The LED streetlights in Vancouver are turning purple
Vancouver set to change over 350 lights
Mid 2021, the residents of Vancouver began noticing a purple hue in some of the streetlights on and around Davie Street. Many took to social media to share photos and videos of the lights; while some assumed it was done on purpose, others were immediately concerned that it was a malfunction that would have negative effects on the health of the residents.
After some investigation, it was learned that the purple lighting was caused by a manufacturing error related to the phosphor coating of the LED lights and that it would be changed immediately. The city put out a statement saying; "There is no health risk associated with the unintended colour, and the city is working with the manufacturer to identify and replace all failures”. They apologized for the malfunction and are due to replace over 350 lights within 4-6 months under warranty by the manufacturer; American Electric Lighting.
Vancouver isn’t the only city experiencing these malfunctioning purple lights, this issue also presented itself around the United States, in places like Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and Kansas.
Why is this happening?
LED lights are generally very reliable, however, like any other type of technology, there are certain things that could cause it to malfunction or fail. The most common issues with LED lights are lumen depreciation, color shift, and overheating, which can be caused by factors such as improper ventilation, high ambient temperatures, and degradation of the semiconductor material over time.
This specific issue was caused by a manufacturing error. LED lights have a phosphor coating that ensures that the correct colour is emitted. The gradual change from white to purple in these streetlights was caused by this phosphor coating being damaged.
To minimize the risk of LED lights malfunctioning, it is important to use them in the appropriate environment and to properly maintain them. This can include providing adequate ventilation, avoiding high ambient temperatures, and replacing LED lights before they reach the end of their lifespan.
Still the most efficient lighting option
These purple lights were caused by a manufacturing error and don’t negate the fact that overall, LED lights are a great choice as they are energy-efficient with low maintenance costs. They are long-lasting, and produce a bright, white light that is well-suited for outdoor lighting applications.
Sources:
Chan, Kenneth. “This Is Why Some White LED Streetlights Are Starting to Turn Purple.” Urbanized, Daily Hive, 20 Sept. 2022
Kotyk, Alyse. “Why Are Some Street Lights Purple in Vancouver? Here's What the City Says.” CTV News, CTV News, 6 Oct. 2022