How come LED Light Bulbs only last for about 2-3 Years?

I’ve bought and replaced a lot of light bulbs, and I noticed that all of them said “up to 20,000 hours” which would be about 5 years given 12 hours of daily use (which we definitely don’t).

  • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
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    2 months ago

    I have a dozen that run 12+ hours a day. I’ve had 1 fail in 5 years.

    Don’t buy cheap LEDs, and don’t put them in enclosures that trap heat.

    • rtxn@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Speaking from experience: LED drivers hate dirty power. If they burn out frequently, check the wiring for damage. I probably avoided a house fire.

      • Albbi@lemmy.ca
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        2 months ago

        Dirty power? Aww geez it’s been a few years since I last washed and waxed my power lines. Guess I gotta open up the walls again.

      • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
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        2 months ago

        That’s a good point. LEDs dislike unstable power a LOT more than incandescent or fluorescent.

      • trolololol@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        As an EE graduate I want to hear more about what dirt means and what driver can be affected by it. I’d expect power electronics to stand 100% over voltage over short periods and easy 20% long term, which would blow up lots of other things on the house before the driver or the LED starts performing worse.

    • sparky1337@ttrpg.network
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      2 months ago

      Yep. When I moved into my house the previous owner had used all garbage Walmart LED’s. I think I had one fail each month and just bought a bunch on sale from Phillips eventually.

      Most common failure was the driver. So they turned into strobe lights lol. Most annoying failure ever.

      And more importantly, not every LED is dimmer compatible. Sometimes they’re super picky or just plain don’t work.

      • trolololol@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        Oh dang, a cheap driver is probably $0.50 cheaper than a half decent one that can take the hit.

        In Australia anything has 12 months warranty by law, this factory would bankrupt quick.