When it comes to LED landscape lighting, understanding the differences between single-point LED’s and multi-point LED’s is essential for choosing the right option for your application. Both types of LEDs offer different features depending on the desired lighting effect, efficiency, and use case.
Single-Point LED’s
A single-point LED consists of a single, concentrated light-emitting source. Single-points are typically found in applications where precise illumination and a controlled beam pattern are required. Examples of single-point LED lighting include outdoor spotlights, track lighting, and various styles of architectural lighting. These bulbs provide a sharp, focused beam that is ideal for directional lighting, ensuring a concentrated light output with minimal diffusion. Additionally, single-point LEDs offer higher contrast and intensity by focusing light from a singular source that enhances visibility in specific areas. Their minimal light spill makes them highly effective for landscape accent lighting or highlighting specific architectural features.
Multi-Point LED’s
Unlike single-point LEDs, multi-point LEDs use multiple light-emitting sources (diodes) within a single fixture housing. This design allows for a more diffused, evenly distributed illuminating effect that reduces glare and creates a softer lighting effect. Multi-point LED lighting is commonly found in decorative outdoor lighting, ambient, and general illumination applications, such as pathway lighting, garden lighting, and pendant lights. The proximal separation of the LED chips/diodes to each other improves heat dispersion within the lamp, which reduces thermal stress and ultimately extends the lifespan of the LED. The softer illumination of multi-point LEDs helps to minimize harsh shadows and glare, making them effective in areas where comfort and ambiance are essential.
Note: The single point on the left shows one precise beam while the multi-point bulb on the right shows 3 slightly different beam angles against the backdrop. Both are 2700K color temperature.
Which One is Right for You?
Selecting the right LED type depends on the intended use and the effect you want to achieve. Single-point LEDs are preferable for landscape spotlights, architectural lighting, and outdoor security lighting. They also work well for high-intensity task lighting in workspaces, kitchens, and display areas. Outdoor LED spotlights and security lighting also benefit from single-point LEDs due to their focused beams and enhanced visibility.
Multi-point LEDs are very suitable for residential outdoor lighting as well. They are also an option for patio lighting and garden illumination. In commercial landscape lighting and hospitality environments, multi-point LEDs provide even, inviting light that enhances the overall ambiance of the space.
Single-point MR16’s were used in this landscape lighting installation
Conclusion
Both single-point and multi-point LED lighting options offer unique characteristics that cater to different lighting needs. If precision, contrast, and focused intensity are priorities, single-point LEDs are the best choice. If you seek a softer, more evenly distributed light that enhances ambiance and minimizes glare, multi-point LEDs are the way to go. Multi-point bulbs tend to produce a shadow-effect which is why EmeryAllen exclusively offers single-point lamps. Understanding these differences will be helpful when selecting outdoor LED lighting solutions for your home, business, or project.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the EmeryAllen team at info@emeryallen.com!
