Tomorrow Philips will unveil the world’s first LED replacement for the 75-watt incandescent light bulb during the LIGHTFAIR International trade show. The new Philips EnduraLED A21 17-watt light bulb is the first LED equivalent to 75-watt incandescent bulbs, and it will consume 80 percent less energy than its outdated predecessor. The new bulbs last 25 times longer than normal incandescent bulbs, marking another important milestone technological achievement everyday LED residential use. Having been the first company to create a LED to replace the 60-watt incandescent, it’s no surprise that Philips is releasing an even brighter bulb.
“We continue to test the boundaries of LED innovation with exciting products that provide energy efficiency, ambiance and extraordinary reliability,” said Ed Crawford in a press release, General Manager of Lamps for Philips Lighting North America. “Once again we have demonstrated that consumers do not have to wait for quality alternatives to the incandescent or to sacrifice the soft white light they have become accustomed to because LED can deliver all the benefits without compromising quality.”
The EnduraLED A21 17-watt uses the company’s high-power, next-generation LUXEON LEDs. This new technology was developed to meet or exceed Energy Star qualifications for an LED-based replacement for the 75-watt incandescent light bulb. The cool thing about it is that the bulbs deliver 1100 lumens with just 17-watts of electricity. They also have a color temperature of 2700k, a color rendering index (CRI) of 80, and a rated life of about 25,000 hours.
The benefits however, don’t stop there. The EnduraLED A21 17-watt could save about $160 per bulb. The bulb will be available in stores during the fourth quarter of 2011 in the US. The initial suggested retail price is $40 – $45. Although higher than standard incandescent and CFL bulbs, the fact that the EnduraLED will save more in terms of energy cost, and lasts 25 times longer than other bulbs makes it definitely worth the price.
For a while now, LED bulbsand lighting efforts for residential use have been mostly experimental. However, with the new EnduraLED A21, not only does this bring us one step closer to harnessing LED technology for residential use, it also provides a significant return on investment, through extended bulb life and reduced energy and maintenance costs. The slick design of the bulbs also lends to its appeal, and while many might feel nostalgic for the old school incandescent, the benefits of the LED are sure to attract everyone.
+ Philips
