HID Bulb vs LED Bulb - Key Differences Explained

This article compares HID (High Intensity Discharge) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs, highlighting the key differences between the two technologies. Light bulbs are available in various forms, including LED, HID, LCD, and incandescent.

HID Bulbs Explained

• HID stands for High Intensity Discharge.

• It generates light when an electric current is passed between two electrodes through ionized gas.

• The electrodes and gas are enclosed within a quartz glass capsule.

• Light is radiated from an arc when charged electrons interact with the gas and change their orbit.

• HID bulbs often use additional gases like sodium, metal halide, and mercury.

• They require a ballast to regulate power and create the initial electricity surge needed for the light to start.

  

  HID Bulb working

As shown in the image above, HID bulbs, like the mercury type, produce higher illumination using less power.

LED Bulbs Explained

• LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.

• An LED is a semiconductor composed of positive (anode) and negative (cathode) charge parts.

• It creates light by exciting electrons.

• When an LED light is turned ON, electricity flows through the semiconductor.

• This energizes the electrons, causing them to move from the negative (cathode) to the positive (anode) layer within the device.

• The flow of electrons through the holes emits photons of light, causing the LED bulb to illuminate.

  

  GE link smart LED bulb kit

The image above depicts a Zigbee-based smart LED bulb from GE.

HID vs LED: Key Feature Comparison