Discussion

Well, no LED operates at power distribution voltages. This means that more parts than just the item that glows must be used to produce light. So the expected lifetime of the whole assembly will come from the expected lifetime of a collection of parts and not just one (filament). This leads me to my only concern with comparing today's LED assemblies. I am certain that there are LED assemblies that will exceed most filament bulbs. Unfortunately there are far to many companies today that erroneously claim an expected LED assembly lifetime on just the expected LED lifetime. I expect that in time robust streetlight LED designs can be easily identified. I'm certain that true robust designs already exist in the market. But the products are so new that it will be hard to tell who is making a true quality part, who is trying to make a true quality part but just not succeeding yet and who doesn't care.