How do you store already used LED lights?

LED lights have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and bright illumination. However, many people are unsure of the best way to store LED bulbs and fixtures once they burn out or are no longer needed. Proper storage can help preserve LED lights so they can be reused or recycled.

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Can LED lights be reused?

In many cases, yes, LED bulbs and fixtures can be reused, even after they have been previously installed and used. The LED itself inside the bulb often still functions perfectly well once the bulb has burned out. This is because the burned out bulb is usually caused by a failure of the driver or other electronics, not the LED. However, over time the light output and efficiency may degrade.

Here are some key factors to consider when reusing LED lights:

Check that the LED bulb itself still lights up. Look closely at the individual LEDs inside the bulb to see if they emit light.
Test the bulb in a new fixture or with new wiring to see if it turns on. This will confirm if the old driver or wiring caused the burnout.
Inspect for physical damage like cracks or broken solder connections that could cause issues.

Be aware that reused LEDs may not be as bright or efficient as when new.
Consider testing reused LEDs in less critical locations first to ensure they operate properly.

As for LED fixtures, the LEDs themselves can often be reused, but the wiring and electronics may need to be replaced. Evaluate both the LEDs and the fixture wiring before reinstalling.

How to store unused LED bulbs

For LED bulbs that are unused but still functional, proper storage is important to maintain light quality and maximize lifespan. Here are some tips for storing unused LED bulbs:

Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Temperatures between 50-70°F are ideal.
Avoid direct sunlight exposure which can damage the bulb over time.

Store bulbs in original packaging or place in an air-tight plastic container.
Lay bulbs horizontally if possible to avoid pressure on the filament leads.
Group similar bulb types together and label the storage box or bin.

If storing for over 6 months, energize bulbs for 1-2 hours every 6 months.

Following these guidelines will help prevent dust buildup on the bulb, maintain the effectiveness of the phosphor coating, and avoid damage to internal components. Proper storage can potentially double the usable lifespan of LED bulbs.

How to store used LED bulbs

For LED bulbs that have already been in use but may still function, many of the same storage recommendations apply:

Store used bulbs separately from new unused bulbs.
Group bulbs based on their hours of estimated use or date removed from service.
Mark bulbs clearly as “used” so they are not confused with new product.

Test bulbs periodically to confirm if they are still operational.
Energize for 1-2 hours every 6 months to maintain LED lifespan.
Check LEDs and electrical contacts for damage before reusing.

Storing used bulbs properly will maximize the chances that they can be reused. However, performance and lifespan may be reduced compared to new bulbs. Carefully test and evaluate used LEDs before installing them into permanent fixtures.

How to store damaged LED bulbs

For LED bulbs that are broken or fail prematurely, proper storage is still important for safety and recycling purposes:

Wear work gloves when handling broken bulbs to avoid cuts from glass or wires.

Dispose of bulbs with hazards like exposed wires or leaking substances properly.
Store damaged bulbs separately from both new and used working bulbs.
Clearly label storage containers as “DAMAGED – FOR RECYCLING ONLY”.

Package bulbs carefully to avoid further breakage and contain hazards.
Do not energize known damaged or broken LED bulbs.
Bring bulbs to a recycling center that accepts LEDs and e-waste.

Never simply throw damaged LED bulbs in the trash. The internal electronics and substances require special recycling. Storing and marking them properly will avoid confusion or handling risks.

How to store used LED fixtures

LED fixtures like panel lights, downlights, and strip lighting may also have reusable parts if stored properly after removal. Here are some tips for storing used LED fixtures:

Disassemble fixtures carefully to access LED components and wiring.

Test LED strips and arrays for function before removing from fixture housing.
Clean optical lenses, diffusers, and housings thoroughly before storage.
Coil or wrap LED strip lighting neatly to avoid kinks or knots.

Group fixture parts together in bags or containers by fixture type.
Label parts clearly for ease of identification. Include fixture wattage or part numbers if known.
Keep wiring, drivers, and electrical parts separate for testing.

Salvaging still-working LED arrays while recycling broken electronics and metal housings can save money on future lighting projects. Proper labeling avoids confusion over which parts go together when reusing fixture components later.

What containers are best for LED storage?

The optimal containers for storing LED bulbs and fixtures will:

Be non-conductive – No exposed metal that could short out contacts.

Have a seal – Air-tight plastic bins or bags prevent dust buildup.
Be opaque – Block light damage from the sun or other bulbs.
Have separate compartments – Dividers keep types/conditions separate.

Be properly labeled – Identifies contents at a glance for easy access.
Be durable – Withstand stacking and movement without crushing.
Be accessible – Clear labeling and removable lids to retrieve bulbs/parts.

Based on these criteria, some good LED storage container options include:

Container	Benefits
Plastic storage bins	Inexpensive, stackable, available in many sizes
Cardboard boxes	Opaque, disposable, prevents breakage
Vacuum seal bags	Creates air-tight seal, collapses for compact storage
Zipper storage bags	See-through for easy identification, keeps dust out
Silica gel packs	Absorbs excess moisture to prevent condensation

For the best protection of unused LEDs, store in air-tight containers with desiccant packets at cool room temperatures.

Where is the optimal location to store LED lights?

The best places to store LED bulbs, fixtures, and components are locations that:

Have a stable, moderate temperature between 50-70°F. Avoid uninsulated attics or garages.
Are dry with no humidity or chance of water exposure.
Are clean and free of dust, dirt, and insects.

Are dark or away from windows/sunlight.
Are secure and low traffic to prevent accidental damage.
Are organized with labels for easy identification and access.

Some ideal places meeting these criteria include:

Basements
Closets

Storage rooms
Storage cabinets/lockers
Heated/cooled workshops or garages

Attics and sheds can work if properly insulated and sealed. Avoid damp crawl spaces or any location with pests. Shelving units are also useful storage solutions that can hold labeled LED containers.

How long can LED lights be stored?

With proper storage conditions, LED bulbs and fixtures can typically be kept for many years before use. However, there are some time limits to consider:

Unused LED bulbs can be stored up to 5-7 years if kept in dark, temperature-controlled environments.

Used LED bulbs have shorter lifespans around 3-5 years when stored properly.
Higher-power COB and automotive LEDs may have shorter shelf lives around 2-3 years.
White LEDs tend to degrade more quickly than colored LEDs when in storage.

Storage at higher temperatures and with sunlight exposure will shorten storage life.
Energizing bulbs for 1-2 hours every 6 months can extend storage time significantly.

Fixtures and strip lights may have shorter lifespans in storage based on their build quality and electronics. Carefully inspect components before reuse after prolonged storage periods exceeding 2-3 years.

Should stored LEDs be energized periodically?

Energizing, or powering up, stored LED bulbs for brief periods can be beneficial to extend their shelf life and prevent early failures. Some guidelines include:

Energize bulbs every 6-12 months for 1-2 hours.
Use electrical protection like a surge protector when powering on bulbs.

Allow bulbs to cool completely before returning to storage.
Mark bulbs with the “energized” date using a label or marker.
Monitor bulbs for inconsistent light output or color, indicating degradation.

Discard any bulbs that flicker, smoke, or show other odd behavior during testing.

Periodic energizing helps maintain the performance of the LED and electronics over time in storage. However, execessive energizing will unnecessarily reduce the overall useful lifespan. Carefully balance occasional testing with maximizing shelf life.

What are the best ways to organize stored LED lights?

Keeping LED bulbs and fixtures organized in storage will make the components much easier to find later. Recommended organization methods include:

Grouping: Store similar bulb types or lamp shapes together.
Categorizing: Separate by usage like decorative, household, automotive, etc.
Labeling: Clearly mark bins and shelves with contents and details like lumens or beam angle.

Indexing: Create a database or spreadsheet log of inventory with locations.
Rotating: First In, First Out (FIFO) ordering uses oldest stock first.
Consolidating: Combine partial packages to maximize space.

A few other tips for staying organized:

Face bulb bases the same direction in storage bins for quick identification.
Use transparent storage for easy visibility of stock.

Leave space for adding future inventory.
Keep frequently-used items separate for quick access.
Discard any unmarked or unidentified bulbs.

An organized, labeled storage system will make retrieving the exact LED bulb or part needed much simpler. This saves time and minimizes waste of stored inventory.

Is it safe to store LEDs that may contain hazardous substances?

Some LED bulbs, especially older or damaged ones, may leak small amounts of hazardous substances like mercury. Take these precautions when storing potentially dangerous LEDs:

Identify any bulbs at risk for leaks like cracked tubes or broken filaments.

Isolate suspect bulbs in sealed plastic bags or containers.
Clearly label as “hazardous – use caution” for safe handling.
Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Dispose of any extremely damaged or leaking bulbs properly.
Bring to a specialty e-waste recycler qualified to deal with hazardous waste.

Current LED bulbs contain only tiny amounts of harmful chemicals that likely pose little risk with careful storage. But take sensible precautions and never store leaking bulbs near food or where they could contaminate surfaces or soil.

Do LEDs present any fire or electrical risks in storage?

LED bulbs and fixtures are generally quite safe for typical storage methods. However, a few precautions can further reduce any fire or electrical risks:

Store in non-conductive containers to prevent contacts shorting out.
Avoid crushing or putting pressure on the bulbs.

Keep LED circuit boards and drivers separate from heat sources.
Store in rooms protected by smoke detectors.
Energize bulbs one at a time in controlled conditions during testing.

Check for frayed wires, damaged terminals, or loose solder joints.

Also follow all local fire codes and electrical safety practices both in storage areas and when powering on LEDs for maintenance. With common sense precautions, LEDs pose minimal fire risk compared to technologies like incandescent or halogen.

Do LEDs require anti-static precautions when storing?

LED bulbs and fixtures contain sensitive electronic components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Follow these anti-static guidelines when storing LED lighting:

Avoid placing directly on carpet, wool, or other materials that can cause static buildup.
Use anti-static mats or bags for individual protection.
Keep humidity above 35% to reduce static.

Ground yourself before handling LED circuits by touching metal pipes or wearing a wrist strap.
Work on grounded surfaces and use grounded tools when disassembling fixtures.
Pack circuit boards carefully to prevent movement and contact.

Unused LED bulbs in retail packaging likely already have anti-static protection built in. But take care when handling exposed circuits like drivers removed from fixtures to prevent static damage.

Conclusion

Properly storing unused, used, or damaged LED bulbs and fixtures will allow for safe reuse, prevent waste, and maximize useful lifespan. By understanding ideal storage conditions like cool temperatures, dry air, and dark spaces LEDs can maintain light quality for years. Carefully organizing, testing energization, and anti-static precautions also help preserve inventory. With the right techniques, even used LEDs can often have very long second lives.