The useful life of LED  lighting products is defined differently than hat of other light sources, such as incandescent or compact fluorescent lighting  (CFL). LEDs typically do not 'burn out' or fail. instead, they experience 'lumen' depreciation', wherein the brightness of the LED dims slowly over time. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LED ' lifetime' is established on a prediction of when the light output decreases by 30 percent.
LEDs are incorporated into bulbs and fixues for general lighting aplications.Small in size , LEDs prvide unique design opportunities.Some LED bulb solutions may physically resemble familiar light bulbs and better match the appearance of traditional light bulbs. Some LED light fixtures may have LEDs built in as a permanent light source. There are also hybrid approaches where a non-traditinl 'bulb' or replaceable light source forma is used and specially designed for a unique fixture. LED offer a temendus opportuinity for innovation in lighting form factors and fit a wider breadth of applications than traditional technologies. LEDs use heat sinks to absorb the heat produced by the LED and dissiate it into the surrounding environment. this keeps LEDs from overheating and burning out. Thermal management is generally the single most important factor in the successful performance of an LED over its lifetime. The higher the temperature at which the LEDs areoperated the more quickly the light will degrade, and the shorter the useful life will be.