TP-Link LB120 Smart LED Bulb Teardown

(All the picture are posted on google picture link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/0w98TyOwQmRWIO493)

This time, the LED bulb is laying on the operating table. Cover with calico. But before go ahead, I want to share something with you.

I agree that we are in 21st gen, which is a tech pro one. But in the thirst for convenience, we shouldn’t fall into the trap of consumerism. I agree that it has got an advanced technology behind it, but lets question ourselves do we actually need it before such purchasing. There are also many recent scientific reports on modern lighting that, CFLs may cause UV related diseases and LEDs may cause blindness in longterm use( Google it & think upon it rationally yourself). So before spending be conscious and question yourself about worthiness factor. So this review is regarding the usage but not regarding the product. Hope this is helpful though it didn’t word a line about the product. – – From Amazon.co.in User

What is your opinion of that? Think before you buy, it is right to everyone. But for my convenience, I would like to try. LOL.

Get back to business, I felt a bit sad of you, LB120.

At the begining,talking about the IOT thing. You have to consider these factors: Low latency, Scalability, Power consumption, Data quantity, Frequency Band, Secureness, Robustness, Reliability, Existing infrastructure, Number of devices supported, Cost, Standby Time.

The majority of IoT cases require wireless connection, and there are many aspects to consider when choosing a protocol:

is the connection over a very short distance, or might it be citywide?
what is the volume of data being sent? Is it huge – such as video files – or small?
is the speed and frequency fast and continuous (with the benefit of ‘real-time information’), or only occasional (when a device does not need to be ‘on’ all the time, draining power)?

Each IoT solution needs to be considered in its own right. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. WiFi is utilised by people using their mobile devices and potentially needing a high bandwidth. IoT is not about using technology for technology’s sake. Whatever IOT innovation you have in mind should, above all, provide a benefit or solve a problem, such as:

Saving resources
Performing a job better/more efficiently
Advancing knowledge

For an IoT project to be successful, it is vital that your IoT solution addresses a real problem or provides a real benefit or efficiency in an existing process. It helps to have clear idea of who your product is specifically designed for (your target audience) and what they need it for (their requirements). For example, Shiva’s gait detection system is aimed at doctors and patients that need to diagnose and treat a gait problem. As well as knowing the problem your project sets out to solve, it is also important to know what makes your product better than what is currently available.

Price

TP-link Selling the smart lighting bulb in different area, but you can find the price on the e-comm website, but I want to say to Tp-link, I hate you, because it do not sell the smart lighting bulb in China Mainland, though it is Chinese Company, I bought this bulb from Amazon China, but the original seller is Amazon USA.

The original price is not in the USD, I have been change to USD, you can click the link to see the price.

Someone may notice the Price in the Amazon Japan is near twice in the US/CA. You can buy 2 bulbs in North America with the same price. That is funny, I do not know the reason, do not the Price strategy, if you know, please feel free to comment.

(All data from Amazon,2018-06-08, Source: Link)

Label And Package

The paper package cost too much in my opinion.

4 Inside view

Label on the bottom of LED Bulb

Can I say The TP-Link LED Bulb is the most beautiful Bulbs? Especially the housing. I do not how to describe the pattern, but it has a nice look, but another question is that does a bulb need this?

Technical Specifications

From the label and package, we can find the some information about this LED Smart Bulb. Here is the table.

Module No.	LB120(A19-LB120)
Rating Input Voltage	120 Vac
Rating Input Current	0.09 A
Rating Power	11 Watts
Light Appearance	2700 K – 6500 K(Warm to Cool)
Life(3 hrs/day)	22.8 Years
Brightness	800 Lumen(60W equiv)
Lamp Cap	E26
Weight	186.3 g/0.411 lb/6.57 OZ
Dimension (height x Ø)	129.87 mm x 65.27 mm /5.1 in x 2.57 in
Location	Damp Location
Angled Lighting	270° Wide
Price(US)	29.98 USD
Connection	802.11n Wi-Fi
Compatible Wi-Fi Band	2.4Ghz
Dimmable (via app)	OK
APP	KASA, IFTT
Alexa Voice Control and Google Assistant Compatible	OK
Scheduling(Set Scenes,timer,circadian)	OK
Certification	UL (E356220), ASTM D1709, FCC Part 15, No Engergy Star, No IEC 62471
Caution	NOT FOR ENCLOSED LUMINAIRE, DO NOT USE WITH DIMMER

This bulb is quite heavy in my sight, is it good, from my experience, it must be potting due to the Heat dissipation.

The length is not standard A-19 dimension, but it told us that it is a A19 bulb from the package( in the bottom). As the length of standard A19 is 4 ³⁄₈ inches (110 mm) , but this bulb is 5.1 inch in length. May be due to the size, it can not earn the Energy Star.

Sometime, some user may find it does not fit the lighting fixture.

And form the UL Fine Number, you can find TP-LINK Supplier, which manufacturer make this bulb. It is SHENZHEN EASTFIELD LIGHTING CO LTD, located in Shenzhen City.

Testing

Testing >> Input Measurement

Power Different @CCT 2700

When the 1% power, it looks like below.

When the 62% power, it looks like below.

When the 100% power, it looks like below.

Here is the table chart when dimming the Smart Bulb.

Stand-by Power

I also testing the standby power.

Testing >> Lighting Output

Testing >> Flicker

Testing >> Temperature

I do the thermal testing. You can find the hottest point in picture. it is 72.6 C/161.7 F, after 3 hours running.

Here is the testing data table. (Refer to next picture points ), the hottest part on the housing over the Logo TP-LINK.

Thermal Point	Testing data
1	57.1 C/135 F
2	41.9 C/ 108.1 F
3	45.1 C/112.7 F
4	43.9 C/ 132.9 F
5	56.7 C/110.7 F
6	44 C/111.3 F
7	53.5 C/127.3 F
8	72.6 C/ 161.7 F
9	70.3 C/158.0 F
10	53.5 C/ 128.5 F

Teardown

Before, I will test the LB120 Life day by day.

Bill Of Material

Final

Smart Bulbs Offer features that include allowing the end user of select custom light colors in shades of yellow/white. Some smart bulb let you pick from anything on the rainbow. Some even have built in speakers or cameras or wifi enabled by microchips inside a bulb.They often utilize software applications to control the light, dimming, off/on, and color changes. Some can be programmed to operate while you are out of the house, but using minimal energy.

Smart bulb, that allow for lighting customization and control such as scheduling or on demand control of light color and brightness, are lots of choice for you now. Some use sensors and AI algorithms to learn your patterns and adjust accordingly to optimize the setting to your lifestyle. An important thing to note is that like this TP-LINK LED Bulb, it can consume energy 24 hours a day, though you set OFF Via app, most of the smart bulbs on the market draw 1 watt or more even when are not really “on”. Energy star spec 2.1 required 0.5 W max.

Smart LED bulbs providing you the ability to control brightness and color to enhance everyday life are already here and their availability is expected to grow. The good smart lighting are now plentiful.