How Safe Are High Pressure Sodium Lamps Compared to LED?

If you are considering updating your current lighting to LED, it's probably because you have seen the lighting on the wall. The US Department of Energy has projected that 84% of the lighting market share will be overtaken by LED lighting by 2030. There are many reasons to update current high-pressure sodium lamps to LED, but staying safe is often overlooked. Here we show you why this is true and explain why you should be upgrading your high pressure sodium lights in the future.

What Are High Pressure Sodium Lights?

High-pressure sodium lights are a type of high intensity discharge bulb (HID). High pressure sodium bulbsprovide an intense light which is used in various commercial and industrial settings. They create light by passing electricity between electrodes in an arc inside the bulb.

The high pressure sodium bulb also contains metal compounds and inert gasses which are used to provide light and longevity, respectively. The sodium creates the particular type of light the bulb is known for and the gas stops the arc from burning out.

Are High-Pressure Sodium Bulbs Safe?

In general, HPS lamps undergo rigorous testing to ensure they work properly. They are reinforced which allows them to withstand the high charge running through them and to be protected from the intense heat these lights emit.

However, mistakes can happen even if the light bulb is safe. Non-passive failures can occur for a variety of reasons. These may include a fault at the point of manufacture, damage caused in transit or even weathering in its place of use. As HIDs are often used in high-bay environments, this can be very dangerous for the people below.

Do High Pressure Sodium Lights Give Off UV Radiation?

HPS lamps give off a lot of UV light, but their housing (i.e. the glass bulb) is coated to filter out these rays. If the bulb is damaged, however, imperceptible UV radiation has been known to cause skin problems. The FDA have evenreleased warnings about damaged mercury-vapor lights causing health concerns. That’s why many professionals suggest switching to LED lights to avoid UV rays.

What Are the Differences Between High Pressure Bulbs vs LEDs?

When comparing high pressure sodium lights to LED lighting, there are several notable differences that impact their usage, safety, and efficiency. High pressure sodium lamps, a type of high intensity discharge (HID) lighting, are often used in street lighting and as grow lights due to their high light output. However, they come with several drawbacks compared to modern LED lighting.

Hazardous Chemicals

Firstly, high pressure sodium lights require robust casings and special light fixtures to contain the potentially hazardous chemicals, such as mercury and sodium, within the lamp. These chemicals can pose significant health and environmental risks if the high pressure sodium bulb breaks. In contrast, LED lighting does not contain these dangerous substances, making it a safer alternative for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Risk of Non-Passive Failure

Moreover, LEDs are at a much lower risk of non-passive failure. High pressure sodium lights, or HPS lamps, can sometimes explode or catch fire under certain conditions, posing a safety hazard. LEDs, with their solid-state technology, are much more durable and less likely to fail catastrophically. This makes LED lighting a preferred choice for emergency lighting and security lighting where reliability is crucial.

UV Radiation

Another significant difference is the UV emission. High pressure sodium lamps can emit UV radiation, which can be harmful to both humans and materials over prolonged exposure. LEDs, on the other hand, emit negligible UV light, reducing the risk of UV damage. This makes LEDs ideal for applications where prolonged exposure to light is necessary, such as in landscape lighting or desk lamps.

Energy Conversion

Additionally, LEDs offer superior energy efficiency compared to high pressure sodium lights. They convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into visible light, which means they use less wattage to produce the same amount of light output. This results in lower energy consumption and reduced electricity bills. Furthermore, the longer lifespan of LEDs reduces the frequency and cost of replacements, adding to their cost-effectiveness.

Environmental Impact

In terms of environmental impact, LEDs are also the better choice. The absence of hazardous chemicals and their higher efficiency make LEDs a more sustainable option. High pressure sodium lights, with their higher energy consumption and the need for special disposal due to hazardous materials, have a larger environmental footprint.

Do LED Lights Emit Heat?

LED lights will emit heat energy, but much less so than HIDs. This is because LED light bulbsare up to 80% more efficient in converting electrical energy into usable light energy. They will produce some heat in industrial settings, but the safety risk is massively decreased. In smaller spaces, heat is not a risk at all.

How Does Color Rendering Affect Safety?

HPS lamps are notoriously bad when it comes to color rendering. This can make it difficult to distinguish between different colors, not just shades of the same color. This can affect how safe it is as the wrong colored item can be used in an industrial setting, leading to mistakes. They are particularly poor at night-time.

LED Lighting has excellent color rendering and better overall brightness. This is because their lumen efficacy is much better. This not only provides more lumens per watt, but also provides better overall lighting efficiency thanks to the lumens providing more visible light.

How Do High-Pressure Sodium Lights Affect Workers?

Finally, HPS lamps are not the best for the worker in an industrial setting. The poor color rendering and limited overall light quality means it does not well reflect the human circadian rhythm.

LED lighting is programmable and can change according to the amount of concurrent natural light in a space. These lights attune themselves to the human circadian rhythm and help workers to stay energized, focused and even improve mental health. This improves overall safety by keeping the workers more alert with a better overall well-being.

Finding the Right LED Lighting Solutions for Your Workplace

If you want to improve both safety and energy efficiency in your property, consider changing from high-pressure sodium lamps to LED light bulb options. For high-bay interiors, the OEO EZ LED 1K ULTRA-P is particularly useful.Contact us today for a free ROI analysis to see how you can better your business.