ADVICE

Symbols on the LED lamp packaging

Understanding what it says

A bulb packaging shows a lot of important information about the respective light source. The variety of information has increased significantly, especially for LED bulbs and smart lights. Before buying, it is worth taking a look at the symbols on the packaging. These symbols on LED bulb packaging provide information on the socket, light color, color temperature, service life, energy efficiency and whether the LED bulb is dimmable, among other things.

This LED marking helps to select the right bulb for a particular light. If you know the symbols on LED bulbs, it is easier to find the right bulb for any type of lighting.

All information on LED bulb packaging can of course also be viewed in our online shop under the item details - for a maximum overview of lamps, lights and modern LED technology.

Information on LED lamp packaging

What you need to know

Our tip for buying light sources: Before buying, concentrate on exactly the information you actually need. If you know what is important when it comes to lamps and lights, you can easily find your way through the large amount of symbols and information - even if the symbols on LED bulb packaging differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

1. The first glance often falls on the photo of the LED bulb. Does it meet your expectations or are you looking for a different design - perhaps for an open light or certain lighting concepts?

2. Environmentally conscious buyers choose LED technology and pay attention to the consumption in watts. LED bulbs offer a clear advantage here thanks to their high energy efficiency and long service life. The LED label helps with quick classification.

3. The energy label, which was last updated in 2021, rates all bulbs in terms of their energy efficiency. Details can be found in the Guide to energy efficiency classes.

4. The light color, also called color temperature, is a central criterion. It influences the lighting effect (warm, neutral or cool) and is therefore important for creating the right mood for the lighting. You can find out more about this in the Light color guide.

5. Many LED bulbs are not suitable for damp rooms. Look out for corresponding symbols on LED bulbs that indicate the IP code. You can find out more in our Guide to IP codes.

6. Dimmable or not? This important feature is indicated by a clear sign for dimmbar. If the LED is not dimmable, the dimmable symbol shows a crossed-out sign. This specification is crucial for flexible lighting with a dimmable LED bulb.

7. The WEEE marking - a crossed-out dustbin symbol - means that this is an electrical or electronic item that must be properly disposed of. The bar indicates manufacture after the introduction of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act.

8. The CE marking indicates that the LED complies with the applicable EU directives.

9. The dimensions of the bulb determine whether they fit into the corresponding light, for example in recessed spotlights. This information can also be important in open pendant lights, for example, so that the lamp does not protrude beyond the lampshade.

10. The following information can be found in this listing: A typical listing on the packaging contains the following items:

a Socket and comparison with a traditional light bulb (e.g. A60 = 60 watt general service lamp)

b Consumption and lighting technology

c Brightness of the bulb in lumens

d Beam angle, the smaller the angle, the more directional the light

e Exact specification of the color temperature in Kelvin

f color rendering index, i.e. the color fidelity of the bulb - the higher the better, up to a maximum of CRI 100

g Service life in hours and switching cycles - 25,000 hours is 25 times longer than a traditional light bulb

h Operating voltage (220-240 V for high-voltage, 12 for low-voltage lamps)

i Rated current in mA

j Power factor of the lamp. This shows the efficiency of the bulb, which is the ratio between the actual power (active power) and the power drawn from the mains (apparent power). A 1 stands for the most energy-efficient use.

k Start-up time, which indicates how long it takes to reach 100 % brightness