Edge-lit LED Panel Lights: How They Work and Their Benefits

Introduction

When purchasing LED panel lights in bulk for offices, schools, or study rooms, you may find a unique design - the edge-lit panel lights. These fixtures emit uniform light and eliminate spotting. But how do they work, and what benefits do they offer? As experts in LED lighting, Toppo Lighting will explore this topic with you in this article.


What Components Do These Lights Consist of?

In edge-lit LED panel lights, the LED light source is positioned along the inner edges of the fixture rather than the back panel. They typically include the following components:  

 LED Chips: LEDs placed along the panels edges.  

 Light Guide Plate (PMMA): An acrylic panel that evenly distributes light.  

 Diffuser Layer: Softens the light, eliminating glare and hotspots.  

 Reflective Backplate: Enhances light output by redirecting stray light forward.  

 Aluminum Frame: Protects the structure and dissipates heat.  

How Do Edge-lit Panel Lights Work?  

1. LEDs: LED chips are arranged along the panels edges (1-3 cm thick). When powered, they inject light into the side of the light guide plate.  

2. Light Guide Plate (PMMA): The PMMA captures the light emitted from the edges.  

3. Light Penetration: As the light travels through the guide plate, it reflects off the PMMAs surfaces until reaching the diffuser layer.  

4. Diffusion: The diffuser layer scatters the light, creating a more uniform and softer output.  

5. Emission: The diffused light then emits from the panels surface.  

 

Benefits of Edge-lit LED Panel Lights

1. Uniform Illumination

The LED beads in edge-lit panel lights are arranged along the edges. Using high-transmittance light guide plates (e.g., PMMA or PC) and diffusion films, they evenly distribute light across the entire surface.  

 

2. Low Glare  

High-quality edge-lit panels often have a Unified Glare Rating (UGR) below 19, meeting lighting standards for offices, classrooms, hospitals, and other spaces. Their soft light eliminates hotspots and harsh glare.  

 

3. Slim Design

The edge-lit structure allows these fixtures to be extremely thin, with frame thickness as slim as 2 mm, including popular 2'x2' and 2'x4' options. This makes them suitable for spaces with low ceiling heights.  

 

4. Energy Efficiency

Edge-lit designs require fewer LED beads. Combined with high-reflectivity films, these fixtures can achieve up to 140 lumens per watt, consuming 15%-20% less power than direct-lit panels of the same brightness.  


5. Long Lifespan

Since the LEDs are distributed along the edges and away from the central heat zone, edge-lit panels have more efficient heat dissipation. Their light decay is slower than traditional fixtures, with a lifespan exceeding 50,000 hours.  

 

Conclusion

Edge-lit LED panel lights provide efficient and comfortable lighting thanks to their unique light emission method and optimized design.  

 

Toppo Lighting LED Lighting Experts

As a leading LED lighting supplier, Toppo Lighting specializes in manufacturing high-quality edge-lit and back-lit LED panel lights. Whether youre upgrading office, retail, or home lighting systems, we offer customized solutions and detailed product selection advice. Feel free to contact us for more information.

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