LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (2024)

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What are LED Corn Bulbs and How to Choose The Right One?

LED corn bulbs are light bulbs that resemble corn on the cob, with LED chips arranged in rows along their tube. They are meant to replace HID lamps and metal halide bulbs, which are commonly used for bright and large-scale lighting applications, such as street lighting, parking lots, and high bay lighting. LED corn bulbs can fit into standard E26 or E39 sockets, but they are much brighter than regular A19 household bulbs.


LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (1)LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (2)LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (3)

What Are LED Corn Bulbs?

A: LED Corn Bulbs are named for their appearance, as they resemble corn on the cob. They have rows of square light diodes on all sides of their tube. The corn cob contains individual LED lights that can vary from 1 to 1000's of tiny LEDs. The number of LEDs depends on the style, wattage, and size of the bulb, with each LED ranging from 0.1 watts to 3 watts on average. They are designed to replace HID lamps and metal halide bulbs. They are ideal for use in areas such as parking lots, street lighting, and high bay lighting. but can be used in smaller areas around homes and businesses.

How Does an LED Corn Light Bulb Work?

An LED corn light bulb is a type of LED light bulb that has many small LED chips arranged around the circumference of a cylindrical base. The name comes from the resemblance of the bulb to an ear of corn. The LED chips emit light in all directions, creating a 360-degree lighting effect that can evenly illuminate a large area.

An LED corn light bulb works by using a driver that converts the household current to the appropriate level for the LED chips. The driver is stored inside the center of the bulb, and it may also have a fan to cool down the bulb and extend its lifespan. LED corn light bulbs can screw into a standard E26 light bulb socket or the larger mogul E39 light bulb base, depending on the size and wattage of the bulb. You should make sure you order the right one for your fixture.

LED corn light bulbs have many advantages over traditional light bulbs, such as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. They are more energy-efficient, as they use less power to produce the same amount of light. They are also more durable, as they can last up to 50,000 hours or more, compared to 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs or 10,000 hours for fluorescent bulbs. They also have better color quality, as they have a high color rendering index (CRI) that shows the true colors of objects. They also do not contain any harmful substances, such as mercury or lead, that can pollute the environment or pose health risks.

What is a Ballast Bypass & Do I have to do it for Corn Light Bulb?

A ballast bypass is a process of removing or bypassing the ballast from a lighting fixture and connecting the LED lights directly to the power source. A ballast is a device that regulates the amount of current or electricity that flows through a circuit, such as a fluorescent or metal halide light bulb. A ballast is necessary for these types of bulbs, as they need a high initial voltage to start and a low constant voltage to operate.

However, LED lights do not need a ballast, as they have their own driver that controls the current and voltage. A driver is a circuit board based device that converts the power input to the appropriate level for the LED lights. A driver can also provide other features, such as dimming, color changing, or motion sensing.

If changing from incandescent, you will NOT have to do this and the do not use a ballast. If you want to replace your fluorescent or metal halide bulbs with LED lights, you will need to perform a ballast bypass. This means that you will have to cut off the wires that connect the ballast to the power source and the bulb sockets, and then connect the LED lights directly to the power source. This will ensure that your LED lights will work properly and efficiently. A ballast bypass is not a difficult task, but it requires some electrical knowledge and skills. You should always turn off the power before working on any electrical wiring, and use proper tools and safety equipment.

LED Corn Light Bulb Overview -What are they? What to know? Metal Halide Replacements LED bulbs E39

LED Corn light Bulb Overview -What are they? How to Use them? What are LED Corn bulbs - explained - Size and ballast removal - 360 vs directional bulbs - Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium replacements....

Aries 3 LED Corn Light Bulb - Unboxing, Demo and Review - 130+ lumen to watt bulb

unboxing and demo of the newest series to the best performing LED Corn light Bulbs - the Aries III. The Aries were already the best corn light bulbs on the market due to their impressive driver and superior manufacturing. These are 130+ lumen to watt bulb and that's the DLC 5.1 certified number. check the results.

Why Are LED Corn Bulbs So Popular?

A: The use of LED Light bulbshas increased rapidly in recent years. LED corn bulbs have many advantages over HID lamps and metal halide bulbs, such as:
• Easy installation: LED corn bulbs can fit into standard lighting fixtures and sockets, without requiring any ballast or transformer. They are plug-and-play, which means you can simply screw them in and turn them on.
• Bright and clear light: LED corn bulbs can produce more lumens (light output) per watt (power input) than HID lamps and metal halide bulbs. This means they can provide brighter and clearer light with less energy consumption. They also have a high color rendering index (CRI) of above 80 Ra, which means they can show the true colors of the objects they illuminate.
• Long lifespan and low maintenance: LED corn bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours, which is much longer than HID lamps and metal halide bulbs, which can last up to 20,000 hours. That's 5 times as long! This means they can save you money and time on buying and replacing bulbs, as well as reduce your environmental impact and waste. They also have a low lumen depreciation, which means they can maintain their brightness and quality over time. They also generate less heat and do not contain any harmful substances, such as mercury or lead, that could pollute the soil or water.

Below image is a picture of a LED corn light bulb installed in a ceiling fixture;

LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (4)

Here are Corn light bulbs in a parking lot fixture;
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Here is a smaller corn light bulb installed in a small can light fixture

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Did you know?How long does an LED corn bulb last before losing light? Answer: 36000 Hours! An incandescent bulb lasts just 1500 hours total. A good LED will not lose 2% of its light before 6000 hours. and lose no more than 10% in 36,000 hours. That's a BIG upgrade!

What is the difference between E26 and E39?

A: There are 2 base types for corn bulb: E26 and E39. Here is how to find the correct base for you;
• E26 Base Bulbs: This is called as Medium Edison Screw or one-inch Edison Screw. It is the standard base for most of the bulbs. “E” stands for Edison, while 26 indicates the diameter of the base in mm. E26 is the standard base for 120-volt bulb, which is why they are mostly found in homes. See E26 base corn cob bulbs here.
• E39 Base Bulbs; It is normally referred as Mogul Edison Screw a sometimes known as Goliath Edison Screw. Similarly, the “E” stands for Edison and 39 is the diameter of the base. They are special because of their wide usage in industrial or farm applications. They are mostly used in higher output bulbs of 150 watts HID and higher such as factories, roads, and warehouses. They are 1.5 inches in diameter and are clearly larger than E26. See E39 corn cob bulbs here.

LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (7)LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (8)

How to Install an LED Corn Light Bulb - Before & After + Drone- LED Corn Cob Bulb installation what

How to Install an LED Corn Light Bulb - Before & After installation shots + Drone - LED Corn Cob Bulb installation & what you need to know! Actual install of an LED Corn Bulb at the Del Mar Fair Gro...

How to Choose the Right Amount of Lumens For A Corn Light?

A: One of the important things to consider when buying a corn light is the lumens. This is the amount of light that the bulb produces, which is different from watts. Watts measure the energy that the bulb consumes and indicate how bright the bulb would be. However, as LEDs have become more efficient, lumens are a better way to compare the brightness of different bulbs. A lumen is a unit that measures the brightness of the LED bulb. So when you are shopping for LED corn bulbs, you should focus on lumens instead of watts.

To give you some reference points, you should select 800 lumens for a 60 watt bulb or 1000 lumens for a 75 watt bulb. For outdoor security lights, you should choose 2500 to 6000 lumens for smaller spaces and higher lumens for bigger or commercial spaces. For replacing metal halide bulbs, you should use the interchange chart that can be found below.

How to Choose the Right LED Replacement Corn Bulb for Metal Halide?

A: If you want to replace your HID or metal halide bulbs with LED lights, you need to consider the lumen output and the wattage of the LED products. Lumen output is the measure of how much light a bulb produces, while wattage is the measure of how much energy it consumes. LED lights are more energy-efficient and durable than metal halide bulbs, which lose up to 75% of their lumen output over five years. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right LED replacement for different wattages of metal halide bulbs:
• For 1500-watt metal halide bulbs, you need at least 60,000 lumens of LED light. You can choose a 500-watt LED fixture for lower installations or a 500-watt stadium light for higher installations.
• For 1000-watt metal halide bulbs, you need at least 40,000 lumens of LED light. You can choose a 300-watt LED bulb, fixture or retrofit kit. However, note that the 300-watt bulbs are not rated for enclosed fixtures, so it is better to opt for a fixture in this case.
• For 400-watt metal halide bulbs, you need between 12,000 and 18,000 lumens of LED light. You can find a fixture in this range or visit our [100 watt and up Corn light page]. There you will see bulbs of 100 watts, 120 watts or 150 watts. These are all common replacements for this wattage.
• For 250-watt metal halide bulbs, you need between 9,000 and 12,000 lumens of LED light. The popular choice is an 80-watt LED corn bulb, but you can go for a 100-watt one if you want more brightness.
• For 150-watt or 175-watt metal halide bulbs, you need between 7,000 and 9,600 lumens of LED light. The best option is a 60-watt or an 80-watt LED corn bulb.
• For 75-watt or 125-watt metal halide bulbs, you need between 4,000 and 8,000 lumens of LED light. The ideal choice is a 40-watt or a 60-watt LED corn bulb.

What is the conversion LED from a 400 watt metal Halide

A: To replace a 400 watt metal Halide we recommend from 13,000 lumens to 20,000 lumens. Metal halide starts out very bright but then loses 70% of its light output. An 18000 lumen bulb or fixture will feel like a 400 watt metal halide after about 6 months. A 13,000 lumen LED bulb or Luminaire will feel like a 5 year old 400w metal halide bulb.

Convert Metal Halide to LED Conversion video - Explains LED interchanges and retrofit things to know

Convert Metal Halide to LED Conversion video - Explains LED interchanges and retrofit things to know. We walk through conversion interchanges; -250--1500 watt Metal Halide Replacements with LED-check...

How to Choose the Right Kelvin Color for an LED Corn Bulb?

A: LED corn bulbs come in different color temperatures, measured in kelvins (K). The color temperature affects the appearance and mood of the light. Here are the differences between the common color temperatures for LED corn bulbs:
• 3000K LED Bulbs: This color temperature produces a warm white light that is best suited for homes and restaurants. It creates a cozy and relaxing environment.
• 4000K LED Bulbs: This color temperature produces a natural white light that is great for offices and other work areas. It provides a clear and bright illumination.
• 5000K LED Bulbs: This color temperature produces a pure white light that is great for large spaces and outdoors. It mimics daylight and enhances visibility.
• 5700K LED Bulbs: This color temperature produces a cool white light that has a bluish tint to it. It is ideal for attracting attention in gas stations or sinage, but should be used with caution.

See this image for the kelvin colors


LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (9)

It is better not to use colors higher than needed because they are dangerous for humans and the environment. The American Medical Association has warned not use these colors 5700K and 6500K as the blue light interferes with melatonin production. Many codes are requiring 5000k or lower for outdoor lighting.

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How to select the right shape of the corn bulb? 360 degree VS Flat Bulb vs Directional

A: There are many types of LED corn bulbs when it comes to shapes. Some popular choices are round or flat. One offers 360 degrees of light, whereas the other offers 180 degrees. People are often confused which type of bulb to buy. We are here to help you make the decision easily. The flat bulb that offers 180 degrees of light provides light that is focused downward. On the other hand, the corn bulb that offers 360 degrees of light is better. They provide light in all the directions and are more cost effective. With the help of a reflector, you can even out the light of the bulb. They are the best choice for many outdoor and indoor applications.There are many types of LED corn bulbs when it comes to shapes. Some popular choices are round(360degree), downlight or flat. One offers 360 degrees of light, whereas the other offers 180 degrees. People often wonder which type of bulb to buy. The flat bulb and down bulb offers 180 degrees of light, with the difference being where the socket is. Both 180 degree bulbs provide light that is focused in just one direction, which can be more efficient. This may be suitable for some applications, such as ceiling lights or wall sconces. On the other hand, the corn bulb that offers 360 degrees of light is more versatile. They provide light in all directions and are more cost-effective. With the help of a reflector, you can even out the light of the bulb and avoid glare or shadows. They are the best choice for many outdoor and indoor applications, such as high bay lights, post tops or barn lights.

What are the Different Shapes of LED Corn Light Bulbs?

LED corn light bulbs are named after their resemblance to corn on the cob, but they come in different shapes and sizes to suit different lighting needs. Here are some of the common shapes of LED corn light bulbs:


Flat Style Bulb: This shape has a flat top and a cylindrical body with LED chips on the sides. It is suitable for horizontal or vertical installations, and it can provide a wide beam angle of 180 degrees. It is often used for street lighting, wall packs, or canopy lighting. Here is an example of a flat style bulb:


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360 Degree Round Bulb: This shape has a round top and a cylindrical body with LED chips on all sides. It can provide a full beam angle of 360 degrees, which means it can emit light in all directions. It is ideal for omnidirectional lighting applications, such as post top lights, pendant lights, or bollard lights. Here is an example of a 360 degree round bulb:


LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (12)

Down Bulb: This shape has a cone-shaped top and a cylindrical body with LED chips on the lower half. It can provide a narrow beam angle of 90 degrees or less, which means it can focus light downward. It is perfect for downward lighting applications, such as ceiling lights, high bay lights, or warehouse lights. Here is an example of a down bulb:


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Finding the Right Size or Length of the Con Bulb for You


Corn bulbs are available in plenty of sizes based on the wattage and the quality of the technology. Bulbs with fans are much smaller than anything else out there, but do make fan noise. Fanless bulbs are larger, but silent. You must measure and write down the space you have in your current fixtures in order to find your new bulb. You can even find the right measurements in images, those are easiest to see, or on spec sheets. It is recommended to leave space for cooling around any corn light bulb.

This image shows a size diagram of a bulb to be sure if will fit in your fixture;

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What are the Best Corn Light bulbs? Read about the Best Corn Light bulbs here.

Are LED Corn Light Bulbs Rated for Enclosed Fixtures?

A: Yes, most of the LED corn bulbs are enclosed rated. That means they can go inside a fixture that closes up or is enclosed.Our bulbs are rated as safe to be used in the enclosed fixtures for both commercial and industrial applications. You just have to keep in mind that you should leave some space around the bulb for cooling.Note that the some versions of the very large bulbs of 200watt, 240watt and 300 watts are NOT enclosed rated.They need to go in open fixtures. Check the specs as each series will be different.

What voltages do the Corn Light bulbs work on?

A: Like all electrical items, an LED Corn Light bulb has to have the compatible voltage of the building.An LED corn bulbs work from 90 to 277V AC in standard voltage version or from 200 to 480vac in high voltage.Here are some common voltages that the corn bulbs can be used in. Standard Voltage will work on;

  • 120 volts,
  • 208 volts,
  • 220 volts,
  • 240 volts,
  • 277 volts

High voltage will work on;
  • 240 volts
  • 277 volts,
  • 347 volts,
  • 480 volts
.

Conclusion


If you aren’t sure whichLED corn bulbis the correct replacement for your HID lamp, metal halide bulb or any other lighting type you can ask a lighting expert who can help you find the best option for your project.

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How to Install an LED Corn Light Bulb

About 15 minutes

Replacing old HID Metal Halide or High Pressure Sodium bulbs with LED is a great way to save money, get more light and reduce maintenance. We can show you a few easy step to get the new corn cob bulb installed and working correctly

https://www.ledlightexpert.com/LED-Corn-Light-Bulb-Buyers-Guide_ep_45-1.html

Necessary Items:

LED Corn Light Bulb

A ladder, lift or other safe access to the fixture

Wire nuts

Wire strippers

Screwdriver

Preparations

Safety First. Ensure you have a secure lift or ladder to the fixture. Safety harness and clips should be used for higher installs. Kill the power at the breaker and double check.

https://www.LEDLightExpert.com/assets/images/how_to_install_a_corn_light_bulb_step_1.webp

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Remove the Old Bulb

The old bulbs are glass and may be in very tight. Carefully remove the bulb.

https://www.LEDLightExpert.com/assets/images/how_to_install_a_corn_light_bulb_step_2.webp

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Locating and Bypassing the Ballast

The ballast was used to ensure strong power to the old HID bulbs, but it will hurt LEDs as they have a built in driver. In most cases its easier to leave the ballast and just wire around it. Connect the building line to the line of the socket. Connect the building neutral to the neutral of the socket. Make sure its properly grounded. Secure the new connections with wire nuts and electrical tape if necessary

https://www.LEDLightExpert.com/assets/images/how_to_install_a_corn_light_bulb_step_3.webp

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'

Install the new LED Corn Light Bulb

With the power going straight to the socket, now its time for the new bulb. Carefully screw in the new bulb until secure. Some bulbs may require a safety chain which should be installed at this time

https://www.LEDLightExpert.com/assets/images/how_to_install_a_corn_light_bulb_step_4.webp

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Turn on the power and test

If the fixture is enclosed go ahead and close it up at this point. Make sure everything is safe and turn the power back on. Double check to ensure all lights are working and the area is safe for users to return to.

https://www.ledlightexpert.com/assets/images/how_to_install_a_corn_light_bulb_step_5.webp

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See the install step pictures taken from our video

LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (21)LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (22)LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (23)LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (24)LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (25)

About the Author:Dara Greaneyis founder and CEO of LED Light Expert with deep expertise in LED fixtures and Light design.LinkedIn,WikipediaorTwitter. Editing byDavid Peguero.

About us: See ourAbout uspage for more aboutLED Light Expert.

LED Corn Light Bulb Buyers Guide (2024)

FAQs

Are LED corn bulbs any good? ›

Long lifespan and low maintenance: LED corn bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours, which is much longer than HID lamps and metal halide bulbs, which can last up to 20,000 hours. That's 5 times as long!

How do I know which LED bulb to buy? ›

How to choose the best quality LED bulb
  • Make sure it's ENERGY STAR. Be cautious of LEDs that haven't earned ENERGY STAR certification. ...
  • Find the right bulb for your fixture. ...
  • Choose your color and brightness. ...
  • Read the Lighting Facts label.

What is a corn light bulb used for? ›

The Many Uses of Corn Cob Led Bulbs

Outdoor Lighting: Corn Cob lamps are often used for outdoor area lighting in parking lots, streetlights, and pathways because they offer an omnidirectional lighting design that provides even illumination enhancing safety and visibility.

How can you tell if an LED light is good quality? ›

4 Ways to Tell Quality LEDs from Cheap LEDs
  1. Consistent Color. LEDs are capable of producing colors on all ends of the spectrum. ...
  2. Thermal Management System. A huge part of determining a LED's quality is how the bulb manages heat. ...
  3. Direction of the Light. ...
  4. Monetary Savings.

What is the disadvantage of LED light? ›

Cons of LED Lighting

The cool white LED can also cause more “blue pollution” when used as outdoor lights compared to traditional lighting. As a result, use is discouraged by the International Dark-Sky Association for color temperatures above 3,000K.

When should you not use LED bulbs? ›

Are LED light bulbs safe to use in every light fixture? LED light bulbs are safe to use in the majority of fixtures and fittings. There are some applications where specific LED bulbs should not be fully enclosed because they can overheat, which results in the bulb burning out prematurely.

How long do corn bulbs last? ›

Metal Halide vs SON Lamps vs LED Corn Bulbs
Metal Halide*LED Corn Bulbs
CostsFrom £22From £22
Average Lifespan6,000–15,000 hours50,000 hours
Colour Temperature2,700k (very warm) to 20,000k (super daylight)2,700k (very warm) to 6,500k (daylight)
Energy Rating***CA+
3 more rows

Do corn bulbs get hot? ›

Corn light bulbs are not suitable for tightly enclosed spaces as this interferes with the dissipation of heat. When heat is not dissipated, the bulb will overheat and burn out. There must be enough room for cooling.

Are corn bulbs dimmable? ›

Fortunately, it is possible to dim LED corn light bulbs! This lighting option is similar to incandescent bulbs in that you can control the dimming capabilities. This factor makes this selection even more enticing to business owners and construction workers. Get the desired lighting every time with corn bulbs!

Why do LED light bulbs not last? ›

Unlike incandescent light bulbs, LEDs don't produce light using heat. This is part of what makes them so energy efficient. The downside is that their components can be sensitive to overheating, which can cause them to burn out prematurely.

How do I choose the best LED light? ›

How to Choose the Best LED light for Your Needs
  1. Make sure the bulb base fits your fixture. ...
  2. Pay attention to lumens to make sure the LED gives you the right level of light. ...
  3. Consider the mood you want the light to create. ...
  4. Look for an ENERGY STAR® certified LED. ...
  5. Get the functionality you need.

Do LED light bulbs get dimmer over time? ›

All LEDs dim with age. This is a very slow and gradual process and will result, typically, in a loss of output of 20-30% over the course of several years of use. Usually, LEDs will become dimmer and dimmer for their entire life.

Are LED bulbs really better? ›

Safer: LEDs are much cooler than incandescent lights, reducing the risk of combustion or burnt fingers. Sturdier: LEDs are made with epoxy lenses, not glass, and are much more resistant to breakage. Longer lasting: The same LED string could still be in use 40 holiday seasons from now.

Are LED grow light bulbs any good? ›

CFL bulbs promote longer-lasting life hours and a better light spectrum for growing. LED grow lights offer the latest technology on the market today. Extremely energy-efficient, they have an ultra-low heat output and offer an ideal light spectrum range.

Do you need a ballast with LED lights? ›

Do LED Lights Need Ballasts? An LED light does not require a ballast because it uses a component called a “driver” to regulate the power going into the bulb.

Are LED grow lights better than incandescent? ›

LEDs are more efficient, emit higher quality light, and produce less heat. Aside from LEDs, there are 3 other lighting options on the market: fluorescent, incandescent, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages, but LEDs outperform them in almost every category.

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