LED Lighting Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about LED lighting for commercial and residential applications. Can't find your answer? Contact our team — we're happy to help.

General LED Questions

What does LED stand for and how does it work?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs that heat a filament to produce light, LEDs pass an electrical current through a semiconductor material, which emits photons (light) directly. This process is far more efficient — converting up to 95% of energy into light versus 10% for incandescent bulbs.

How long do LED lights last?

Commercial-grade LED fixtures from Supreme Tech USA are rated for 50,000 hours of operation. At 12 hours per day of operation, that equals approximately 11 years before the fixture needs replacement. Compare that to metal halide (10,000–15,000 hours) and fluorescent (20,000–30,000 hours).

Are LED lights more expensive?

LED fixtures have a higher upfront cost than traditional technologies, but they are significantly less expensive over their lifetime. Energy savings of 50–75%, virtually zero maintenance costs, and utility rebates of $20–$150 per fixture typically result in a 12–24 month payback period for commercial installations.

Do LED lights work in cold temperatures?

Yes. LED fixtures actually perform better in cold temperatures than fluorescent or HID fixtures. LEDs are rated to operate from -40°C to +50°C, making them ideal for cold storage facilities, outdoor applications in cold climates, and refrigerator display case lighting.

Commercial LED Certifications

What is cULus listed and why does it matter?

cULus listing (from Underwriters Laboratories) certifies that a fixture meets North American electrical safety standards. Most commercial building codes, insurance policies, and inspection requirements mandate UL or equivalent certification. All Supreme Tech USA commercial fixtures carry cULus listing.

What is DLC certification?

The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) is a non-profit organization that certifies LED fixtures for energy efficiency and performance. DLC certification is required to qualify for utility energy rebates in most US states. DLC Premium certification (a higher tier) qualifies for maximum rebate amounts. Without DLC certification, your installation will not qualify for utility rebates.

What is an IP65 rating?

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate a fixture's resistance to dust and water. The two numbers mean: first digit (6) = fully dust-tight; second digit (5) = protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. IP65 is the minimum for outdoor commercial fixtures. IP66 provides protection against powerful water jets and is recommended near car washes or high-pressure cleaning areas.

Choosing the Right LED for Your Application

What wattage LED high bay do I need for my warehouse?

The right wattage depends on your ceiling height and required light levels: 100W for 15–20 foot ceilings, 150W for 20–30 foot ceilings, and 240W for 30+ foot ceilings or precision work areas requiring high foot-candle levels. For general warehouse use, target 30–50 foot-candles at floor level.

What LED canopy light wattage do I need for my gas station?

A 150W LED canopy light is the standard for most gas station canopy installations, replacing 400–500W metal halide fixtures. For very large multi-pump canopies or high-mounting applications above 20 feet, the 240W option provides additional coverage.

What is the difference between 4000K and 5700K LED?

4000K is a neutral white light — balanced between warm and cool, often described as 'natural white.' It's popular for offices, schools, and retail where a comfortable, productive environment is desired. 5700K is a cool daylight white — very bright and crisp, closely mimicking midday sunlight. It's preferred for warehouses, gas stations, parking lots, and any application where maximum visibility and alertness are priorities.

Can I use LED lights in my refrigerator display cases?

Yes — and it's highly recommended. Our LED cooler door lights are specifically designed for refrigerated display case environments, operating efficiently in cold, humid conditions. They use significantly less energy than fluorescent tubes, generate less heat (reducing refrigeration load), and last 2–3x longer.

Installation & Compatibility

Can I replace my existing fluorescent fixtures with LED without rewiring?

In most cases, yes. LED T8 tube lights are designed as direct replacements for fluorescent T8 tubes. LED troffers drop directly into standard 2x2 and 2x4 T-bar ceiling grids without structural changes. Some LED tubes require bypassing the ballast — our team can advise on the specific products you're replacing.

Are Supreme Tech USA LED fixtures dimmable?

Many of our commercial fixtures support 0–10V dimming. Check the product specifications for the specific fixture. Dimmable LED fixtures can be paired with occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting controls to reduce energy consumption by an additional 20–40%.

Ordering & Shipping

Where does Supreme Tech USA ship from?

All orders ship from our warehouse in Norcross, Georgia (Atlanta area) via FedEx. We serve customers nationwide across all 50 US states.

Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?

Yes. Supreme Tech USA offers wholesale and distributor pricing for contractors, electricians, distributors, and business owners purchasing in bulk. Contact our team or visit our Distributor Program page for details.

What is your return policy?

We accept returns within 30 days of invoice date for unused items in original condition and packaging. See our full Returns Policy for details.

How do I get a bulk quote?

Email us at team@supremetech-usa.com or call (678) 230-9600 with your product requirements and quantities. We'll respond with a custom quote within 24 hours.