LED Lighting — Evolution or Revolution

LED Lighting

Jason Prevost

In 5000 BC, fireflies were captured and enclosed in a small jar and used as a lamp.

In 300 BC, candles made of plant oil and beeswax were first used in China.

In 1801, the incandescent bulb was invented by Sir Joseph Swan, alongside Thomas Edison. Together they formed the Edison & Swan United Electric Company and gave the World its first mass produced light bulb.
{videobox} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OxQGbU3EYc{/videobox}

In 1927, Oleg Losev published his original research on LEDs.

By 2000, LEDs came into the market for general illumination purposes. These products are made up of diodes and printed circuit boards.

Many people say that LED lighting is a revolution, however I don’t completely agree. I would say LED is an evolution that is no different from the evolution of the candle to the incandescent bulb. The revolution will come once lighting becomes the secondary function of a bulb or a fixture, and LED will help us achieve this.

Today, we are seeing LED products with integrated speakers and Wi-Fi boosters, tomorrow LED lamps will be able to provide what we call LI-FI (which is basically Wi-Fi but through lighting: Wireless Fidelity, Wi-Fi; Lighting Fidelity, Li-Fi). Eventually lighting will be used to capture and transmit data such as weather, air quality, occupation, surveillance, etc…

LED lighting has the power to be much more than just light. It will challenge the way electricians and contractors wire up homes and buildings, it will certainly bring change to the electrical codes.

In the near future, you will be in a world where you as a business traveler can walk into any office or hotel room and set the mood through your phone and lighting. Picture this. Your mobile device will be communicating with the LED lighting in the space you are in, and the ambiance will be set to your preselected settings: dimmed lights, just the right temperature and music playing, exactly how you would have it in your very own office. Now any office can be your own office.

Now that is the revolution.


Jason Prevost is Vice President Marketing at Standard Products Inc. He is also the chair of Electro-Federation Canada’s new Young Professionals Network.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…

  • July 7, 2025 - Light Years Ahead SkyView by BIOS Launches in BC with Mac’s II Agencies

    Light Years Ahead: SkyView by BIOS Launches in BC with Mac’s II Agencies

    Mac’s II Agencies is proud to represent SkyView by BIOS Lighting across British Columbia. As the first agency in BC to bring this innovative brand to market, they are excited to help launch a new chapter for SkyView—a new company rooted in cutting-edge science and committed to wellness through light. This addition to Mac’s II Agencies’ lighting… Read More…


Design

  • What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    When operating a data center, the lighting syst​em is often not the most concerned part. Actually, lighting system performance directly influences whole electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour non-stop data center. This article will delve into the key factors to be considered when choosing data center lighting. For enterprises that are planning to… Read More…

  • Artika: 5 Advantages of Smart Lighting

    Artika: 5 Advantages of Smart Lighting

    Lighting is arguably one of the most important features of any home. Too bright, and it can be abrasive, increasing your sensitivity to light. Too dim, and it hides the unique characteristics of your home and can have adverse effects on your mood. When you design your home, the type of lighting and fixtures you… Read More…


New Products

  • BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    The Prism is part of BOLD’s high-end, durable, and modern 60mm (2 3/8″) recessed fixtures. With its 93 CRI, hexagonal design, partially covered light source, and 360-degree warm glow, you can create unique ambient lighting effects and modern designs, minus the glare. You can safely walk or drive over these raised recessed lights: their low-profile… Read More…

  • Beta-Calco: Micro Squiggle – Suspended Continuous Lighting System

    Beta-Calco: Micro Squiggle – Suspended Continuous Lighting System

    The Micro Squiggle is a highly customizable curvilinear lighting system, which features a sleek 1-inch aperture and integrates seamlessly with architectural design. With a variety of curves, straight sections, and joiners, it allows you to create unique configurations that wrap around structural elements, enhancing the space’s architectural expression while meeting your specific design needs. Micro… Read More…