LED problems

[gennifyr]

We have gone through 8 sets of blue LED's since last year. None of them were up longer than two weeks (1hour a day max) before fizzling out.We just took back the last ones and switched them for incandescents. Been doing some research on LED's and apparently they are very prone to failure. The blue are the worst, the white the best and the rest of the colours fall in between. I guess the bulbs last a while but the connections are easily damaged by various things including moisture (even the outdoor ones). I think about buying them again in 10 years when the technology has worked out it's kinks.

[dominick]

I've also noticed that they are generally poorly made. It's a shame because it reflects poorly on the technology when it's clearly not a problem with the diodes themselves. If someone would make a set with heavier-gauge wire and better, more weather tight connections, I see no reason they couldn't last more than 10 years without issue. Of course, that may be why we'll never see a set like that. I've actually contemplated making a set like that for myself, but I don't know what I'd use for covers.

I have an indoor chaser set that has had two breaks in three years. One at the controller that I was able to re-solder, and another somewhere in the wire near the transformer that I'm unsure if I'll be able to fix without putting a new connector on it.

[SQNOLA]

Where have you guys purchased your LED lights? We've had a large number of them in various colors in our shop that have been lit all day, every day for going on 2 years now without difficulty.

David

[dominick]

The one set that I have problems with is from Menards, a regional hardware chain. The problem wouldn't come from being up inside and on constantly. My problems have occured during putting them up, taking them down, and repackaging them. What gennifyr is saying is that the outdoor sets are having a hard time standing up to the elements.

[gennifyr]

mine were noma brand.

[BritneyBug]

hmmm....I am bummed to hear that about the LED lights.
I want to get some since I have heard that they use much less energy and don't heat up.

[gennifyr]

If you really want to try your luck get a brand that has a long warranty and keep your receipt and packaging. Our first round was brought back the day after we bought them, the second a year later. I think Noma has a 5 year warranty. Oh and stick to the white ones as they have the least amount of trouble.

[SQNOLA]

You really shouldn't have these problems with quality LED lights...some companies likely produce low quality lights thinking that most customers will only use them for one season and throw them away. The LED lights that we carry have a 20,000 hour warranty, but should last 50,000 to 100,000 hours easily. We also haven't had problem with colored LEDs. I think this is more an issue of the manufacturing process than LED lights in general.

David

[BritneyBug]

If I get some I will be sure to keep the reciept and box.
Especially since I like color lights better than just the white ones.

[Jeff Westover]

Are you seeing a lot more sales in LED lights, David?

[JanaBanana]

I got some last year and have already had a section go out and I had to "hunt" for the problem to fix it. Nothing is worse then a fully decorated tree when your lights quit working. :(

[SQNOLA]

Jeff,

We are seeing more LED light sales each year, but we're still selling more incandescent lights than LEDs. I wouldn't be surprised if next year we sell more LED than incandescent though. They use so much less power, don't get hot, last longer, etc., it just makes sense.

David

[dominick]

I think this is more an issue of the manufacturing process than LED lights in general.

Most definitely. As I said earlier, the right set should and would last a long, long time. The issue assuredly isn't a problem with diodes burning out, it's the crappy wire and sloppy connections.

[Snowbeard]

I have a few sets of LEDs, and one of them has stopped working. Considering the small number, this is a high failure rate compated to regular lights
I suspect the problem is the manufacturing process in the sweatshops where the lights are made.
Look at all the other imported items that have had to be recalled because of safety issues.

[dominick]

I just soldered a new connector on one of my LED sets earlier this evening. That's the third time I've had to repair that particular set, although I haven't had any trouble so far from the ones I bought at Target.

[DoubleA]

Hhmm you guys are making mer nervous, went and bought a bunch of LED lights on sale last year after the Season and was looking forward to them this year, hope they dont fizzle out.

[gennifyr]

At $20 for 35 lights I thought I was buying quality. But when they only last from 1 day to 2 weeks it certainly wasn't a money saver for me.