With the continuous development of modern lighting technology, LED candle lamps have gradually replaced traditional candles and become a common lighting choice for homes, restaurants, hotels and other places. It not only provides warm and soft light, but also has the characteristics of safety, energy saving and environmental protection. However, when using LED candle lamps, some users will pay attention to whether their light has flickering problems. Flickering not only affects visual comfort, but also may have potential effects on health. So, does the light of LED candle lamps really flicker? If so, how to avoid it? This article will discuss in detail the principles, influencing factors, detection methods and purchase recommendations of flickering.
1. What is light flicker?
Light flicker (Flicker) refers to the phenomenon that the brightness of the light source fluctuates over time, usually due to changes in power supply voltage or improper design of the driving circuit. Flicker is usually divided into the following two types:
Visible flicker (Visible Flicker)
The frequency is low (generally less than 100Hz), which can be directly detected by the naked eye, such as light flickering or obvious brightness changes.
It may cause discomfort such as eye fatigue, dizziness, and even migraine.
Invisible Flicker
The frequency is high (usually higher than 100Hz), which is difficult to detect with the naked eye, but long-term exposure may still affect eye health.
Studies have shown that high-frequency flicker may affect the visual system and have adverse effects on certain sensitive groups (such as children, the elderly or migraine patients).
2. Does the light of LED candle lights flicker?
2.1 The luminous characteristics of LED itself
The LED light source is a semiconductor light-emitting device that relies on direct current drive. However, many LED candle lights are powered by AC power or batteries and converted by electronic drive circuits, so there may be a certain degree of light fluctuation.
2.2 The main factors affecting the flicker of LED candle lights
Drive power supply quality
High-quality drive power supply: constant current drive can stabilize current output and reduce flicker.
Low-cost drive: using simple capacitor step-down or PWM (pulse width modulation) drive may cause large fluctuations in the light source and produce high-frequency flicker.
Dimming method
PWM dimming: brightness adjustment is achieved by quickly switching LED lights, but if the PWM frequency is low (such as less than 500Hz), flicker is likely to occur.
Linear dimming: Use current adjustment to change LED brightness, less flicker, suitable for high-quality lighting needs.
Power adapter or battery quality
Using a low-quality or aging power adapter may cause unstable current, which may cause flicker.
LED candle lights powered by low-power batteries may flicker due to insufficient voltage.
Optical diffusion materials
Some LED candle lights use plastic or wax shells for light diffusion, which can reduce the impact of light source fluctuations on the eyes.
LED bulbs with transparent shells may be more likely to expose flicker problems.
3. How to determine whether an LED candle light has flicker?
To determine whether an LED candle light has flicker, there are several ways to do it:
Observe with the naked eye: In a dimly lit environment, move your finger or object quickly to observe whether there is obvious smearing or flickering.
Mobile phone camera detection: Turn on the mobile phone camera, aim at the LED candle light, and observe whether there are obvious flickering stripes on the screen.
Professional instrument detection: Use a stroboscope detector or oscilloscope to accurately measure the flicker of LED lights.
4. How to choose a low-flicker LED candle light?
If you want to buy a flicker-free or low-flicker LED candle light, you can refer to the following suggestions:
4.1 Choose well-known brand products
Big brands usually use higher quality LED chips and driver circuits, which can effectively reduce light fluctuations and improve light stability.
4.2 Check product parameters
When purchasing LED candle lights, you can check the product's technical parameters, such as luminous flux, color temperature, color rendering index, etc. In addition, you can also pay attention to the product's flicker indicators, such as flicker percentage, flicker index, etc. Some high-end LED candle lights will clearly mark "Flicker-Free" or "Low Flicker Certification". Such products have been professionally tested and are safer.
4.3 Pay attention to the type of driving power supply
Constant current drive: Provides stable current and reduces flicker.
PWM high-frequency dimming: If PWM dimming is used, it is recommended to choose products with a frequency higher than 1kHz to reduce the impact of flicker on the eyes.
4.4 Choose a suitable power supply method
USB rechargeable LED candle lights: Generally more stable than dry battery models, with lower flicker risk.
High-quality battery models: Use alkaline batteries or rechargeable lithium batteries to avoid flickering due to insufficient battery power.
4.5 Do a simple test before purchasing
When purchasing in a physical store, you can use a mobile phone camera or shake your fingers to detect the flicker to ensure stable light.
Although LED candle lights are a safe and environmentally friendly lighting product, some low-quality products may have light flicker problems, affecting visual experience and health. By understanding the principles of flicker, detection methods, and purchasing tips, consumers can more specifically choose LED candle lights with no flicker or low flicker to improve comfort.
In general, high-quality LED candle lights usually do not have flicker visible to the naked eye, while some low-end products may have high-frequency flicker. Therefore, when purchasing, it is recommended to give priority to products with well-known brands, constant current drive, and high-quality optical diffusion materials to ensure soft, stable, and safe light. I hope this article can help you understand the light flicker problem of LED candle lights, so that you can be more assured when purchasing and using them!
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Wuxi Chang Ou Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd