Latest LED test

22 Jan Latest LED test

By Mike Gambino

I recently received another sample order of retrofit LED MR-16 12 volt light bulbs. I purchased 20 bulbs of different beam spreads, color temperature and wattages  from a manufacturer .

I immediately excluded all 10 of the cool color bulbs right away after early testing due to very poor color rendition. They looked too green and unflattering on walls and plant materials for my eye.

That left me with 10 of the warm color LED’s to test in 3, 6 and 9 watt 30,45,60 degree beam spreads respectively . Only the 9 watt came with a 15 degree spot.

the 15 degree had a very odd pattern. In fact it wasn’t much of a pattern at all. On the 20 foot Queen palm in my yard , I placed 1 fixture 1 foot infront of the trunk and aimed up at a 90 degree angle. It did not graze or effectively illuminate the trunk well at all. The fronds had very spotty intense areas of illumination. I was not impressed.

One thing I noticed as in previous tests that beam spread degree ratings are not equivalent to MR-16 halogen lamps. For instance a 40 degree spread of an MR-16 is closer in spread to that of a 60 degree LED when compared inside of the same fixture and side by side.

I was very impressed with the 9 watt 45 degree and 60 degree LED’s that I installed inside two of  my Toscano brass halogen fixtures to illuminate a pygmy date palm . The 9 watt LED is said to be equivalent to a 50 watt halogen MR-16 style fixture. I think that is overstated however it looks close to a 35 watt halogen and did a great job of both lighting the trunk and fronds in a dramatic fashion. Color not quite as appealing as a constant color precise halogen lamp but not bad at all considering it consumes a fraction of the electricity to operate.

2 warm color LED lamps installed inside Gambino Toscano brass uplights

I am a bit concerned with the potential heat buildup that could result in premature failure of a 9 watt LED inside an enclosed fixture . LED’s are not tolerant of excess heat and moisture. After operating for 4 hours I went to check on it and much to my surprise the fixture was cool to the touch. This is hardly a scientific test but it was a very mild evening 61 degrees so the ambient air temperature was not a factor. Time will tell, I will be watching these LED’s very closely in my own yard over time to see how they continue to perform and age.

My final test of the evening was of a 6 watt 30 degree LED which I installed inside my Milano copper and brass mushroom style path/spreadlight  fixture. Again I was very pleased with the results. The 6 watt was smooth and bright. Color not as noticeable due to the fact that bare dirt was most of what was being illuminated.

Gambino Milano copper mushroom style spread light with 6 watt 30 degree warm color LED

So far these LED’s have been the best I’ve tested in regards to initial performance. I will be purchasing more of the “keepers” to test around my property. Time will tell if these LED’s will live up to expectations and claims. But I will admit that for the first time I am excited about the prospect and potential of LED’s in the landscape as they continue to improve. Stay tuned……………………….