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What is L70?
“My LED’s will last for 50,000 hours.” “My LED’s will last for 100,000 hours.” We have all heard these claims. The truth is that an LED being an electronic device with no moving parts could theoretically last forever.

Three things can kill a LED. Heat, dirty power and moisture will all have detrimental eff ects on LED life. In reality, even if LED’s could last forever, their lumen output will diminish over time to a point where they would no longer function as a useful lighting source. We call this “lumen maintenance.” The industry has determined that the LED ceases to be a useful light source when lumen output reduces to 70% of its initial lumens. This is called L70.

L70 is a lifetime measurement criteria developed by IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) to evaluate the useful lifetime of an LED luminaire in terms of the expected number of operating hours until the light output has diminished to 70% of initial levels. or when the lumen output is 70% of its initial output.

As LEDs do not fail and “burn out” like other light sources; instead, they gradually decrease over time until they are no longer producing useful light. It is generally established that the human eye is only sensitive to lumen depreciation of 30% or more. Therefore, L70 lifetime is defined by Illuminating Engineering Society Standard LM-80-08, entitled “IES Approved Method for Measuring Lumen Maintenance of LED Light Sources.

L70 lifetime is dependent upon many variables, such as the operating temperature, drive current, and the technology and materials used to construct the products.

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MYTH 3: I’VE HEARD THEY LAST FOREVER
Another common talking point with LEDs is that they last forever. This is technically not the case. Unless an actual component in the LED fails, they will provide light “forever.” While LEDs do not burn out like fluorescent lamps and other bulbs they will however degrade and dim over time. The diode itself will begin to emit less and less light as the years pass. Still, LED lamps can last over 25,000 hours. This is over 20 times longer than an incandescent bulb and 5 times longer than most Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL).

Protect your LED Investment. Tips for maximum life:

Do Not Overheat The diodes and components of an LED bulb are very hot. As you have probably noticed, LED bulbs are covered with heat sinks to displace this heat. Never put LEDs in fully enclosed fixtures or warmer areas. Overheating is the most common reason for LED failure and the most preventable.
Use LED compatible dimmers Not all dimmers are universal. Avoid headaches and early failures by using the correct dimmers. Ask your supplier which dimmers work with your LED product.
Choose the Proper Application LEDs are so customizable that there are specialty bulbs and fixtures for almost every application. Know if your LED bulb will perform in your current climate, environment, or space beforehand.
In Summary: While LED technology has an amazing long life, it does need to be mindfully employed to give you the benefits it offers. Be sure to use the correct lighting product for your application, whether it be an elevator, bathroom, parking lot or factory, the best solution is the one designed to do the job.

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hamloaf said:
Hello, eveyone!  Hope your days are going well.

Cost isn't too much of an issue, so after carefully reading through the posts here, and around the Internet, along with much consideration; the decision has been made to go with the BLM Spyder 1200's, or Spydrx 660w

https://heavygardens.com/spydrx-plus-685w-led-grow-light.html?fee=15&fep=17216&utm_source=google-feed&utm_medium=shopping%20feed&utm_campaign=SCFeed&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o1&scid=scplpSR-P-I&sc_intid=SR-P-I&gclid=CjwKCAjwhbHlBRAMEiwAoDA341NiB9D8zp-BeFNQKWy6OdUaVPhmMzNnak4FwzpWBD8iF8E0ygcc5hoCrI4QAvD_BwE

  Thank you all so much for your responses.  Am about a month or so out before being able to pick one or two of these BLM Spyder 1200's up.  I will post updates and let you guys know when the light(s) arrive. 

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yoosername said:
A kingbrite QB 250w is ~$190.

One QB 96 ($100) plus one hlg-240-54a ($62) is $162, excluding shipping, wires, etc.

It comes out pretty close in the end, but the 96's can handle over 300 watts each with active cooling.

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hamloaf said:
Hello, eveyone!  Hope your days are going well.

Cost isn't too much of an issue, so after carefully reading through the posts here, and around the Internet, along with much consideration; the decision has been made to go with the BLM Spyder 1200's, or Spydrx 660w

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Icetech said:
Ahh thanks, i didn't see their power handling.. the issue i would have with that is what is it's footprint? like when plants are getting tall how much is one of those going to be able to cover? Have never used or seen that light before.. so i am curious..

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