Cheap V Expensive LED replacement bulbs

[Heckler]

Some interesting facts and all make sense but then I would ask you to consider why I and probably many others are a bit sceptical when it comes to the cost of LEDs.

Firstly I have purchased two batches of LEDs to replace halogen 10w bulbs in down lighters on the boat, both from reputable suppliers recommended on here.

I am not on the boat but from memory both were suitable I think 12 - 32!! V . Given I was paying £6+ for the bulbs after 6 months one of the bulbs failed (1 out of 5 ). Now given that the lights are only on when I am onboard and when they are needed this bulb probably had no more than 3hrs use. The abuse I got when complaining and the aggravation to package it up and send it back, plus postage made me decide to just cut my losses and buy from another company.

The second batch I have bought from another reputable supplier I have had 2 failures out of 8, I have not contacted this supplier as the bulbs are outside of the two year warranty but have probably had no more than 24hrs total use.

From a subsequent post and on other sites I have read an average life of 50,000 hrs (thats 5years continuous use) so I can only conclude that from these two suppliers I have either been very unlucky or got duff bulbs

Now knowing they will only be on when I am on the boat for short periods I am coming to the conclusion that the cost of LEDs is not worth the power saving or cost of replacing and my experience says they are either too fragile or poorly constructed compared to the halogen.

I bought mine from Atenled who advertise on Ebay but are also a well established web company. I paid nearly £7 each 3 years ago. They are still going strong. My 5 watt halogens drew nearly half an amp each, thats 3 amps for the saloon alone, now I see about .6 amp on my Nasa. I am well pleased
Stu

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I bought lots of cheap LED from e-bay. They work very well; some are brighter than others; but it seams that all LEDs are better than the old style light bulbs

 

[PetiteFleur]

I also have used cheap LED's from ebay on my boat and so far they have been fine. I've also fitted 240v 3w replacement LED's in my wifes studio - they replace 16 x 50w Halogens. The power saving is subtantial - 48w against 800w - it's a no-brainer. I bought the first one from IKEA for £9 and was so impressed I bought 6 from ebay which were much cheaper and in fact brighter, so have now replaced them all. So far after a year none have failed. Very pleased with them.