in all directions, rather than focusing it in one direction. This can help to reduce the amount of glare that is produced by the light. For example, use a downlighter with a frosted lens rather than a clear glass.
3. Use an LED light with a lower color temperature. One final way to reduce the amount of glare produced by an LED light is to use a light with a lower color temperature. The color temperature of a light is measured in Kelvin and is used to describe the hue of the light. Lights with a lower color temperature tend to emit a warmer, more yellow light, while lights with a higher color temperature emit a cooler, more blue light. By using a lower color temperature, you can reduce the amount of glare that is produced.
4. LED light source too close. As LED emits light in a very concentrated beam, it can cause glare when the light reflects off of surfaces such as countertops and floors particularly when the source is too close to the reflected surface. As a result, people who use LED bulbs may find that they experience more eye fatigue and headaches.
5. Spread the light. When illuminating a room try to use several small light sources rather than one large one. This will help to distribute the light more evenly and reduce the amount of glare.
6. Use a lower wattage bulb. Another way to reduce glare is to use an LED bulb with a lower wattage so you can reduce the amount of light that is emitted and thus reduce the amount of glare.
7. Choose a baffled downlight. One type of light fixture that can help to reduce the amount of glare is a baffled downlight. This type of light fixture recesses the source of LED deep within the body so the light has to travel through a short black colored tunnel before escaping into the room.
8. Change the angle of the light source. Try changing the angle of the light so that it is not pointing directly at people or reflective surfaces. This will help to reduce the amount of glare that is produced.
9. Use a dimmer switch. One final way to reduce glare is to use a dimmer switch. By lowering the intensity of the light, you can also reduce the amount of glare that is produced.
10. Do not buy cheap bulbs. Lower cost budget GU10 bulbs use inferior tiny LED chips that need to be used in higher multiples to create a cluster. They are located at the face to ensure maximum output, at the cost of increased glare to the user.

LED Lights Go Dim

One common complaint about LED lights is that they sometimes go dim without any obvious cause. There are a few possible explanations for this phenomenon.

1. Degrading LED Chip. This is due to the fact that the semiconductor materials gradually degrade when exposed to heat and electric current. As the materials degrade, they become less effective at producing light. As a result, LED bulbs can lose up to 30% of their brightness over time. While this may be frustrating for consumers, it is still much better than the 100% brightness loss that filament bulbs experience over their lifespan.
2. Electrical Power Supply. It could be due to a problem with the power supply. If the voltage is too low, the semi-conductor diode will not be able to produce enough light.
3. Faulty drivers. LED require a modified supply of power, done by the ‘driver’. These components convert the AC current into DC, and if they are not functioning properly, the LEDs will not get the power they need.
4. Defective LED chips. When the light source is created from an array of chips, and if any of the individual chips are not working, they will not contribute to the overall light output and begin to look dim
5. High usage. If an LED is switched on and off very frequently like when on a PIR system, this constant cycling also contributes to the dimming process. Every time an LED light is turned on, a small amount of power is lost due to resistance. As a result, after being turned on and off multiple times, the light will eventually start to dim.
6. Age. Simply put, LED lights although very long lasting have a finite lifespan. The older an LED gets, the less light it will produce, consequently looking like it is starting to fade. LED lifespans are quantified as for example, 50,000 hours to L70. This means that it will be producing 70% of its original light output after 50,000 hours of use.

LED Light Flickering

Many people are familiar with the flickering of fluorescent lights, but did you know that LED lights can also flicker which can be irritating and even cause headaches in some people. While it may seem like a nuisance, there are actually some scientific explanations for this phenomenon. It can also be for other reasons:

1. Fluctuations in Current. First of all, it’s important to understand that LEDs emit light differently than other light sources. Rather than using an electrical current to create light, they use semiconductor chips that produce light when electrons move through them. This process is known as electroluminescence. Now, back to the flickering. One reason why LED lights may flicker is that the electrical current passing through the semiconductor chips is not always smooth and consistent. If there are any fluctuations in the current, it can cause the LEDs to flicker.
2. Frequency of Electrical Current. Additionally, the frequency of the electrical current can also affect how often the LEDs flicker. In North America, the standard frequency is 60 Hz, but in some other parts of the world it is 50 Hz. This difference can cause LEDs to flicker more or less depending on where they are being used.
3. Change in Temperature. Another possible explanation for flickering is temperature changes. When semiconductor chips get too cold or too hot, it can affect their ability to produce light consistently, which again can result in flickering.
4. Incompatibility. One possibility is that the bulb is incompatible with the fixture it is being used in. For example, if an LED bulb is being used in a dimmer switch fixture, it may flicker because the dimmer switch was not designed to be used with Light Emitting Diode bulbs. Incompatible fixtures can also cause problems with color rendering and light output.
5. Damage. Another possibility is that the fixture itself is old or damaged, and needs to be replaced. Has someone knocked over the table lamp recently?!
6. Loose Connections. Finally, flickering can also be caused by loose wiring or a fluctuation in the power supply.

If your LED lights are flickering, it is best to consult an electrician to determine the cause and find a solution.

LED Lights Not Turning Off

When you hit the switch to “off” on an LED light, you expect the light to, well, turn off. But sometimes, it doesn’t. Instead, they may emit a faint glow. While this effect is usually harmless, it can be annoying if you’re trying to sleep in a dark room. Why is this?

1. How it is Powered. The reason has to do with the way that LED lights are powered. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which use electricity to heat a filament until it glows, LEDs use semiconductor materials that emit light when an electric current is passed through them. As a result, there is always a small amount of current flowing through it even when it appears to be turned off. In most cases, this barely noticeable level of power consumption isn’t a problem. However, in some situations – such as when connected to a dimmer switch – it can cause the light to appear to be “stuck” in the ON position. So if your LED lights sometimes don’t turn off completely, it’s not because they’re broken – it’s just physics!
2. Dimmer Switch Issues. Lights are often controlled by a dimmer switch. When the dimmer switch is set to its lowest setting, the light may not turn off completely.
3. Temperature. LED lights are sensitive to heat and cold. If the temperature changes too much, the light may start to flicker or emit a faint glow.
4. Phosphorous Powder. Another reason is that the phosphorous powder used to coat the semiconductor chips can degrade over time. When this happens, it can cause the light to emit a faint glow even when it’s turned off.
5. Faulty Capacitor. The power supplies use capacitors. The capacitor stores energy and if not working properly it can cause the light to continue glowing even when the switch is turned off. You can see this when turning off electrical devices that even though unplugged the little LED lights look misleading as they stay on for a short period of time. If possible try changing the power supply / driver.
6. Excess energy leaks. In rare cases, the LED may not be turning off because there is too much energy being supplied to it. This can happen if the power supply is not regulated properly or if the wrong type of power supply is being used.

Bonus Video: Top 5 Problems for Vehicle LED

Andrew Orange, the owner of Orange Lighting qualified and worked as an interior designer in 1993 before specialising in lighting working on high profile projects based in London. Since starting Orange Lighting Ltd in 2003 he has been sharing his knowledge and unique teaching style mostly to his designer clients, offering practical real life advice born from running a busy consultancy and lighting supply business. Launching in 2020, his blog has evolved into Quick & Easy Lighting, curating some 25 years design experience into making the lighting choice and design process achievable and easy to understand for all.