A New Way to Light

While new LEDs are twice as efficient as incandescent bulbs, they don't come close to matching fluorescent lights ("LEDs vs. the Lightbulb," TR May 2003). LEDs have a potential light output of 30 lumens per watt, as compared to 10 to 15 for incandescents; but fluorescent tubes that fit into regular light sockets produce 69 lumens per watt. Although it is true that fluorescents will not challenge LEDs for traffic lights or for automobile taillights because of the harsh environments in which they operate, LEDs have a long way to go before becoming common household appliances.

Jacques Liard
Gatineau, Qubec