When it comes to smart home lighting, Philips Hue is a name that pops up right at the top for tons of valid reasons. However, like every other electronic device, people do have concerns about whether Philips smart lights get hot or not. So, let’s answer the question: Do Philips Hue smart bulbs overheat? Let’s get started.
Do Philips Hue Smart Bulbs Overheat?
Usually, Philips Hue bulbs do not overheat under normal conditions. Philips Hue uses LED technology for operation, and compared to old-school lighting bulbs such incandescent bulbs, Philips Hue bulbs have the ability to work without getting hot.
However, this might not always be the case. We have noted that the base of the bulb, near the element, has the tendency to get hot, especially when used in enclosed fixtures, which we will explain later in the article.
The top part (the section of the light that connects to the power) may get hot, and even you may find it difficult to touch it due to excessive heat (we do not recommend going around touching bulbs when they are connected to the power source), but this isn’t the case always.
As we mentioned it’s more to do with how you use your Philips Hue bulbs rather than manufacturer defects. Still, the white part of the bulb should remain unaffected.
So, how about cold weather? Here is a useful video we found on YouTube.
How Hot Do Philips Hue Smart Bulbs Get?
Philips Hue smart lights don’t generate much heat. Under normal operating conditions, the metal part of the Philips Hue lights gets upto180°F (82°C) as this section of the bulb is designed to work as a heat sink.
However, the glass part of the bulb doesn’t get too hot and it should be less than 104°F (40°C) which is the recommended operating temperature. That said, there are certain factors directly impact this readings, which we will explain in the next chapter.
What Causes Philips Hue Smart Bulbs to Overheat?
If you notice your Philips Hue smart bulbs overheat, here are the factors that require your eager attention to keep the bulbs cooler and extend the lifespan.
Enclosed Fixtures
Using Philips Hue bulbs in enclosed environments is something that you should try to avoid. We have gone through Philips user manuals to check whether they specifically advice on this, but we were unable to find anything regarding this.
However, our previous experience with Hue bulbs as well as user reviews confirm that using these bulbs at enclosed fixtures can potentially void the warranty as Philips Hue lights tend to get overheat under such environments.
Yes, we know that it’s strange but it’s our responsibility to tell what would be the situation like if you happen to use bulbs in enclosed fixtures.
Here is what Philips recommends when it comes to environmental specifications.
- Temperature (Operation): -20 to 40°C
- Temperature (Storing): -25 to 60°C
- Relative Humidity: 5-95% (non-condensing)
When you use lighting solutions like smart bulbs in an enclosed environment, it can significantly impact the heat dissipation. If the surrounding temperature exceeds the recommended operating temperature, it can cause Philips Hue bulbs to overheat and reduce the expected lifespan.
So, if you are currently worried with high heating Hue bulbs, check whether you have installed them in a place where the ventilation is poor.
High Ambient Temperatures
It doesn’t have to be an enclosed fixture all the time, the ambient temperature can go up due to more other reasons resulting overheat of Philips Hue bulbs.
For example, if you are using the bulbs in places where there are other heat-generating appliances are kept, it will increase the ambient temperature. This can be even more problematic in warmer weather conditions.
In addition, another important factor to consider is that whether you are using the right type of Hue bulbs. Some models are recommended for indoor use only and using them outdoors under hot weather conditions, can lead bulbs to get excessively hot.
Improper Installation
If you happen to install Philips Hue smart bulbs into a fixture that restricts airflow to the bulbs, it can hamper the operation of the bulbs. Moreover, make sure not to install bulbs into fixtures that are not rated for LED bulbs.
All in all, during the installation, it is imperative to make sure you facilitate proper airflow to the bulbs and screw into fixtures that are compatible with LED technology.
Using Bulbs at High Brightness
Yes, Philips Hue is more than capable of handling high brightness levels for extended use without an issue. However, doing so continuously under the conditions we explained earlier can lead to heat accumulation.
If you find it challenging to provide the bulbs with suitable conditions, it will be best to use Philips Hue bulbs at lower brightness levels. The point is putting the bulb under stress will cause issues even they are meant to work flawlessly for a considerable period of time.
How Long Does a Philip Hue Smart Bulb Last?
According to the manufacturer, a Philip Hue bulb has an average lifespan of 25,000 hours. However, we have seen they last up to 50,000 hours as long as you utilize them under ideal environmental conditions.
The lifespan of a Philips Hue bulb depends on how long you use it per day. If you are not using them regularly, a Philip Hue bulb can last even up to 20-25 years! Yes, you heard that right. They are made of durable materials and Philips Hue bulbs hardly burn out if you follow the instructions we provided throughout the article.
Conclusion
So, in summary, Philips Hue smart bulbs don’t get overheat under normal operating conditions. The metal part of the bulb can get hot in certain conditions such as in enclosed environments, high ambient temperature or if you restrict the airflow to the bulbs with improper installation.
If you are experiencing high heat on Philips Hue smart bulbs, more often than not, the culprit is no one else but you and the environment you have created for the bulbs to operate! We hope our article is comprehensive, and we would like to hear your opinion in the comment section below. Have a great day!
